Southwest of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Waterfront neighborhood is a growing restaurant area. Even though the D.C. waterfront is on the Potomac River, not an ocean, seafood choices dominate. Many people eat in this area before going to see a baseball game at Nationals Park. Upgrade from a ballpark hot dog and warm beer to a number of waterfront choices.
Cantina Marina welcomes diners in flip-flops and shorts for a casual waterfront meal. Cajun and Tex-Mex choices include gumbo, pork tamales and barbecued shrimp. Entrees include chicken-fried steak, fried catfish, fish tacos and Texas barbecue sandwiches. Try one of the specialty margaritas.
Cantina Marina
600 Water St. SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-554-8396
cantinamarina.com
The elegant and luxurious CityZen, at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, has a six-course tasting menu, with or without wine pairing. There is also a vegetarian tasting menu, and a three-course menu. The The James Beard Foundation named chef Eric Ziebold "Best Chef Mid-Atlantic." The modern American cuisine includes poached Maine lobster and duck bolognese; a banana split twist combines roasted banana fritters with Creme Brulee ice cream and mocha coulis.
CityZen
1330 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-554-8588
mandarinoriental.com
Phillips Seafood, part of a regional chain, has an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, along with an a la carte menu of seafood soups, crab cakes, lobsters and steaks. If you have a sweet tooth, a buffet dessert offers unlimited servings of brownies, ice cream and pie.
Phillips Seafood
900 Water St. SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-488-8515
phillipsseafood.com
