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Kaliwa, Washington, DC

Kaliwa

3.8
3.8
333 Reviews
$30 and under
Asian
Award-Winning, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 Recepient! Created by Celebrated Chef and Resterantuer Cathal Armstrong, Kaliwa presents upscale, South East Asian fare accompanied by vibrant cocktails in classy, waterfront digs. Enjoy interpretations of Thai, Filipino and Korean dishes under a sky of eclectic chandeliers, or dine Al Fresca on the patio overlooking the bustling waterfront.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 58 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Asian, Korean, Thai

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (202) 516-4739

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Cathal Armstrong

  • Neighborhood

    Southwest Waterfront

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 333 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.8
3.8 based on recent ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 3.7Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.5Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. ChicoGordoLeEncantaComer

    Washington DC

    88 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    88 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mia was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. The food options were amazing and the wine selection was fantastic.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Thank you Bless for taking such good care of all of us!
  3. SherryP

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    I had made reservations via Open Table on March 13 for a party of 12 to celebrate my birthday on Sat., March 18 at 8:30pm. Two days later I rec’d a call from the restaurant saying they needed a credit card to hold the reservation since it was a larger party. I gave them a credit card to hold it. I was told that I could make changes to the reservation up until 3 hours before the reservation time, otherwise we would be charged $25 a person. I did learn the day of that two people weren’t going to be able to make it. I tried calling the restaurant and for an hour, it was busy. I finally found an email for someone on their website and requested the change via email. An operating manager emailed me back a few minutes later and changed my number from 12 to 10. Then I learned that the comedy show were were going to at Union Stage was going to be over at 8:45, not 8:30pm. So, I emailed the operating manager again and he said no problem. My party and I go to check in at the restaurant at 8:45pm and the person working the podium says they have no record of my reservation. I actually thought he was joking. I showed him my phone with the Open Table reservation and the emails B&f with the operating manager just a couple hours before. They asked my party to move to the side and wait. About 5 min later, we did get seated upstairs. Then we were told conflicting stories: that we had to order as a group (decide on 3 entrees and 2 starters), and then another person in my party was told that we could order whatever we wanted, and that I the bday girl could order the unlimited drink special. But after we ordered individual entrees, I was then told that no I couldn’t get the drink package. It’s like the rules changed every minute. We hardly got any service at all. Everyone got their food at different times. I didn’t get my food for an hour and one of my guests didn’t get his entree at all. We actually had bday cake before I got my meal. Staff sang HBD to other tables but ignored us. Lame
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    28 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Service was not good here. I had to ask like 4 times if my lunch was ready yet and this was at least 10 mins after all my friends received their food. Food and drinks were mediocre and over priced to be honest.
  5. MarcusA

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great ambience and service at this Asian Fusion gem in the popular Wharf district of Washington D.C. The Spring Rolls, Pad Thai w Shrimp and Stir Fried Rice w Chicken were all delicious. Bottomless drinks for 90 minutes was a good value for my friend who was guzzling Sapporo Beers. All and all, a wonderful evening at Kaliwa!
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    With the both of us being from the Philippines we wanted to have some Filipino food with our 1st night in D.C. This restaurant Kaliwa did not disappoint!! We left more than full and satisfied! From the ambiance, friendly staff, how quick the food came out and how attentive the staff is everything was superb! The food was VERY DELICIOUSSSSS!!! Great way to start our vacation!! Also, Make sure to make reservations!! We did through OpenTable. Very smooth and enjoyable night! We will always make sure to visit when in town!
  7. kelsi

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    food is incredible!!! and they make a great cocktail. loved the experience from start to finish
  8. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Some sort of computer issue caused utter chaos. Unable to get our bill for almost an hour. Very good food, but they couldn’t remember what we ordered and the back room chaos left us without drinks for a good part of the meal…and then the lengthy wait for a bill…tough night for the staff.
  9. AmandaJ

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    I would rate this lower if possible. The service was horrible. Instead of informing me that there credit card system was down, and they would have to manually input my card details, they pretended they couldn’t take a card. the server asked me for cash or to Zelle her. I asked to speak to a manager regarding payment several times but one never came. Very disappointing meal with my family.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    The food was mediocre, but the service and ambiance were pleasant. It was in the right location for a friend’s hotel, but otherwise would not recommend.
  11. Broderick

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed the family style eating. It allowed for us to try a good amount of their delicious foods. The beef and the street tacos were especially fantastic. Allen, our server, is a stand up guy and was amazing.
  12. andrewk

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    Th food here is terrible went with 5 friends and we all ordered different food. The food was extremely salty and oily.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    The food was not great. Nothing was spectacular or worth giving a shout out. Definitely not worth the price. Would not recommend.
  14. HamedN

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Service, Great Food. A little pricy for the serving size and food options. However it was delicious. But it will be a slight splurge.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our Fridays dates night. Everything was excellent!’
  16. TaWanna

