Iron Gate
Category: Mediterranean, Wine Bars, Romantic
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
Price: $$$
Address: 1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
✨ Vibe
Set in a historic 19th-century stable, Iron Gate offers a romantic and secluded Mediterranean oasis featuring a candlelit dining room and a legendary patio canopy of wisteria and grapevines.🍸 Best For
Romantic date nights, family celebrations, wine enthusiasts, and upscale garden dining.🔥 Highlights
- Historic Ambiance: As one of DC’s oldest continuously operating restaurants, the venue provides a unique atmosphere split between a cozy, firelit carriage house and a lush, heated outdoor patio with fire pits at every table.
- Award-Winning Cuisine: Chef Anthony Chittum, a three-star recipient from the Washington Post, blends Mid-Atlantic ingredients with Mediterranean traditions to create standout dishes like the signature beetroot ravioli and housemade garlic focaccia.
- Exceptional Service & Wine: Recognized by the Restaurant Association of Washington DC for both Best Service and Best Wine Program, the staff is known for a warm, attentive approach that often includes thoughtful celebratory touches.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Reservations are highly recommended for both the sumptuous indoor dining room and the popular wisteria-covered patio.
- Beyond their nightly Mediterranean "Family Table" tasting menu, the restaurant offers a refined weekend brunch and a weekday lunch service.
🔄 Weekly Events
🍽️ The Family Table Dinner
A shared culinary celebration inspired by Mediterranean Agriturismi and tavernas, highlighting seasonal Mid-Atlantic products.
🥂 Weekend Brunch
Join Iron Gate for a seasonal weekend brunch experience in the historic dining room or on the heated patio.
Nightly Dinner 🍽️
Mediterranean-inspired cuisine featuring the finest products and seasonal ingredients of the Mid-Atlantic served nightly.
Weekday Lunch 🥗
Mid-Atlantic inspired lunch served in the historic stable house or wisteria-covered patio.
📰 In the News
Where To Have Dinner With Your Parents In DC
Iron Gate is a historic Italian-Mediterranean restaurant in Dupont Circle featuring a fire-pitted outdoor patio and a seasonally updated prix-fixe menu. It is recommended for family dinners and special occasions, offering a refined atmosphere with signature dishes like housemade focaccia and various pastas.
Fresh Focaccia and Kölsch Vinaigrette: Summer Flavors Shine at Iron Gate
Iron Gate offers a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience in Washington D.C., featuring signature dishes like house-made focaccia topped with garlic and summer squash. Chef de Cuisine James Robinson showcases seasonal flavors through creative pairings, such as a tomato and watermelon salad dressed with a Kölsch-infused vinaigrette.
10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Washington, DC
Iron Gate Restaurant is a historic Washington, D.C. dining destination set in a former Civil War-era stable featuring a cozy courtyard complete with grapevines and wisteria. The venue specializes in Mediterranean-inspired mezze and seasonal tasting menus, with the original carriage house serving as a bar and year-round dining area. Its romantic atmosphere and unique architectural history make it a standout choice for fine dining near Dupont Circle.
Top Romantic Restaurants in DC for a Memorable Date Night
Iron Gate offers a secluded and private dining experience within a historic carriage house in Washington, D.C. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and features a cozy atmosphere highlighted by a vintage fireplace.
The Many Lives of Dupont’s Iron Gate, One of D.C.’s Oldest Restaurants
Iron Gate is a historic restaurant in D.C.'s Dupont Circle neighborhood that features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine within a repurposed 19th-century stable and carriage house. The venue offers seasonal tasting menus and a renowned outdoor patio characterized by its centuries-old wisteria and grapevines.
Recent Reviews from Google
Fantastic find while I was in DC for work. Lunch and dinner were amazing. I loved the contemporary and historic mix in the ambiance. The innovative Greek farm to table influence in the food menu plus...
Great place! My wife and I were there for a Friday night dinner. It was the first time trying Mediterranean food. I just came to the US. Back in my country I used to eat food with spices like indian...
Would I recommend? Yes Super cool interior layout Shout out to our server Joey, who was amazing and made us feel comfortable straight away. Did the market table ($95) with wine pairing (75, 4...
We came to Iron Gate to celebrate my partner’s birthday, and it was a lovely experience. The indoor dining area is charming and intimate, perfect for a special occasion. We tried several dishes. The...
Omg! What a night it was!! I felt so cozy as well as my husband! We both felt so honored and loved with all the experience! The food, cozy ambiance, soft music and our soft little chitchat made our...
