Washington D.C. is known for many things: being the cultural center of the United States, iconic national monuments and museums, and blooming cherry blossoms in the springtime. We think private dining in D.C. should be added to that list, as well.
PartySlate talked to Tara Melvin, Owner & Principal Planner at Perfect Planning Events, to get her expertise on the dining scene in the city. Melvin tells us, “Hosting birthday celebrations at restaurants are no-brainer locations for me. It allows one to host somewhere that has meaning to the host.”
Restaurants with private dining rooms are perfect for “an intimate experience in a private space or a large event with a complete buyout,” Melvin adds.
With recommendations from some of the city’s top planners, we have curated a list of all you need to know about private dining in D.C. Check out PartySlate’s favorite 20 restaurants with private dining in D.C. for your chic, intimate birthday party, baby shower, rehearsal dinner, or corporate meeting.
In no particular order…
For a social scene with a bold and vibrant vibe, Figleaf Bar & Lounge can host up to 90 guests. This hotel’s flexible indoor and outdoor lounge spaces can be transformed to fit the needs of your private dining event.
See how this vibrant reception and art exhibit used the bar and lounge area for dining, cocktail hour, and more.
For a custom dining experience, RPM Italian D.C. can host up to 300 guests. Serving fine Italian cuisine, this restaurant offers multiple private rooms with unique configurations to accommodate your party.
For panoramic views overlooking The Wharf, Officina can host up to 500 guests.
Tara Melvin of Perfect Planning Events says, this restaurant “has the perfect rooftop private event space with outdoor and semi-closed option for events. One of the surprise elements of this rooftop is that they change the décor and it’s pleasing to the eye each time. So, if you do not want to spend time on décor for your birthday celebration, this is the place, along with having a waterfront view. The food, if you love Italian, this will tantalize your palette at every bite!”
For a newly renovated spot overlooking the White House Lawn, VUE Rooftop Bar can host up to 228 guests. Since its opening in 1917, this iconic hotel venue has been a star-studded scene with guests ranging from politicians to Hollywood socialites.
For an alluring atmosphere, Toro Toro can host up to 450 guests. This renowned Pan-Latin American restaurant serves up delicious plates and wows guests with interesting décor.
For eye-catching interior design and architecture, La Vie can host up to 720 guests. This stunning restaurant sits on The Wharf and offers beautiful views and even better Mediterranean cuisine.
For an oasis in the heart of Downtown D.C., Dirty Habit can host up to 100 guests. This modern restaurant with unique private spaces is perfect for intimate private dinners or large-scale full-buyouts with a sharable and customizable menu.
For dining amongst fine art, Sequoia can host up to 1,500 guests.
Tara Melvin of Perfect Planning Events says, “This unique restaurants has the perfect waterfront view with floor-to-ceiling windows around the entire restaurant. The modern Art Deco-style is created to reflect off the water with its mystical chandeliers and marble floors.
The restaurant offers several options for birthday celebrations, from a complete restaurant buyout to the outdoor deck locations which offer several areas, to renting the entire restaurant plus outdoor space.”
For a delectable Michelin-star dining experience, Rose’s Luxury can host up to 80 guests.
Maya Mahoney, Owner of Honey & Lavender Events, says that Rose’s Luxury is one of her favorite spots for a luxe birthday dinner.
For delicious cuisine from an award-winning chef, Del Mar can host up to 120 guests.
Maya Mahoney of Honey & Lavender Events says that this fine Spanish seafood restaurant is one of her favorites for hosting a private dining event.
For a dinner party in a space reminiscent of the Italian coastline, Fiola Mare can host up to 300 guests.
Jeannette Tavares, President & Owner of Evoke Design & Creative, notes, “Fiola Mare is another favorite restaurant in D.C. for events in the heart of Georgetown on the Potomac.”
For a rooftop overlooking Georgetown, CUT D.C. can host up to 100 guests.
Tara Melvin of Perfect Planning Events notes, “This unique restaurant is nestled in one of the most luxurious hotels, and parts of the city, along the C&O Canal and the bustling streets of Georgetown. I am smitten by this location for a birthday celebration due to the intimacy and the lush décor that surrounds you as you walk through the door to every touch point within the hotel.
If it is a beautiful day outside, reserve the entire rooftop or a portion of the rooftop. There is one side of the rooftop that is near the infinity pool which you can decorate with floating décor such as florals, lights, etc. You will have the perfect view of Georgetown overlooking the C&O Canal.”
For a classic fine dining experience, Joe’s Seafood can host up to 150 guests.
Tara Melvin of Perfect Planning Events raves about this private dining venue, saying, “If you want to have an ultimate steak experience…this is the location! This is the place where your guests can celebrate your birthday in stye by wearing a tuxedo or evening attire. It is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. within walking distance of the White House. Joe’s is the spot where politicians of D.C. gather to dine.”
For a Mediterranean escape, L’Ardente can host up to 200 guests. This glamorous modern Italian restaurant is a hot spot in the D.C. private dining scene, serving trendy cocktails and food that looks as good as it tastes.
For a fine dining steakhouse in a historic venue, Ocean Prime can host up to 48 guests. This upscale dining experience will give you and your guests a dinner party to remember.
For a customizable private dining experience, Masseria can host up to 100 guests. This luxe Italian spot offers multiple private dining rooms, able to accommodate parties of varying sizes, from the exclusive chef’s table that fits four to the stunning outdoor pergola that fits 30.
For private dining with a view of the capitol, Art and Soul can host up to 300 guests. The brilliant chefs of Art and Soul can fully customize the menu for your private dining enjoyment.
For the iconic Nobu-style cuisine experience, Nobu Washington D.C. can host up to 400 guests. This well-known restaurant offers many private dining rooms with unique, flexible floor plans to fit your party’s needs.
For a foodie’s heaven, Sfoglina Downtown can host up to 120 guests. This chic, authentic Italian pasta house hand-makes their pastas fresh every day.
For an authentic culinary trip to Greece and back, Philotimo can host up to 100 guests. This Michelin-star Greek restaurant has a full-service events team that will help coordinate your celebration.
Our Panel of Top D.C. Event Planners

