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  5. Foggy Bottom

Roof Terrace Restaurant & Bar

3.8
3.8
6525 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Enjoy a fantastic culinary experience and unequaled skyline views through two-story windows high above the Potomac River. The contemporary interior features chrome, glass, suede, and wood with accents of granite. Check out the critically-acclaimed Sunday Kitchen Buffet Brunch. The Roof Terrace Restaurant & Bar is located on the Roof Terrace level of the Kennedy Center above the Hall of Nations. Check out our menu: http://roofterracedc.com/

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Open before evening performances in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall and Opera House only. We do recommend to book your reservation 1.5 hours to 2 hours prior to the show. Dinner: Reservations from 5:00PM to last seating at 6:45PM, Bistro and Lounge section available with no reservations. Hours vary according to the shows. Sunday Brunch: Reservations from 11:00am to the last seating at 1:00pm (Hours for Special Events, such as Easter and Mother's Day may differ)

  • Phone number

    (202) 416-8555

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Jaime Montes de Oca Jr.

  • Catering

    On performance nights, we can host a wonderful pre-show dining experience for up to 90 people in our Main Dining Room. On non-performance nights the entire dining room can captivate up to 250 for dinner with spectacular skyline views from Georgetown to the Monuments. Smaller parties can enjoy a more personal setting in the Private Dining Room, which can seat 30. We offer three and four-course dinner menus.

  • Private party facilities

    Smaller parties can enjoy a more personal setting in the Private Dining Room, which can seat 30 for dinner and up to 40 for a reception. The Private Dining Room features a warm palette with shimmering lighting on wood and mirrored walls just perfect for intimate, private dining experience.

  • Private party contact

    Jennifer Post: (202) 416-8022

  • Neighborhood

    Foggy Bottom

  • Cross street

    Virginia Avenue NW

  • Parking details

    Three levels of garage parking are available under the Kennedy Center. Very limited street parking available in the surrounding area.

  • Public transit

    The Kennedy Center provides free shuttle service to/from Foggy Bottom Metro (Orange, Blue and Silver Lines).

  • Entertainment

    Our Sunday Jazz Brunch features live Jazz nearly every Sunday from 11:00AM to 2:00PM. Our New Year's Eve dining will feature live Jazz from 5:00PM until after midnight.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 6,525 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.8
3.8 based on all time ratings
  • 3.8Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 3.8Ambience
  • 3.4Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. Skip

    Richmond

    38 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We had Dinner before the play. We did request to be seated next to a window when we made the reservation, but had to re-state our request after being led to another table. Our waiter was attentive and polite.
  2. StephenB

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2021

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Setting is gorgeous, food and service were great. The only hiccup was that they didn’t have the reservation made and confirmed through Open Table and told me that they now use a different system. To their credit, they sat us anyway but it does cause me to question how much I can rely on a reservation made through OpenTable?
  3. Dick

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Salmon was superb. Server was attentive, conscientious and patient.
  4. VeeLee

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2021

    overall3food1service5ambience5
    The appetizer, drinks, meat was all tasty. The Brussel sprouts had not seasoning and the macaroni and cheese taste like pasta and paste. It spoiled my evening not to have the full experience at the restaurant 😒
  5. Bish

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2021

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    A fine evening of dinning. Wonderful setting and good service.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2021

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Wonderful option when attending event at The Kennedy Center. Long term service employees and very good food options.
  7. Eggs

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2021

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    We wanted to sit near a window, but were informed that this was not an option, though there was no mention of it in the reservation process. The service was good until the end of our meal, when the restaurant got busy, and our waiter disappeared. It took twenty minutes for him to process our payment, inexplicably. The food was good, though expensive; nothing special, I would say.
  8. LloydBitt

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We were very disappointed when we arrived as they said we did not have a reservation. We got a table anyway, but this should not happen.
  9. MertonH

    Washington DC

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went to theater
  10. SueH

    Washington DC

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2021

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We were so pleased that the Roof Terrace at Kennedy Center has reopened! The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and the service was attentive and professional. The menu is similar to the past version, with a few new additions. The lamb chops were excellent, perfectly prepared and arranged on a bed of sweet potato/brussels sprouts slaw. The filet was also very good. The wine list is varied and bar service is available as well. We also enjoyed the dessert menu, especially the citrus creme brulee. It was nice to see the place fill up with diners (with tables well-spaced). We had a lovely dinner!
  11. Chefnot

