Brasserie Beck, web site, 1101 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-408-1717 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]
Good French fries, mussels, and comfort food dishes. It can get crowded and noisy but go early for what can be quite a good meal. The beers here are very popular, I would say stick with the weirder, more Belgian entrees to avoid being stuck with the boring dishes on the menu.
Sei, web site, 444 7th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-7007 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | Don Rockwell | Yelp]
Asian fusion, most of all Japanese but not just. If you go heavy on the small dishes and the sushi and sashimi you can have an excellent meal. The wasabi guacamole is quite interesting, as are the excellent pork buns. The “fish and chips” rolls are recommended as are many of the other rolls. Not cheap. All-white interior with a shi-shi crowd. Overall I have been glad the two times I ate here but beware that at least half of the main courses are boring. If you are afraid of leaving hungry, just stock up on the pork buns.
Himalayan Heritage, web site, 2305 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-483-9300 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | MenuPages | AllMenus | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]
Both Nepalese and Tibetan, I am a big fan of this place. The momos -- dumplings -- are excellent. Anything they do with beans is recommended. The spicy chicken dishes, including the different forms of chicken barbecue, are very tasty and different from what you can get elsewhere in the area. This is quite simply a very good ethnic restaurant with a pleasant environment and it does not cost a fortune either.
West End Bistro, web site (Flash), 1190 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC, in the Ritz-Carlton, 202-974-4900 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]
I went once and had very good ham and very good cod, right after the new sous chef arrived. The other dishes I saw didn’t impress me so much. It was very noisy and not cheap. I would go back, but at this point I am reluctant to recommend it.
Komi, web site, 1509 17th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-332-9200 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
A mix of fine dining and Greek-American. The best place in DC right now, by far. $90 for a two and a half hour extravaganza. And yes it is much improved over the previous incarnation, in case you had tried that and found it wanting. Along with CityZen, this is right now DC’s only truly excellent restaurant. I feel I could bring anyone here and impress them.
Blue Duck Tavern (in the Park Hyatt), web site, 1201 24th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-419-6755 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | insiderpages | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
By far the nicest eating space in the whole DC area, truly beautiful. It looks too immaculate to serve food in. Most of the food, however, is mediocre. I thought the Bratwurst was quite good and I had a very good appetizer, was it the herring? The visuals save this place and with wisdom you can have an OK meal too.
Shanghai Tea House, 2400 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-338-3816, open every day (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | MenuPages | Yelp | Chow Hound]
Sietsma likes this place but it is only OK. It does have better dumplings than anywhere else I know in DC but in Annandale it would not make the top ten. I quite liked the tofu and cabbage dishes, yummy. Cramped quarters. I can easily imagine worse places to eat, but if this is what you look forward to for your Chinese food, I feel sorry for you.
Teddy’s Roti Shop, web site, 7304 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-882-6488. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | MenuPages | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp]
Any of the rotis with goat are superb, make sure they put some of the spicy sauce in it (you have to ask). Get the buss-up-shut. The pumpkin is first-rate. The soups are very good. The “shark and bake” is a Trinidadian classic and it is pretty good here. The “Boiled Provisions” [sic] are only so-so. Ask about the fruit juices. This part of town used to be run down but now it is quite nice. This place is definitely recommended. For authenticity it gets an A+. And if you like a proprietor who is chatty and will tell you what to do, make that A++.
Rumba Café, web site, 2443 18th Street NW, Adams Morgan, Washington, DC, 202-588-5501 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
A mix of Colombian and Puerto Rican dishes, with some other Pan-Latin elements thrown in. I have yet to go. Lots of arepas. Lots of mofongos (mashed plantains and garlic). It looks interesting.
Super Tacos & Bakery (same place, used to be called Tacos Pepitos Bakery 2), 1762 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC, 202-232-7121 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Yelp]
Maybe the most authentic Mexican place in DC right now. They are really trying. Tacos and classic Mexican dishes of all sorts. It is a bakery and sandwich place as well; they have all the classic sandwiches you can get in Mexico City. They have huaraches too. Not perfect but pretty good. Excellent for snacking. Opens at 8 in the morning. A sign of progress. Lots of take out and some stools.
