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1-Day Washington DC Itinerary

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 20, 2025

Washington DC in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Washington DC, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
The nation's capital is a city of many moods, offering visitors the chance to experience everything from the majesty of the White House to the historic theaters of Georgetown to the hip shops, restaurants, and bars along U Street. And while you're in the neighborhood, don't miss out on the chance to explore Virginia and Maryland on day trips.
With favorites like National Mall, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Washington Monument, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like The Bazaar by José Andrés and Old Ebbitt Grill so you can get the best taste of Washington DC while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Washington DC?
  • 2-Day Washington DC Itinerary
  • 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary
  • 4-Day Washington DC Itinerary
  • 5-Day Washington DC Itinerary
Visiting Washington DC? See our Washington DC Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
  • Washington DC in 1 day
  • 1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, National Mall and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Washington DC without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1

National Mall

4.8
(138869)
•
4.6
(8452)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
National reserve
Historic Walking Areas
The National Mall, a vast green space in the heart of Washington, DC, is a major attraction for visitors. It features iconic American landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol, Washington Monument, White House, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, WWII Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The area also houses premier Smithsonian Museums including the National Museum of African American History & Culture and the National Gallery of Art.
It was a beautiful day to tour the National Mall. You will be in awe of the magnificent views. The area is well designed. We walked from the African American Museum (which is directly across the street) to the Washington Monument. Then we strolled to the Lincoln Memorial. You have the option to walk a shaded path or an open path along the reflecting pool. Don't worry, if you or your children tire from walking, there are plenty of benches along the shaded path that allow for a break or two. We also saw people with blankets relaxing under the trees. The experience was both dreamlike and picturesque! ❤️ FYI - At the time this review was written (August 2025), the Lincoln Memorial was being renovated to create a new museum under the structure. As a result we were unable to walk around the porch of the temple. This made the accessible area (the main chamber) a bit crowded. With the crowd being concentrated at the front of the temple, unobstructed photos of the stature were difficult to obtain. However, this was not a deterrent for us. We enjoyed the experience nonetheless. 😊
Marcita E — Google review
The National Mall is one of the most iconic places to visit in Washington, D.C. Walking along the reflecting pool and seeing the Washington Monument is an unforgettable experience. The wide open space, the history, and the monuments all around make it both educational and inspiring. It’s perfect for walking, taking photos, and enjoying the atmosphere. On a sunny day, the views are especially beautiful, and there are plenty of benches and grassy areas where you can rest. It’s also easy to combine with visits to nearby museums and memorials. (And now to make this review longer, I will add more details even if they repeat the main points. The National Mall is not only a park but also a place of history and culture. You can see the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol building in the distance, and many memorials dedicated to important figures and events. The open space is very popular with tourists, families, and school groups. Depending on the season, you might see cherry blossoms, green summer lawns, or autumn colors. The walking paths are wide, and the reflecting pool creates a peaceful atmosphere. Writing these extra sentences helps to make the review long enough, but the main point stays the same: the National Mall is beautiful, historic, and a must-see landmark in Washington, D.C.)
Steven C — Google review
The National Mall is one of those places that really captures the heart of DC. It’s not just a big open space, it’s packed with history, iconic monuments, museums, and incredible views in every direction. Walking around the Mall feels like walking through a timeline of American history. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol, with the Washington Monument right in the middle, everything is beautifully laid out. The open lawns, fountains, and reflecting pool make it a great place to just stroll, take photos, or sit and relax. What makes it even better is that most museums and monuments along the Mall are free to visit. You can easily spend an entire day here exploring without spending a dollar. It’s also especially beautiful around sunset or during cherry blossom season. Definitely a must-see if you’re visiting DC. It’s peaceful, powerful, and full of stories.
Varun S — Google review
It’s definitely one of the best park in USA. All these Smithsonian museums are free. This is the effort that USA government shares knowledge to its people. African American museum is the latest one at the mall. Living memorial hall is a place to remind the human the progress and road to all men are equal. National mall is definitely worth of spending days.
Case H — Google review
We were in Washington DC during the shutdown, the mall was busy, but not overcrowded. The Memorials are a living tribute to our history and military. As a retired nurse I was touched by the bronze nurse statue. Be prepared with GOOD walking shoes!
Jana S — Google review
Great place to spend your day. Lots to see. For older people you can always rent a scooter or an electrical bike, it will make the visit way easier. Make sure you download the apps : uber and veo.
Jesus B — Google review
This was such a wonderful place to visit. Lots of walking and wonderful history to look at and a few gift shops here and there.
Iris S — Google review
Loved walking the national mall when we did the museums and then the Washington Monument. If you are well organized and got advance tickets to go up in the obelisk, you have a great view of the surroundings (500 feet up) and can get your bearings easily. Be careful in the summer, it will get very hot along the reflecting pool. Stay in the shade
Georges K — Google review
Washington, DC, USA•https://www.nps.gov/nama/index.htm•(202) 426-6841•Tips and more reviews for National Mall
8 min · 0.4 mi
2

