Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Waterfront

24 restaurants available nearby

1. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19286)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 248 times today

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.

2. The Grill

4.6

Exceptional(1434)

Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 24 times today

Chef Roberto Santibañez presents a new American menu focused on Woodfired cooking, with an emphasis on steak, seafood and vegetarian fare. His Mexican roots and French training lend an inspired touch to the American table.

3. Oyamel

4.7

Exceptional(9549)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 112 times today

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.

4. Bresca

4.6

Exceptional(855)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor

Booked 21 times today

Bresca offers A La Carte and Tasting Menu options! Parties of 5 or more will be required to do our Chef's Tasting Menu. We are a Contemporary French restaurant and cocktail bar located in the bustling 14th Street neighborhood. Our team explores the finest in seasonal ingredients paired with genuine hospitality.

5. Station 4

4.1

Excellent(3806)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Waterfront

Booked 38 times today

Discover Station 4 Restaurant, an oasis of creative cuisine nestled in the heart of Washington, DC. Just a block away from the Arena Stage and steps from the Wharf and Waterfront Metro Station/Green Line, our swanky setting offers the perfect atmosphere for your special foodie experience, date night, celebrations, birthdays, and more.Springtime at Station 4 is an unforgettable experience with our refreshing spring menu, vibrant seasonal cocktails, and enchanting Garden Room and patio. Revel in the delightful ambiance while enjoying Modern American and Creative New American dishes crafted with passion and flair.Since 2011, Station 4 has been a cornerstone of the thriving SW development, delighting guests with our commitment to exceptional service and culinary excellence. Join us for lunch, dinner, brunch, or happy hour and let us make your visit truly triumphant.We love your special request! So feel free to contact us directly!

6. The Henri

4.6

Exceptional(193)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter

Booked 2 times today

The Henri is a modern bistro featuring communal and private dining spaces located in the heart of Downtown Washington, DC. We invite you into our comfortable venue where you can escape from the hustle of the city. Our flexible, one-of-a-kind space is perfect for any kind of event, including business meetings, showers, weddings, birthdays, and cocktail parties.

7. China Chilcano

4.6

Exceptional(3677)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • Penn Quarter

Booked 54 times today

China Chilcano celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and brings an exciting exploration of this multicultural cuisine to our Nation’s Capital. The restaurant, led by award-winning chef José Andrés, honors Peru’s deeply rooted and diverse heritage, including its native Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei cuisines; its name an homage to Peru’s renowned fish stew and its popular national drink, the Chilcano.

A photo of Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant

8. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.6

Exceptional(1572)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 26 times today

Just like the bohemian travelers who inspired our name, Gypsy Kitchen’s alluring flavors aren’t bound by borders. Instead, our chefs go wherever the inspiration takes them, crafting deeply creative dishes that transport you to uncharted places around the Mediterranean and beyond. A menu designed to taste and share gives guests the freedom to explore the menu at their own pace, connecting over seductive flavors, festive craft cocktails and curated regional wines. The alluring interior matches the menu, with welcoming dining spaces that foster connections and spark conversation. Antique tapestries and rugs, twinkling lights and vibrantly patterned tile set the scene in the expansive dining room. Or, take a seat on the rooftop patio oasis, where lush greenery, plush cushions and the sky overhead evokes the feeling of being on a caravan to explore a distant land.

A photo of Clyde's of Gallery Place restaurant

9. Clyde's of Gallery Place

4.6

Exceptional(7573)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 71 times today

Clyde's of Gallery Place, located in Washington, DC's vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood adjacent to the Capital One Arena, is a bustling restaurant known for its eclectic American menu and lively atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse selection, from fresh seafood and juicy burgers to seasonal salads and hearty entrees. With its prime location, friendly service, and energetic vibe, Clyde's of Gallery Place is a favorite spot for both casual dining and pre-event gatherings. Across the street from the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Indoor and bar seating available with lunch, dinner, brunch, late night, and raw bar service.

10. Avenue Grill

4.7

Exceptional(313)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Avenue Grill is located at the corner of 14th St. & Pennsylvania Avenue inside the JW Marriott. Its design celebrates the history of America’s Main Street and its cuisine features classic American fare, showcasing locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Currently offering both a Full Breakfast Buffet, with made to order omelets, as well as a la carte breakfast menu options. The perfect place to start your day, join us in Avenue Grill.*Menus subject to change based on seasonality and availability

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Katie
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This is truly a one of a kind dining experience in DC. Some of the best service I’ve had. Our server was attentive, but didn’t hover and was so kind. We were able to get great recommendations on both drinks and food options. The beet salad, mushrooms, scallops, and shrimp were beyond delicious and I would highly recommend. For cocktail lovers the 3PM in Istanbul was excellent. We will certainly be going back to enjoy the atmosphere and to eat more of the tapas we were just too full to eat this time around.
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
A
Ashaunté
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent brunch menu! The service staff could be a bit more attentive, but no complaints outside of that.
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Station 4Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Waterfront
•
4.1
AN
AlyN
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
One of the best meals of my life. Service, vibe, food, cocktail were all impeccable but in a completely not pretentious way. Every bite on the tasting menu was complex and flavorful, that left you considering and thinking after each bite. It was simply SO GOOD.
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BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
•
4.6
L
Larry
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food, friendly service, nice atmosphere. And the specials are reasonably priced. Ordering ala carte could get expensive, but still great food.
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OyamelPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
M
Mychael
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 12, 2024
Great experience. Food was better than I thought especially the lobster roll. They are very accommodating on special request for meals.
More info
The GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.6

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Waterfront

Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Waterfront

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Zaytinya - DC

2. The Grill

3. Oyamel

4. Bresca

5. Station 4

6. The Henri

7. China Chilcano

8. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

9. Clyde's of Gallery Place

10. Avenue Grill

See what locals rave about

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