Best Restaurants for People Watching in Woodbridge, Washington, D.C. Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

American

Italian

Steakhouse

Seafood

French

Mexican

Regions

District of Columbia

Maryland - DC Suburbs

Virginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Alexandria

Arlington

Capitol Hill

Downtown

Dupont Circle

Foggy Bottom

Top Rated

Charming

Good for business meals

Good for groups

Good for special occasions

Great for brunch

Great for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

Bar

Counter

Standard

High Top

Outdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

48 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Vola's Dockside Grill restaurant

1. Vola's Dockside Grill

4.6

Exceptional(3266)

$$$$

• Seafood • Old Town Alexandria

Booked 81 times today

With one of the most coveted locations on the Alexandria riverfront, Vola's Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge feature the best outdoor dining location in town. The menu at Vola's Dockside Grill features fresh seafood, tacos and American cuisine favorites, alongside cocktails, beer and wine in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Hi-Tide Lounge is connected to Vola's by a hallway. In just a few steps, feel transported to the swingin' 60s and sip on classic cocktails served with midcentury-modern vibe. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

2. The Warehouse

4.7

Exceptional(4694)

$$$$

• American • Alexandria

Booked 22 times today

Alexandria's Finest Dining - The Warehouse has consistently been highly rated by the nationally known "Zagats Dining Guide" and is one of the most popular restaurants in Old Town. Specialties include their famous all-lump crab cakes, fruit de mer, and veal porterhouse steak. Their Nola Brunch is a "must do" in Old Town. Come and try our hole-less donuts. Reservations are recommended for this popular meal.

A photo of Ada's on the River restaurant

3. Ada's on the River

4.7

Exceptional(4753)

$$$$

• American • Old Town Alexandria

Booked 123 times today

Discover Ada's on the River, an esteemed culinary gem situated at 3 Pioneer Mill Way in Alexandria, VA. Famed for its upscale American fare with bold, wood-fired flavors, Ada's is your go-to restaurant, for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and brunch. As one of the best restaurants in Alexandria, VA, our diverse menu showcases a steakhouse worthy selection of aged meats, fresh seafood, indulgent desserts, some of the best cocktails in Old Town, and extensive wine list make your dining experience unforgettable. Enjoy stunning Potomac River views and impeccable service, making us the top choice for both intimate date nights and grand celebrations needing private event space.

4. The Wharf

4.7

Exceptional(3545)

$$$$

• Seafood • Alexandria

Booked 15 times today

Outside seating is limited and will be based on first come first server basis and during high volume days limited time duration may apply.We are providing both Indoor, outdoor seating and takeout. History has been written inside the walls of the Wharf, with its 1790's style architecture featuring original wood columns and beams that are charred black from a Civil War fire. Since 1971, satisfied diners have been heading to The Wharf in Old Town for whole Maine lobster, local soft shell crabs and prime steaks. The restaurant has recently been renovated and remodeled and the menu updated to include many contemporary seafood items along with their traditional Chesapeake Bay creations.

A photo of Mi Vida, District Wharf restaurant

5. Mi Vida, District Wharf

4.6

Exceptional(2688)

$$$$

• Mexican • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 68 times today

Chef Roberto Santibañez creates a menu inspired by Mexican street food and traditional home cooking of his country, but in a modern, elevated presentation. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as Carne Asada, a variety of Tacos, Seasonal Fish, Ceviches and other Contemporary Mexican creations.

6. The Pembroke

4.7

Exceptional(2264)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 51 times today

In Dupont Circle—one of Washington’s most storied areas—The Pembroke is where neighborhood warmth meets cosmopolitan style. A MICHELIN-recommended restaurant, it’s inviting and effortlessly stylish. This warmth and sophistication isn’t staged—it’s lived, stitched into every detail and gesture. From the attentive service to the welcoming setting, there’s a genuine ease and familiarity to the experience. The Pembroke moves with the city’s rhythm: mornings bring leisurely breakfasts, afternoons unfold into relaxed lunches, whereas evenings beckon intimate diners and spirited celebrations. Weekend brunch? The neighborhood’s liveliest spot. Seasonal ingredients guide the menu, turning familiar flavors into inventive dishes that feel deliberate yet approachable. It’s a restaurant that mirrors Washington itself—international, exuberant and endlessly in motion. To dine here is to tap into the city’s pulse, one plate, one cocktail, one conversation at a time.

