Visit DC's newest restaurant, Ancora, by acclaimed Chef Bob Kinkead. Just steps from the Kennedy Center, Ancora offers regional Italian dishes specializing in house-made pasta, salumi, seafood, meat and game.
"There were three of us for dinner last Thursday, and we each had a wonderful meal. There were so many delectable items on the menu it was hard to make a selection. The service was excellent. We had a waiter who was friendly, knew the menu well, and was patient. We definitely will return!"
Dined on 6/13/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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"Lovely food and a really good waiter. My one complaint about the food is that when one of the side dishes is fried, an alternative should be offered. Health conscious eaters, of whom I am one, prefer to avoid fried foods and one of my vegetables was fried. The table felt a little small and the space was a bit tight. I also noticed there were tables with a street view that might have been offered. Overall a great experience and a much better one that my earlier visit to Ancora."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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"Our first visit to Ancora was for lunch, but we will certainly be back for dinner and other dining experiences. From the friendly greeting upon arrival, to accommodating seating choice, to special cocktail request, to friendly helpful waiter (Tony), it was all good, as if we were their very favorite diners! The food was excellent, and we were not rushed. When we left, the general manager gave us a hug and looked forward to our return--it will surely be soon! The best is yet to come with the planned expansion and renovation."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2004
Special Features: great for lunch, special occasion
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"Bob Kinkead is back and what a return it is. Having gone Italian, he has succeeded to break out of the formulaic restaurant type of meditteranian eating places."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find
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"New ownership and chef at this restaurant location. It's excellent and it is a great dining place when attending performances at the Kennedy Center. Highly recommend it."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"Food was excellent; bar scene mobbed and exciting. Right across from the Kennedy Center, it is perfect for pre-theater dining. They open early enough to make the 7:30 show. Recommend the raw bar and the pasta dishes, especially the ravioli with pea filling and ricotta and vegetables."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"The crabcakes were superb -- all crab, almost no filler and beautifully seasoned. At a table for 4 everyone was very happy with the food and with the wonderful, attentive and friendly service. This was a first visit, but will not be the last. I look forward to trying some of the gems offered, for dinner the next time."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"very nice dining experience before theater. Warning -- if you park in their garage better be sure to say something to the hostess to get a $6 discount on your dinner. Because they surely didn't ask if we had parking to be validated -- and when we inquired after we paid the bill no one offered to make it right. Excellent food but that lack of customer service and total disinterest by the hostess should be addressed by management."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2009
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"We found Ancora to have excellent seafood and excellent service. Our waiter was extremely attentive - and when he wasn't there to refill our wine, the maitre d' did the honors. We weren't rushed but didn't have to wait or worry we would be late for the curtain. Overall, I highly recommend."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"We had dined there a few weeks prior, and I ordered the soft shell crab appetizer. My wife, who has never been that much of a fan tasted mine and decreed that they were excellent. This last visit she ordered them, and loved them. I ordered an entree-sized portion for myself, and they were the best I've ever had. They come with butter-poached crabmeat and shrimp on the side. For my appetizer I ordered a dozen assorted oysters - excellent! My wife had the pea-puree-filled ravioli with crabmeat. course, Tony treated us royally! A great dinner."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"This is a great choice for pre or post dinning after a show at the Kennedy Center. Service is excellent, the food is very good and the wine list although pricey is extensive. You still need to be careful what you order, some dishes are better than others. Mussels not so good, calamari excellent."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"Finally we have a nearby restaurant to the Kennedy Center that has good food, great service, and a moderate noise level. TGhe portions are large and I would prefer to choose from a small plates menu rather than be overstuffed while watching a performance across the street."
Dined on 6/07/2013
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"This was our first time at Ancora, and we'll definitely be back. The food was outstanding. We both agreed that the ravioli with forest mushrooms was to die for. Our main courses (duck breast and scallops) had interesting, delightful combinations of ingredients. The service was impeccable--discreetly observing our needs but not hovering--and we were not hurried to leave as we lingered over our espressos and grappa. The decor, at least where we were sitting near the window, was a little drab and uninteresting, but the food more than compensated for this. Another nice touch: upon checking in we were asked if we were going to a performance at the Kennedy Center across the street, so that they could adjust our service accordingly."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This restaurant gets better and better. It was a bit rough to start, but improves on each occasion we go - on our way to the Kennedy Center. Some of their portion sizes need to be reviewed. I had delicious scallops - just the right size dish. My husband had the whole red snapper. It was enough to serve 3 with ease and the waiter was not skilled in deboning and reconstructing. It will improve with time, I suspect. We will be back"
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Really nice to have this pre-theatre alternative right across from the Kennedy Center. Outstanding wines and a creative Italian menu. We enjoyed the ravioli con granchi and the pork medallions."
