Best Outdoor & Patio Dining in Washington, DC
Updated September 28, 2026 · 8 picks
When the DC weather cooperates, the city's patios, rooftops, and waterfront decks become some of the best seats in town. Here are the DC restaurants in our directory best known for dining al fresco — call ahead to confirm patio hours and seating.
1. Fiola Mare
★ 4.5Italian Seafood · Georgetown, Washington, DC · $$$$
Elegant waterfront Italian seafood dining on the Georgetown waterfront. Chef Fabio Trabocchi delivers exquisite coastal Italian cuisine.
📍 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
See full details & directions2. Rappahannock Oyster Bar
★ 4.5Seafood · The Wharf, Washington, DC · $$$
Virginia oyster farmers turned restaurateurs serve pristine bivalves at The Wharf. The waterfront location and Chesapeake Bay sourcing make it a standout.
📍 1150 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
See full details & directions3. The Salt Line
★ 4.4Seafood · Navy Yard, Washington, DC · $$$
New England-inspired seafood restaurant along the Anacostia River with a sprawling patio. Famous for its lobster rolls, raw bar, and waterfront views.
📍 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
See full details & directions4. El Chucho
★ 4.3Mexican · Columbia Heights, Washington, DC · $$
Lively Columbia Heights cantina with creative tacos, mezcal cocktails, and a rooftop patio. The adventurous menu puts modern twists on Mexican street food.
📍 3313 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
See full details & directions5. Del Mar
Spanish · The Wharf, Washington, DC
Chef Fabio Trabocchi's glamorous Spanish seafood restaurant on The Wharf, serving paella, tapas, and coastal Spanish cuisine with waterfront views.
📍 791 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
See full details & directionsGerman · Shaw, Washington, DC
Shaw beer garden with an outdoor patio beneath a large Elizabeth Taylor mural, serving Bavarian pretzels and German drafts.
📍 1600 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
See full details & directionsCafe · Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Capitol Hill neighborhood cafe known for its coffee drinks and outdoor seating.
📍 401 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
See full details & directions8. Perry's
Japanese · Adams Morgan, Washington, DC
Adams Morgan neighborhood staple since 1984, an upscale-casual Japanese restaurant with sushi, sake, and a year-round rooftop bar.
📍 1811 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
See full details & directionsGood to know
- •Highest rated: Fiola Mare (★ 4.5) in Georgetown.
- •Most budget-friendly: El Chucho ($$).
- •Where they are: Washington, DC — including Georgetown, The Wharf, Navy Yard, Columbia Heights, Shaw, Capitol Hill.
- •Reservations: the busier and more upscale spots book up, especially on weekends — reserve ahead or check each restaurant's page for booking links.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-rated pick on this list?
Fiola Mare in Georgetown has the highest rating on this list at 4.5 out of 5.
Which option is the most affordable?
El Chucho is the most budget-friendly pick here, in the mid-range ($$) range.
How many restaurants are featured here?
This guide features 8 hand-picked restaurants from the Dine In DMV directory. Each links to a full detail page with the address, phone, and directions.
Want the full list? Browse all DMV restaurants in our directory or read more Dine In DMV guides.
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