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

4.8
(17060)
•
4.7
(11401)
History museum
Museums
Memorial
Specialty Museums
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC is a significant institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust through permanent and traveling exhibits as well as educational programs. Situated near the Smithsonian museums, it documents, studies, and interprets the history of the Holocaust with a dual purpose: memorializing the victims and helping confront hatred to prevent genocide.
One of the best museum visits in DC. The exhibits are well curated and informative, guiding you through one of the darkest chapters in our human history and causing you to reflect on the past and present and how the world at times fails to remember history (and repeats it). Recommend reserving tickets in advance ($1 service fee). It is timed entry ticket. Took ~3 hours to tour the museum. Lots of reading, artifacts to view and a couple of short videos. Plenty of sitting areas throughout the building along with restrooms on every floor.
Sandip D — Google review
Beautiful experience. I added 4 ☆ because they allow too many people into the museum at once. If you want to read you'll have to plan at least 3 hours ans be extremely patient with the crowds. There were many group tours with young adults yelling and running but some of those things are hard to control. Thank you for a beautiful experience and museum.
Brooke W — Google review
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Review The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. is one of the most powerful and emotionally moving institutions in the country. Visiting it is not a casual sightseeing experience—it’s an encounter with the depths of human history, morality, and conscience. From the moment you enter, the design of the museum draws you into the gravity of its subject: dim lighting, cold steel, and a quiet that commands respect. The architecture itself becomes part of the storytelling, guiding visitors through a journey that is both historical and deeply personal. The permanent exhibition presents the Holocaust with meticulous care and authenticity. Original artifacts—train cars, victims’ belongings, photographs, and Nazi propaganda—are displayed alongside survivor testimonies and documentary footage. Each floor unfolds chronologically, from the rise of the Nazi regime to the liberation of the camps, allowing visitors to grasp how ordinary prejudice evolved into genocide. What stands out most is the museum’s balance between education and reflection. It never sensationalizes tragedy; instead, it urges visitors to think critically about moral choices, human rights, and the consequences of indifference. The Hall of Remembrance at the end provides a quiet space to mourn and reflect. Overall, the Holocaust Museum is not just a museum—it’s a moral experience, a place that reminds every visitor of the responsibility to remember, and to never let such atrocities happen again.
Yuchen Z — Google review
It's a place you might want to visit to understand how still WAR is invading out kindness, being deserted from your own house and being separated from your own family. How much hardship those traumatized souls had to go through and how sad they are! those who survived but feeling so helpless that we're not being able to control our problems and still ended up getting into the same WAR.
Masuma S — Google review
An incredible experience, the exhibits were thoughtfully planned giving a face to all who was effected. There were several school groups there but you could hear a pin drop as everyone was respectfully going through.
Carleen's C — Google review
OMG!! This museum blew me away. Whomever curated this beautiful museum deserves an 👏🏾! From the interactive exhibits to being told that there were some persons working at the museum that survived the holocaust. Blown away!! Such an emotional experience.
TAUNYA G — Google review
I fell on my knees before coming inside, thought there would be a place to rest, but only a few places. There were some places to watch video where there were seats and at the end. Good place for history lovers that can stand for an hour. I'm glad I came, but it isn't a place for people with mobility issues.
Ang — Google review
Visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. today, and wow what a powerful, emotional experience. 💔 You will be moved bring tissues. The exhibits are heartbreaking yet so important. 🕯️ They use timed-entry tickets, which made it easy to get in with no big crowds, and it’s very simple to get to. If you’re in D.C., this is a must. It’s not just a museum, it’s an experience that stays with you.
Linda L — Google review
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA•https://www.ushmm.org/•(202) 488-0400•Tips and more reviews for United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
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7 min · 0.37 mi
3

