Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in McPherson Square

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Bresca

4.7

Exceptional(878)

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 Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant

2. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.6

Exceptional(1588)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 70 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.

3. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19387)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 323 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 Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant

4. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.8

Exceptional(1559)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Logan Circle

Booked 29 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.

5. The Henri

4.6

Exceptional(199)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter

Booked 6 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 Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel restaurant

7. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

4.1

Excellent(2243)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Foggy Bottom

Booked 43 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.

8. The Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1457)

Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 50 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.

9. La Piquette

4.8

Exceptional(2950)

Price: Expensive

• French • Cleveland Park

Booked 35 times today

Dear Guests,A neighborhood Bistrot located in Cleveland Park that stays faithful to its French roots offering the best French dishes on this side of the AtlanticExecutive Chef Francis Layrle prepares a daily menu with farm raised and seasonal fresh ingredients. The bar offers a carefully curated wine selection and house cocktails. La Piquette presents an authentic bistrot atmosphere the way it is meant to be: fun, simple and delicious.

10. Avenue Grill

4.7

Exceptional(315)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 4 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CherieVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Impeccable! Cannot wait to go again to try some more of the menu. We had baba ghannouge, fries with labneh, smoked beet salad, mujadara, imam bayildi, garides me anitho, lamb baharat and lamb kelftiko. Every single dish had a perfectly- balanced complexity of flavors that made want to sing. The food has inspired me to attempt some of these dishes at home.
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
K
Karla
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 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
S
Sue
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food, great service, we keep going back. Highly recommend this place!
More info
Gypsy Kitchen - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Logan Circle
•
4.6
K
Kathryn
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 Dec 2024
It was my first visit to Pearl Dive and the food was fresh and fantastic. It won’t be my last visit.
More info
Pearl Dive Oyster PalacePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Logan Circle
•
4.8
C
CindyVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •72 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 Dec 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 McPherson Square

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Bresca

2. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

3. Zaytinya - DC

4. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

5. The Henri

6. Clyde's of Gallery Place

7. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

8. The Grill

9. La Piquette

10. Avenue Grill

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable