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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Washington

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Henri restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(199)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter
Booked 5 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.
A photo of Avenue Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(315)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 2 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
A photo of Tosca restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4516)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Currently open for lunch and dinner. Ristorante Tosca offers the finest in contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Tosca serves Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, using a creative approach that respects the great traditions of Tuscan gastronomy. Tosca combines modern style and elegance to create an intimate and comfortable setting. Tosca implements a dress code and proper attire is required. We do not allow athletic wear, shorts, beach attire, tank tops, flip flops, or torn or excessively revealing clothing. We reserve the right to determine if a guest needs to adjust their attire before being seated.
A photo of Elephant & Castle - DC Pennsylvania Ave. restaurant
4.1
Excellent(711)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 4 times today
Located just two blocks from the National Mall and steps from the White House, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian Museums, Elephant & Castle on Pennsylvania Avenue is your go-to British pub in D.C. Enjoy British classics like fish and chips or bangers and mash, paired with a great selection of beers. Relax on the largest patio in downtown D.C. with scenic views of Pennsylvania Avenue. Whether you're here for lunch, dinner, or a late-night spot to unwind, we've got you covered. Catch live football and soccer matches or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Elephant & Castle Restaurant and Pub delivers the best British hospitality right in the heart of Washington, D.C.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19379)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 106 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.
A photo of Bresca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(869)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor
Booked 31 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.
A photo of Clyde's of Gallery Place restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7617)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 66 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.
A photo of China Chilcano restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3706)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 27 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
4.5
Awesome(1587)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Logan Circle
Booked 31 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 The Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1451)
Price: Expensive
• American • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 13 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Alison
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Service started a little slow, but our server had many tables and it's a Saturday night in DC. Fine after he turned some tables. Food was excellent and came out at a nice pace. Look forward to coming back!
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • carolineVIP
    New York City •14 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I had a good time overall. The food was worth it, and the staff was so kind. Unfortunately, I had a not-so-nice encounter with a customer who was staying at the hotel. She ordered food from her chair and shouted at the lady doing omelets. I found this to be extremely rude. The woman who ran the Omelette station handled the incident with care, but I felt the encounter should have been addressed on a higher level. It does not matter what or how much money you may have; you should not yell at anyone to fix you an omelet from across the station while other customers have waited in line.
    More info
    Avenue GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
    4.7
  • JenniferVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Tosca never, ever disappoints. The service is first-class, the atmosphere is lively, and the dishes are always fresh, beautifully prepared and delicious.
    More info
    ToscaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.8
  • Larissa
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 17, 2024
    Food was very good, portions were smaller than expected. Probably the size you’re supposed to eat. But I was not stuffed when I was done with my meal. Didn’t have any leftovers for the next day.
    More info
    Elephant & Castle - DC Pennsylvania Ave.Price: Moderate• American• Penn Quarter
    4.1
  • CindyVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •72 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 16, 2024
    I’ve eaten here multiple times and the food is always excellent. The service is wonderful, professional, and attentive. But the food is stand out! It’s priced as you would expect a high-end restaurant in DC. I would recommend it to anyone. Beautiful restaurant decor as well. Great spot for lunch. Enjoy.
    More info
    The HenriPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary European• Penn Quarter
    4.6
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