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Kaliwa, Washington, DC

Kaliwa

3.8
3.8
329 Reviews
$30 and under
Asian
Award-Winning, Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022 Recepient! Created by Celebrated Chef and Resterantuer Cathal Armstrong, Kaliwa presents upscale, South East Asian fare accompanied by vibrant cocktails in classy, waterfront digs. Enjoy interpretations of Thai, Filipino and Korean dishes under a sky of eclectic chandeliers, or dine Al Fresca on the patio overlooking the bustling waterfront.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 45 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Asian, Korean, Thai

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (202) 516-4739

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive Chef

    Cathal Armstrong

  • Neighbourhood

    Southwest Waterfront

  • Parking Details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 329 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.8
3.8 based on recent ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 3.7Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.5Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. MarcusA

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great ambience and service at this Asian Fusion gem in the popular Wharf district of Washington D.C. The Spring Rolls, Pad Thai w Shrimp and Stir Fried Rice w Chicken were all delicious. Bottomless drinks for 90 minutes was a good value for my friend who was guzzling Sapporo Beers. All and all, a wonderful evening at Kaliwa!
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    With the both of us being from the Philippines we wanted to have some Filipino food with our 1st night in D.C. This restaurant Kaliwa did not disappoint!! We left more than full and satisfied! From the ambiance, friendly staff, how quick the food came out and how attentive the staff is everything was superb! The food was VERY DELICIOUSSSSS!!! Great way to start our vacation!! Also, Make sure to make reservations!! We did through OpenTable. Very smooth and enjoyable night! We will always make sure to visit when in town!
  3. kelsi

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    food is incredible!!! and they make a great cocktail. loved the experience from start to finish
  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Some sort of computer issue caused utter chaos. Unable to get our bill for almost an hour. Very good food, but they couldn’t remember what we ordered and the back room chaos left us without drinks for a good part of the meal…and then the lengthy wait for a bill…tough night for the staff.
  5. AmandaJ

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    I would rate this lower if possible. The service was horrible. Instead of informing me that there credit card system was down, and they would have to manually input my card details, they pretended they couldn’t take a card. the server asked me for cash or to Zelle her. I asked to speak to a manager regarding payment several times but one never came. Very disappointing meal with my family.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    The food was mediocre, but the service and ambiance were pleasant. It was in the right location for a friend’s hotel, but otherwise would not recommend.
  7. Broderick

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed the family style eating. It allowed for us to try a good amount of their delicious foods. The beef and the street tacos were especially fantastic. Allen, our server, is a stand up guy and was amazing.
  8. andrewk

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    Th food here is terrible went with 5 friends and we all ordered different food. The food was extremely salty and oily.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    The food was not great. Nothing was spectacular or worth giving a shout out. Definitely not worth the price. Would not recommend.
  10. HamedN

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Service, Great Food. A little pricy for the serving size and food options. However it was delicious. But it will be a slight splurge.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our Fridays dates night. Everything was excellent!’
  12. TaWanna

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall3food2service1ambience5
    The food and service were just ok. I liked the ambiance & food presentation.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    The restaurant had run out of draft beer again and the waiter couldn’t be bothered to split the bill for 4 of us.
  14. glover

    Washington DC

    100 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    100 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We two shared the bimbampop app and each had one of the pork belly entrees. It was all good, but not wow. Greeters and server were great. Atmosphere is warehouse. Glad to have tried it, but probably won’t return. Wharf restaurant prices appear higher than elsewhere. Cheapest glass of wine $15 .
  15. JessecaC

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful Environment drinks were delicious!
  16. RonB

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience2
    Our 3 entries came out at 3 different times. The Korean short ribs were so fatty. The baked chicken had no flavor.
  17. DanielaK

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    Our meals came out 10 minutes apart and the food wasn’t great for the price.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    It’s was just bad overall. Was really stoked to hear that this place received a Michelin star but not sure why. Really disappointed, unfortunately.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I would never recommend this place to anyone, and won’t eat here again.
  20. NARENS

    Baltimore

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The restaurant was rather chaotic. The dishes were a reminder that the chef had not focused on the simplicity of traditional cooking. In the name of creation and fusion, the chef(s) seem to ignore the intricacies that were involved in creating the taste of a dish.
  21. Phiphi

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    Food was great but serving is small for the price. Went on a Mardi Gras weekend and they have a special menu for the event which is higher than the regular menu. It is not authentic Filipino dish. Server is sloppy.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Blessing was our waitress and she was awesome even dealing with 2 other large parties.
  23. GirishA