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2021

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    Service was nonexistant. We arrived 1 hour and a half hours before our show so we could enjoy a leisurely meal.The room was full. We ordered soon after we arrived. After 45 minutes without our entriees we started searching for our waiter. After getting his attention he told us it would arrive shortly . It did not. In fact by the time we began our meal the room was empty. In fact, the only way we ever received food was thru the intervention of the manager, who also comped our meal.
  12. Upfromcolumbia

    Baltimore

    61 reviews

    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Glad to enjoy a wonderful meal there again.
  13. JackL

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2021

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    A lot of confusion over the checks by us and numerous other diners. The scriber benefit (10%) was not deducted from the bill and the staff was given the scriber benefits card. A tip of 15% was also added to the bill without any prior notification. We have been subscribers for over 25 years and almost always eat at the Roof Top Terrace before every show. This is the worst experience we have ever had.
  14. Dpostrophe

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So glad they are reopened! The renovation is gorgeous. Great ambiance and service. Everyone is trying so hard to get back in the swing of things!
  15. HeideF

    Washington DC

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2021

    overall4food3service1ambience3
    Terrible service. We were greeted and seated well but then left without attention and had a lot of trouble getting any. We waited more than 30 min between appetizer and main - no update, no bread, no explanation as to why. My lamb was terribly undercooked but considering how long we waited for it we had no time to return it given we were there for a show. Then it took nearly 15 min to alert the waiter that we wanted to pay and another 15 to actually pay. Everyone else way laying and leaving for the show and we were stuck. I thought this was a special treat prior to a show at the Kennedy Center but next time we will dine off site.
  16. JustJeff

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    so ... we had a reservation, but did not go! why??? because we all be quarantined and the Kennedy Center is shut down! nonetheless, we are enjoying the Millennium Stage virtually with live streaming and are certain that the restaurant would have been excellent as usual if we had been able to go!!!
  17. AndrewS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2020

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We had the sweet potato bisque, scallops (a pricey $36 appetizer!), and crème brulee for dessert. We shared the scallops, which were very fresh and paired with spaghetti squash. The dessert was perfect but best of all was our server Theo, who ensured we were able to complete a leisurely meal and depart in time for the 7:30 curtain for Giovanni.
  18. PeterK

    Baltimore

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an awesome experience! A wonderful place with fantastic views. The food was outstanding!!!!
  19. GaryS

    Baltimore

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and view were great. The decor is blah.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthdays!!!
  21. ClaudiaJ

    Portland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Exceptional quality and quantity of food. Gorgeous fish, creative salads, generous display of great variety for brunch. Lovely music selection and stellar view.
  22. RachaelE

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    There is absolutely no privacy . The seats were so close I can tell you the entire argument the couple seated next to us was having!
  23. NaimaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    wONDERFUL SERVICE AND FOOD wE WERE A PARTY OF FIVE AND ALL WAS REALLY GOOD..
  24. RobertO

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Attending a performance at the Kennedy Center and dinning at Roof Terrace Resturant is so convenient.
  25. JMike

    Washington DC

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food4service3ambience5
    Fantastic dinner option for pre theater/opera performance. Food and menu options are above average. great view since the restaurant is on the "Roof" level of the Kennedy Center.
  26. CarlaB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    Although this place was nice with a nice view, I am thoroughly upset that the food is so expensive, that they pulled my meal out of a microwave. I ordered then not even 5 minutes go by and my food is ready. I ordered Australian Lamb Rack. It was luke warm. The best thing I received was the French martini. Compliments to the bartender. The waiter was excellent. I want a refund that’s how bad it was. I am assuming they do not have a real functioning kitchen. They should. My food was $38. You are only paying for the view. I could have just went up there without dinner and on to the rooftop. I am utterly disappointed.
  27. DavidS

    Philadelphia

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    The roof terrace restaurant seems geared toward those attending a show at the Kennedy Center. The menu is focused but has a reasonable range of choices. The waitstaff and kitchen are experienced in getting dinners through their meal in time for the show without their feeling rushed. The food quality is excellent. We have had at least 6 meals at this restaurant over the past several years and all have been very nice. The bar is great. The cocktails are very professional. There is a reasonable wine by the glass list.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 6, 2020

    overall2food3service3ambience1
    Poor atmosphere, too pricey for pre-plated lukewarm food
  29. LinL

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2020

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Pleasant ambiance with extraordinary convenience. Service was professional and knowledgeable. Food decent but not extraordinary.
  30. luvnyc

