Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Dupont Circle

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19379)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 99 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.

2. Bresca

4.7

Exceptional(869)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor

Booked 22 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 Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant

3. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.5

Awesome(1588)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 19 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

4. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

4.1

Excellent(2238)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Foggy Bottom

Booked 36 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.

5. The Henri

4.6

Exceptional(199)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter

Booked 4 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.

6. Matera DC

4.3

Awesome(145)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Foggy Bottom

Booked 3 times today

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

7. 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 Clyde's of Gallery Place restaurant

8. Clyde's of Gallery Place

4.6

Exceptional(7617)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 60 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 Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant

9. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.8

Exceptional(1558)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Logan Circle

Booked 4 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.

10. The Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1451)

Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 14 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

S
Sue
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, great service, we keep going back. Highly recommend this place!
More info
Gypsy Kitchen - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Logan Circle
•
4.5
A
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
A
Ashleigh
Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Server was spot on with his recommendations, asked us if we were going to the show and made sure we left on time! Food was delicious! Noise level perfect, we could easily talk to our friends without raising our voice!
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Kingbird at The Watergate HotelPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Foggy Bottom
•
4.1
S
SamVIP
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Another wonderful meal at Brasca, every time my girlfriend and I decide to go here it is beyond incredible. Alexandra was great and our service was perfect all around. We will be back.
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BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
•
4.7
C
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

Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Dupont Circle

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. Zaytinya - DC

2. Bresca

3. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

5. The Henri

6. Matera DC

7. Avenue Grill

8. Clyde's of Gallery Place

9. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

10. The Grill

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