Dined on 6/07/2013
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"I have eaten at Ancora several times and had a nice experience. It is especially convenient for dinner before a Kennedy Center performance. The last time showed slippage of small but significant things. Six of us had dinner. One person's place setting did not have a bread and butter plate and it took some asking to get one. Soups were served without spoons -- and no spoons on the table -- and it took some asking and waiting to get the spoons. We couldn't get the attention of a waiter for more bread. General attention to detail did not match what one would expect from a fine dining restaurant like this new one by DC icon Bob Kinkead. I'd like to assume this is an aberration and the staff will be more professional on a future visit."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We had an excellent dinner of swordfish with a shared well prepared soft shell crab appetizer....The service was top notch with a knowledgeable and competent waiter."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We had a reservation, and were seated right away. The staff was attentive, making sure we had what we wanted. We had delicious lunch salads - perfectly prepared and presented. I give the staff high marks for being there when needed We lingered for quite awhile in conversation, and were left in privacy."
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch
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"If you are looking for fine dining this is the place to be. The food is freshly prepared so do not expect a quick meal. We have been coming to this location through many different owners and the current owner has definitely improved the cuisine."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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"My wife and I ordered halibut, which came disappointingly thin, over-crusted and not that flavorful. Our friend ordered snapper, which came as a whole fish, filleted, fresh and delicious. My impression is that the restaurant is just finding its legs. Some food is superb, as you would expect from a Kincaid kitchen. Some not. Oysters are raw, but not yet offered as steamed. No pre-theater menu yet. Martinis were excellent. On the whole, a welcome addition to the Kennedy Center scene and great alternative to KC dining room, which is high priced and mediocre."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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"The service was excellent however the chef does not know how to cook a meal. We have now done two different meals at this establishment and each time the food was not properly prepared."
Dined on 6/01/2013
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"Always looking for a pre-performance dinner near the Kennedy Center. This new one has very good food, but the service was a little slow. We had reservations at 5:30 with a 7:00 PM curtain. We were rushed to finish because nothing much came our way for the first half-hour. We both had the chicken roasted under a brick with fried artichoke and chick pea fries. All very tasty. I had a salad for a starter and my companion had the fried calamari. He said that was some of the best he'd ever had (and believe me he's tried it everywhere). The restaurant has an extensive Italian wine list and the one we tried was very, very good. No time for coffee or dessert. It is worth another visit when the show is at 8:00 instead of 7:00."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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"This was my third visit to Ancora and every meal has been superb! So happy to have such a high quality restaurant next to the Kennedy Center. This one is also worth traveling to even if you are not in the neighborhood."
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We chose Ancora because of its convenience to the Kennedy Center, but will go again for the outstanding food. Our server recommended the ravioli appetizer, which was delectable (home made pasta with asparagus and a flavorful butter sauce); then we went with seafood (halibut for hubby, scallops for me), and both were excellent. Wonderful flavor combination in the preparation of my scallops. We will be back - hopefully when the weather is warmer and we can dine on the lovely terrace."