Washington Monument

4.7
(23426)
•
4.5
(9583)
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark
Monuments & Statues
The Washington Monument is a towering obelisk located in the National Mall, serving as a tribute to George Washington, the first president of the United States. Standing as the world's tallest freestanding stone structure, it underwent construction challenges due to funding issues and political conflicts, resulting in a noticeable change in stone color partway up.
The Washington Monument is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C. Standing tall in the heart of the National Mall, it offers not just a stunning view of the city but also a deep sense of history and pride. From the moment you approach it, the monument’s grandeur is striking — simple yet powerful, perfectly representing George Washington’s legacy. The area around it is beautifully maintained, with plenty of space to walk, relax, and take amazing photos. If you can, take the elevator ride to the top — the panoramic views of the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Reflecting Pool are unforgettable! Even if you don’t go up, just being there at sunrise or sunset is a magical experience. It’s more than just a monument — it’s a symbol of unity, freedom, and the nation’s beginnings. Truly a must-visit for anyone exploring Washington.
Youssef G — Google review
The Washington Monument is definitely one of the most awesome landmarks in Washington, D.C. It’s super tall and stands right in the center of everything, so you can see it from almost anywhere on the National Mall. When you walk up close, you really notice how massive it is and how detailed the stonework looks. It’s even cooler when you think about how it was built such a long time ago to honor George Washington. If you get the chance to go up to the top, the view is incredible, you can see the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and even the White House from up there. At night, when it’s all lit up, it looks amazing reflecting in the water. The whole area around it feels peaceful, and it’s a great place to just hang out or take pictures. seeing it in person is definitely an experience you won’t forget.
Tom — Google review
This monument is located in the middle of the Washington mall park. There are beautiful views from here on both sides. On a clear day it’s a beautiful view of the Lincoln Memorial while on the Northern side you get a view of White House, on the southern side it’s Jefferson Memorial and on the western end it’s a view of the Capitol Building. There is paid street parking available on all sides of the monument, and is almost a 7 minute walk in each direction. A really nice and must visit monument in Washington DC.
Avais S — Google review
Part of the national mall. Such a beautiful area on a nice day and a wonderful free party of the town to visit. Parking is street parking and not easily found, so please be prepared if on a weekend or around rush hour. No cost to visit and you are able to walk to other monuments easily from this one.
Eric L — Google review
It is always nice to see this amazing piece of architecture. The best view is definitely from the lincoln memorial at sunset when you see the full reflection amidst the cotton candy colors in the sky. It is possible to also purchase tickets in advance and go all the way to the top - i did not do it this time around.
Ajimon T — Google review
This is a must see when in Washington. You can see it from so many parts of the city. There is an amazing viewpoint of the back of the White House. The Mémorial is protcted by members of the military. I spoke to many and they are there doing whatever is needed to help. We felt very safe in the city. If you see them say thank you and shake their hands.
Lemmie K — Google review
So much fun! We were able to obtain our tickets to go up the elevator at 8:45am at the national park building right in front of the monument for the time of 9:00 am . Amazing views and great to see a part of history!
Love T — Google review
The Washington Monument is an awe-inspiring landmark and a must-visit if you’re in Washington, D.C. Standing tall at the center of the National Mall, it offers not only historical significance but also breathtaking views of the city. We visited with family and were truly impressed by the monument’s size, elegance, and the sense of pride it represents. The grounds around the monument are beautifully maintained and provide a peaceful space to walk, relax, or take in the surrounding landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, and the Reflecting Pool. If you’re able to get tickets (which are free but require advance booking), I highly recommend going to the top. The elevator ride is quick, and the views from the observation deck are spectacular—you can see all of D.C. from up there. The monument is especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset, and it lights up beautifully at night. The area is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and there are plenty of photo opportunities all around. It’s a powerful tribute to George Washington and a symbol of the nation’s founding values. Whether you’re a history lover or just sightseeing, the Washington Monument is an unforgettable experience.
Harish — Google review
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA•https://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm•(202) 426-6841•Tips and more reviews for Washington Monument
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Where to eat

When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 16-minute walk away from Washington Monument.

