Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Wharf

    3.7 (657 reviews)
    PriceySeafood
    Open 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

    The Wharf Photos

    Business Info

    THE WHARF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Wharf

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lorianne L.

    The Warf is located on the main street in Old Alexandria, King Street. It has a dark bar area, main dining room, as well as tables outside on the sidewalk. The walls are dark wood, tables are covered in white table cloths, and assorted nautical themed decorations are scattered throughout. I was seated in the bar and had to speak up each time I needed assistance. Service was not stellar. I ordered a cup of clam chowder and the Seared Scallops Risotto. I was surprised when I didn't get a cup of New England (white) chowder. I asked if they had that, but was told they had this seafood chowder instead. I tried a taste of the seafood chowder, but it was too spicy for me, so I got up again to let the bartender know to cancel that from my order. The scallops didn't have a hard sear on the outside, but they were nicely cooked and not dry and stringy. I don't know if they were especially busy that night, but service was not stellar. The tables outside were full, but the bar and restaurant were not when I arrived.

    Holiday decorations
    Elaine F.

    The Wharf has been our favorite restaurants in Old Town for years. It is so cozy, the food is delicious, and the service is great. Plans changed, and I ended up going alone last evening. They were so attentive. I enjoyed a wine special ( Vermentino from Barboursville VA), the tomato-based MD seafood chowder, and the baked shrimp topped with crab. I was considering dessert. The server told me the oatmeal-coconut pie was his favorite, so I tried it. It was delicious--not a typical combination but so yummy. Don't miss this place when you are in Alexandria.

    Filet mignon
    Sara S.

    Stopped in to escape a cold winter night with a friend to warm up. The service is excellent, and our waiter was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions and gave great recommendations. However, cleanliness was a concern for me. The bathroom was gross, the lemons were bad, and the clam chowder clams were so gritty, I hurt a tooth. The food itself was just OK and that was disappointing for such an expensive place. The bread tasted very off to me & that was so disappointing because I love fresh bread with butter. My steak needed more seasoning and the asparagus wasn't anything exceptional. The star of the night was the mashed potatoes. Overall, I don't think I'll be back but it was a good place to try out.

    Worm

    Despite seeing some negative reviews about the food, I decided to give this place a chance since opinions seemed mixed. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a big mistake--this is definitely somewhere I'd recommend avoiding. I ordered oysters, and they were served in a shocking condition: with a worm crawling on them. When I pointed this out to the server, she dismissed it and claimed it was normal and "comes with it," which was honestly concerning. A manager eventually stepped in, took the plate back, and offered to replace the dish, but by that point I had completely lost my appetite and declined. Overall, the experience was unsettling, and the food quality was far from acceptable. Not worth the risk.

    Filet mignon, mashed potatoes and veggie of the day with a Hennessy Sidecar
    Dee A.

    This gem is a go to for a date night. It has a historical feel as the building is modified from its original build from early Alexandria (centuries old!). I visited for maybe the 5th time. Each time I visit is great service, ambiance, and food. Last night, however, was a bit subpar with food but the service and hospitality were excellent. It was valentines dinner on a Friday night and the restaurant was packed, which may had led to the food not being as great as normal. I ordered a filet mignon cooked medium but received a filet cooked almost well done, tasteless, and chewy :( the amazing drinks made up for the sub par meal. I will return of course.

    STUFFED CHESAPEAKE FLOUNDER
    Barbara M.

    This is a solid choice for good food and superior service. I've been here multiple times and never miss a chance for the she crab soup. It's one of the best I've ever had. Very elegant setup that's perfect for celebrations, date night, or any time you want to feel luxurious.

    HORSERADISH CRUSTED SALMON*
    Alex O.

    The outside of the restaurant looked a little fancier than it was inside. The ceiling was full of wires and staples so it wasn't as romantic as I had hoped but this is an older building so I can't fault them. We sat away from the bar and arrived around 7:30. The restaurant was pretty empty but then again it was a Wednesday. We were offered tap, still, or sparkling water and crusty bread with butter. The butter was nice and soft which is always a nice touch. We got a half dozen oysters. I was kind of surprised there was no mignonette but then again, it wasn't listed on the menu. It came with cocktail sauce, horseradish, and lemons. I got the horseradish crusted salmon and it came with garlicky spinach and some mashed potatoes. The salmon was pretty big and I couldn't finish it all, not for lack of trying. My husband got the rockfish served atop some succotash, it was very good as well. The prices were on par with the area. The waitress was attentive and checked on me to make sure my specially made drink was made correctly.

