Shashamene, 1909 9th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-328-2223 , where Abiti used to be.
A new entry for the 9th Street Ethiopian row. The menu is narrower than most but quality is above average and the vegetarian sampler is especially noteworthy. If you are vegetarian and opting for the sampler, this may be your #1 bet in town. Not a palace but it has a “nicer” atmosphere than many of the other places in the area. First-rate kitfo as well.
Café Trope, web site, 2100 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-223-9335 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | Yelp | Gayot]
Caribbean food, cooked by a Gambian. It is right now one of the best places in Dupont Circle. The best way to go here is to order vegetarian, including of course the spinach and the collard greens. The plantains by the way are by far the best of any area restaurant. The salads are good, too. I sampled some of the meat and fish-based main courses. They weren’t bad but I don’t think on their own they give enough reason to come here.
Gerard Pangaud Bistro, web site, 915 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-4445 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Menuism | Don Rockwell | Yelp]
A resurrection of the old Gerard’s restaurant in the form of a Bistro. But it’s hardly any different. The old Gerard’s was great when it was “on” (only sometimes), after one visit it is hard for me to see the Bistro version as much of an improvement. It’s not.
The Source, the new Wolfgang Puck restaurant, web site, 575 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-637-6100, across from the National Gallery, on 6th and Pennsylvania, in the modernist office building (next to the Newseum). (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | The Hill | Yelp | Gayot]
Right now this is one of the two best places in town, along with CityZen. Puck’s places tend to decline within a few years (or sooner), so now is the time to go. Get as many appetizers and small dishes as you can, that is also a cheaper way to eat plus you get more selection.
The Source, web site, 575 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-637-6100 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | The Hill | WaPo | Yelp]
Yes sir, I know what is best, and I will bring it to you.
That was what I heard in The Source, the new Wolfgang Puck restaurant, which is now one of the two best fine dining establishments in an otherwise food-starved Washington DC.
First posted on Marginal Revolution.
Hook, web site, 3241 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-625-4488 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper | Yelp | Gayot]
There is actually a good restaurant in Georgetown! Really. Most of all the quality of the calamari shocked me. It is very very hard to find good calamari in the United States but this place nails it. The Pollock was first-rate, though too undercooked for just about anyone but me. Not everything is stellar and the delights of this place do not come cheaply. But it is genuinely a good (albeit inconsistent) restaurant. If you’ve been wondering “why can’t we have more good seafood restaurants in DC?”, this is one crack in the prior façade. The crowd is not yet totally touristy and obnoxious (circa 2007) though I predict this place will be ruined by mid-2008. We’ll see, but in the meantime worth a visit if you know how to order well or can get an honest waiter to tell you what is good.
Indebleu, web site, 707 G Street NW, Washington, DC, right at Verizon Center, 202-333-2538, not open for lunch it seems (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | | City Paper | Yelp | Gayot]
This new and trendy restaurant mixes French and Indian influences. First of all, note that the place has been “redefined” since the two times I went. The new reviews are not stunning. But in the old days the dishes were good, some were excellent. The mushroom dosa was superb (it is or perhaps was a must-order). The veal tenderloin is recommended as well. That being said, the bill was very high and I didn’t even stuff myself. The best way to go here is to sit in the lounge and order the bar food, they still will bring you the mushroom dosas, plus get the lollipop lamb tandoori. At this point I don’t know what to say but it is unlikely that a visit is a good idea.
Casa Oaxaca, 2106 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-2272 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | Yelp]
I am so desperate for Mexican food, of course I went. I had three dishes: the grasshopper tacos (quite good), three small enchiladas (only so-so, and the huitlacoche isn’t subtle at all), and the ceviche (good fish but a little too citric). Overall it falls into the category of “I would go if someone else wanted to, but I won’t drag my friends here.” It may well be the second best Mexican place in DC, after Oyamel, but that’s still not good enough for me. Sorry.
Las Canteras, 2307 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, lower Adams-Morgan, 202-265-1780 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | Yelp | Gayot]
A Peruvian place designed to appeal to yuppies. I walked by, looked at it, looked at the menu, and was thoroughly unimpressed. A friend of mine with impeccable taste tried it and didn’t like it. I won’t go unless I start hearing it is great.
Central Michel Richard, web site, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-626-0015, hard to get reservations except at 5:30 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | The Hill | MenuPages | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]
This was once the second best place in town but now it's just OK. Tourists have taken it over and it was never that cheap in the first place. Get out your copy of Brahms's Requiem. Originally the short ribs and the burgers were pretty good. But now, write it off if you really care about food.
Also see Michel Richard Citronelle.
Montsouris, 2002 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-833-4180, closed Sundays and between lunch and dinner time. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | MenuPages | Don Rockwell | WETA | Yelp]
I am skeptical about the idea of a French bistro in the United States, for obvious reasons. But in its first year this place really hit the mark. Now it is only "good." It is mostly northern French food, including steak tartare, sausage, lentils, and salads. Good fries. The waiters we had were actually French.
