Guide to the Best Private Dining Rooms in Washington DC

Booking a private dining room in Washington, DC, it can seem like a daunting task. As the nation’s capital, Washington, DC is renowned for its diverse and exclusive private dining options. There are many factors to consider based on the event you are planning, and in this guide, we will break down which private rooms are best for different kinds of events and experiences.

There are many private dining rooms in DC, so we want to help you find the best of the best. We have guides featuring coolest DC restaurants with private rooms, DC restaurants for large groups, and unique dining experiences in dc. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on the specific rooms each restaurant offers, discussing the menu and drink options, and determining the best uses for each space.

Why Trust Us?

At Avital, we’re experts in DC private dining and are here to help you plan the best event. Since 2011 we’ve been hosting 5-star dining experiences for group and know the secret sauce to making events truly memorable.

DC Private Dining Rooms Comparison Chart

This is your quick guide to skimming our top picks for the best private dining rooms in Washington DC. Click the name of the restaurant to see more details, including room layout, menu options, and drink packages.

Number	Restaurant	Private Dining Rooms	Location	Cuisine	Pricing
1	Avital Interactive Meal	Unlimited Options	All	All	$$+
2	Chaplin’s	The Den, Treehouse, Charlie’s House	Shaw	Japanese	$$
3	El Tamarindo	Bar Room, Main Room, Buyout	Dupont Circle	Salvadoran	$$
4	Fiola	The Luca Room, The Alice Room	Penn Quarter	Italian	$$$$
5	La Collina	The Sun Room, The Fiat Room	Capitol Hill	Italian	$$$
6	Cranes	Private Dining Room, Sake Lounge, Bar Tsuru	Penn Quarter	Japanese	$$$$
7	Il Piatto	The Private Room, The Patio	Foggy Bottom	Italian	$$$
8	Tabard Inn	Room 24 and Room 26, Private Patio	Dupont Circle	American	$$
9	Pisco y Nazca	Cuzco Room, Lima Room	Dupont Circle	Peruvian	$$

Map of Restaurants with Private Dining Rooms in DC

Location is one of the most important factors to consider when searching for a private dining room in DC. Use this map to narrow down which restaurant venue fits your event needs, then choose one of the private dining rooms available at that restaurant.

Chaplin’s

Chaplin's Restaurant, 9th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA

El Tamarindo

El Tamarindo, Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington D.C., DC, USA

Fiola

Fiola, Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington D.C., DC, USA

La Collina

La Collina, C Street Southeast, Washington D.C., DC, USA

Cranes

Cranes, 9th Street Northwest, Washington D.C., DC, USA

Il Piatto

Il Piatto Restaurant, 16th Street Northwest, Washington D.C., DC, USA

Tabard Inn

Tabard Inn, N Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA

Pisco y Nazca

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, L Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA

15 Best Private Dining Rooms in Washington DC

1. Avital’s Interactive Meal

If you’re looking for something totally different and fun, the Interactive Meal with Avital Experiences is the way to go! The actual private dining room changes based on the restaurant venue you select. We have a vase network of Washington DC restaurants for all group sizes and occasions making it totally flexible with options for all groups.

The base of the experiences is a multi-course, seated meal with beverage pairings. But what makes it really unique, is that we layer on a trio of foodie activities, like making your own cocktail (or mocktail!), culinary trivia withe prizes, and a signature flavor finale experience. The experience is hosted so organizers can just sit back and enjoy the event!

Package Options

Classic Package: Great for casual dining and team outings. $190 + $60 Service/Gratuity Per Person = $250 Per Person

Premium Package: For upscale dining events. $290 + $60 Service/Gratuity Per Person = $350 Per Person

Deluxe Package: For fine dining and VIP celebrations. $390 + $85 Service/Gratuity Per Person = $475 Per Person

All

All

$$+

Image Credit: chaplinsdc.com

2. Chaplin’s

Chaplin’s is a 1920s themed Japanese restaurant that is famous for their cocktails named after actors from the era. Chaplin’s has two private rooms, and a restaurant buyout option, for groups of 40-380. 

