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20 Best National Harbor Restaurants near Gaylord Resort

20 Best National Harbor Restaurants near Gaylord Resort

Nestled in the vibrant surroundings of National Harbor, Maryland, lies a cornucopia of dining experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you're a local seeking new flavors or a visitor eager to savor diverse cuisines, the restaurants near Gaylord National Resort & Convention offer a tantalizing array of options to satisfy every palate. Let's embark on a culinary adventure and discover some of the notable dining establishments in this vibrant area. Our family recently visited the Gaylord National during the holiday season fun and we were so impressed by the convenient access to so many restaurants making it a great place for fun, relaxation, and a delicious meal!

Culinary Delights Near Gaylord National Harbor, MD: A Gastronomic Journey

National Harbor, Maryland, is a fantastic destination for a multitude of reasons. Situated along the Potomac River, National Harbor offers stunning waterfront views, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for various activities.

The area boasts a range of entertainment options, including the Capital Wheel - a Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of the cityscape, MGM National Harbor Casino, live music venues, and the exciting events hosted at the waterfront district.

National Harbor is a food lover's paradise with a diverse array of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. From fine dining to casual eateries, there's something to satisfy every palate with many beautiful waterfront location options!

The region is home to a variety of shops, boutiques, and Tanger outlets. Visitors can indulge in retail therapy, exploring a mix of stores offering everything from designer fashion to unique souvenirs.

National Harbor offers numerous family-friendly attractions and activities, including the Awakening Sculpture, the Carousel, and the National Children's Museum, providing entertainment and education for kids of all ages.

The waterfront promenade allows for leisurely strolls, bike rides, and water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, water taxi, boat tours, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

With its close proximity to the nation's capital, National Harbor provides easy access to all the iconic landmarks and cultural attractions in Washington, D.C., making it an excellent base for exploring the capital region.

The area offers a range of accommodations, including the luxurious Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, providing visitors with comfortable and upscale lodging options.

National Harbor hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, holiday celebrations, and cultural events, ensuring there's always something exciting happening.

Conveniently located near major airports and accessible via various transportation options, National Harbor is easily reachable for both local, east coast travelers and international travelers making it a great location for families!

Whether you're seeking relaxation by the water, family-friendly entertainment, vibrant nightlife, or cultural exploration, National Harbor, MD, stands as a versatile destination catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.

When it comes to dining options, both on-site at the Gaylord National Resort and nearby at National Harbor, visitors have diverse choices to suit various tastes and preferences.

On-site Dining at Gaylord National:

Dining at the Gaylord National Resort offers convenience for guests. You'll find a variety of restaurants and eateries within the resort itself, making it easy to grab a meal without leaving the premises.  Especially if traveling with kids you will love the convenience of staying on resort.  The guestroom renovation was so well done and we were so impressed by our stay at the Gaylord National resort.

The resort boasts a range of dining experiences, from upscale restaurants to casual cafes and bars, offering cuisines that cater to different tastes.

On-site dining at the Gaylord often maintains high standards of quality and service, as it is managed to meet the resort's standards and visitor expectations.

The restaurants within the resort often exude an ambiance that aligns with the overall luxury and style of the Gaylord National, providing an immersive experience and hotel guests will love not having to leave the Gaylord Hotels resort property.

Best National Harbor Restaurants near Gaylord Resort

National Harbor itself offers a plethora of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, bars, and food markets. The variety is expansive, catering to various cuisines and budgets. Many restaurants in the National Harbor area showcase local flavors and specialties, giving visitors the chance to experience the tastes and culinary culture of Maryland and the surrounding region.

Some eateries at National Harbor boast beautiful waterfront views, creating a scenic backdrop for a delightful dining experience. National Harbor occasionally hosts food festivals and events that showcase local and international cuisines, adding excitement and variety to the dining scene.

Considerations for Choosing Best National Harbor Restaurants near Gaylord Resort

  • Convenience vs. Exploration: If convenience is a priority or time is limited, dining on-site at Gaylord National could be more practical. However, if you're looking to explore a diverse range of local dining experiences, venturing into National Harbor might offer more variety and authenticity.