Zenebech Injera, 608 T Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-667-4700 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [evite | Yelp]
This restaurant with two tables is now the best Ethiopian place in Washington. It is better than Adams-Morgan, better than the 9th Street row. Especially if you don't mind hearing them grind up meat in the nearby back room.
Every dish is excellent and the flavors are simply more real. Get the raw kitfo, and you do need to ask for it spicy otherwise they will notice your possibly pale face and dumb down the food accordingly.
Oddly this place is right next to Thai X-ing, which has only one table and is the best Asian restaurant in town. DC is finally developing the right mix of high rent and low rent districts to support such entrepreneurial ventures.
Mandu, web site, 1805 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-588-1540 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper | food-plan | Yelp]
The District gets Korean food, reviews are bad, and I will never try this place. Shame on you for even thinking of going, you’ve got to get to Annandale.
P.S. 7’s, web site, 777 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-742-8550 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | USA Today | Washington Times | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper]
I ate here only once, following up on a review by (sic) USA Today. It was surprisingly good. Classy and understated, and not too trendy. Expensive, but not relative to the competition. The short ribs and beef were quite good. The chef used to work at Vidalia, and I believe the place has yet room to get better. Not CityZen, but I’ll go again.
Pasta Mia, 1790 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC, 202-328-9114, 6:30 to 10, Tuesday through Saturday (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp]
This place is now all the rage. Every night there is a line at opening and they don't take reservations. It is supposed to be cheap and excellent pasta, of exactly the kind we usually don't have in this area. Cash only, and waiting in line can take up to an hour.
Neyla, web site, 3206 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-333-6353 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Readers have been recommending this place to me, Chug likes it too. I have yet to go. They are supposed to have good pita, among other dishes.
Thai X-ing, 515 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-332-4322, no lunch, All take-out (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [InTowner | Washingtonian | Don Rockwell | WaPo | City Paper]
This place is becoming legendary. One guy cooks for you and it takes a long time. I have yet to go. It is supposed to have quirky décor, and the reviews differ on whether any seats are available at all. The salmon in coconut milk is supposed to be great. Here is the menu: http://www.inshaw.com/blog/Thai%20X-ing.htm. Patrons are advised to call in advance to avoid long waits. Let me know what you think.
From a loyal TCEDG reader:
Update February 16, 2007: Four chairs, one table, A+ decor, and the best Asian food in D.C. Nothing nearby comes close. Staff = 1, so you must call not only for reservations, but indeed hours in advance with an actual order so he can start making your food. I loved the salmon in red curry sauce, the pad thai, the larb, and some amazing chicken dish with the guy's last name on it; the drunken noodles are recommended as well. But I am not not not saying the other dishes are worse.
I'll never view the theory of the firm in the same light again. Monitoring doesn't work, and who needs division of labor anyway? The coolest place in DC right now, by far.
Great Wall Szechuan House Restaurant, web site, 1527 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-797-8888, usually open (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper - also see "Oo Ma-La!" | openlist]
Most of the food is the usual junk. Their nine ma-la dishes, posted on a small menu on the take-out window, are another story altogether. Get the bean sprouts and the double cooked pork. Quite authentic. They’ve got the whole numbing bit down pat. Very cheap. There’s not a lot of variety here, but if you care about real Chinese food this is a place you must visit. Usually it is empty, but the proprietor tells me they have been around since 2002. Mostly they serve the neighborhood with take-out.
Fogo de Chao, web site, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-4668, Saturday opens at 4:30, Sunday at 4:00 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | MenuPages | Hill Rag | WaPo | City Paper | Wash Times | The Hill | Yelp | Don Rockwell]
A clear first choice for Brazilian right now. Churrascaria. All the meat you can eat. The quality is surprisingly high, and the salting is just right. From a chain based in Sao Paulo. Excellent salad bar. Not the real thing, but closer than I thought they would come. Dinner starts at $44.50, though, lunch starts at $24.50.
Lima Restaurant, web site (Flash and music) 1401 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-789-2800 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper | Yelp]
Peruvian is trendy now and this place is hot. It is a wonderful and diverse cuisine. But what is this place? The reviews indicate a lot of citrus-cooked fish (OK) and lots of Spanish dishes. The verdict remains out…
Update November, 2006: The new hip place, and the best ceviche in town, without a doubt. Not cheap and hard to get in on Friday and Saturday. Parts of the décor are stunningly attractive, while other parts resemble a bad high school cafeteria. Friendly service. I thought the short ribs were excellent, plus of course the ceviche. I recommend focusing on the appetizers. I don’t feel I need to go here often, and I suspect that not all the menu items (of course I picked the best ones) are good. But it is definitely a place worth trying. I’ll add that at least half the menu items are not “Peruvian,” in the classic sense, but the same could be said for the hot spots in Lima, Peru. This place is aptly named.
Vace Italian Deli, 3315 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-363-1999 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
One reader swears this is the best pizza around. He recommends it with spinach and proscuitto and red sauce.