Tabard Inn, web site, 1739 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-785-1277 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper | DC Foodies | openlist | Yelp | InTowner | Gayot]
It is romantic but the food is dull, I can't bring myself to go again...many DCers consider it a standby...
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]
CLOSED
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.
Cafe Mawonaj, 624 T Street NW, Washington, DC, between 6th and 7th, 202-332-4480
Closed.
It features “vegan and vegetarian specialties." It is described as “hip,” if you research it on Google.
Neisha, web site (Flash), 6037 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 703-933-3788, in the Culmore Center, on Rt. 7, near Bailey’s Crossroads (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Other locations:
7924 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA, 703-883-3588
4445 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-966-7088
Mom and pop Thai, with yuppie pretensions at the fringes. Tasty, cheap, but for me somehow not satisfying. The flavors are a little too sweet for my taste. Has started drawing some customers away from Duangrat’s.
Churreria Madrid, 2505 Champlain Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-483-4441 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
I have yet to go.
La Tasca, web site (music), 722 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC, right across from the MCI / Verizon Center, 202-347-9190 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Also a branch in Arlington, near Whole Foods, 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-812-9120
I like the cheese plate, and a few dishes, but most of the tapas are mediocre. A place where yuppies go to drink.
Red Sage, web site, 605 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-4444 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo (Phyllis Richman) | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
NOW CLOSED.
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant & Exodus Carry-Out, web site, 2606 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-328-7685 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | Yelp]
Huh? All-vegan, no lard, excellent food, lousy service. At least that is what I hear.
Brown Sugar, 928 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-462-2370 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Don Rockwell]
It looks intriguing, I have yet to go or hear reports.
Vidalia, web site, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-659-1990, closed Sunday. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Nouvelle Southern food, extremely tasty and creative, can be one of Washington’s best restaurants. One meal I had here was superb, and the other was mediocre. You are taking your chances, but with a potentially high payoff. Order the Pecan Pie for dessert. Expensive. Lots of World Bank and IMF types go here, in search of what is to them exotic. It’s reinvented itself a few times, so caveat emptor, let’s hope someone else is paying the bill.
Georgia Brown's, web site, 950 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-4499. On the west side of the park, at the place where there appear to be two 15th Streets. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
A visit here will almost make you think you that America is an integrated nation. Here is where the black upper and middle class hangs out. Great atmosphere, and sometimes excellent food. Make sure you get some grits. The place has slipped from its early days, but I have had some excellent meals here, usually at Sunday brunch. Sometimes the music is too loud. In any case worth a visit.
Cafe Nema, web site, 1334 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-667-3215 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Somalian, Middle Eastern, North African, and Italian dishes. Here is their menu, http://www.cafenema.com/cuisine.html, hard to classify. You could call it “International.”
Singapore Bistro, web site, 1134 19th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-659-2660 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Arguably this could go under Pan-Asian, but since they call it Singapore Bistro … the sushi is supposed to be good. But it is nothing like going to Singapore, where an incredible meal can be had for $1.50 in the hawker centers. Tiong Bahru is the best place to eat there, take a cab.
Raw food
Everlasting Life, web site, 2928 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-232-1700 [Yelp]
Delights of the Garden, 2616 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-319-8747 [Yelp]
Thanks to Bill Cowley for the pointers. I’ve yet to go to either, perhaps I have the Modigliani-Miller theorem in mind.
(Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)
A Caravela, web site, 4615 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-3200, closed Sunday and Saturday lunch (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | Wash Times | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Salt cod, in many different manifestations. I have yet to go.
El Chalan, web site, 1924 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-293-2765 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Peruvian food for the World Bank crowd, basically. Not an extensive menu but it does draw on several parts of Peru, including Ariquepena. Acts like a real restaurant, differs from the other Peruvian places listed here. Worth visiting, order the lamb in beer sauce and the chicken in peanut and onion sauce.