The Den is their 40 person dining space in the upstairs bar area. It’s a great space for small happy hours and the vibe works for both business or pleasure events.

Treehouse is their 95 person dining space where your group will take over the entire upstairs of the restaurant. This is a great space for a big family reunion, a graduation party, or baby shower.

Charlie’s House is the restaurant buyout option for parties up to 380 people. You could host an epic wedding reception or big company holiday party in Charlie’s house.

Shaw

Japanese

$$

Image Credit: eltamarindodc.com

3. El Tamarindo

El Tamarindo is a quirky Salvadoran restaurant with unique interior design and colorful art on every wall. El Tamarindo has two private rooms, and a restaurant buyout option for groups of 50-222.

The Bar Room can accommodate groups up to 50 and the Main Room can accommodate up to 65. These are both great spaces for big birthday or anniversary parties.

The Restaurant Buyout option can accommodate 120 guests inside and 102 guests outside, for a total of 222 people. It would be an exciting venue for a graduation party or rehearsal dinner.

Dupont Circle

Salvadoran

$$

Image Credit: fioladc.com

4. Fiola

Fiola is a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant that provides an elevated farm to table menu for their clientele. The ambiance is elegant yet approachable, with white tablecloths being juxtaposed against modern art and architecture. They have two private dining spaces and an option to combine both to acclimate 12-26 guests.

The Luca Room has a max capacity of 12 guests. The room is positioned to catch a lot of natural light, and is home to their signature photo wall, which has brought the restaurant much acclaim. This is a great room for an intimate birthday party or small family event.

The Alice Room has a max capacity of 16 guests and is Fiola’s most popular private dining space. The decor rides the line between polished and quirky, making it a great venue for a family event, or an intimate business dinner.

The Luca Room and The Alice Room can be combined to accommodate 26 guests. When combined this becomes a great space for bigger events like baby showers, bridal parties, or team-building business dinners.

🥘 Menu Options

Rather than offering set private dining menus Fiola does custom menus for every event based on your budget, dietary restrictions and preferences. They highlight that fan-favorite dishes like the Ahi Tuna Crudo, Lobster Ravioli, and Tiramisu, are sure to make a splash on your curated menu.

Penn Quarter

Italian

$$$$

Image Credit: lacollinadc.com

5. La Collina

La Collina is a contemporary Italian restaurant right in the heart of DC, Capitol Hill. They have two private rooms and also offer the option of combining the two to accommodate up to 50 guests.

The Sun Room has a max capacity of 20 guests. It is a beautiful room with a big table in the center where your guests can all gather together to enjoy good food and company. It’s the perfect space for a team-building dinner, or a small family event.

The Fiat Room has a max capacity of 30 guests. Is called the Fiat Room because a disassembled red car hangs artfully on the wall. This eye-catching private room is a great space for a bigger family event, an anniversary party, or a birthday party.

The Sun Room and Fiat Room combine to accommodate up to 50 guests. They can fold the central wall down so your group has plenty of room to mix and mingle. This is a great space for a graduation party or big anniversary celebration. 

🥘 Menu Options

Banquet Menu 1: all guests start with a Ceasar Salad, then choose 5 entrees, and all guests enjoy Tartufo for desert for an upcharge (example entrees: Grilled Salmon or Chicken Parmesan)

Banquet Menu 2: guests start with Hors D’Oeuvres, an appetizer of Assorted Pastas and/or a Tricolor Salad, choose from 5 entrees, and have Tiramisu for dessert (example Hors D’Oeuvres: Clams Casino and Calamari) (example entrees: Veal Francese or Marinated Chicken Breast)

Capitol Hill

Italian

$$$

Image Credit: cranes-dc.com

6. Cranes

Cranes is a Japanese and Spanish fusion restaurant with a beautiful sake lounge. They have one traditional private dining room and two non-traditional private dining options.

Cranes Private Dining Room has a max capacity of 24 guests. Your guests will all eat at the same table in the middle of the spacious room. Floor to ceiling siding panels separate you from the restaurant lending a truly exclusive vibe to the experience. This is a great place to take VIP clients or host a wedding rehearsal dinner.