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall3food2service1ambience5
    The food and service were just ok. I liked the ambiance & food presentation.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    The restaurant had run out of draft beer again and the waiter couldn’t be bothered to split the bill for 4 of us.
  18. glover

    Washington DC

    100 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    100 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We two shared the bimbampop app and each had one of the pork belly entrees. It was all good, but not wow. Greeters and server were great. Atmosphere is warehouse. Glad to have tried it, but probably won’t return. Wharf restaurant prices appear higher than elsewhere. Cheapest glass of wine $15 .
  19. JessecaC

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful Environment drinks were delicious!
  20. RonB

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience2
    Our 3 entries came out at 3 different times. The Korean short ribs were so fatty. The baked chicken had no flavor.
  21. DanielaK

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    Our meals came out 10 minutes apart and the food wasn’t great for the price.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    It’s was just bad overall. Was really stoked to hear that this place received a Michelin star but not sure why. Really disappointed, unfortunately.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I would never recommend this place to anyone, and won’t eat here again.
  24. NARENS

    Baltimore

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The restaurant was rather chaotic. The dishes were a reminder that the chef had not focused on the simplicity of traditional cooking. In the name of creation and fusion, the chef(s) seem to ignore the intricacies that were involved in creating the taste of a dish.
  25. Phiphi

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    Food was great but serving is small for the price. Went on a Mardi Gras weekend and they have a special menu for the event which is higher than the regular menu. It is not authentic Filipino dish. Server is sloppy.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Blessing was our waitress and she was awesome even dealing with 2 other large parties.
  27. GirishA

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ordered the sharing menu which was phenomenal and leftovers for lunch the next day. Our server gave us great recommendations on drinks and food. Will definitely be back.
  28. Foodie12312013

    Los Angeles

    30 reviews

    3.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Service was good but the food was very lackluster. With all the nearby options, I wouldn’t recommend this place.
  29. JohnI

    Orlando

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was excellent that exceeded expectations. Will love to comeback soon.
  30. Yummy

    Washington DC

    60 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    Second time eating here. First visit was when it first opened. Service was better but food was just okay. This time, food was better but service awful. My husband and I ordered drinks. His beer showed up right away (easy because it’s a can) and I ordered a cocktail. My cocktail did not show up until after I started eating my entree— and this was only because we asked where my drink was after eating 2 apps and waiting another 7 minutes. I would’ve ordered another drink had I been starting on the first one with apps. And even when my glass was empty I wasn’t offered another one.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was incredible! Although small entrée portions with no side dishes, but overall delicious. Expect to pay high price for being at the Wharf. Look forward to trying the regular menu, we had a fixed menu based on Valentines week.
  32. Mary

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Bad service, mediocre food, and incredibly high prices.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The food was delicious! We however did not know they were not offering their typical menu and had limited options. The overall menu didn’t communicate the items well (ex: ordered a cocktail that I didn’t know would be frozen) but the flavors of everything were really good. Would want to try again when they’re offering the full menu.
  34. HeatherM

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall1food3service3ambience3
    We made our Saturday night reservations months in advance knowing that the Wharf would be crowded and finding a table would be difficult. When we arrived we were told that only the (limited) Valentine's menu was available at twice the normal rate and if we didn't like it we could leave. No prior communication. Again, Saturday night at the Wharf and it was crowded so we were stuck, thanks. We stayed and our food was fine at best, entrees arrived at different times and there was at least 20 minutes between courses. If this restaurant ever had a Michelin star those days are long gone and so are we, there are too many other restaurants to frequent in the neighborhood.
  35. CORKyVino

    Washington DC

    90 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall1food2service5ambience5
    At time of booking, there was a full exciting menu. Upon arrival we were shown a shorter menu with little choice and not very exciting. Upon reflection of the choices and our group's food preferences and allergies, we left. Sorry to the staff, but the choice to change menus was poor.
  36. AnitaH

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Nice interior. Food portions were on the small side and only one small cup of rice with certain entrees.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The food was really good the kimchi rice was perfect and the eggs noodles with vegetables(I don’t remember the name )was really good too. Our server Nyrik was really welcoming and helpful.Thank you
  38. GeoffB

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience4
    Waited 90 minutes and entrees still hasn’t arrived. So we left.
  39. KarlC

    Palm Springs

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We reserved a table for 20 and due to the weather some were not able to attend, however, the service was exceptional, the food was the best ever and most of all we all felt so ver comfortable due to the hospitality and attentiveness we received. I would highly recommend Kalisz and I thank the staff for your efforts to make our event successful.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Huge portion sizes. Could easily split any entree for 2

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Kaliwa offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 516-4739.

Kaliwa is rated 3.8 stars by 333 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 58 times today
Google Map for Kaliwa

751 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024-3433

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Southwest Waterfront

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Asian, Korean, Thai

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Cathal Armstrong

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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