Written by Julie Jones, Have Wheelchair Will Travel, April 22, 2024
Gordon Ramsay watched on as I savoured my meal at Hell’s Kitchen, almost as if challenging me to make a comment which would cause him to unleash one of his signature rants. Fortunately, Gordon was only there in the form of a painting on the wall, speechless, but but no less intimidating. There was nothing to fear though as I had only compliments for both the staff and cuisine at Hell’s Kitchen Washington DC. The food was delectable and the view of the Potomac River, and the activity on it, provided the perfect entertainment for me as I dined alone. The restaurant offers a terrifically accessible dining experience making it worthy of a review.
Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen Washington DC review
Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen Washington DC is located in The Wharf District, an area new to me but judging by the number of families and couples dining and shopping it’s well-known and loved by locals. The Wharf District is a vibrant dining and entertainment area which feels far removed from the formality of the monuments DC is famous for.
I must confess to never seeing Hell’s Kitchen the TV show but I don’t think that diminished my experience. The food is the hero of this experience, with the detailed decor, that’s a nod to the show, just adding to the ambience. For fans of the show, I’m sure it will be a thrill spying some of the memorabilia, merchandise and seeing whether you’ll be seated in the red or blue section of the restaurant.
While waiting to be shown to a table Gordon Ramsay popped up on a large video screen and after calling me an “idiot sandwich” told me he hoped I’d enjoy myself. There’s nothing like a welcome from the master himself!
Seated in the blue section of the restaurant I perused the menu. Knowing that the famed Gordon Ramsay Beef Wellington is the hottest dish at all his Hell’s Kitchen restaurant outlets I felt I should order it but I couldn’t pass up the lobster risotto. No matter how hard Gordon stared at me I stood firm.
The butter-poached lobster tail, braised fennel, confit lemon zest, parmesan deserved a chef’s kiss it was that good. Not a trace of risotto was left on my plate.
Fortunately, I saved room for dessert and the sticky toffee pudding served with english toffee sauce and dulce de leche ice cream did not disappoint. Despite being incredibly decadent the pudding was light and left just the right amount of room I needed for a late night treat of Georgetown Cupcakes. Shhh! That’s just between us – two desserts is definitely not the norm for me!
An elderflower cocktail topped off an enjoyable evening.
Accessibility at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen Washington DC
Hell’s Kitchen Washington DC spans two levels with an elevator providing access to the first floor dining. Good spacing between the tables makes for easy circulating for wheelchair users.
A stand-alone accessible bathroom is also available on the first floor.
While the restaurant has good accessibility, it always pays to make a note of your accessibility needs when making a reservation. You can read more about Hell’s Kitchen Washington DC on its website.
And if the heat of Hell’s Kitchen is too much for you, then why not try Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips which is nearby and also in The Wharf District?
As I mentioned above, I managed to fit in a Georgetown Cupcake after my meal. I hopped on board a Water Taxi Monuments Tour with City Experiences.to see many of Washington’s key monuments from the water with Georgetown being my ultimate destination.
Georgetown is another fabulous destination for dining, shopping and of course the famous Georgetown Cupcakes. I enjoyed taking a road less travelled just a couple of blocks down from the main shopping strip to see some of the pretty Georgetown walkways. Of course I eventually made my way to the shopping but I highly recommend seeking out some of the side streets in Georgetown. 
GeorgetownI was a guest of Hell’s Kitchen and City Experiences but as always, my review is a reflection of a wonderful time with both.
If you’re planning a trip to Washington DC you may also like the following reviews.
Hotel Zena – accessible hotel accommodation