15 ria

1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-742-0015

Description: DOWNTOWN. This restaurant has swiftly become a favored stop for downtowners seeking home cooking with an edge. Simple foods such as pork chops, catfish, brussels sprouts, and squash become culinary masterpieces. Seasonally-inspired dishes, like marinated quail, are delightful, and desserts are just as appealing ­ chocolate brownie sundaes and double chocolate cake. The bar specializes in high-end bourbons. Sunday brunch available. Smart casual dress. Reservations accepted.
More Details

B. Smith's

50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Union Station, Washington, DC 20002 202-289-6188

Description: CAPITOL HILL. When you long for good Southern food, whether it be Cajun, Creole, or soul, this grand Union Station restaurant satisfies the cravings. The menu sports dishes like jambalaya, cheese grits, and Virginia trout, but the hottest entree is the "Swamp Thing," an assortment of seafood served over Southern-style greens and accompanied by a mustard-based sauce. Desserts are definitely worth your time, too, and although portions can be large, save room for the sweet potato pecan pie. Classic jazz plays in the background, adding a mellow note to this fine lunch spot. METRO: Union Station
More Details

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
More Details

Bistro D'Oc

518 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-393-5444

Description: DOWNTOWN. This restaurant successfully juxtaposes traditional French cuisine with Far Eastern flavors. While the menu primarily features standbys like snails and roast chicken, it also offers chicken satay and a few Asian appetizers. Fish selections are fresh and well-prepared, as yellowfin tuna and salmon attest. A friendly waitstaff and cheery surroundings add to the appeal, along with pre-theatre dining options. Conveniently located across from Ford's Theatre. Smart casual or business dressy attire.
More Details

Bombay Club

815 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 302, Washington, DC 20006 202-659-3727

Description: DOWNTOWN. This little-known find is one of the top places in town for flavorful Indian cuisine, and its location near the White House means it typically crawls with staffers and political types. Reportedly a favorite of the Clintons during his time in office, the refined, palm-dotted dining room is a combination of British and Indian styles. But the food is authentic Indian all the way, with skillfully prepared tandoori dishes, lamb in saffron with yogurt and spices, and a fantastic array of curries. Vegetarians and carnivores will both be satisfied. Just don't miss the naan, a flavorful, soft bread that's a Bombay Club specialty. Business casual dress. Reservations recommended. METRO: Farragut West
More Details

Café Atlántico

405 8th St NW, between D and E Sts, Washington, DC 20004-2102 202-393-0812

Description: DOWNTOWN. This visually stunning café features fiery red walls, black and white tiling, and a winding black staircase, creating the ideal backdrop for dramatic works by Latin American artists. Highly recommended dishes include Ecuadorian seared scallops over crispy rice cooked in coconut oil, quail prepared two ways, and flavorful salmon with papaya. The wine list is extensive and well-chosen, with choices from Chile and Argentina and the bar does lively business on weekends. METRO: Archives
More Details

Chef Geoff's

1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-464-4461

Description: DOWNTOWN. Set across from the Warner Theatre, this New American bistro derives energy from the young professionals who frequent it. It also boasts a comfortable feel and a creative menu. Among the dishes you'll find are gourmet pizzas, almond-crusted salmon, shrimp and grits, and NY strip. Desserts deserve attention too, as proven by chocolate toffee bread pudding or autumn apple and cherry crisp. The wine list includes vintages available by the glass. Outdoor patio dining during warm weather. Three-course theatre special every day from 4pm to 6:30pm for only $25.95
More Details

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.
More Details

District ChopHouse & Brewery

509 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-347-3434

Description: DOWNTOWN. Housed in a refurbished warehouse, this old-fashioned steak house serves all sorts of steaks ­ Delmonico, NY strip, porterhouse, and sirloin among them. The savory cuts are accompanied by such sides as creamy mashed potatoes and sweet cornbread. Desserts are delicious, too, as Key lime pie and mountain berry flan demonstrate. The steak house is also a microbrewery, and from vats on the upper level come a variety of excellent house brews. Near the MCI Center. Casual dress.
More Details

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.
More Details

Georgia Brown's

950 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-393-4499

Description: DOWNTOWN. This upscale restaurant attracts a wide mix of politicos and world citizens longing for South Carolina's Lowcountry cooking. Barbecued salmon fillet, shrimp and grits, Frogmore stew (seafood, no frogs) and Southern fried chicken are menu classics that come with cornbread, biscuits and lots of animated conversation. Vegetarians find warm embrace in meatless dishes like sautéed black-eyed pea cakes. Fried catfish, biscuit-battered French toast, country ham with gravy and other brunch delights also gain wide approval. Some say that this type of food is a bit heavy ­ others simply nod and butter another biscuit. METRO: McPherson Square
More Details

Jaleo

480 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-628-7949

Description: DOWNTOWN. This Spanish restaurant's sleek, stylish decor is accented with hand-painted ceramics and colorful murals depicting flamenco performances. A long list of tapas ably satisfies, or try the specialty of the house, paella, which feeds four! Bold, fruity sangria is a nice complement to your meal, as are Spanish wines. Stay for dessert; options include rum-and-butter-soaked apple charlotte or chocolate hazelnut torte. Service is friendly and efficient even when the dining room is packed. Business casual dress. Reservations recommended. METRO: Chinatown or Gallery Place
More Details

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.
More Details

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.
More Details

Morrison-Clark Historic Hotel & Restaurant

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

Description: DOWNTOWN. This luxurious hotel, converted from two circa-1864 townhouses, offers exquisite service and genteel ambience. Along with laundry service and valet parking, guests can expect a restaurant, concierge, fitness center, and business services. Individual rooms are quiet and elegant, boasting antiques and soothing color schemes. They also feature television, dataport, climate control, mini-bar, hair dryer, and iron. Robes and turndown service are available as well. For a rewarding dining experience, try the inn's celebrated restaurant, which has received numerous national and local awards. 53 rooms. Parking $25/day.
More Details

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
More Details

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.
More Details

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
More Details

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
More Details

Zaytinya

701 9th St NW, Pepco Building, Washington, DC 20001 202-638-0800

Description: DOWNTOWN. With its stark white walls, high ceilings and dramatic glass facade, Zaytinya has emerged as a popular after-work gathering place. Hot and cold mezze ("middle-of-the-day" meals) enrich the dining scene with contemporary Eastern Mediterranean fare ­ for example, lamb with hummus, and spiced sirloin with dry fruit compote. For more substantial appetites, the kebab platter or braised lamb shank with eggplant does nicely. An added perk: Their wine list focuses almost exclusively on Greek, Turkish and Lebanese selections. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown
More Details