Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Shaw

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArlingtonCapitol HillDowntownDupont CircleFoggy BottomLogan Circle

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

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

21 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3960)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 32 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

2. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.6

Exceptional(1665)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 36 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. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(11242)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 114 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.

4. The Grill

4.5

Awesome(1543)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 34 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 Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant

5. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.8

Exceptional(1626)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Logan Circle

Booked 19 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.

6. Avenue Grill

3.8

Excellent(321)

$$$$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

7. China Chilcano

4.7

Exceptional(3863)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Penn Quarter

Booked 52 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.

8. Mallard

4.9

Exceptional(180)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • Logan Circle

Booked 7 times today

At Mallard, Chef Johnson will apply classic and global techniques to the culinary traditions of the south while incorporating the best local and regional ingredients available. Undergirding it all will be a sense of hospitality rooted in Johnson’s memories of the family table. Mallard’s menu will range from Chef Johnson’s take on classics like Shrimp and Grits with Smoked Pork, Piquillo Peppers, and Tabasco-Shellfish Nage and Wild-Caught Blue Catfish with Poached Oysters, Summer Corn, and Smoked Trout Roe to new creations like Seared Sea Scallops with Cracklin’ Cornbread, Charred Peaches and Dandelion Greens and Crisp Berkshire Pork Trotters with Ramp Chow Chow, Sunny-Side-Up Egg, and Edisto Island Grits. Dessert options include Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Rhubarb and Almond Shortbread and Banana Puddin’ with Cracker Jacks and Nilla Wafers.

A photo of Sette Osteria - 14th St restaurant

9. Sette Osteria - 14th St

4.0

Excellent(761)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Logan Circle

Booked 10 times today

Sette, Italian for seven, exudes luck and tradition. Our restaurant blends comfort and Italian charm with exposed bricks, creating a cozy yet sophisticated vibe. Sette Osteria isn't just a spot; it's a destination drawing people in from the streets. Our open pizza station is a visual delight, and our windows showcase the vibrant scenes of 14th street. Rustic and refined, Sette captures the essence of Italian culture with an international buzz. It's not just a place to eat; it's a celebration. Come for the food, stay for the vibes, and let Sette elevate your dining experience.

A photo of Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel restaurant

10. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

4.4

Awesome(2328)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Foggy Bottom

Booked 11 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

M
Michelle
Hawaii •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Well as always we have always had amazing food and service here at the Grill, and this time was no exception. The hospitality from the hosting staff was so warm and welcoming and helped us do a little surprise party for my sister and nephew. Chase our waiter was equally amazing as was our food. The kindness and friendliness helped make our occasion extra special and we can’t thank everyone enough. This one of the many reason we continue to frequent your restaurant. Thank you once again for helping make our visit fun and special.
More info
The GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.5
M
Marie
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I will get this place five stars. I came on a busy Friday night and even thought they were jammed back my waitress was attentive to my party. The food came in a fast, timely manner. I got a lemon drop martini and also the hummus with lamb. Will be returning soon.
More info
Gypsy Kitchen - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Logan Circle
•
4.6
P
peter
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Very cool place, eclectic ambience, very warm, helpful staff, and the cuisine was excellent! We would go back there anytime.
More info
Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
•
4.7
S
SusanVIP
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 23, 2025
Delicious, creative and efficiently served foods to complete well designed social settings.
More info
Jaleo - DCPrice: Moderate• Spanish• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
D
Dan
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 22, 2025
Great place was in from out of town and had a wonderful brunch there
More info
Pearl Dive Oyster PalacePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Logan Circle
•
4.8

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