    Crab cake with aioli
    Michele Marie F.

    The food is absolutely delicious!! Our server was attentive and knowledgeable of the menu! Not annoying but kept drinks filled as needed and bussed the table at appropriate times! We sat outside as the day was perfect weather and there was a violinist busking in the area! I highly recommend it. It's on the pricier side as it's a fine dining type of establishment.

    ENTREES SALMON OSCAR
    Namir B.

    My wife and I came here for Winter Restaurant Week and we had a great time! We had a full 3-course meal: Apps (Caesar Salad & She Crab Soup), Entrée (Salmon Oscar), and Dessert (Basque Style Cheesecake). You can't go wrong with Caesas Salad, but it was okay. Nothing special. My wife enjoyed the crab soup but the sherry took away from the experience. It wasn't bad though. The Entrées were BANGIN!!!! So gooooddd... the salmon, postatoes, and grilled asparagus - was "LIKE THAT!" It was so good, we were apalled. The entree alone sealed the deal for us. We WILL be coming back. Customer Service was so personable, and the waiters were "ON IT!" Super attentive; 10 out of 10. We weren't fans of the cheesecake. Just not what we were used to (i.e. New York Style) but it wasn't "the worst," or bad. It was decent. All in all-- We're gonna have to come back and try some other dishes.

    Kris M.

    We come here almost every Christmas Eve and we love it! We split a fee appetizers, order lobster and steaks, and then split a few different desserts. The service is always amazing, but I definitely recommend getting a reservation because they are booked during the holidays. The restaurant is busy, but is also moderately quiet allowing for an enjoyable dining experience. Highly recommend!

    Moni T.

    I came here for lunch and ordered the broiled old-town seafood platter that came with rockfish, shrimp, and a crab cake. The only thing I would recommend is perhaps adding a veggie instead of fries. However, the food was seasoned and delicious. Also, the complimentary bread they give you is good and soft. The inside is spacious and they also offer outdoor seating. I decided to sit at the bar. The bartender was nice, and patient, and continued to check on me. Another recommendation or gripe, they don't offer sweet tea, so I stuck with drinking water.

    Sides w/ lobster
    Will M.

    Pictures from the outside make this spot seem much more fancier than it actual is. There was a leak from the ceiling in the middle of the dining room. The wooden paneling on the walls looked unwell. The waitstaff was over dressed. Pasta and sauce had some nice kick to it. Lobster was pretty standard and the sides balanced it well.

    Crab Cake (cross section)

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul S.
    7
    62
    16

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dani M.
    362
    16
    14

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Kay C.
    2
    29
    14

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Wingyan L.
    46
    118
    570

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Took my mom here and had a great meal. The food tasted fresh and the the ambiance was pretty elegant. I would come back for sure.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joy S.
    21
    132
    1908

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    beautiful dine in restaurant! Great friendly and courteous staff. The Lobster is authentic and amazing

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Charlie P.
    0
    288
    238

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 17

    The Wharf Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Wharf

    What's the attire? Do you have to dress up?

    I've seen casual dress at different times throughout the day.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Fish Market Restaurant

    Fish Market Restaurant

    3.5
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    - average time for food to come out - good service…read more - mahi reuben is INSANEEEE. warm, cheesy, tangy from saeurkfraut - bacon cheeseburger is dry :( - chips are well seasoned and crispy and fresh - sweet potato fries are like burnt or taste like they're cooked in old oil

    While taking a break from the DC area, we enjoy going to Alexandria to get seafood and not pay DC…read moreprices. This trip brought us to The Fish Market, as we have tried several other places over the decades. The place is much larger than it looks and has indoor, outdoor, upstairs, and bar area seating. We were seated immediately, and our server was the sweetest lady but not really conversational when we asked questions about the area or the meal. She had no other tables but might not be her personality, which is fine. Knowing we wanted ice cream, we declined drinks, but the bar and its menu were pretty extensive. When we ordered, we landed on the fresh fish tacos and one of the best seafood linguines I've ever had. The sauce was light and didn't puddle at the bottom and was served with scallops, white fish, mussels, and shrimp. The fresh broccoli and grated Parmesan topped off an incredible choice of pasta! At the end of the day, we will continue to try other places in Old Town, but as long as they have that pasta dish, The Fish Market will always be in the running for a return trip!

