The Grill District Wharf
A contemporary, upscale American eatery with riverfront views, The Grill District Wharf was designed by //3877 as a piece of Miami in the middle of Washington DC.
Located in Washington D.C.’s District Wharf, this contemporary, upscale American eatery with riverfront views boasts 5,400-square-feet, including 190 indoor/outdoor seating options with an enclosable, wrap-around outdoor patio.
The restaurant’s polished, mid-century design features sophisticated Miami influences—a nod to the partners’ years living in Miami—like plush leather banquettes, poured terrazzo flooring, and rose gold accents. Soft colors such as pale pink on the ceiling combined with bleached oak, handmade tiles, and copper accents define the lightness of the overall space and balance with darker walnut paneling to provide some drama to the subtle color story.
Upon entering the vestibule, guests are greeted with linear wall-paneling that is bathed in light, projecting movement and texture. Approaching the monolithic concrete host stand, a low ceiling and illuminated columns create an intimate check-in experience. That ceiling then ascends, guiding the guest toward the bar and dining area. The three-sided bar anchors the space as a focal element, featuring a glass, rose gold and wood back bar and a custom, rose gold chandelier. Further into the space, an illuminated interior trellis—crafted from textured wood and flanked by a decorative wine wall—connects the two seating zones of the restaurant. The front and back dining zones are defined by winding banquettes, for intimate seating.
The stepped ceiling and cove lighting take full advantage of the high ceilings, enhancing the dramatic views of the Potomac River. The cove lighting, accented with a rose gold paint, creates a shimmery, incandescent effect, reminiscent of the waters and sunset found surrounding Miami.
For the back wall, an oversized mural features a tropical, muted palette, with palm trees and birds. Tucked away at the back of the space, the restrooms transport guests to a Miami paradise with tropical mural tiles and cracked ceramic tiles with custom pink grout.
