Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab areial photo of people eating dinner around a round table and making a toast with red wine | PartySlate
The Best of | Washington, D.C. | Celebrations

Private Dining in D.C. – Our Top 20 Restaurants for Celebrations

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab areial photo of people eating dinner around a round table and making a toast with red wine | PartySlate

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…

Reception and Art exhibit at hotel zena in d.c with guests talking in bar and lounge area | PartySlate
photographer: Violeta Markelou

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.

Hotel Zena

Hotel Zena

Washington, District of Columbia
restaurant main dining room with silver, black, and white décor and sleek accents | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: RPM Italian D.C.

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.

RPM Italian DC

RPM Italian DC

Washington, District of Columbia
Officina bar area with grey high top chairs and bottles hanging above bar | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Officina

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!”

Officina

Officina

Washington, District of Columbia
bar area and private dining in dc restaurant with mood lighting and barstools | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Hotel Washington

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.

Hotel Washington

Hotel Washington

Washington, District of Columbia
Toro Toro, Washington DC downstairs private dining room with pink neon lights and high tables | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Toro Toro, Washington DC

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.

Toro Toro, Washington DC

Toro Toro, Washington DC

Washington, District of Columbia
La Vie private dining in dc with florals inside the restaurant and a door leading to a private room | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: La Vie

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.

La Vie

La Vie

Washington, District of Columbia
Dirty Habit at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC with glass windows at the entrance and string lights over the patio | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC

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.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC

Washington, District of Columbia
opening party at sequoia in dc with people standing around and eating from buffets with a crystal chandelier hanging above | PartySlate
photographer: Steve Lim & Andrew Pascal

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.”

Sequoia

Sequoia

Washington, District of Columbia
Rose's Luxury private dining restaurant in dc with chef in the kitchen cooking and brining food to people at the bar | PartySlate
photographer: Scott Suchman

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. 

Rose's Luxury

Rose’s Luxury

Washington, District of Columbia
Dinner party at Del Mar in Washington D.C. with floral centerpieces and blue accents within the space | PartySlate
photographer: Eli Turner Studios

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.

Del Mar

Del Mar

Washington, District of Columbia
private dining dc at Fiola Mare with blue chairs and white table clothes in private dining room | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Fiola Mare

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.”

Fiola Mare

Fiola Mare

Washington, District of Columbia
CUT D.C. at Rosewood Washington, D.C. rooftop with high tables and a bar | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: CUT D.C. at Rosewood Washington, D.C.

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.”

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Washington, District of Columbia
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab areial photo of people eating dinner around a round table and making a toast with red wine | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

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.”

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab - D.C.

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab – D.C.

Washington, District of Columbia
L'Ardente private dining restaurant in dc | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: L’Ardente

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.

L'Ardente

L’Ardente

Washington, District of Columbia
Ocean Prime D.C. with private dining rooms and dark fancy décor | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Ocean Prime D.C.

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.

Ocean Prime - DC

Ocean Prime – DC

Washington, District of Columbia
Masseria private dining dc outdoor patio space with glass doors | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Masseria

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.

Masseria

Masseria

Washington, District of Columbia
Art and Soul outdoor patio for private dining in dc with fire pits and a view of the capitol | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Art and Soul

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.

Art and Soul

Art and Soul

Washington, District of Columbia
Nobu Washington D.C. Japanese private dining dc space with booth seating and a bar | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Nobu Washington D.C.

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.

Nobu Washington D.C.

Nobu Washington D.C.

Washington, District of Columbia
Sfoglina Downtown private dining dc | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Sfoglina Downtown

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.

Sfoglina Downtown

Sfoglina Downtown

Washington, District of Columbia
private dining dc Philotimo restaurant outside view of windows looking in | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Philotimo

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.

Philotimo

Philotimo

Washington, District of Columbia

Our Panel of Top D.C. Event Planners

Tara Melvin, Owner & Principal Planner at Perfect Planning Events | PartySlate

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 and lavender events | PartySlate

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 | PartySlate

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 plannercaterer, 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.