Ben's Chili Bowl

1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-667-0909

Description: U STREET. Although you can get wonderful chili (including vegetarian) at this family-run restaurant and have it served with just about any dish, you'll also find true Southern breakfasts and other tasty items. The Chili Half-Smoke is reported to be a favorite of Bill Cosby's, and you're likely to see other familiar faces from entertainment, political, and sports circles at this U Street eatery. The decor is retro '50s, a perfect backdrop for chili dogs and the like. METRO: Cardoza/Shaw
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Bistro Bis

15 E St NW, Hotel George, Washington, DC 20001 202-661-2700

Description: CAPITOL HILL. Escape the high-stress environment of the business world and decompress in the relaxed atmosphere of this contemporary bistro, enjoying lively conversation and sophisticated French cuisine. Owner-chef Jeffrey Buben's classically-inspired menu includes lamb chops Niçoise, escalope of salmon Gascone and duck confit prepared with garlic and thyme. The glass-enclosed kitchen allows guests to watch the skilled chef and his team as they hone their culinary expertise. A destination in its own right, Bistro Bis has become a haven for the trendy and the powerbroker alike. METRO: Union Station
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Bread Line

1751 Pennsylvania Ave NW, between 17th and 18th Sts, Washington, DC 20006 202-822-8900

Description: DOWNTOWN. Bread Line offers exactly what the name states on two counts: you get great bread, but you'll probably have to wait in line. Still, with the city's best baguettes, freshest bagels, tastiest muffins, and most flavorful scones, the place promises food that's certainly worth the wait. The decor is minimal and industrial, and the ambiance a bit chaotic: many people grab breakfast and a loaf of bread ­ or several ­ to go. METRO: Farragut North
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Café Luna

1633 P St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-387-4005

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch, this café offers classic morning dishes you love, made just like mom used to ­ assuming your mom was a great cook. Traditional eggs Benedict are topped with creamy Hollandaise and served with a flavorful side of onion-spiked home fries. Eggs tomato florentine is terrific too, but the most popular dish is light, sweet French toast, made with batter-dipped, bakery-fresh bread, drizzled with syrup and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Enjoy the vivid, artsy dining room, or head out onto the sunswept patio. Brunch served 10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday.
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Café MoZU

1330 Maryland Ave, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, DC 20024 202-554-8588

Description: NATIONAL MALL. Sushi, sashimi and other Asian-inspired fare dominate the menu at this swanky dining room in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The clean, contemporary space, designed by Tony Chi, offers what may just be some of DC's most amazing views of the Washington Channel and Tidal Basin, making MoZU a great choice for a romantic evening out. Among the more provocative highlights from the menu are crispy wild salmon with fingerling potatoes, braised buffalo rib with yam puree and goat cheese polenta, and a daily bento box that features sushi, hamachi sashimi and MoZU rolls hand-selected by the chef.
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Café Promenade

1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC 20036-4301 202-347-2233

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Set in the historic Mayflower Hotel, Cafe Promenade features a Mediterranean menu whose eclectic dishes hail from Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy, North Africa, and France. Appetizers and entrees are created from the freshest seasonal foods and prepared by expert chefs. Skillful servers and a well-selected wine list also provide appeal. The upscale dining room draws a well-heeled, sophisticated crowd. Business dressy attire. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Coeur de Lion

926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Henley Park Hotel, Washington, DC 20001 202-638-5200

Description: DOWNTOWN. The Henley Park's Coeur de Lion boasts a stately dining room that meshes perfectly with the hotel's elegant atmosphere. Hundreds of gargoyles decorate the historic hotel's exterior, and the restaurant's interior is traditionally British. The restaurant offers three different venues: the main dining room serves new American cuisine, the parlor-like Wilkes Room presents an elegant afternoon tea, and the relaxed Blue Bar features small plates and drinks. Dressy attire. Reservations suggested for lunch and dinner.
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Cosi ­ Dupont Circle

1350 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 202-296-9341

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Cosi is a fun place to hang out and get a great cup of coffee. Grab a tasty muffin, pastry, or brownie, or try a thick slab of cheesecake. Or, for a real treat, relive your Boy Scout or Girl Scout days by making your own s'mores over a small grill set up in the dining room. The drink selection is extensive, with flavorful options such as chai tea latte and caramel iced mocha. There's also a full bar where you can order your favorite cocktail ­ or have a cocktail and dessert simultaneously with the mocha martini. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Dubliner

520 N Capitol St NW, Phoenix Park Hotel, Washington, DC 20001 202-737-3773

Description: Probably the city's favorite Irish pub, this long-standing institution has a legion of faithful followers. Part of the reason they return to the cozy restaurant, with its dark wood and stained glass, is the live Irish music and energetic atmosphere. The other is the food. For a taste of the Isles, try the Irish country breakfast with eggs, sausage, potatoes, tomatoes and soda bread. For something a little lighter, opt for French toast, omelets, eggs Benedict, waffles, or eggs and bacon. You also have the choice of soups, salads, appetizers (try the spinach-artichoke dip!), fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and a list of desserts. With all these choices, there's no reason you should go away hungry.
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Dupont Grille

1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Jurys Washington Hotel, Washington, DC 20036 202-939-9596

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. A modern design aesthetic greets diners at this restaurant in the Jurys Washington Hotel building. Boasting a mango and black interior and a large glass-enclosed pavilion, the restaurant exudes a sophisticated, comfortable feel. The eclectic menu draws on Cajun, Asian, French, and American cuisines for inspiration, and the pork chops and quail elicit rave reviews. Sunday brunch available. Large wine list. Smart casual dress. Reservations accepted.
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Firefly

