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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Southwest Waterfront

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Grill restaurant
1. The Grill
4.7
Exceptional(1457)
Price: Expensive
• American • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 46 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 Zaytinya - DC restaurant
2. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19384)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 325 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
4.7
Exceptional(877)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor
Booked 30 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 Station 4 restaurant
4. Station 4
4.1
Excellent(3819)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Waterfront
Booked 35 times today
Discover Station 4 Restaurant, an oasis of creative cuisine nestled in the heart of Washington, DC. Just a block away from the Arena Stage and steps from the Wharf and Waterfront Metro Station/Green Line, our swanky setting offers the perfect atmosphere for your special foodie experience, date night, celebrations, birthdays, and more.Springtime at Station 4 is an unforgettable experience with our refreshing spring menu, vibrant seasonal cocktails, and enchanting Garden Room and patio. Revel in the delightful ambiance while enjoying Modern American and Creative New American dishes crafted with passion and flair.Since 2011, Station 4 has been a cornerstone of the thriving SW development, delighting guests with our commitment to exceptional service and culinary excellence. Join us for lunch, dinner, brunch, or happy hour and let us make your visit truly triumphant.We love your special request! So feel free to contact us directly!
A photo of The Henri restaurant
5. The Henri
4.6
Exceptional(199)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter
Booked 12 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 Clyde's of Gallery Place restaurant
6. Clyde's of Gallery Place
4.5
Awesome(7621)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 124 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
7. China Chilcano
4.6
Exceptional(3711)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 94 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 Avenue Grill restaurant
8. Avenue Grill
4.7
Exceptional(315)
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 Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant
9. Gypsy Kitchen - DC
4.6
Exceptional(1588)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Logan Circle
Booked 62 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
10. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel
4.1
Excellent(2242)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Foggy Bottom
Booked 33 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sasha
    Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We went for a birthday dinner and it was a great experience 10/10 and the waiter was exceptional and very informative.
    More info
    The GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Southwest Waterfront
    •
    4.7
  • SteveVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •32 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I’m always amazed at the consistency and high level experience at Zaytinya. We had the lunch tasting menu. Probably a total of 15 small plates. All were delicious and creative. Service and timing also impeccable.
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • Ursula
    Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had a party of six on Christmas afternoon and it was lovely. The food is great, centralized location, great plating, wide array of menu choices. Jasmine was a terrific waitress. We even asked to change table locations and it was accommodated with no stress. I can’t wait to visit DC again and come back to this great find!
    More info
    Station 4Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Waterfront
    •
    4.1
  • Karla
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Amazing. The taste was wonderful, every dish was very good. The wine also is so good. Cocktails are good, but not amazing, presentation of cocktails is quite normal. But the food, attention and wine was so good. I definitely recommend it. The taste the Christmas menu and was so good. And the pasta with cheese for my little one also wonderful
    More info
    BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
    •
    4.7
  • 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

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