    Photos
    Benches like church pews, and still the place is packed for brunch!
    Benches like church pews, and still the place is packed for brunch!
    Fish Drunken Cod Tacos
    Fish Drunken Cod Tacos
    Street view and outdoor seating

    See all

    Street view and outdoor seating
    The Warehouse

    The Warehouse

    3.8
    (969 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Old school ambiance in the heart of all thats going on in Alexandria…read more Dinner started with rustic fresh bread and we ordered salda appetizers Entrees offer a diverse list with multiple seafood dishes. My wife and daughter had the Seafood de mar and I had the trout Orleans . Portions are all sizeable including the side salads Service was excellent and on the spot

    After getting off an airplane, we decided to go grab a bite to eat. We wanted something really…read moregood, so we went to The Warehouse. It had been a year since my last visit when the food and service was impressive. I knew that we were in store for a great dinner date. We were greeted by our waiter and seated immediately. They were running a special for 2 salads, 2 entrees, 2 desserts and a bottle of wine for $140. We both selected the salad, fruitti de mari, strawberries with Chantilly cream, and a piece of bread pudding. The Sauvignon Blanc arrived nicely chilled. Our waiter poured the wine into the glasses for us. Unfortunately, the glasses smelled like it was wiped with a cloth that had mildew on it. The manager was alerted and she poured us fresh wine into cleaner glasses. The salad was basic with their house dressing. Our entrees were underwhelming. The red sauce wasn't seasoned & the crabmeat was questionable. I was shocked to see a spiny lobster in my entree instead of a regular lobster. My lobster was mushy and had to be replaced. The 1/2 piece of bread pudding and cup of strawberries was alright. I appreciate the manager for what she did to fix the problems, but the quality of the food unfortunately has gone down. The quality of food we received didn't match the price point.

    Photos
    Wall of fame
    Wall of fame
    CHARBROILED OYSTERS
    CHARBROILED OYSTERS
    Wedge salad

    See all

    Wedge salad
    The Majestic

    The Majestic

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$
    Full bar
    Large group friendly

    Great food and service!…read more We came here for lunch with our 2 kids. Ally was our server and was super friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. We have been coming here for years but the food this time was exceptional. The kids menu is perfect and portions are great. The drinks here are also excellent but we didn't order any during lunch. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner!

    Our group of six celebrated a birthday with dinner at The Majestic. Under new management, The…read moreMajestic is both fit for foodies and a great neighborhood restaurant. The new chef and sommelier make the updated Majestic an incredible addition to the Alexandria restaurant scene. You can go for comfort food - a burger or roasted half chicken - or you can go for intriguing New American food with a Mediterranean twist. It's all terrific. GM and sommelier Jason can suggest great wine pairings by the glass - interesting, high quality wines that bring out the best in both food and wine but that aren't budget busters. Our group especially enjoyed the scallops and saffron rice (a beautifully plated dish of rice surrounded with scallops, mussels, clams and persillade/nduja sauce); the grilled salmon (a hearty piece of fresh fish complemented with a generous serving of corn, pickled ramps, roasted shishito peppers, peas and tomato relish); mouthwatering braised brisket arancini; and crispy artichokes. The Parker House rolls were a classic indulgence. Our desserts - coconut cake and chocolate mousse - were delicious. Thank you to chef Santiago, GM Jason, and server Fiona for such a special evening!

    Photos
    Girl Dinner served during Majestic Hour. Mon - Fri | 3pm - 7pm at the bar
    Girl Dinner served during Majestic Hour. Mon - Fri | 3pm - 7pm at the bar
    BEEF CARPACCIO
aged balsamic dressing, black garlic aioli, toasted almonds, capers, arugula, crostini
    BEEF CARPACCIO aged balsamic dressing, black garlic aioli, toasted almonds, capers, arugula, crostini
    Cocktails at The Majestic by Chef Santiago Lopez

