Best Restaurants Near the Kennedy Center in Washington DC

Great places to dine before or after the show

By
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions.
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Updated on 06/09/19
Founding Farmers facade

Founding Farmers/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Looking to enjoy a great meal at a restaurant near the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC? Many restaurants offer pre-theater menus with special pricing for an early dinner. Be sure to check the distance between the restaurant and the theater and leave enough time to get to your show.

The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F. St. NW, Washington, DC in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. The closest Metro station is Foggy Bottom/George Washington University.

Restaurants Near the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center has two onsite restaurants: Roof Terrace Restaurant and KC Cafe. The Roof Terrace offers a three-course prix fixe menu or a la carte dining for dinner and a Sunday Brunch. Reservations are recommended, call (202) 416-8555. KC Cafe is a casual dining restaurant offering sandwiches, salads and a variety of specials.

Campono - 600 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC. (202) 505-4000. Located just steps from the Kennedy Center, Robert Kinkead’s newest restaurant is a casual Italian eatery serving pizza, submarine sandwiches, salads, and gelato.

Magic Gourd Restaurant - 528 23rd St NW Washington DC (202) 466-3995. The Chinese restaurant has been a Foggy Bottom neighborhood mainstay for more than 30 years.

Tonic Restaurant - 2036 G St NW, Washington, DC (202) 296-0211. The restaurant serves American comfort food and is popular among George Washington University students. Menu includes burgers, fish tacos, mac & cheese, steak & smash, pizzas, salads and sandwiches.

Dish + Drinks - The River Inn, 924 25th St NW, Washington, DC (202) 338-8707. The trendy dining spot features contemporary reinventions of American classics including fresh, local foods made from seasonal produce. Reservations are recommended.

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom - 2221 I St NW, Washington, DC (202) 506-5589. The local bistro serves American style cuisine with an international fair. An extensive wine list, popular outdoor patio.

District Commons - 2200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington DC (202) 587-8277. District Commons celebrates American cuisine highlighting seasonal, sustainable seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables, house-baked artisanal bread and pastries.

Jardenea - The Melrose Georgetown Hotel, 2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC (202) 955-6400. Jardenea presents an upscale American menu featuring fresh products from sustainable farms, fisheries, foragers and artisans. Reservations are recommended.

Founding Farmers - 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC (202) 822-8783. The award-winning restaurant features American food made with ingredients from high-quality sources, regionally whenever possible. The restaurant has an interesting decor with old wood, comfortable seating and beautiful community farm tables. Reservations are necessary as the restaurant is often booked far in advance.