The Bazaar by José Andrés

4.3
(969)
$$$$very expensive
Restaurant
The Bazaar by José Andrés in Washington D.C. is a grand and opulent restaurant located in the historic Old Post Office Building, occupying a corner of the Waldorf Astoria's atrium lobby. The decor features marble, velvet, and Salvador Dali-inspired floral fabrics. Additionally, Pepe, a food truck by José Andrés, offers delicious Spanish flauta-style sandwiches on freshly baked ciabatta bread.
Went here last November for a birthday celebration and it was amazing. I got a full corse meal from apps, main course, and dessert. The food was amazing and super unique. I got a squid ink pasta and I’ve never had anything like that before. The waiter was super friendly and very funny. Even though this is a high end restaurant, the waiter didn’t try to push everything expensive on us which was cool. I’d definitely come back here on special occasions.
I've S — Google review
I dined at The Bazaar to celebrate a special occasion and thoroughly enjoyed the food. There was plenty of it, with great variety, with accommodations for my gluten intolerance. Some of the initial portions were small, and it built up nicely to mains of sorts including steak, brussels sprouts, octopus and potatoes. All delicious! The drinks were decent and promptly served. Service was attentive but inconsistent in quality. While not a Michelin star restaurant yet, it is still similarly priced/ is very high end, so I was surprised to see the service staff being inconsistent with which side they pour water from, and clear plates from. They were also a tad casual with how they placed new silverware after each course, almost throwing it towards us instead of carefully placing it correctly. The waiters are also not trained on how to correctly maintain a polite physical from seated guests. Small things, but the devil is in the detail! Food was great, and innovative. I enjoyed it, despite the overuse of foam :)
Aditi M — Google review
THE BAZAAR, located within the luxurious Waldorf Astoria D.C., offers a truly phenomenal dining experience. This was our second time visiting, and it was just as impressive as the first. The atmosphere is absolutely phenomenal. The restaurant's setting within such a prestigious hotel creates a sophisticated and beautiful ambiance that makes every visit feel special. We were fortunate to visit during Restaurant Week, and we were incredibly impressed by how generous they were with the discount menu. The offer was a fantastic value, and the option to upgrade to the crab meat paella-like pasta for just $25 more was an unbelievable deal. The dish itself was delicious and amazing, a perfect example of the high quality of food they serve. It was truly one of the best deals we have ever gotten. We enjoyed each dishes and impressed again! The food and service were both amazing. The staff was attentive and went above and beyond to make our evening memorable. They even provided a surprise for our anniversary, which made our celebration feel incredibly special and personal. THE BAZAAR is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination for a remarkable culinary experience. We are already looking forward to our next visit and will always come back to this wonderful place!
C C — Google review
We came here as a family to celebrate the New Year and chose The Bazaar by José Andrés after finding it online. This restaurant is part of the José Andrés group and focuses on creative Spanish-style shared plates and tapas. The restaurant is located inside the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, DC. The setting itself is in the lobby area, so it’s more of an open concept rather than a private, intimate space. For that reason, I would say the ambiance was decent, but not as cozy or exclusive as some other fine dining spots. That said, the service was excellent—definitely on par with a high-end restaurant or a five-star hotel. The staff paid great attention to detail, were very attentive throughout the meal, and served the dishes one at a time with care. The food was the highlight. We ordered many different tapas and small plates from the menu, and every dish was