Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

Review summary

1. J

   Jamie

   Washington DC

   7 reviews

   3.0

   7 reviews

   Dined today

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

   We had to move three times because their lights were flickering and my wife is photo sensitive to strobe lights. The service was so slow, after 2 hours we still had two courses left, which we had to take to go. The kicker: when we got home, we didn't get the quail that was promised or the 2nd creme brulee we asked for. Way over priced, too slow to reliably go before a show and the lightening is a hazard for photo sensitive people.
   

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2. P

   Patrick

   Washington DC

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   Not happy. They gave us a limited choice 4-course $150 each prepaid menu. This is particularly not good for someone like my wife who is vegetarian. We barely ate what was given to us after spending more than $350 for our meals. We will not be eating dinner at the Kingbird on NYE unless they change their menu.
   

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3. K

   Kim

   Washington DC

   4 reviews

   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

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

   This is the quietest restaurant I’ve been to in years. For that reason alone I may go back. I ordered lamb chops. First one was thin and a bit dry. Second and third were huge, but raw inside. Honestly it was lamb sushi! The waiter took them back, but then I had to wait 10 minutes or more for my plate to return with three new lamb chops, which were cooked medium rare. Unfortunately my companions were finished eating by the time my food reappeared, so they had to twiddle their thumbs while I ate. The mushroom side arrived after my chops were taken back to the kitchen, so they got cold while I waited. The other problem with the restaurant is that it’s hard to find. If you come for dinner before a show at the Kennedy Center, it’s a longer walk than you’ll expect. There is no sign outside for the restaurant. You must find the hotel’s black awning and then go around back. There’s no sign outside or inside. Once inside, you still need someone to guide you to the restaurant. It’s really stupid. All in all, it was an aggravating experience, but since it was quiet I could chat with my friends, which is impossible to do at most restaurants. Gold star for noise level!
   

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4. V

   Vivian

   VIP

   Washington DC

   79 reviews

   4.0

   79 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

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

   Friendly service by Henry who was very kind. good seafood tower and fig burrata dish. Overall restaurant is on the pricier side for entrees but it has nice ambiance.
   

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5. M

   Michael

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   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 2 days ago

   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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6. K

   Kyra

   Chicago

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 3 days 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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7. D

   David

   Raleigh

   18 reviews

   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined 3 days 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 2 days ago

   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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8. M

   Mark

   Washington DC

   13 reviews

   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined 3 days 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 2 days ago

   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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9. S

   Shelly

   Richmond

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days 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 2 days ago

   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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10. C

    Chris

    Baltimore

    22 reviews

    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 3 days 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 2 days ago

    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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