You can book the Sake Lounge for groups of 22 max. guests. It is situated by big windows and the natural light gives the space a soft glow. It’s a great space to host a birthday party or other special celebration.

The final space is the stunning Bar Tsuru, on Cranes’ top floor. This massive bar can accommodate up to 75 guests and is a perfect venue for a corporate cocktail hour, big anniversary party, or gala.

🥘 Menu Options

Cranes offers two main dining options for their private events. You can select their Omakase menu, or a Family-Style Menu of their best tapas and a la carte options. In the event you choose to host in the Bar Tsuru space and feel hand held bites bring passed around l would work better, they can also provide that.

Penn Quarter

Japanese

$$$$

Image Credit: ilpiattodc.com

7. Il Piatto

Il Piatto is a traditional Italian restaurant in Foggy Bottom with incredible house-made pasta dishes and an impressive wine list. They have one indoor private dining room and an outdoor patio space that you can reserve as well.

The Private Room has a max capacity of 37 guests. The tables can be set up as two long tables, one wide table, or in a square with a space in the middle depending on what’s best for your event. Due to the versatility of this space it would be appropriate for anything from a business dinner, to a baby shower, or graduation party.

The Patio can accommodate up to 40 guests. It’s a great space to take advantage of during good weather. It would be an excellent venue to host a bridal party, or big family event.

🥘 Menu Options

Reception-Style: a butler will pass around Hor D’’oeuvres and guests can grab food from different savory stations (example Hor D’oeuvres: Arancini and Prosciutto and Melon Sheets) (example savory stations: Gnocchi and Meatballs)

Brunch: three courses served family style $50/person (example dishes: Italian Eggs Benedict or Tiramisu French Toast)

Sicilian: first-tier three course meal $55/person (example dishes: Gnocchi with mushroom sauce or Eggplant Parmesan)

Napolitano: second-tier three course meal served family style $70/person (example dishes: Chicken Parmesan or Salmon in Saffron Sauce)

Caprese: third-tier three course meal served family style $80/person (example dishes: Braised Short Ribs, Branzino, and Chicken Milanese)

Il Piatto: 4-course meal including a first course, pasta course, entree and dessert featuring the most popular dishes on the menu $100/person

Taste of Il Piatto: 4-course tasting menu where guests get to try all dishes for every course $110/person (example dishes: Polpette, Arancini, Spinach Ravioli, Branzino, and Cheesecake)

Foggy Bottom

Italian

$$$

Image Credit: tabardinn.com

8. Tabard Inn

Tabard Inn is a charming restaurant built in an old Inn and Tea Room. Their private events spaces are eclectic and versatile. This historic inm is a popular place for hosting events like weddings and banquets.

Room 24 and Room 26 are private dining spaces that can accommodate 20-40 guests respectively, or 60 guests total when combined. These rooms are elegant and great spaces to host galas, product launching events or wedding receptions.

Tabard Inn also has a Private Patio with a max capacity of 38 guests. It’s a great place to host a family reunion, a graduation party, or an anniversary celebration in the nice weather.

🥘 Menu Options (Highlights)

Pocahontas Hot Breakfast Buffet: basic breakfast + Daylight additions + shrimp and grits $53/guest 

N Street Luncheon Buffet: Gazpacho, Arugula Salad, Salmon, Roasted Chicken, Rice, and mini Pastries $52/guest

Three-Course Plated Luncheon: highlights from the lunch buffet menus are served individually plated to guests $67/guest

1922 Dinner Buffet: Pea Soup, Arugula Salad, Coq A Vin, Salmon, Skirt Steak, Ratatouille, and Honey Cake $81/guest

Three-Course Plated Dinner: highlights from the dinner buffet menus are served individually plated to guests $90/guest

Dupont Circle

American

$$

Image Credit: piscoynazca.com

9. Pisco y Nazca

Pisco y Nazca is a popular Peruvian spot in the heart of Dupont Circle. Both of the private rooms they offer have built-in screens and LCD projectors, making them great choices for business events.