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ordered the sharing menu which was phenomenal and leftovers for lunch the next day. Our server gave us great recommendations on drinks and food. Will definitely be back.
  24. Foodie12312013

    Los Angeles

    30 reviews

    3.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Service was good but the food was very lackluster. With all the nearby options, I wouldn’t recommend this place.
  25. JohnI

    Orlando

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was excellent that exceeded expectations. Will love to comeback soon.
  26. Yummy

    Washington DC

    60 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    Second time eating here. First visit was when it first opened. Service was better but food was just okay. This time, food was better but service awful. My husband and I ordered drinks. His beer showed up right away (easy because it’s a can) and I ordered a cocktail. My cocktail did not show up until after I started eating my entree— and this was only because we asked where my drink was after eating 2 apps and waiting another 7 minutes. I would’ve ordered another drink had I been starting on the first one with apps. And even when my glass was empty I wasn’t offered another one.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was incredible! Although small entrée portions with no side dishes, but overall delicious. Expect to pay high price for being at the Wharf. Look forward to trying the regular menu, we had a fixed menu based on Valentines week.
  28. Mary

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Bad service, mediocre food, and incredibly high prices.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The food was delicious! We however did not know they were not offering their typical menu and had limited options. The overall menu didn’t communicate the items well (ex: ordered a cocktail that I didn’t know would be frozen) but the flavors of everything were really good. Would want to try again when they’re offering the full menu.
  30. HeatherM

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall1food3service3ambience3
    We made our Saturday night reservations months in advance knowing that the Wharf would be crowded and finding a table would be difficult. When we arrived we were told that only the (limited) Valentine's menu was available at twice the normal rate and if we didn't like it we could leave. No prior communication. Again, Saturday night at the Wharf and it was crowded so we were stuck, thanks. We stayed and our food was fine at best, entrees arrived at different times and there was at least 20 minutes between courses. If this restaurant ever had a Michelin star those days are long gone and so are we, there are too many other restaurants to frequent in the neighborhood.
  31. CORKyVino

    Washington DC

    90 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall1food2service5ambience5
    At time of booking, there was a full exciting menu. Upon arrival we were shown a shorter menu with little choice and not very exciting. Upon reflection of the choices and our group's food preferences and allergies, we left. Sorry to the staff, but the choice to change menus was poor.
  32. AnitaH

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Nice interior. Food portions were on the small side and only one small cup of rice with certain entrees.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The food was really good the kimchi rice was perfect and the eggs noodles with vegetables(I don’t remember the name )was really good too. Our server Nyrik was really welcoming and helpful.Thank you
  34. GeoffB

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience4
    Waited 90 minutes and entrees still hasn’t arrived. So we left.
  35. KarlC

    Palm Springs

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We reserved a table for 20 and due to the weather some were not able to attend, however, the service was exceptional, the food was the best ever and most of all we all felt so ver comfortable due to the hospitality and attentiveness we received. I would highly recommend Kalisz and I thank the staff for your efforts to make our event successful.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Huge portion sizes. Could easily split any entree for 2
  37. Megan

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Honestly, this was one of the worst experiences I have ever had. Service was HORRIBLE and drinks were disgusting. They were out of their margarita listed on the menu ($14) so he said he could make us a regular margarita with rail tequila and then charged us $22. When I was alarmed when I saw the bill the server was extremely aggressive and did not listen to my concerns as to why I would be annoyed. I will never be coming back. Food was definitely better than the drinks but not worth it to deal with the horrible and slow service
  38. LizD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    The food was great, but the service was lacking - it did take us active waving or calling over of our server to get another drink, have our water refilled, or get the check. Food was worth it, so just be ready to be assertive if need be!
  39. AnnaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had a surprise 60th birthday dinner with 18 people. The restaurant was very accommodating and service was top notch. Kudos for a great experience by all
  40. TheodoreS

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow. The food was absolutely awesome! We got thespecial that'll us try quite a bit. The lumpia was so delicious Actually all dishes were great. We definitely will be back on our next trup

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Kaliwa offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 516-4739.

Kaliwa is rated 3.8 stars by 329 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 45 times today
Google Map for Kaliwa

751 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024-3433

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood

    Southwest Waterfront

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Asian, Korean, Thai

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Street Parking

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Cathal Armstrong

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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