  • Atmosphere and Ambiance: The atmosphere you desire for your dining experience may influence your choice. On-site dining may provide a more integrated experience with the resort's ambiance, while dining nearby can offer diverse atmospheres, from waterfront views to vibrant streetside dining.

List of Best Restaurants Near Gaylord National Harbor Hotel and Key Information:

  1. Old Hickory Steakhouse:

    • Cuisine: Classic American steakhouse fare with premium aged steaks and seafood.

    • Cost: $$$ - $$$$ (Expensive to very expensive)

    • Highlights: Elegant ambiance, exceptional service, extensive wine list at Old Hickory Bar.

  2. Rosa Mexicano:

    • Cuisine: Authentic Mexican dishes with a modern twist and a great experience.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate to slightly expensive)

    • Highlights: Signature guacamole prepared tableside, vibrant and flavorful dishes.

  3. Elevation Burger:

    • Cuisine: Gourmet organic burgers and fries.

    • Cost: $ - $$ (Affordable to moderate)

    • Highlights: Emphasis on organic ingredients, eco-friendly approach perfect for families and within walking distance.

  4. Bond 45:

    • Cuisine: Upscale Italian-American cuisine with a focus on seafood and steaks.

    • Cost: $$$ - $$$$ (Expensive to very expensive)

    • Highlights: Stylish ambiance, extensive cocktail selection, artisanal pasta.

  5. Fiorella Italian Kitchen:

    • Cuisine: Rustic Italian cuisine featuring pasta, pizza, and classic dishes.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    • Highlights: Family-friendly atmosphere, wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta.

  6. Grace's Mandarin:

    • Cuisine: Pan-Asian cuisine with a fusion of Chinese and Japanese flavors.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate to slightly expensive)

    • Highlights: Waterfront views, sushi bar, diverse menu.

  7. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks:

    1. Cuisine: Fresh seafood and premium steaks. Highly recommend the crab cakes and shrimp scampi. 

    2. Cost: $$$ - $$$$ (Moderate to expensive)

    3. Highlights: Known for its high-quality, fresh seafood dishes, and well-prepared premium steaks. Offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients.

    8. The Walrus Oyster & Ale House:

    1. Cuisine: Seafood-focused with craft beers.

    2. Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    3. Highlights: Specializes in seafood dishes complemented by a variety of craft beers. Offers a casual yet refined atmosphere with a wide selection of oysters and other seafood.

    9. Brothers Bar & Grill:

    • Cuisine: American comfort food in a national pastime sports bar setting.

    • Cost: $ - $$ (Inexpensive to moderate)

    • Highlights: Casual atmosphere with a lively sports bar vibe. Known for its American comfort food menu including burgers, wings, and pub-style fare and a great place to get the big game.

    10. Potbelly Sandwich Shop:

    • Cuisine: Made-to-order sandwiches and salads.

    • Cost: $ (Inexpensive)

    • Highlights: Popular chain known for its fresh and customizable sandwiches, salads, and soups. Offers quick service and a variety of options for a budget-friendly meal.

    11. Cadillac Ranch:

    • Cuisine: American cuisine in a western-themed setting.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    • Highlights: Lively atmosphere with a western theme. Known for its American dishes, including BBQ, burgers, and steaks. Often features live entertainment.

    12. Granite City Food & Brewery:

    • Cuisine: Diverse menu with handcrafted beers.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    • Highlights: Brewpub offering a diverse menu with handcrafted beers brewed on-site. Features an extensive menu with a variety of dishes to complement the beer selection.

    13. McLoone's Pier House:

    • Cuisine: Seafood-centric with a view of the Potomac River.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    • Highlights: Offers a scenic view of the Potomac River. Known for its seafood dishes and a menu that caters to different tastes, from seafood to steaks.