    See all

    Cocktails at The Majestic by Chef Santiago Lopez
    Oak Steakhouse

    Oak Steakhouse

    4.1
    (365 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$$

    Visiting Oaks Steakhiuse from out of state, we had such a wonderful experience from start to…read morefinish. I called ahead and spoke with Todd, who was incredibly kind and accommodating for our party of five. When we arrived, Todd greeted us and seated us right away. He truly radiates light and joy, setting the tone for the entire evening. Our server, Alison, was an absolute gem--attentive, personable, and on top of everything. The food was outstanding. We ordered the ribeye, New York steak, and filet mignon, all cooked to perfection. The Oysters Rockefeller were superb! I had asked for my daughter's meal to come out as soon as possible, and they made it happen without hesitation, which we really appreciated. For sides, we had the Brussels sprouts--perfectly balanced, sweet but not overly so--and the creamed corn, which was absolutely on point. We didn't end up ordering dessert, but the options looked amazing and tempting! Todd came by our table to check in, which added such a personal touch. The ambiance was lovely, and as we were leaving, Todd walked us outside and spent a few moments chatting with us--it truly meant a lot. Todd and Alison made our experience at The Oaks unforgettable, along with the incredible food. Thank you both--we hope to see you again soon! --SoCal Visitors

    Located in North Old Town. They offer free parking nearby. We had no problem finding street…read moreparking across the street. Fun, quiet atmosphere that definitely said "steakhouse!" Lots of wood and dark colors. Great service from Shawn. We tried the Ribeye and NY Strip. Both were ok. Not much seasoning. Lots of marbling. Both had significant sections of fat. For me, wasn't the best cut for either. Both were ok steaks. We had the fries and cream corn. The fries are made with a beef fat. Tasty. The cream corn has a lot of cheese on top and throughout (see pic). That wasn't a favorite for me. Was more like a mac and cheese. Pricing was for a Ruth Chris experience but fell flat on delivery. As an example, went to The Wharf a few days later and had their NY strip, with crab cake, and sides all for the same price. It was a much superior cut of steak and the flavors were fantastic.

    Photos
    Oak Steakhouse
    Mushrooms and Brussel sprouts
    Mushrooms and Brussel sprouts
    Spinach next to Brussel Sprouts

    See all

    Spinach next to Brussel Sprouts
    1799 Prime Steak & Seafood

    1799 Prime Steak & Seafood

    4.0
    (559 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    My wife gave 1799 Xmas gift certificates to family members and the feedback was good, so we decided…read moreto celebrate our Wedding Anniversary there and it was a great move. We had the Sunday Brunch and the food was cooked and seasoned to perfection, with the Mac & Cheese being some of the best I've ever eaten. Our server was, Basem, who had great personality, was knowledgeable about 1799's history, the menu and provided outstanding service, actually some of the best we've experienced. I strongly recommend this warm, intimate restaurant, with incredible cuisine and suggest you add it to your options list.

    I celebrated my birthday dinner at 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood and wow -- what an incredible…read moreexperience. The food was absolutely delicious, the atmosphere was amazing, and we had such a great time from beginning to end. Our waiter, Ibrahim, was phenomenal. He took exceptional care of our table, was professional, attentive, and truly elevated the entire dining experience. He walked us through all of the specials -- from the Chilean sea bass to the espresso-rubbed filet mignon -- and everything sounded so good that we ended up trying a little bit of everything. And let me tell you... every single dish delivered. For appetizers we had the Rockefeller oysters, whiskey shrimp and kale Caesar salads. For entrees, I personally had the red snapper entree and the scallop entree, and I also ordered the ribeye for the table. Other dishes included the espresso filet, a Mediterranean branzino along with another entrée featuring crab cake, shrimp, and salmon. Everything was flavorful, perfectly prepared, and beautifully presented. Everyone at the table thoroughly enjoyed their meals. One of the highlights of the evening was when Ibrahim smoked our drinks tableside for us. It added such a fun and memorable touch to an already special night. He also took the time to explain the history behind the restaurant, and it was such an informative and meaningful story. Learning about the history made the experience feel even more special and gave us an even greater appreciation for dining there. Overall, it was an outstanding birthday dinner and an experience I will absolutely remember. I will definitely be returning, and if you're looking for a beautiful restaurant with amazing food, wonderful service, and a memorable atmosphere, I highly recommend checking them out. Go hungry, enjoy yourself, and have fun -- you won't be disappointed.

    Photos
    Salad and cold seafood area.
    Salad and cold seafood area.
    Shrimp cocktail on the seafood duo
    Shrimp cocktail on the seafood duo
    Tomahawk Steak

    See all

    Tomahawk Steak

    The Wharf - seafood - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...