Washington DC has no shortage of great food. There are many great restaurants near National Theater DC. Let’s first look at the restaurants that are under a 10 minute walk from the National Theatre in Washington DC.
Best Restaurants Near National Theater DC: Under A 10 Minute Walk
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Theatre is in the heart of Downtown DC. Here are the restaurants that are closest to National Theater DC. You can easily walk to and from any of these restaurants in under 10 minutes from your show. There are no shortage of dining options in this part of town.
Cafe Du Parc – French Fare Just 2 Minutes Away
Cafe Du Parc is located inside the historic Willard Intercontinental Hotel. This popular DC French restaurant is a quick 2 minute walk from the National Theatre. You can see their menu and offerings on their website. In the warmer months you can also enjoy outdoor seating alongside fresh food on their lovely patio.
Rania – Indian Restaurant Michelin Star Recipient
Rania DC is one of the few Indian restaurants in the country with a Michelin star. It is conveniently located a quick 7 to 8 minute walk from National Theater, and a stone’s throw from Ford’s Theater. Resident foodies will love checking this out as a pre-theater special.
They also offer happy hour from Tuesdays to Fridays from 5 to 7 PM. This happy hour includes both drink specials and some food specials. You can also experience their full menu items as well in the bar area of the restaurant.
The Henri – Trendy With Happy Hour Specials
The Henri is a short walk away from the National Theatre. It is located just around the corner from the National Theatre and it is right across the street from Warner Theatre.
The bar is here is very buzzy especially in the early evening hours, likely due to the happy hour. The food is tasty, but there are limited options here for vegetarians and vegans.
Old Ebbitt Grill – One Of DC’s Oldest Bars!
Old Ebbitt Grill is famous for being one of Washington DC’s most historic bars. This place is a great stop for people visiting DC who want to experience good times alongside with a solid dose of history.
The restaurant dates back to 1856 and serves classic dishes with a focus on seafood, steaks, and American comfort foods. It’s particularly well-known for its oyster bar. It has become a popular gathering place for journalists, politicians, and Washington insiders, reflecting its close proximity to the White House and the heart of the political scene in the U.S. capital.
The interior of Old Ebbitt Grill has mahogany paneling, velvet booths, and antique memorabilia. This helps to further enhance your experience when visiting here.
Jaleo By Jose Andres – Celebrity Chef
Jaleo is a 10 minute walk from National Theater DC. This Jose Andres restaurant has been a staple of the Penn Quarter neighborhood for many years.
Celebrity Chef Jose Andres has numerous restaurants throughout Washington DC. At this one in particular, you can dine at their large and comfortable bar or grab a table to accommodate a larger group.
Cafe Riggs – Elegant & Historic
Cafe Riggs is located inside the historic Riggs hotel. The soaring ceilings and beautiful lighting make this a wonderful place to eat with a group of friends or a date. The setting and interior design of this venue make it a memorable experience for a date night or romantic night out.
If you are coming after the theatre, then be sure to also check out the speakeasy bar in the lower level of the hotel. This is one of the best cocktail bars in Washington DC and it gets quite lively in the late evening hours.
Ristorante Tosca – Highly Rated Italian
This Northern Italian restaurant is just a 6 minute walk from the National Theatre. They have a pre-theater dinner menu alongside their classic Italian fare. It’s the perfect spot for a hearty meal before a live performance. The decor is classic and upscale.
The Hamilton – Has Live Music
The Hamilton is located on 14th street just about a 7 minute walk from the National Theatre. It is the sister restaurant and part of the same restaurant group that now also operates Old Ebbitts Grill. This restaurant is also famous for hosting its own live music events as well. Check their website to find out details on what may be going on during a specific night.
If you love sushi then be sure to come here before 5 PM. Everyday from 2 to 5 PM, this restaurant has a sushi happy hour where each sushi roll is discounted.
Hard Rock Cafe – Good For Kids
The popular chain Hard Rock Cafe serves classic American fare in a casual setting. It’s just an 8 minute walk from the National Theatre. If you have young children with you, it may be a good option.
District Taco – Quick & Casual
No time? No problem. District Taco is a quick and easy place to grab a quick bite to eat. While there may not be a pre-theater menu, you can get some tasty food before heading to your show.
Best Restaurants Near National Theater DC: Under A 15 Minute Walk
Don’t mind walking a little more? Downtown Washington has a wide selection of restaurants that are under 20 minutes away from the National Theatre. These awesome restaurants are also not too far away, but give yourself a little extra time to get to them.
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana – Michelin Bib Gourmand
If you love Mexican cuisine, this place is worth walking a little further for. Oyamel Cocina Mexicana is another Jose Andres Restaurant and has been featured on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list multiple times.
This DC restaurant is about a 12 minute walk from the National Theatre DC. This restaurant has some of the best food and some great drinks as well. Be sure to order their margaritas as well as their guacamole.
China Chilcano – Peruvian Cuisine
China Chilcano is another popular restaurant by the Jose Andres group. It is about a 12 to 13 minute walk from the National Theater in Washington DC.
They have a happy hour, which they call Pisco Hour, from Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 PM. It includes specials on both food and drink. For additional information you can check out their website.
Rasika – Tried & True Indian Food
If you are craving Indian food and can’t get a reservation at Rania, you should try your luck at Rasika. Rasika was one of the first upscale Indian restaurants to arrive on the Washington DC dining scene. The restaurant is still a very popular choice for many Washingtonians. It is a 14 minute walk from the National Theatre DC.
Dirty Habit – Trendy Indoor / Outdoor Space
Dirty Habit is a very popular cocktail and wine bar in the downtown area of Washington DC. This modern American restaurant has a beautiful courtyard and it can be quite lively during the early evening hours. It is about a 12 minute walk from the National Theatre.
Restaurants Near National Theater DC: Summary
Many people don’t know that Washington DC is one of the world’s greatest theatre cities. Within a few blocks of each other you will find the National Theatre, Warner Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, and the National Press Club. Other notable experiences in DC include the Shakespeare Theatre Company, the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and performances at the Kennedy Center.
While Washington DC may not have quite as many shows as New York’s Broadway options, there are still plenty of options here when it comes to seeing a new play or show. To enhance your theatre experience, be sure to check some of the great restaurants near National Theatre. Some popular restaurants that are under a 10 minute walk to the National Theatre in DC are Rania, The Henri, Jaleo, The Hamilton, Cafe Du Parc, Cafe Riggs, and Restaurante Tosca. There are also many restaurants that are just under 15 minutes by walking and those include Oyamel, China Chilecano, Rasika, and Dirty Habit. For a more casual experience you can also check out the Hard Rock Cafe.
