Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Arlington

We enjoyed a lovely dinner with expertly prepared food and excellent service.

Kingbird restaurant is an absolute gem, especially for anyone heading to a Kennedy Center performance. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, striking the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Our server was exceptional—not only attentive but also incredibly thoughtful about our schedule. They ensured that each course was perfectly timed, so we could enjoy a relaxed meal without worrying about missing our show. They even recommended the best walking route to the Kennedy Center, saving us at least five minutes—something we greatly appreciated! The food was outstanding. Every dish we tried was a delightful blend of flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s mastery of Italian cuisine. The fresh pasta was a particular highlight, cooked to perfection and paired with rich, satisfying sauces. The portion sizes were just right: filling but not overwhelming, leaving us satisfied without feeling uncomfortable. To top it all off, the desserts were truly amazing—a sweet conclusion to a fantastic meal. Whether you’re stopping in for a special occasion or pairing it with an evening at the Kennedy Center, Kingbird offers a dining experience you won’t forget.

Great food. Really good service. A little noisy, like any popular restaurant in the city usually is. We dine here every time we’re in DC.

The beet salad was a standout -- it's huge (and delicious). The smoked salmon fettucine alfredo came with a generous portion of salmon. The branzino was cooked perfectly. We chose a bottle of Alsatian riesling that was delicious and reasonably priced. We ordered the tiramisu to go -- it was a lovely way to finish the evening. We'll definitely be back.

Amazing. The taste was wonderful, every dish was very good. The wine also is so good. Cocktails are good, but not amazing, presentation of cocktails is quite normal. But the food, attention and wine was so good. I definitely recommend it. The taste the Christmas menu and was so good. And the pasta with cheese for my little one also wonderful