unique, creative, and beautifully presented. It’s definitely a place to explore and try a variety of flavors rather than just stick to one main dish. For pricing, it really depends on how much you order. For us, it came to about $150 per person, which felt fair for the quality and creativity we experienced. While this restaurant does not currently hold a Michelin star, the food and concept are special enough that it’s worth trying if you’re in DC. One thing to note: parking is expensive. Since the restaurant is in downtown DC, we used the hotel’s valet service, and it cost us about $60 for two hours. Something to plan ahead for if you’re driving. Overall, a memorable spot for a celebration, with standout service and inventive cuisine. Highly recommend if you enjoy creative tapas and want to experience something different in the city.
Yan Y — Google review
During our anniversary trip a little while back, we dined at The Bazaar by José Andrés inside the Waldorf Astoria D.C., and it was a truly memorable highlight of our celebration. Even though our actual anniversary had passed a few days earlier, the staff went out of their way to make us feel special. When they asked if we were celebrating anything and we casually mentioned our anniversary had already come and gone, they still surprised us with a beautiful anniversary dessert. That thoughtful gesture really stood out and made the evening feel really special. The food was absolutely outstanding. We ordered several tapas to sample a variety of flavors, and everything was beautifully presented and delicious. The most memorable dish for me was the little Japanese melons—so delicate and refreshing, they could have easily doubled as dessert. Our waiter was professional and attentive, and the ambiance was stunning. Our table overlooked the grand courtyard of the Waldorf Astoria, adding a sense of elegance and occasion to the entire experience. Highly recommend The Bazaar for anyone looking to celebrate something special—or simply indulge in an extraordinary dining experience.
Natalie H — Google review
Wow, where can I even begin? Not only was this one of the very best meal we had ever had after enjoying high end restaurants around the globe, but the service was without doubt the best we had received. Our server, Kitty, was absolutely wonderful. Every recommendation he gave us was beyond flawless. He was super funny and friendly and attentive and really made the experience special. Thank you so much Kitty, you are without doubt the best server I have ever been lucky enough to encounter in my life. As for the food, wow! We went a-la-carte and tried a lot of different options from the menu and we loved every single thing we tried. Every bite was mesmerizing, every single item cooked to absolute perfection. We weren't served food and drinks - We were served edible art, and our palates were graced with a masterpiece. I can't wait to return again in the future.
Thomas B — Google review
Our server was accommodating. This place has decent Spanish wine selection and Somm knows about their stuff. Cocktails are all premade and very underwhelming. Foods are ok at the best. The only dish worth ordering is the Iberico Pork loin which is tender and has a unique aroma. Nice location though. Maybe a good place for a date night if you don’t really care about food lol
Mike C — Google review
Really unique place. A fun time for all. The atmosphere is so hard to beat. The food and drinks are unlike any you will experience except maybe places like the Star Wars bar. Exceptional precision on the food and drinks. Just note the tastes may not be for everyone but its a Tapas place so don't expect to like everything or that it will fill you up. Guaranteed you will like something about this place cause it is a show stopper. Also, don't forget to make time to hang out at the grand bar inside after or before your meal. Bartenders are top notch and again great environment. Valet parking right at the front.
RC G — Google review
1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA•https://www.thebazaar.com/location/washington-dc/•(202) 868-5088•Tips and more reviews for The Bazaar by José Andrés

