Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Alexandria

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianFrenchSpanishPizzeriaTapas / Small Plates

Regions

District of Columbia

Neighborhoods

Capitol HillDowntownDupont CircleLogan CirclePenn QuarterSouthwest Waterfront

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for craft beer

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

9 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. The Grill

4.5

Awesome(1535)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 33 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.

2. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(11209)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 143 times today

Imagined through the creative lens of Chef José Andrés and his team, Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain by showcasing the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine. Celebrating the traditional as well as the cutting-edge, Jaleo offers a taste of Spain in a festive, stylish, and casual atmosphere.

3. Station 4

3.8

Excellent(3881)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Waterfront

Booked 28 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 Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant

4. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.6

Exceptional(1658)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 56 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.

5. Avenue Grill

3.7

Very Good(319)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 8 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

6. Tosca

4.9

Exceptional(4574)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 38 times today

Currently open for lunch and dinner. Ristorante Tosca offers the finest in contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Tosca serves Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, using a creative approach that respects the great traditions of Tuscan gastronomy. Tosca combines modern style and elegance to create an intimate and comfortable setting. Tosca implements a dress code and proper attire is required. We do not allow athletic wear, shorts, beach attire, tank tops, flip flops, or torn or excessively revealing clothing. We reserve the right to determine if a guest needs to adjust their attire before being seated.We no longer offer valet parking, we do validate at dinner in our parking garage located on 11th St, NW

7. Belga Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(4792)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Belgian • Capitol Hill

Booked 18 times today

Step into the heart of Brussels without leaving Capitol Hill at Belga Café, a charming Belgian bistro where European tradition meets modern flair. Chef Bart Vandaele—Belgian native and former Top Chef contender—crafts a menu that celebrates bold flavors, refined techniques, and the warmth of brasserie culture. From signature moules-frites and house-made waffles to innovative seasonal dishes and an expertly curated beer list, every plate tells a story of passion and heritage. The intimate, stylish space offers a cozy backdrop for brunch, dinner, or a casual drink at the lively bar. With a focus on authenticity, hospitality, and creativity, Belga Café invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the best of Belgian cuisine right in Washington, D.C.

A photo of Dupont Italian Kitchen restaurant

8. Dupont Italian Kitchen

4.3

Awesome(183)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 8 times today

In the mood for some fresh homemade Italian food? Dupont Italian Kitchen has been serving up fresh homemade Italian dishes since 1986. We offer great food, unbeatable prices, and we’re conveniently located in the heart of Dupont Circle. Stop by and visit us.

9. Cafe Riggs

4.8

Exceptional(179)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Penn Quarter

Booked 3 times today

In the grand tradition of French cuisine, Café Riggs presents a contemporary American brasserie that reimagines classic dishes within a vibrant setting.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Alice
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious food beautifully presented and served promptly. Always a memorable meal at Jaleo.
More info
Jaleo - DCPrice: Moderate• Spanish• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
R
Rebecca
Washington, D.C. Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
My friends and I had a wonderful experience! We got five small plates for three of us to share and it was a perfect amount of food. Our waiter was excellent, and everything tasted amazing. We’ll be back!
More info
Gypsy Kitchen - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Logan Circle
•
4.6
D
DanielVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The service was impeccable. I would share the names if I could remember. The host (black man) greeted us impeccably. Our server (black man) was impeccable.
More info
The GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.5
S
Sharon
1 review
5.0
Dined on May 28, 2025
This restaurant was excellent. The prices were reasonable.
More info
Avenue GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
3.7
C
Corinne
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
Louder than i anticipated but the food made up for it, great prices and the shrimp shakshouka was incredible.
More info
Station 4Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Waterfront
•
3.8

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