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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in West End

Price

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

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District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

ArlingtonCleveland ParkDowntownDupont CircleFoggy BottomGeorgetown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CIRCA at Foggy Bottom restaurant

1. CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

4.6

Exceptional(3036)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 28 times today

All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!Our patios accommodate service animals only.

A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant

2. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19291)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 263 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

3. Bresca

4.6

Exceptional(856)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor

Booked 20 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

4. Oyamel

4.7

Exceptional(9549)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 98 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 Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant

5. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.6

Exceptional(1572)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 23 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 Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel restaurant

6. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

4.3

Awesome(2213)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Foggy Bottom

Booked 27 times today

We are offering breakfast weekdays from 7am-10:30am and lunch from 11:30am-2pm. Our Kingbird Bar hour from 2pm-9pm Tuesday through Fridays. Weekends, we are offering Brunch on Sundays from 11am to 2pm. Join us for High Tea on Saturday & Sunday 1pm-2:30pm. We require all High Tea reservations to be pre-paid, to make a reservation for High Tea please select the Spill the Tea Experience. For children under 12 please email dining@thewatergatehotel.com. We are located within The Watergate Hotel, our elegant yet contemporary restaurant features fine dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Valet Parking is $15 for dining.

A photo of Matera DC restaurant

7. Matera DC

4.3

Awesome(136)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Foggy Bottom

Booked 10 times today

Matera is a cozy, elegant Italian neighborhood restaurant set in historical Foggy Bottom neighborhood of D.C.

A photo of The Henri restaurant

8. The Henri

4.6

Exceptional(193)

$$$$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 The Grill restaurant

9. The Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1435)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 23 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 Avenue Grill restaurant

10. Avenue Grill

4.7

Exceptional(313)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 1 time 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

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

From verified diners like you

R
roy
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Never fails to be a great experience. The only issue we've had in many years of coming back to Zatinya is noise. This time we arrived at 5 PM for a 6 PM reservation and it was quieter than usual. They were simply fantastic, acknowledged our anniversary and made the night special. But all visits to this superb restaurant are special
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
AN
AlyN
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 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.
More info
BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
•
4.6
L
Larry
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great food, friendly service, nice atmosphere. And the specials are reasonably priced. Ordering ala carte could get expensive, but still great food.
More info
OyamelPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
E
Edwardvip
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 Nov 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
E
Emily
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •11 reviews
4.0
Dined on 18 Nov 2024
Went for a dinner with friends and it was nice, food was good, just a tad loud.
More info
CIRCA at Foggy BottomPrice: Moderate• American• Foggy Bottom
•
4.6

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