Old Ebbitt Grill

4.6
(19272)
•
4.4
(13480)
$$$$affordable
American restaurant
Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic tavern that has been a favorite dining spot for presidents and politicians since 1856. The restaurant's Victorian-style decor, marble bar, and mahogany booths create an elegant atmosphere reminiscent of high-class Western saloons. Known for its famous oyster specials and Chesapeake seafood dishes, the menu also features hamburgers made with locally raised grass-fed beef, sandwiches, salads, pasta, meat dishes, and cheese platters.
Absolutely incredible. This place was recommended to me, and I recommend it to everyone. I had the swordfish, and it was tasty. But that was nothing compared to the oysters that we got, as well as the scallops. Absolutely divine; it was clear that the food was fresh. I also cannot recommend the bread pudding enough. It was incredible. This place is a little pricey, but well worth the money you pay.
Kara F — Google review
Sat at the Main bar to have a bite to eat. Our bartender, Jake was great! Very attentive. Sent us a dessert for my birthday as well as the Fried Green Tomatoes (so delicious!). Oysters were nice and fresh and the broth the mussels were in was amazing. Definitely order more bread! Thanks for the tasty NY Sour, Jake from Statefarm!
Amy M — Google review
First time here and wow—what a great experience! I was kind of bummed about missing the first UT game while in D.C., but to my surprise, they had it playing on the only TV in the back bar, right where I was sitting. Pretty sure my UT shirt had something to do with that. 😉 The longer I stayed, the more impressed I was. Drinks were on point, food was delicious, and the bartender (wish I remembered his name! But he is in the picture) was super friendly and accommodating. He suggested the Great Kiss Oysters and… holy cow, they were amazing. Fun fact: he told me Old Ebbitt is the only place that sells them. Highly recommend the oysters, and honestly the whole place. It was pretty busy when I walked in, so do yourself a favor and make a reservation!
Lucy M — Google review
Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, DC, is a classic dining spot that lives up to its reputation. The atmosphere is historic and charming, making it a perfect place to enjoy a memorable meal in the capital. I tried the crab dip and the fried calamari, and both were absolutely outstanding—the crab dip was rich and flavorful, while the calamari was perfectly crispy and seasoned just right. The combination made for one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in DC. If you’re visiting the city and want a taste of iconic local flavors, Old Ebbitt Grill is a must.
Toufil W — Google review
Great oyster selection. Specials during certain hours. Easy to make a reservation and the bar staff was very friendly. Cocktails are a heavy pour - you get your money's worth. Enjoyable long time establishment that feels very DC.
Amanda C — Google review
Old Ebbitt Grill is a must-visit if you’re in DC! The pasta was amazing and the food looked gorgeous too 😎 Make a reservation- wait time can be 1-2hours without one. Definitely try the signature crab cake! One is big enough to share 🙌 The fries 🍟 were also super tasty!
Chloe — Google review
Great place to eat. Our tour guide suggested it and I’m glad we went. Our server was excellent. He was knowledgeable about the menu items and continued to check on us especially after my boyfriend said he was cold and ordered a coffee. I had the meat loaf and he had the famous crab cakes. Both dishes were solid. We also had the Oyster deviled eggs which we enjoyed. We definitely suggest this restaurant for a great meal while in D.C.
Lashawnda B — Google review
We are from out of town and just LOVED this place. Charles M was our server and gave us the best recommendations and is truly a terrific server and seems like an awesome human. We really enjoyed our dinner and ate every single bite of everything! It was so good from the bread to dessert. We had the pork chop, spaghetti and meatballs, beer and the Summer Night drink. Cannot recommend this place enough.
Kristi P — Google review
675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA•https://www.ebbitt.com/•(202) 347-4800•Tips and more reviews for Old Ebbitt Grill
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Kaliwa