Tara Melvin, Owner & Principal Planner at Perfect Planning Events
We love how Tara of Perfect Planning Events transforms event spaces into sophisticated and lavish celebrations. With attention to every detail and an eye for design, Tara and her team go above and beyond to bring their clients’ wishes to life.

Maya Mahoney, Owner of Honey & Lavender Events
We love how Maya of Honey & Lavender Events brings her years of political and nonprofit-fundraising experience to planning beautiful weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations. Her meticulous attention to detail — along with strategy and coordination — result in perfectly curated, stress-free celebrations.

Jeannette Tavares, President & Owner of Evoke Design & Creative
We love how Jeannette of Evoke Design & Creative takes the stress of planning a celebration off of her client and does not miss a single detail. With years of industry experience, Jeannette and her team focus on turning each client’s vision into a stunning celebration of a lifetime
People Also Ask…
Where can I find vendors for my D.C. private event?
Go to PartySlate’s curated vendor search to find every vendor you need for your D.C. celebration. Find an event planner, caterer, florist and design team, photographer and more.
Filter your search by location, vendor type, and event type to narrow down your results and find the best vendors for your event.
How do I host a private event at a restaurant?
Restaurants are a great place to host a private event because they eliminate the need for excessive planning. Your favorite restaurants are already beautifully decorated spaces. You can add floral centerpieces and personal décor, but rentals and lighting are provided. You can also find inspiration from real dinner parties on PartySlate to host your private event.
Use PartySlate to find all of your event vendors. From finding your venue to your party favors, we are here to help with inspiration and offer curated directories where you can reach out directly to vendors.