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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Kensington

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15 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien restaurant
1. Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien
4.8
Exceptional(682)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vietnamese • Washington
Booked 69 times today
Moon Rabbit is a highly-regarded Vietnamese restaurant situated in the heart of Washington D.C., drawing inspiration from the virtuous rabbit depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tale. Led by acclaimed Chef Kevin Tien, the restaurant embodies an innovative approach to Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing a menu that is both unique and complex. Chef Tien's main objective is to pay tribute to his heritage as a first-generation Asian American, using Moon Rabbit as a platform for expressing his love for Vietnamese culture and food.
A photo of Tabard Inn restaurant
2. Tabard Inn
4.7
Exceptional(3926)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle
Booked 65 times today
Since our early days as a tea room, we’ve been a respite for locals and visitors alike, offering a haven for conversation and memorable cuisine. The tradition continues as our culinary team has curated an inventive and elevated menu through New American cuisine while paying homage to the beloved dishes that have been served at the Tabard Inn for years. Join us for a meal on our covered patio or one of our intimate dining rooms. Or enjoy drinks and light fare in our historic fireplace lounge, where you can enjoy our creative cocktails! A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home.
A photo of Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant
3. Gypsy Kitchen - DC
4.6
Exceptional(1650)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Logan Circle
Booked 60 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
4.2
Awesome(2315)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Foggy Bottom
Booked 12 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.
A photo of The Henri restaurant
5. The Henri
4.6
Exceptional(233)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter
Booked 11 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 China Chilcano restaurant
6. China Chilcano
4.7
Exceptional(3831)
Price: Moderate
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 57 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 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. China Chilcano ranks consistently as a top DC dining destination, and was awarded a bib gourmand in the 2017-2020 Michelin guides to Washington, DC.
A photo of Matera DC restaurant
7. Matera DC
4.6
Exceptional(170)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Foggy Bottom
Booked 1 time today
Matera is a cozy, elegant Italian neighborhood restaurant set in historical Foggy Bottom neighborhood of D.C.
A photo of Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant
8. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
4.7
Exceptional(1617)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Logan Circle
Booked 25 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.
A photo of Avenue Grill restaurant
9. Avenue Grill
3.8
Excellent(320)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 1 time 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 Dupont Italian Kitchen restaurant
10. Dupont Italian Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(181)
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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MariangelVIP
    Anchorage / Alaska •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Delicious food and amazing cocktails! Everything we tried was full of flavor and beautifully presented. The cocktails were a highlight — creative and perfectly balanced. The only downsides: it was quite noisy, and the portion sizes felt small for the price. Still, the overall experience was great. Perfect spot for a special dinner or stylish night out.
    More info
    Moon Rabbit by Kevin TienPrice: Very Expensive• Vietnamese• Washington
    •
    4.8
  • Lauren
    New York City •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We recently enjoyed the Spill the Tea experience at Kingbird in the Watergate Hotel and had a wonderful time. The wide selection of teas was impressive, offering something for every palate. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, making us feel welcome throughout our visit. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, complementing the tea perfectly. We also appreciated that we were not rushed, allowing us to fully savor the experience in the elegant and inviting atmosphere. Overall, a very enjoyable afternoon that we would gladly return to for a special occasion. Four stars for a delightful tea experience with excellent service and tasty food.
    More info
    Kingbird at The Watergate HotelPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Foggy Bottom
    •
    4.2
  • EricVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Excellent food and great service. Will be back!!!
    More info
    Gypsy Kitchen - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Logan Circle
    •
    4.6
  • Catherine
    Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We sat at the bar rather than a table and had a great experience with bar tender staff. The Red Drum with black eyed peas was delicious and a real treat.
    More info
    Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
    •
    4.7
  • Lara
    Baltimore / Maryland •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 26, 2025
    Our server, David, was amazing!!!! One of the best servers ever!!! He was so attentive, accommodating, and very informative!!!! The food was excellent! I had my two best friends with me and we loved everything we ordered!!! I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone!!!
    More info
    The HenriPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary European• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.6

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