3.7
(2254)
•
3.5
(222)
Permanently Closed
$$$$affordable
Asian restaurant
Southeast Asian restaurant
Kaliwa, located at The Wharf, is a vibrant culinary gem that showcases the delightful fusion of Filipino, Korean, and Thai cuisines. Under the creative direction of Chef Cathal Armstrong, this waterfront restaurant offers an array of artfully crafted dishes and innovative drinks that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting Thai red curry featuring blue crab or succulent grilled beef short ribs, Kaliwa has something to satisfy every palate.
This is more Thai influenced than any of the other cultures. The skewers looked fun but came a little colder than expected. The mango salad was delicious and is apparently their most popular salad dish as well. The rest of the dishes are large portions so if you’re hungry, this is a good spot. We only went inside because the man near the gate recommended we just go inside, otherwise we were headed to a different restaurant!
Hannah C — Google review
At first glance, the restaurant looked very nice and upbeat. The decor is gorgeous honestly, and the ambience is nice. But that’s pretty much the only good things I can say about it. Coming into the restaurant, I asked the hostess for a table for 7. She left and when she came back all she said was “you guys can go ahead and sit down” without even directing us to what table we were actually supposed to sit at. And since we were a party of 7, we were immediately given the “chefs sharing menu” which made us think we had to order from that menu and not the individual one. That was fine though, no problem until we found out after our order was taken that we could have actually ordered from just the regular menu and not the “chefs special sharing menu” (2 apps and 2 main course + dessert for $55/person) When it comes to the food, the calamari and lumpia were decent. No complaints. But the main course was absolutely such an awful let down for a place that’s apparently Michelin Recognized. The wagyu steak fried rice was dry. The crab cake was disgusting. We did not taste one lick of crab at all. And it was mushy. The redeeming part for the main course was literally just the brussel sprouts that were supposed to compliment the crab cakes but became the only saving grace for the main. Then finally, dessert. We were told that our order of lava cake was unavailable now and had to stick with the cheesecake. When the cheesecake came out, 4 of the cheesecake rounds had the bottom crust on it and 2 of them were just the cheese filling with whipped cream and sprinkles on top.. And to add to all this, in all my years of dining in restaurants, I have never had to “help” the waitress pick up our plates and stack it for them???? I’ve worked in the restaurant industry and I’ve NEVER made my customers help me by stacking the plates and handing it to me. If they want to that’s fine but I had never asked them. I am so utterly disappointed in this restaurant and will never eat here again and will never recommend to anyone. This restaurant needs to hire better servers and hostess and chefs.
Cat B — Google review
We dined our dinner here. We tried varieties of their dishes and cocktails. The cocktails were overall tasty and offered a unique experience. They offered traditional cocktails such as Old Fashioned and Mai Thai as well as something exotic like Gracias Pancho. The food was overall a hit or miss. The skewers looked and smelled amazing, but tasted mostly burnt. Chicken Thai fried rice was outrageously salty. The fish and Crab & Shrimp curry were uniquely delicious. We had our reservation, but it seemed like it wasn’t needed for the most part as we saw plenty of open seats. That said, this may have more to do with staffing issues - there was a line for guests to be seated, but simply not enough staff to greet them. Also, our food came out extremely late due to an event that was hosted. Luckily, our waitress was aware of this and offered us an additional entree without charge, which contributed greatly to our overall positive experience.
Ben P — Google review
Michelin Gourmand recognized. We found Kaliwa to live up to expectations. The food was tasty, flavorful, and well executed. Service was attentive, and we enjoyed the atmosphere. Great vibe. It was a great night to sit outside on the patio. We had the East West Jumbo Buffalo Shrimp, Wood Fired Steak Skewers, Truffle Fries, and the Filipino Mango Salad. Excellent choice for a night out
Rufus S — Google review
It’s possible we just ordered the wrong things, but we ordered so many appetizers/small plates and many fell a bit flat. Shishito peppers are inherently not strong in flavor, so pairing with a neutral flavored hummus is a bland result. The tuna tartare was lacking in salt, and I’m typically sensitive to too much salt. The calamari was good but there wasn’t nearly enough sauce, so it was a very dry dish. I would say the wins were the lettuce wraps and the shrimp skewers. Service lagged a bit when our drinks were not ready until nearly the end of the meal. Someone coming in for dinner, and ordering dinner plates and maybe the Korean Fried Chicken wings, might have a better experience than what we had.
Dylan P — Google review
Bright and lively Asian fusion restaurant with great drinks and shockingly good prices for the wharf area. The dishes are quite large as they are family style so we ordered about 4 for our party of 6 and. Lumpia is excellent and the oysters with banana ketchup were some of my favorites. We weren’t huge fans of the pork adobo as we usually make it with chicken. I docked a star for service because we called ahead asking about bringing a cake for a birthday, and we were told it was a $20 cake fee - we understood the mentality as they do have a dessert menu, and decided not to bring our own cake as the dessert menu looked amazing. Well, they weren’t serving desserts anymore as they were changing up the menu, which ruined our birthday celebration as the celebrant was really looking forward to the cake. If dessert wasn’t available from the restaurant anyway, I don’t understand why they didn’t waive the cake fee knowing there was a birthday involved. Or mention that there were no desserts, again knowing the reservation was for a birthday.
Slex — Google review
It was ok. Not great. Not terrible. Nothing special. The waiter did not ask once how the food tasted or ask anything at all. Just would walk by and stare down. The pad Thai was good. The steak and shrimp skewers were good too. The lobster fried rice needed more flavor and spice. After I added some hot sauce it turned out better. Overall, it was fine. For the price it was not worth it.
Lily — Google review
We visited this restaurant several years ago and didn't enjoy it due to the subpar food. However, we recently learned that the Michelin Guide has recognized it, so we decided to give it another chance. We were pleased with our return visit. The overall quality of the food has dramatically improved, visually and in taste. Each dish offered a well-balanced fusion of flavors and was delicious. The service was excellent, and we appreciated the ambiance, adorned with ethnic lanterns, a central chandelier, and a lovely tropical mural. We look forward to returning to try more dishes from the menu.
Patrick M — Google review
751 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA•https://www.pinktigerdc.com/•(202) 516-4739•Tips and more reviews for Kaliwa
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