A photo of Chef Geoff's West End restaurant

7. Chef Geoff's West End

4.5

Awesome(1914)

$$$$

• American • West End

Booked 41 times today

A vibrant, modernized iteration of the original Chef Geoff’s offering seasonal dishes full of flavor. You will feel welcome here for any occasion large or small. Our made from scratch menu offers something for everyone. From pizza, salads and burgers to our more elaborate main dishes, one thing is for certain, we don’t skimp on flavor! Our bar covers all ends of the spectrum from our famous Supermugs (giant beers) to our handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy our open air dining, people watching on the patio or or our beautifully designed dining room!

A photo of Ted's Bulletin - Ballston restaurant

8. Ted's Bulletin - Ballston

4.6

Exceptional(584)

$$$$

• American • Arlington

Booked 25 times today

Ted’s Bulletin is a laid-back, classic American community restaurant, bakery and bar, serving craveable American cuisine in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Whether it’s family dinner, business lunch, or just a Ted’s Tart and coffee to-go, we’re as adaptable as your life is dynamic. Our breakfast menu is available all day because we believe that the most important meal of the day can be had morning, noon or night. Ted’s Bulletin is a haven for comfort and celebrating the things we have in common: a hunger for good food at great value, a need for a place to be comfortable being ourselves, and a desire to connect with our community. At Ted’s Bulletin, everyone has a table, and every table has a story to tell.

9. Kyojin Sushi

4.8

Exceptional(755)

$$$$

• Sushi • Washington

Booked 40 times today

Welcome to KYOJIN, an extraordinary culinary experience curated by Chef Saran Kannasute. Located in Cady's Alley of Georgetown, Washington, D.C., KYOJIN is the flagship restaurant and joining sibling to the acclaimed YUME Sushi.Blending non-traditional Japanese expertise with Thai roots and refined French techniques, KYOJIN offers an unforgettable sensory journey. Our imaginative Asian-inspired cocktail menu is thoughtfully designed to enhance this dining experience, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Asia.With its inviting ambiance, intimate sushi bar, and elegant private dining areas, KYOJIN delivers sophistication, and takes guests on a memorable journey through extraordinary flavors.

10. Urbano 116

4.4

Awesome(436)

$$$$

• Mexican • Alexandria

Booked 8 times today

Welcome to Urbano 116.* Please note that outdoor tables are NOT available for reservations, we will be happy to accommodate you outside on a first come, first serve basis.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Bill
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
consistently good food - great spot for lunch right on the wharf. nice customer service
More info
Mi Vida, District Wharf$$$$• Mexican• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.6
L
LauraGold
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely one of the best dining experiences in Alexandria! Our server Nicole was top notch, we loved her, she was professional & fun. The food is amazing, everything was delicious from the octopus appetizer to the perfectly cooked swordfish, NY strip, filet & crab cake. It was my sister’s birthday and the restaurant went above & beyond in making it a special night!
More info
Ada's on the River$$$$• American• Old Town Alexandria
•
4.7
S
Susan
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Everything we had for Sunday Brunch on Father's Day was fabulous, especially the she-crab soup.
More info
The Wharf$$$$• Seafood• Alexandria
•
4.7
D
Deb
Las Vegas •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food and service were fantastic. Highly recommend ordering anything that is shrimp. One of the best fried shrimp basket we have ever had
More info
Vola's Dockside Grill$$$$• Seafood• Old Town Alexandria
•
4.6
D
danGold
Baltimore / Maryland •30 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
First time dining here. It was terrific. My wife and I both went for Cajun brunch items. They were well prepared and the portions were generous. The restaurant is attractive (kind of posh old school) and had seating inside and out. The view out onto King Street was very enjoyable. We look forward to dining here again.
More info
The Warehouse$$$$• American• Alexandria
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
People watching

Woodbridge

Great Falls
Brookland / Brentwood
Manassas
Arlington
Falls Church
NoMa
Burtonsville
Germantown
Old Town Alexandria
Logan Circle
Glover Park
Purcellville
La Plata
McPherson Square
Reston
Woodbridge
Woodley Park
Navy Yard
Clarksburg
Cleveland Park