Looking for the perfect place to dine in the nation's capital? Private dining rooms are all the rage in Washington, DC. From rustic spots in historic houses to high-end riverfront restaurants with late hours, the city is brimming with exquisite diners that will turn any plain event into an unforgettable shindig.
At Giggster, we are committed to finding the ideal private space to celebrate your special day, whether you are looking for a bargain or an upscale private dinner with a five-course menu.
Start scrolling our listings today! The best private dining rooms on the Giggster app await you.
With multiple options for rental, Washington, DC, is the perfect city for hosting private events no matter your style. But it's easy to get overwhelmed with the numerous choices available. Giggster can help you find the ideal spot to gather and celebrate.
Are parents-in-law in town? What better way to honor your guests than with an exclusive dining experience at the chef's table, where they can get a front-row seat to the action? You get to taste mouthwatering meals and learn a few tricks from the chef, too!
Do you have a new project that requires collaboration? A city center brunch hotspot is the perfect choice for a meeting. Opt for seasonal dishes and toast to a job well done with an after-lunch cocktail reception.
Still searching for that perfect spot to host a rehearsal dinner? Take your party to the next level by renting out the entire main dining room of an elegant restaurant downtown. This should give you enough space to hit the floor later on and show off your best dance moves.
Craving salmon and calamari? Celebrate National Shrimp Day or Fish Taco Day with your family the right way. A seafood joint with a river-facing private dining room would be a great choice for your next private dining event.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Whether you're looking for Italian or Indian, low-key or buzzing, Giggster has 9 diverse private dining spaces to host your event.
Hassle-Free Booking: Planning an event can be a handful. We let you explore a plethora of private dining options that match your specific search so you can book your desired space in an instant.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Postponed events are no fun. But with our flexible policy, you won't have to pay anything extra, and you can rebook whenever it suits you best. Reserve a private room knowing there are free cancellations for bookings canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Giggster offers optional add-on protection packages at checkout so that your event runs smoothly. Opt for damage and liability packages when booking Washington DC's Best Ethiopian Restaurant and enjoy your party without a single worry.
Excited to celebrate your promotion? Perhaps you want to host a surprise engagement party. Whatever the occasion, the selection of restaurants for private events in Washington won't disappoint.
Cocktail Receptions – Mingle and Dance. Standing receptions are by far more fun than seated dinners. Even if you book the entire restaurant or rent the tucked-away private dining room in the basement, have people stand by tall tables and set several food stations across the space. Guests can roam freely, eat, and dance when they feel like it.
Business Meetings – Formal Affairs. Corporate meetings can be intimidating, especially with the big boss in town. Break the ice with a standing reception with small plates to share. You won't just skip the traditional formal dinner (which can get quite dull), but you'll also create a focal conversation point and help guests loosen up.
Family Gatherings – Intimate Dinners. How often can you gather the entire family and enjoy each other's company uninterrupted? Family reunions are special occasions on their own and should be celebrated as such. A cozy and welcoming private dining room at the back of your favorite restaurant sounds like a great place to catch up with your loved ones.
Rehearsal Dinners – Party Before the Party. Do you want to prepare for the big day but not go over the top? Book the largest room in a romantic spot by the Potomac River with an outdoor patio for dancing under the stars.
Corporate Functions – Work, Fun, and Food. Whether you want to treat your team to a memorable experience or need to host a formal corporate event, we have you covered. Skip the traditional seated dinners and opt for a standing reception in one of Giggster's exceptional restaurants with private dining rooms.
Is a retro-style chandelier a must-have detail for your private dining room, or all you want is a prime steak cooked to perfection? Private dining spaces in Washington, DC, have everything you need to throw a memorable event, but what features should you really look for?
Do you want a private space with a view? Are you looking to impress guests with a gorgeous rooftop patio with the White House in the background? Make sure your private dining room of choice has floor-to-ceiling windows for everyone to enjoy the view.
What's the size of the private dining room? It should be big enough to comfortably accommodate all guests. Do you prefer a seated dinner or a standing reception where people can mingle and dance? Plan your space to dine based on square footage.
Consider the type of cuisine. Spanish tapas or Mediterranean? Washington, DC, offers a melting pot of flavors. Pick your locale to match your style and taste, and make sure to discuss menu changes with the restaurant's culinary team.
Advantages
Private dining rooms in Washington, DC, vary by size. You can opt for a full restaurant buyout or rent an entire floor for a large-scale event. You don't have that privilege if your house is small.
Hosting an event in a private dining room is an incredible networking opportunity. In addition to socializing, eating delicious food, and having fun, you can open the doors to potential business partnerships.
Private dining events can strengthen the relationship between you and your guests, whether they are clients, colleagues, friends, or family. Treating them to a one-of-a-kind dining experience only shows how much you value them and that you are willing to go the extra mile.
Cons
Most restaurants in Washington have specific rules and restrictions. Before securing your reservation, find out the rules on alcohol consumption and check the opening and closing times.
Despite the myriad of restaurants that adorn the city, they get booked very fast. You might not end up with the one you like if you don't book in advance.
Renting a private dining room in a restaurant can cost an arm and a leg, even more so if you want to book a popular spot.
Event planning is crucial if you want a successful outcome. Keep this guide handy when you need the extra push.
After Dinner Entertainment – If you are a party person, you will never want the fun to end. After your seated dinner, have a surprise comedy act or a show, and let everyone know that with you as a host there is always something more.
Variety of Food Choice – Since food is the most important aspect of parties, especially private dining events, you want to make sure it excels. Your guests will likely have different tastes and dietary requirements, so make sure there is a bit of everything. No one should leave your party hungry!
Essential Equipment – Screens, projectors, and strong wi-fi are just some of the IT and AV equipment must-haves for corporate events, presentations, and business meetings. Ensure the private dining room comes with the necessary technology, or else you will have to rent it out.
Come up With a Theme – Though a theme is not necessary, it will certainly set the stage for a fun experience. From casino nights to costume parties, there are many ideas that can add more excitement to your private event.
Planning a private dining event in Washington, DC, can be very expensive, especially if you want to book a Michelin-starred restaurant or an upscale restaurant in the city center. Use these helpful money-saving tips to avoid busting your budget.
Plan your own entertainment.
Are you hosting a family reunion or a charity gala? Whatever the event, you will need to find a way to entertain your guests. From comedy acts to live bands and DJs, you are spoilt for choice in Washington, DC. The most cost-effective solution is streaming music online or enjoying the restaurant's music in the background.
Book in off-peak season.
Maximize your budget by booking the venue off-season. You may be able to get great deals if you secure your reservation well in advance, too. Booking on a weekday makes all the difference when trying to save money.
Make your own decor.
Add a personal touch to the dining room with DIY decorations that won't cost you a penny. Use fresh flowers from your garden, reuse old vases, DIY party props, banners, and balloon garlands. The space will probably have its own style and decor, so just a few conversation starters will go a long way.
From Michelin-starred restaurants downtown to casual diners and romantic Italian trattorias, Giggster's curated list of restaurants with private dining rooms is second to none. Book yours today so you can start the party planning sooner rather than later.