1310 New Hampshire Ave NW, Hotel Madera, Washington, DC 20036 202-861-1310

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Boasting a whimsical name, this restaurant is decorated with earth tones and features a backlit amber-glass bar, a birch log wall, and a large "Firefly Tree" that dominates the room. The menu includes both meat and vegetable items, like succulent Amish chicken with red chili gravy or braised short ribs cooked in red wine and served with roasted vegetables. Outdoor dining is available. Smart casual or trendy dress. Reservations accepted.
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Ici Urban Bistro

806 15th St NW, Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel, Washington, DC 20005 202-730-8800

Description: DOWNTOWN. Not your typical French restaurant, upscale Ici Urban Bistro prides itself on consistency and presentation. The contemporary menu features only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Food is prepared and presented with tasteful panache ­ for example, roasted halibut with toasted gingerbread crust is accompanied by zucchini tagliatelle with white wine and pepper emulsion. The stunning dining room features brightly colored artwork set against a backdrop of rich jewel tones. The well-selected wines reflect the bistro's high standards and are fairly priced, making this elegant affair one of the best deals in DC. METRO: McPherson Square
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Johnny's Half Shell

400 N Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-737-0400

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Inspired by New Orleans' down-home, spicy cooking, this restaurant features fantastic seafood dishes innovatively fashioned by chef Ann Cashion. Pristine shellfish from nearby waters are specialties, as evidenced by Chesapeake seafood stew, brimming with seafood, spices, and savory broth. Fresh crab is also tops, served simply and unadorned with a side dish of corn pudding. Great for lunch as well as dinner, the menu features everything from sophisticated salmon dishes to gourmet hot dogs and oyster po'boys. The charming dining room provides a fitting backdrop for flavorful all-American cuisine.
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Lafayette Room

One Lafayette Sq, Hay-Adams Hotel, Washington, DC 20006 202-638-2570

Description: DOWNTOWN. A top destination for something savory, the signature dining room of the Hay-Adams Hotel offers subdued surroundings and views of the White House. If you have Sunday morning free, make plans to take brunch in these elegant confines. Doing so entitles you to indulge in their fantastic appetizer buffet before savoring your plated main course. Will it be fresh Virginia three-egg omelet or country-style corned beef hash with poached eggs and Provencal tomato? You really won't go wrong either way.
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Les Halles

1201 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 20004-2401 202-347-6848

Description: This Parisian-style brasserie helped initiate the reintroduction of French restaurants to DC several years ago. Popular for beef entrees, Les Halles offers steaks the Continental way, aged less than their American counterparts. As a result, meat is less refined in taste and texture, a difference many diners relish. The restaurant also serves fantastic French fries, luscious onion soup, and a flavorful country pâté. Veal, lamb, poultry, and seafood make appearances too, along with blood sausages, sauerkraut, and pig's feet. Each February, a sauerkraut festival pairs the tangy dish with duck and seafood. Plan to attend if you're a fan.
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Old Ebbitt Grill

675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-347-4800

Description: DOWNTOWN. Since 1856, this landmark bar and restaurant has served DC's power class. Rich with furnishings, including Teddy Roosevelt's hunt trophies, the place never fails to satisfy. Known for its American cuisine, the saloon has a fantastic raw bar with seven types of oysters. It also makes a terrific burger, along with reuben sandwiches, chicken wings, and a more complete dinner menu featuring homemade pastas, fresh steaks, seafood (including the signature trout parmesan) and seasonal vegetables. Moderate prices. METRO: Metro Center
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Restaurant at The Morrison-Clark Inn

1015 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-898-1200

Description: DOWNTOWN. The golden interior of this inn's dining room is punctuated with soft-hued floral arrangements and gilt mirrors. Elegant details extend to the food as well. Influenced by Southern comfort cooking, the seasonal menu features only the best ingredients and options. Among the entrees you may find are pan-seared grouper accompanied by crawfish pierogi, and country ham or beef pot pie with mushrooms and red wine sauce. When the weather is mild, you'll want to dine on the brick-paved terrace amid the sunshine and potted plants.
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Tabard Inn Restaurant

1739 N St NW, Hotel Tabard Inn, Washington, DC 20036 202-331-8528

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Within one of DC's oldest hotels, this restaurant plies guests with delicious American cuisine. It places a premium on fresh, regional produce and meats and changes the menu depending on what's available. An apple and walnut salad skillfully mixes flavors and textures. Seafood is the house specialty, and sautéed soft-shell crabs over wilted greens are proof of the attention. Rigatoni with bolognese sauce also delights, as do homemade ice creams and white chocolate cheesecake. If you don't mind waiting for a table, the enclosed courtyard is bliss during mild weather. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Teaism ­ Penn Quarter

400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-638-6010

Description: DOWNTOWN. This wonderful teahouse is a welcome departure from standard fare. Asian-tinged cuisine includes bento box lunches and kicky sandwiches, but flavor-filled, homestyle desserts are Continental classics. While you enjoy the abundant (and exotic) tea menu, don't forget to sample excellent cookies, chiffon cake, or fruit-filled pie. Creamy rice pudding is comfort food at its best. METRO: Archives
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Willard Room

1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Willard Inter-Continental Hotel, Washington, DC 20004 202-637-7440

Description: DOWNTOWN. A superb hotel restaurant, the Willard Room features exquisite Nouveau American and French cuisine. Characterized by complex flavor combinations and delightful presentation, the seasonal menu features only the freshest ingredients. Notable dishes include chilled tomato soup and grilled halibut. The dining room's elegant ambiance is enhanced by a bi-level design and warm oak paneling. Dressy attire. METRO: Metro Center
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