Dined on 5/24/2013
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"The cappellacci with porcini mushroom sauce was amazing, the best I've had since a memorable dinner in Florence many years ago, and reason alone to return again soon. We arrived early for our reservation because "Show Boat" started earlier than we had realized, but we were able to eat quickly in the bar. Service was prompt and friendly and accommodated our compressed schedule. We look forward to a more leisurely opportunity to fully enjoy this welcome new restaurant so near to the Kennedy Center."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"After many years of eating at the Terrace cafeteria at the Kennedy Center, which has not very good food for too much money, there is finally some place with GREAT food, albeit more expensive, where we can dine before taking in a show."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Food and service were outstanding. Prices were reasonable but wine a bit over priced e.g. $12 bottle going for $48. Great location and perfect for going to the Kennedy Center. Will return."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My wife and I just loved our dinner at Ancora. This was our first time there. While the interior has not changed much since the facility was Rivers restaurant, the quality of the food was a quantum improvement. My wife's ravioli was the most delicious ravioli I have ever tasted. I can say the same for my Halibut. The wine list was marvelous. I selected an Umbrian wine at random and fell in love with it. The server was also very conscious of our Kennedy Center tickets and made sure that we were not late for our performance. I look forward to returning to Ancora every time I have plans to attend the Kennedy Center, and for special occasions also."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"If you're going to the Kennedy Center you must go here. I read a review about Ancora and was excited to hear that there was another restaurant to go to close to the Kennedy Center. My dinner was a superior start to the evening. A wonderful Sancerre with oysters, scallops whose accompaniment was fantastic, espresso with an apple tart for dessert that you have to try. Tom our server and Steven the manager/sommelier added to the evening fun. Go here... even if you're not going to the Kennedy Center. I will be."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Everyone in our party had seafood and Kincaid has not lost his touch with it. Excellent, especially the Bronzino. Appetizers also first rate. Wine list impressive but very pricey, though the food is not."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"My wife and I loved -- LOVED -- Kinkead's over 20 years of meals without ever being disappointed. We were consoled that Bob was opening Ancora, but the "kinks" still have not been worked out . The food is very good. A squid appetizer tender and buttery, a fresh halibut with a whole artichoke subtle but never bland. But the service was spotty on a not-too-busy Wednesday evening. We notified the wait staff of a time constraint, but had a comfortable 90 minutes to eat. Yet by the end we had switched from a bottle to two glasses of wine because ordering took so long and we had gone from having dessert to not because we were simply running out of time. These were financial losses to the restaurant and they also left us, sadly, disappointed."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The hostesses were friendly and ensured all in my party knew where we were. The bar service was very good and prompt. When moved to table, though could not transfer tab to dinner check, the hostess again brought me the bar bill at the table to close out (Very helpful). The wine steward was helpful. The food however was medicore at best - the concepts of the dishes were good but execution not optimal. Of the 4 diners, only one really enjoyed their meal. Service was good and prompt and we made our show on time. Overall, not a bad place for a Kennedy Cener pre-show - but not up to a Kinkaid standard"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, hot spot
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"Bob Kinkead has a new site in Foggy Bottom; Ancora is Italian-themed and wonderful. It also has a few of the signature dishes from the old Kinkead's (squid and polenta). Wait staff is excellent and the food was superb. This is my third visit in a month."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, scenic view, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Everything about our meal was excellent including the incredible deserts. Two or us had the halibut special which tasted so fresh and just melted in our mouths. Our waiter Tony provided excellent service and the wine he selected for us was spectacular. I would highly recommend this restaurant and will be going back again."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Very attentive service without over doing it. Quick responses to special requests. Good selection of food and wine. Excellent location across from the Kennedy Center for pre- or post-concert dining. Knowledgeable and alert bartenders for pre-dinner drink. Valet parking easy drop off but a bit chaotic post-concert...glad it wasn't raining."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, special occasion
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"We were at Ancora about a month ago and made comments concerning needed improvements. They listened!!service was no longer rushed. Wait staff were attentive. Food remains excellent. Many good reasons to return. We will be back again!8"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We could not be more pleased to find Bob Kinkead has a new place very convenient to Kennedy Center. It has always been difficult to dine before a performance due to lack of choice in the area. At Ancora the food was creative, well prepared and reasonable. The old Watergate restaurant needs a bit of modernizing but that is in the plan for the future. Service was excellent and the dining experience was perfect for a pre-performance meal and would be our choice for just a good evening at table."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We dined before seeing Showboat. The new expanded menu is excellent. I had probably the best soft shelled crab I've ever had as an appetizer; my wife had scallops with grapefruit crudo. I had the veal chop, which was exceptional; my wife had the whole snapper, which she really enjoyed except for the bones; there were so many that she spent dinner removing them from her mouth. That's one I wouldn't recommend. The service, as always, was friendly but efficient."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We ended up going at the last minute, and couldn't have been more delighted! Food was superb - outstanding salads, ravioli with sweetbreads - ooh la la! Chef Kinkade came out to the tables to greet diners. Make a point to go."
Dined on 4/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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