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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Downtown

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
1. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19302)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 275 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
2. Bresca
4.6
Exceptional(858)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor
Booked 14 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 Oyamel restaurant
3. Oyamel
4.7
Exceptional(9552)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 144 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.
A photo of The Henri restaurant
4. The Henri
4.6
Exceptional(193)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter
Booked 6 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 Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant
5. Gypsy Kitchen - DC
4.6
Exceptional(1573)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Logan Circle
Booked 37 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 Avenue Grill restaurant
6. Avenue Grill
4.7
Exceptional(314)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 6 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 Clyde's of Gallery Place restaurant
7. Clyde's of Gallery Place
4.6
Exceptional(7579)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 89 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
8. China Chilcano
4.6
Exceptional(3682)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 102 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 The Grill restaurant
9. The Grill
4.7
Exceptional(1438)
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.
A photo of Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant
10. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
4.8
Exceptional(1551)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Logan Circle
Booked 27 times today
With an ambience steeped in rustic charm and a menu filled with treasures from the sea, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace focuses on fresh produce and quality ingredients in its welcoming eatery. Specializing in a wide variety of oysters, from such places as Virginia, Japan, Rhode Island, British Columbia and Washington state, Peal Dive Oyster Palace takes oyster preparation seriously, complementing the delicate taste of the oyster. Appetizer options include crispy crawfish fritters, barbecue shrimp and wood-grilled oysters. Besides oysters, house specialties have a decidedly Cajun flair, with items such as seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee and Gulf Coast Redfish, all of which have an amazing balance of spices. The rich entrées at Pearl Dive Oyster Bar are further replicated in its dessert menu, with winning options like Beignets and Brazos River Bottom Pecan Pie.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • David
    Greater Boston •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Outstanding service. We appreciated the description of all the courses, the ingredients and those not to be overlooked. to be missed. First off, I noticed that the server noted in writing my "deadly" allergy to oysters. The Thanksgiving special tastings was inspired so we now look forward to a "school night" dinner. Oh ! an easy to converse rooms, but maybe someone could fine-tune the play list..... Maybe a task with so many generations, from infants to elders, in the room. DMM
    More info
    BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
    •
    4.6
  • Rachel
    Los Angeles •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food was so amazingly good, from the roasted cauliflower to the tender and flavorful steak. The service was friendly and helpful, modifying the chef's menu for our vegetarian with shellfish allergy guest. And the overall enviroment was warm, welcoming, and cozy. My only complaint is that the experience is so good that no one wants to leave their tables! Like a great family dinner. Thank you
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • Colby
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Love the food! The service is always excellent!! We always make reservations when we go to DC.
    More info
    OyamelPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • Edwardvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    Very warm and welcoming service. Excellent food. A lovely and interesting space, with visual and tactile treats. And—in warmer weather—a great space upstairs that is open to the outdoors.
    More info
    Gypsy Kitchen - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Logan Circle
    •
    4.6
  • Jonathan
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 7, 2024
    Always so well taken care of. Love the new power lunch menu.
    More info
    The HenriPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary European• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.6

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