Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

Review summary

1. M

   Michael

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Great service and food. Staff friendly and helpful. However, lighting was not great. We had to use our cellphone flashlight to see the menu. And the "music" was annoying, with only the repetitive bass thumping away as if someone was holding a microphone to their heart.
   

   Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded today

   Dear Michael, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Kingbird! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the service and food, and we truly appreciate your kind words about our friendly and helpful staff. We’re sorry to hear that the lighting was not ideal for reading the menu—your comfort and experience. We look forward to welcoming you back soon and hope to provide an even better experience next time. Kingbird Team,
   

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2. K

   Kyra

   Chicago

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Beautiful food, loved as a pre-theater experience.
   

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3. D

   David

   Raleigh

   18 reviews

   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Kingbird restaurant is an absolute gem, especially for anyone heading to a Kennedy Center performance. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, striking the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Our server was exceptional—not only attentive but also incredibly thoughtful about our schedule. They ensured that each course was perfectly timed, so we could enjoy a relaxed meal without worrying about missing our show. They even recommended the best walking route to the Kennedy Center, saving us at least five minutes—something we greatly appreciated! The food was outstanding. Every dish we tried was a delightful blend of flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s mastery of Italian cuisine. The fresh pasta was a particular highlight, cooked to perfection and paired with rich, satisfying sauces. The portion sizes were just right: filling but not overwhelming, leaving us satisfied without feeling uncomfortable. To top it all off, the desserts were truly amazing—a sweet conclusion to a fantastic meal. Whether you’re stopping in for a special occasion or pairing it with an evening at the Kennedy Center, Kingbird offers a dining experience you won’t forget.
   

   Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded today

   Dear David, Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review of your experience at Kingbird! We’re so pleased to hear that our restaurant served as the perfect spot for your evening before the Kennedy Center performance. We strive to create an atmosphere that is both elegant and comfortable, and we’re glad it made such a positive impression on you. We’re especially happy to hear that our server provided exceptional service, ensuring your meal was perfectly timed and that you had a smooth journey to the show. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable dining experience, whether for a special occasion or as a pre-show treat. Kingbird Team.
   

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4. M

   Mark

   Washington DC

   12 reviews

   5.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We had brunch before going to see a show at the Kennedy Center. Great food, good service. Loved the fresh French pastries to share at the table and the dessert bar was pretty nice too.
   

   Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded today

   Dear Mark, Thank you for choosing Kingbird for brunch before your show at the Kennedy Center! We’re so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your meal and the service. The fresh French pastries and dessert bar are some of our favorites too, and we’re delighted that they added a special touch to your experience. We hope your show was just as enjoyable, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful meal—whether it’s brunch, dinner, or a special occasion! Kingbird Team,
   

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5. S

   Shelly

   Richmond

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a reservation and were seated promptly. As a vegetarian, I had several options and chose the kale caesar salad and the agnolotti. Both were delicious and the kale was properly massaged and tender. Others in my party had the salmon, the squid ink, the risotto, and the chicken parm, and all were impressed. Service was impeccable and the restaurant is beautiful. I'd have loved to spend time in one of the greenhouse pods as they looked quite posh, but we were on a time crunch to see a show next door at the Kennedy Center. The staff advised us of the shortcut out the back of the Kingbird to get to the Kennedy Center which was helpful (and a quick easy walk - 5 minutes tops and open/lit such that we didn't feel uncomfortable walking at night). Earlier in the day, we stopped at the Kingbird bar for the artisan cheese plate and a couple cocktails and that was perfect for 2. It's not something I can afford every day but it definitely made for an excellent night out to see John Oliver next door.
   