The Cuzco Room can accommodate up to 22 guests. The decor is sleek and casual making this a great space for a birthday party, or a team-building dinner.

The Lima Room can accommodate up to 25 guests. The vibes are similar to the Cuzco Room but the extra space would make it a great choice for hosting a product launch event or baby shower.

🥘 Menu Options (Highlights)

Lunch: all lunch menus are three-courses, start with Cancha, and end with Suspiro or an alternate dessert. Like the Uvina package where you choose 3 appetizers, 3 entrees, and 1 desert for $46/person (example dishes: Creamy Specialty Ceviche, Mixed Chaufa, or Flan)

Dinner: all dinner menus are three courses, start with Cancha, and end with Suspiro or an alternate dessert. Like the Moscatel package where you choose 3 appetizers, 3 entrees, and 1 dessert for $73/person (example dishes: Pulled Pork Tostones, Chicharrón Prepared Fish, or Rolled Nutella Sponge Cake a la Mode)

Dupont Circle

Peruvian

$$$

What are DC Private Dining Rooms?

Private dining rooms in Washington DC are designated separate spaces within restaurants that provide privacy and an exclusive atmosphere for guests. These rooms are distinct from the main dining area and are ideal for hosting various events such as business meetings, VIP client dinners, holiday parties, birthday or anniversary celebrations, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, and graduations.

They offer an elevated dining experience with tailored menus and attentive service, making them perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger private events in the vibrant dining scene of Washington DC.

How to Book a Private Dining Room in DC

Booking a private dining room in Washington, DC is easier than you might think—especially with so many fantastic private dining spaces and restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re planning an intimate birthday party, a corporate dinner, or a lively standing reception, following a few simple steps will help you secure the ideal space for your next occasion.

Start by identifying your needs for the private event. Consider the number of guests, your budget, and the type of ambiance you want—do you envision a cozy, intimate space for a family gathering, or a spacious private dining room for a larger dinner party? Think about whether you need a fully private room, a semi private space, or even a unique venue like a portrait room at District Winery or a spot with full waterfront views.

Next, research restaurants in DC that offer private dining rooms. Look for venues located near the National Mall, along the waterfront, or in your favorite neighborhood. Many restaurants in the city feature a variety of private dining spaces, from elegant dining rooms to vibrant bars and patios, so you can find the perfect spot to accommodate your group and set the right tone for your celebration.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to the restaurants directly to check availability and get details on pricing. Be sure to ask about food and beverage minimums, menu options, and any special requirements for private events. If you’re planning presentations or need audio-visual equipment, confirm that the private dining space can accommodate those needs. Some venues even offer flexible setups for seated brunches, dinner parties, or standing receptions, so don’t hesitate to ask about different configurations.

Before making your final decision, request a tour of the private dining room or space. This gives you a chance to see the seating arrangements, check the ambiance, and make sure the room feels right for your event. Pay attention to details like lighting, decor, and whether the space feels intimate or spacious enough for your guests.

Finally, review the contract and cancellation policies carefully before booking. Understanding the terms will help you avoid surprises and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. With so many private dining rooms and unique spaces available in Washington, DC, you’re sure to find the perfect venue—whether you’re hosting a small dinner, a big birthday party, or a memorable celebration with full waterfront views. The city’s vibrant dining scene is ready to help you create an unforgettable private event for any occasion.

Book Your Private Dining Room with Avital

There are plenty of fabulous restaurants with private rooms in Washington, DC. Whether you are looking for an Italian feast, a three-course Peruvian meal, or a sushi dinner, this list has you covered. There is a private dining room perfect for every event, from corporate to casual. At the end of the day, it’s about what cuisine, ambiance, and vibe you want the experience to have.

If a regular private dining room seems a big meh or booking it youself feels like a lot of work, consider an Interactive Meal with us here at Avital Food & Drink Experiences! We have been cultivating memorable, seamless, private dining experiences since 2011, and would love to help you create the private dining event of your dreams. Treat your guests (and yourself!) to a memorable private dining experience in DC.