    14. Thai Pavilion:

    • Cuisine: Authentic Thai cuisine.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    • Highlights: Known for its authentic Thai dishes served in a cozy setting. Offers a varied menu showcasing traditional Thai flavors.

    15. Public House: National Harbor

    • Cuisine: Gastropub with craft beers and pub-style food.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    • Highlights: Offers a wide selection of craft beers and a menu featuring pub-style food in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

    16. Potomac Gourmet Market:

    • Cuisine: Various cuisines from multiple vendors.

    • Cost: $ - $$ (Inexpensive to moderate)

    • Highlights: A food market with multiple vendors offering a range of cuisines, from Mexican to Asian, providing various options in one location.

    17. Grace's Fortune:

    • Cuisine: Contemporary Chinese, specializing in Cantonese dishes.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    • Highlights: Known for its Cantonese specialties in a contemporary setting, offering a range of Chinese dishes.

    18. Café Riviera:

    • Cuisine: Casual Mediterranean eatery.

    • Cost: $ - $$ (Inexpensive to moderate)

    • Highlights: Offers Mediterranean delights like gyros, falafel, and other classic dishes in a relaxed setting.

    19. The Harbor Café and Coffee:

    • Cuisine: Café offering light fare.

    • Cost: $ (Inexpensive)

    • Highlights: Scenic views with light fare options, including coffee, sandwiches, and simple bites in a relaxed cafe setting.

    20. Thai Orchid Restaurant:

    • Cuisine: Authentic Thai cuisine.

    • Cost: $$ - $$$ (Moderate)

    • Highlights: Another Thai restaurant known for its authentic flavors and a menu showcasing traditional Thai dishes.

    These restaurants offer a wide range of culinary experiences, catering to different tastes, budgets, and dining preferences in the National Harbor area.

    These restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences, catering to various tastes and preferences for those visiting the National Harbor area near the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Whether you are celebrating special occasions or special events or just looking for a delicious meal for weekend brunch, lunch or dinner there are so many dining options within walking distance from Gaylord National during your next visit!


    The dress code at restaurants in National Harbor can vary based on the establishment's style, cuisine, and ambiance. Here's a general breakdown of what to expect regarding dress codes at different types of restaurants:

    1. Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants:

      • Expected Attire: Typically, these establishments may encourage smart casual or business casual attire. This may include dress shirts, slacks, dresses, skirts, or blouses. Some may prefer or require jackets for men or cocktail dresses for women.

    2. Casual Dining and Mid-Range Restaurants:

      • Expected Attire: Casual attire is generally acceptable. This might include jeans, casual pants, skirts, t-shirts, and blouses. Avoiding overly casual attire like beachwear or overly revealing clothing is advisable.

    3. Cafes, Pubs, and Casual Eateries:

      • Expected Attire: Casual and relaxed clothing is perfectly suitable. These places usually have a laid-back atmosphere, and patrons often wear comfortable attire such as jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and casual tops.

    4. Specialty or Theme Restaurants:

      • Expected Attire: Some themed or specialty restaurants may encourage attire that aligns with their theme or ambiance. For instance, western-themed restaurants might appreciate cowboy boots or attire, while others might have specific requirements based on their theme.

    5. Waterfront or Outdoor Dining:

      • Expected Attire: Casual and comfortable clothing is typically suitable for waterfront dining. However, it's always wise to check if any specific guidelines are mentioned by the establishment.

    Always consider the individual restaurant's website or contact them directly for specific dress code information. Additionally, some upscale restaurants may enforce a stricter dress code during dinner hours compared to lunchtime. If you're unsure about the dress code, it's always a good idea to err on the side of dressing slightly more formal than necessary, especially for fine dining experiences.

Best National Harbor Restaurants

The dining scene near Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland presents an enticing tapestry of culinary experiences catering to a range of tastes and budgets. Whether you're in the mood for sizzling steaks, vibrant Mexican flavors, gourmet burgers, or tantalizing Italian dishes, the restaurants in this area promise an unforgettable dining journey. Plan your visit, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, and indulge in the diverse flavors these restaurants have to offer.

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