Among DC’s thriving Michelin-starred restaurant scene are many eateries that boast breathtaking private event spaces.
Washington, DC hosts exclusive meetings of all types and sizes, making intimate dining spaces for groups a necessity. From Michelin-starred restaurants to museums and historic buildings, the nation’s capital does not disappoint. Check out some of our top choices for your next private dining experience for groups of 150 or less.
Groups of 50 or less:
CIRCA at Chinatown
CIRCA at Chinatown is conveniently located right next to the Capital One Arena and two blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, making it an ideal spot for a private dinner, cocktail reception or banquet. The private dining room seats up to 34 guests or up to 20 guests for a cocktail reception, while the main bar can hold a maximum of 50 guests for any small gathering.
President Woodrow Wilson House
The house of the 28th U.S. president, located just off Embassy Row, offers intimate dining with classic Washington style. Groups of 36 or fewer can dine in the presidential dining room and larger groups are able to dine in the restored garden of the President Woodrow Wilson House. Guests can also tour the house with museum staff stationed to share information on the house and collection.
minibar by José Andrés
For an exclusive dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant, check out José Andrés’ minibar and reserve José’s Table. As the winner of the James Beard Award for Humanitarian of the Year in 2018, José Andrés will take your private event and kick it up a notch. José’s Table is adjacent to the kitchen and designed exclusively for parties of up to 6 people. The event space allows guests to enjoy minibar from an entirely different perspective, offering a sneak peek of José’s newest creations with rare wine pairings – it is the perfect spot for an exclusive small group experience.
Dirty Habit
At the epicenter of Chinatown nightlife, Dirty Habit brings a gorgeous modern twist to its private patio and alluring dining rooms. Whether it be the Birdcage, perfect for groups of 40-50 guests or the Eston Room, ideal for intimate dinners of up to 10 guests, Dirty Habit has multiple options. Visitors can look forward to globally-inspired, seasonal shared plates as well as inventive craft cocktails.
Blue Duck Tavern
Blue Duck Tavern offers an intimate experience for up to 20 people at the Chef’s Table. The space is ideal for hosting a small meeting, during which the restaurant’s culinary team will create a special three, four, or five-course menu. The Chef’s Table is available daily for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Groups of 100 or less:
Charlie Palmer Steak
The Landscape Room at Charlie Palmer Steak features beautiful artwork and is a luxurious destination for intimate private dining. With seating for up to 20 people, the room is an ideal location for group dinners and business meetings. The Alcove has also been a favorite for many years. The room can be altered into various shapes and sizes, suiting groups from 25 to 100 people.
Modena
The authentic Italian fare at Modena in Northwest DC can be enjoyed by many groups with the restaurant’s abundant private space. The restaurant seats 65 in the main dining room, 12 guests seated in the semi-private dining room and 48 guests in a large private dining room. Reception style can accommodate up to 80 people.
The Oval Room
The Oval Room, located one block from The White House, offers modern American cuisine and plenty of dining options for groups. The restaurant has three private rooms - The Green Room can seat up to 36 guests seated or hold 65 guests for a standing reception; The Main Room can accommodate 65 guests seated or 100 guests for a standing reception; and The Curtain Room can combined accommodate up to 14 people for seated dining. Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello brings an array of options for lunch, dinner and dessert and even offers a Test Kitchen Tuesday interactive dining option for those interested in exploring his new techniques, ingredients and dishes.
Groups of 150 or less:
Clyde's of Gallery Place
The classic American restaurant in Chinatown boasts a versatile grand room, the Piedmont Room, that allows for seated events from 20 to 130 guests or cocktail receptions for up to 200 guests.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab offers five spaces perfect for any entertaining occasion. The Gigi Room, the largest room, can accommodate 120 seated guests or 200 guests reception style. The space can also be partitioned into two smaller rooms, while the South Beach Room features leopard print carpeting and retro-style chandelier for 30 guests seated or 50 guests reception style.
Villa Yara
Nestled in Georgetown, Villa Yara is a Lebanese treasure offering an enchanting setting for private events, accommodating up to 100 guests. With diverse dining spaces, Yara’s Chamber provides intimate seating for 14 guests, while Yara’s Salon accommodates 40 guests with flexible seating for larger gatherings. For a magical outdoor experience, Yara’s Covered Garden seats 60 guests amidst flowers, art and a whimsical fountain, and can be covered for any weather. Inspired by the nostalgic tale of Yara, a character drawn from the essence of Lebanese singer Fairouz, Villa Yara transforms an old Georgetown home into a vibrant piece of Lebanon. The restaurant’s cuisine, rooted in the tradition of Mezza, is designed to be shared, making it the perfect place to enjoy specialty cocktails and traditional dishes with friends.
Looking for more private dining options in the nation's capital? We've got plenty more great spots for group dining in DC.
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