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   Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded today

   Dear Shelly, Thank you for sharing your delightful experience at Kingbird! We’re thrilled to hear that your evening with us was perfect and that our vegetarian options like the Kale Caesar Salad and Agnolotti left a lasting impression. It’s wonderful to know that your entire party enjoyed their meals, from the Salmon to the Chicken Parm! We’re especially glad that our service and ambiance enhanced your night and that the team was able to assist with the shortcut to the Kennedy Center—it's always our pleasure to make your visit seamless and enjoyable. Thank you again for your kind words. We look forward to welcoming you back soon, and we hope you’ll have the chance to enjoy our greenhouse pods next time! Kingbird Team,
   

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6. C

   Chris

   Baltimore

   22 reviews

   4.0

   22 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   We enjoyed our dinner very much, and the attention to detail from the staff made it worth the trip! We recommend the breadbasket and squash soup as pupus. The restaurant has a convenient exit towards the Kennedy Center too if you don't mind a fire exit style dimanond steel staircase. The walk took about 10 minutes from exiting Kingbird to getting past the Concert Hall ticket scans.
   

   Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded today

   Dear Chris, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Kingbird! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your dinner and that our team’s attention to detail made your visit worthwhile. It’s great to know that the convenient Kennedy Center exit helped with your plans, even with its unique staircase. We’re happy it made for an efficient and easy walk to your show. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable evening, whether for a pre-show meal or simply a relaxing dinner. Kingbird Team,
   

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7. R

   Rebecca

   Washington DC

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We love the Kingbird and often go there before performances at the Kennedy Center, however this evening we decided to go just for dinner as a Christmas treat (yay! a day where I did not have to cook!). The staff was lovely -- superior service. The waiter was attentive -- orders were placed and drinks and food arrived just at the time you would expect them to. We were not rushed and we also did not have to peer around looking for a waiter. Really, really great service. The drinks and the food were delicious. My husband and son had the filet mignon and I had the salmon, with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and mushrooms for sides. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted wonderful. The music is funky -- kind of chill house music, but low enough to be able to converse normally. The restaurant is set-up so that so that there is room between the tables and the noise level is low. Overall, a fabulous experience. I *highly* recommend the Kingbird for anyone looking for an elegant, relaxed meal.
   

   Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded today

   Dear Rebecca, Thank you for sharing your delightful experience at Kingbird! We are thrilled that you chose us for your Christmas treat and that we could provide you with a well-deserved night off from cooking. We’re glad to hear that our team made you feel cared for with attentive, perfectly timed service, allowing you to relax and enjoy the evening without a worry. And it’s great to hear you appreciated the ambiance, from the chill house music to the thoughtfully spaced tables ensuring a peaceful, elegant dining experience. Thank you for your high recommendation! We hope to welcome you back soon, whether it’s before a Kennedy Center performance or for another special occasion. Kingbird Team,
   

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8. J

   Judith

   VIP

   London

   24 reviews

   5.0

   24 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The pre-theatre dinner was a delicious three course meal. The service was very attentive and prompt. This was our first visit, but it won’t be our last!
   

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   Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded 1 day ago

   Dear Judith, Thank you for the glowing feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the pre-theatre dinner and that our service met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back for many more memorable dining experiences! Kingbird Team.
   

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9. S

   Starr

   Baltimore

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   Overall experience Underwhelming.. severs excellent. Drinks were completely off… and food was mid
   

   Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded 1 day ago

   Dear Starr, Thank you for your honest feedback. We're glad to hear our servers provided excellent service, but we’re sorry to learn the food and drinks didn’t meet your expectations. Your input is invaluable, and we are working on a new menu that will have a larger selection. We hope you'll give us another chance to impress you. Kingbird Team.
   

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10. J

    JoBeth

    Orlando

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    One of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The Shirley Temple’s are THE BEST In D.C.!!! (They were tried everywhere by our teenage sons!) Great! Great! Great! 10/10 recommend!
    

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    Kingbird at The Watergate HotelResponded 1 day ago

    Dear JoBeth, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed one of the best steaks you've ever had and that our Shirley Temples were a hit with your sons—what an honor to be their top pick in D.C.! We can’t wait to welcome you back for another exceptional experience. Kingbird Team,
    

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