Rasika, web site (Flash), 633 D Street NW, near MCI Center, Washington, DC, 202-637-1222 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | food-plan | The Hill | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]
Right now this is one of the best places in DC. It has declined since opening but it still pretty good. The food here has real taste, much as you might find in India. Nice décor. Many fine touches in the cooking. The best dish is the spinach (somewhat fried or frittered), with corn; better than it sounds. The way to go here is to order starters, chats, appetizers, etc., and avoid the good but less innovative main courses. Good okra, very good cauliflower and I very much like the black lentils. Going all-vegetarian here is not a mistake. Good prawns. Overall a strong entry into Washington’s dining scene.
Riedel’s, 4221-B Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-966-4567, I believe they are not open for weekend lunches (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)
White cloth napkins, say no more.
Update June 15, 2006: A commenter says it's closed.
The Flying Scotsman, web site, 233 Second Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-3848 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | openlist]
I have yet to go, but I have heard they serve haggis. Unfortunately (fortunately?), I hate haggis. The Post refers to this place as a “snuggery,” where “Time is not of the essence.” Get the picture?
Update June 1, 2006: A commenter says The Flying Scotsman is closed. The phone number is no longer in service.
Havana Breeze, 1401 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-789-1470, closed weekends, closes early, 5 p.m., Monday through Wednesday [Washingtonian | Yelp]
I resent them for their hours, but I have never been to a bad Cuban place in my lifetime. Except in Cuba, that is.
Update May 26, 2006: A commenter says this place is closed.
Update September 2006: Now the Lima Restaurant.
Canvas Tapas, 1836 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-797-4930
Their caramelized tapas come recommended, but I am skeptical. Looks like a place for poseurs.
Is this place closed?
Naan and Beyond, no longer at 513 South 23rd Street, Crystal City, Arlington, VA. Now at 1710 L Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-466-6404 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | openlist | Yelp]
Above average Tandoori chicken, overall the place is less spicy than most.
Johnny’s Half Shell, web site, 2002 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-296-2021, closed Sunday (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Supposed to be the best place in DC for crabs, clams, and the like. I went once, it did not thrill me.
UPDATE: Now moved to 400 North Capitol St., Montsouris is in the old location on P Street NW
BlackSalt, web site, 4883 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Washington, DC, near U St., 202-342-9101, closed Monday (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Way overrated and yes I love seafood too. It just isn't that good. It's OK, just don't make any big effort to go here.
Hank's Oyster Bar, web site, 1624 Q Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-462-4265 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]
Overrated. Warning you off places like this is exactly what this guide is good for. I wanted it to be good, I really did. It is just not that good, sorry. Many people love it though.
Domku, 821 Upshur Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-722-7475, closed Mondays (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Wash Times | Hill Rag | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell]
Mustard, pickled fish, meatballs, sandwiches, etc. I have yet to go, Thomas Head liked it.
Las Placitas, web site, 517 8th Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-543-3700, no weekend lunch (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Overpriced Salvadorean food, with real napkins and tablecloths. Pretends to be a real restaurant. For that reason, the only Salvadorean place many people would go to. The food is still good enough to justify the price, just realize you’re paying twice what you have to. Good for those stuck near Capitol Hill.
Russia House Restaurant and Lounge, web site, 1800 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, near Florida Avenue, 202-234-9433, closed Sunday (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Some claim it is excellent, I need to check it out. I love good Russian food, despite its unavailability in Russia. The best places I know are in Helsinki.
Sumah's, web site, 1727 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-462-7309, (near 7th and R, Howard Univeristy metro stop) (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]
From Jeff Bryan, who works at AID:
”Down-home West African (Sierra Leonean and Guinean) cooking including house-made ginger beer, rice akras, pepper soup, peanut butter soup, potato leaf, crain-crain, tola, fufu, eba, fried fish, plantain, okra, couscous, cassava leaf stew, and more”. The owner, Sumah, is very friendly and welcoming. In addition, the best African CD shop in town is in the same restaurant, so pick up a CD while you’re there. They used to have a sign by the door that said “no political discussions”, but unfortunately it’s been gone for a few years. Easily as good as Ghana Cafe, friendlier and cheaper too.
Vietnam-Georgetown Restaurant, 2934 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-337-4536 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
See under “Saigon Inn,” immediately above. Don’t go.
Nam-Viet, web site, 1127 N. Hudson Street, Arlington, VA, 703-522-7110 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Other locations:
Maybe the best Vietnamese place in Clarendon, currently. Clarendon, however, is no longer the area’s center for Vietnamese food, Falls Church is, especially in and around the Eden Center. My favorite here is the caramel pork in ginger sauce.
Bistro Med, web site (Flash and music), 3288 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-333-2333 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Turkish food in Georgetown, eggplant and lamb are the specialties.
Meyhane, 633 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 202-544-4753 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | WBFN]
I have yet to visit, and don’t expect to soon, I am happy enough with my local alternatives.
Cafe Divan, web site (Flash), 1834 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-338-1747, in the Georgetown Hill Inn, opens 7 a.m. on weekends (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [zabihah | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Good but not spectacular. Does fill a gap in DC Dining, by giving the town a real Turkish place. But too bland and not adventurous enough. Still, good enough to enjoy.