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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Penn Quarter

Price

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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

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District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArlingtonCleveland ParkDowntownDupont CircleFoggy BottomLogan Circle

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant

1. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19379)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 208 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 Clyde's of Gallery Place restaurant

2. Clyde's of Gallery Place

4.6

Exceptional(7618)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 79 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

3. China Chilcano

4.7

Exceptional(3706)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • Penn Quarter

Booked 58 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 Tosca restaurant

4. Tosca

4.8

Exceptional(4516)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 24 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 Cafe Riggs restaurant

5. Cafe Riggs

4.5

Awesome(161)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Penn Quarter

Booked 3 times today

In the grand tradition of French cuisine, Café Riggs presents a contemporary American brasserie that reimagines classic dishes within a vibrant setting.

A photo of The Henri restaurant

6. The Henri

4.6

Exceptional(199)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter

Booked 7 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 Bresca restaurant

7. Bresca

4.7

Exceptional(869)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor

Booked 32 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 Avenue Grill restaurant

8. Avenue Grill

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 The Grill restaurant

9. The Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1451)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 20 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 Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant

10. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.6

Exceptional(1586)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 38 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

From verified diners like you

A
Alison
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined today
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
K
KellyVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent lunch prior to a holiday event at Cap center. Great service and food. Only complaint are the wine by the glass and food prices. $300 with tip for four with a couple glasses of wine. We won’t be back.
More info
Clyde's of Gallery PlacePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.6
I
Iain
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Stopped in on a Tuesday night for dinner. Both did the tasting menu with drinks. The food and service was excellent. Service started a little quickly, but when they realised that we were not in a rush, they changed the pace. Andrew the server was great, attentive nut not overly so. Definitely recommend, and will definitely be going back.
More info
China ChilcanoPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
J
JenniferVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 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
M
Marc
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 19, 2024
Fabulous dining experience! My wife, son and I enjoyed the food and the service was exceptional!
More info
Cafe RiggsPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Penn Quarter
•
4.5

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