    Washington DC

    71 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2020

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    I requested a window table - fairly certain I requested it when I reserved. I asked the maitre'd who did not make eye contact with me. The woman who brought us to a table in the middle of the room was unfriendly. We asked again to be seated at the window - there were many available tables without reserved signs on the table. We did not get a window table - we were seated one row back. Menu is not designed for those can't digest spicy foods. Very little choice for us. The small dessert menu offered the strangest unappealing combos. The Harney tea selection offered just 4 different teas - so disappointing as Harney has a wide variety of delicious teas. I ordered a side of roasted vegetables which was not served with the entree. I had to ask the server. The server was a bit brusque. Bottom line, wouldn't go back: the menu, the service and the unfriendliness of the maitre'd left much to be desired.
  31. BBK2020MD

    Key West

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2020

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    A lovely experience to be had. The view makes it worthwhile. I am critical about food and service - so that being said, it's average but I didn't come here for the food, I came for the experience and that did not disappoint.
  32. formerteacher

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely. It was an outstanding meal. Scrumptious cocktails. Interesting and delicious food. And so convenient to the opera.
  33. Jacques

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2020

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    What about a restaurant where the main course arrives 2 minutes after the appetizer, while you’re busy eating what just came in? And the server just drops the plates somewhere on your table and disappears, leaving them to cool at room temperature. And the main course (striped bass) didn’t need to be rushed in: it was bland to the point of being taste free. I tried hard to find some flavor, to no avail. Also, a glass of Sancerre will set you back $19.00, which is the price of a nice bottle of the same wine. At 4.5 glasses per bottle, that’s a 450% mark up. Had been there before and had the charcuterie, better stick to that: there’s no cooking involved so hard to mess it up. Also, it’s at room temperature so doesn’t really matter when they bring it. Foolproof choice.
  34. annie

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2020

    overall2food1service1ambience3
    While the menu is tempting, the food quality is uniformly poor.
  35. Alison

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food served very well. We got to our opera on time
  36. OperaLover

    New Orleans

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful pre-opera experience. Menu has nice options, Duck was great!
  37. JohnG

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Delicious food with great choices- special mention to the varied and imaginative vegetables and -as always- the omlett station.
  38. localeater

    Washington DC

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent. We enjoyed the scallops and the duck, and dessert. Wait staff were friendly and very attentive. Very nice atmosphere.
  39. AlexandriaM

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    I came here for my fiance's birthday. Staff was very friendly and prompt. I will say that the food was just ok for the price point. It is also not an "intimate" ambiance since tables are close together and go toward the middle of the dining room. I wish the seating arrangements were a little more private and intimate.
  40. RAYMONDL

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    My friend and I were attending a performance at the Eisenhower Theater. The food was excellent, the service was prompt and courteous and we were right on time for the performance. The experience was perfect.

FAQs

Roof Terrace Restaurant & Bar is rated 3.8 stars by 6525 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Roof Terrace Restaurant & Bar

The John F. Kennedy Center, Washington, DC 20566

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Virginia Avenue NW

  • Neighborhood

    Foggy Bottom

  • Hours of operation

    Open before evening performances in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall and Opera House only. We do recommend to book your reservation 1.5 hours to 2 hours prior to the show. Dinner: Reservations from 5:00PM to last seating at 6:45PM, Bistro and Lounge section available with no reservations. Hours vary according to the shows. Sunday Brunch: Reservations from 11:00am to the last seating at 1:00pm (Hours for Special Events, such as Easter and Mother's Day may differ)

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Three levels of garage parking are available under the Kennedy Center. Very limited street parking available in the surrounding area.

  • Public transit

    The Kennedy Center provides free shuttle service to/from Foggy Bottom Metro (Orange, Blue and Silver Lines).

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Jaime Montes de Oca Jr.

  • Entertainment

    Our Sunday Jazz Brunch features live Jazz nearly every Sunday from 11:00AM to 2:00PM. Our New Year's Eve dining will feature live Jazz from 5:00PM until after midnight.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (202) 416-8555

  • Catering

    On performance nights, we can host a wonderful pre-show dining experience for up to 90 people in our Main Dining Room. On non-performance nights the entire dining room can captivate up to 250 for dinner with spectacular skyline views from Georgetown to the Monuments. Smaller parties can enjoy a more personal setting in the Private Dining Room, which can seat 30. We offer three and four-course dinner menus.

  • Private party facilities

    Smaller parties can enjoy a more personal setting in the Private Dining Room, which can seat 30 for dinner and up to 40 for a reception. The Private Dining Room features a warm palette with shimmering lighting on wood and mirrored walls just perfect for intimate, private dining experience.

  • Private party contact

    Jennifer Post: (202) 416-8022

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