La Granja de Oro, 2920 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA, 703-534-5511 / 5519 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Yelp]
The place to go for Peruvian mixed grill, including beef heart, tripe, calf liver, etc. The other items are adequate, though not the very best around. Not on a major strip, so most people don't know about it. Not so far from either Rt. 7 or 236. Live music on some evenings. I’ve heard there is a good branch in Washington, also (1801 Adams Mill Road, Washington, DC, 202-232-8888 [WaPo | City Paper | Yelp])
By the way, don't drink Inka Kola, no matter how many locals you see ordering it. It's like boiled, sweetened, liquefied bubble gum.
Santa Rosa Seafood, 2224 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, in Adams-Morgan, 202-518-8100 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp]
Very good place for ceviche. Ceviche is raw fish, and the Peruvians mix it with coriander, red onions, and a lime marinade. This place also has good scallops. The cooked fish is quite good, but the raw seafood is the thing to get. I suggest getting the ceviche mixto, and the paella, although you cannot finish both. Pescado Saltado is another treat. That being said, I find the atmosphere of this place depressing. I love dumps, but somehow this place is a dump without trying to be.
Caravan Grill, 1825 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, between S and T Streets NW, 202-518-0444 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [zabihah | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
CLOSED
Currently the best place for Persian stews, not as plentiful in this area as they used to be. And stews are the yummiest and most original part of Persian food. Good buffet, too. Highly recommended. Fesenjan is a true sensual delight, also, chicken doused in pomegranate and walnut sauce, one of the great Persian dishes.
Tacos Pepito's Bakery, web site (Gaithersburg, MD location), 1762 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC, 202-232-7121, Adams-Morgan (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo (DC) | The Burrito Blog | WaPo (Gaithersburg) | Yelp]
Also at 107-B East Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD, 301-990-1541
Recommended on Chowhounds, I have yet to go.
Mehran Restaurant, 2138 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-342-0056 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [zabihah | City Paper | Yelp]
Very mom and pop, pretty spicy, very yummy. Nothing more than the usual Pakistani selections, but I can be pretty happy with that. A good alternative in a part of town that doesn’t have much hard-core ethnic food.
Mayur Kebab House, 1108 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-637-9770 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]
A good kabob place, especially for DC.
Couscous Cafe, web site, 1195 20th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-689-1233 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | food-plan | Don Rockwell]
The owner is Algerian but I am told they have many Moroccan dishes, including bastillah. I have yet to go.
Marrakesh, web site, 617 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-293-9393 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Fixed price meal, with many delicious courses. The lamb in honey with almonds is a favorite, as is the Bistillah (chicken pie with cinnamon and sugar), and chicken with olives. Needn't be done more than once a year, but must be done at least once in your life. Be hungry when you go. And try to avoid the belly dancing, if possible. Excellent decor.
Tony Cheng's Mongolian Restaurant, 619 H Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-842-8669, usually open. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo (Phyllis Richman) | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Grill and hot pot. You choose your own stuff and cook it. Good, and worth doing once, but it does not attain sufficient heights to bring one back. Boring, plus you have to work at it.
The seond floor is Tony Cheng’s Seafood Restaurant.
Chipotle, web site, numerous area locations. [Washingtonian | WaPo | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
OK, let’s get the bad news out of the way up front. This is a chain. Even worse, it is a chain owned by McDonald’s corporation, the fount of culinary evil. That being said, it is pretty good. Fresh and relatively authentic Mexican food, you tell them how to put together your meal. The salsa is genuinely spicy. The carnitas are the best meat. Not much choice, but you don’t need it. I’d rather eat here than almost any other Mexican place on this list.
Rosa Mexicano, web site (music), 575 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-5522, a small chain (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
I went once, and was not impressed. It is better than your local chicken fajitas, but much more expensive. It doesn’t come close to what comes out of my own kitchen. The interior is nice, though, and some people will come here for the location and the singles scene. The real eater should head to Kenilworth Avenue (Riverdale/Hyattsville, MD).
Andale, web site, 401 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-3133 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
NOW CLOSED
Moby Dick House of Kabob, web site, 6854 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA, 703-448-8448 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [zabihah | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Multiple locations in DC, MD, and VA, including
Good kebabs, tasty food, and the best ethnic place in McLean. But simply not the best kabobs place, the meat here somehow has just a bit less taste. The bottom line is they manage to make it in McLean, ultimately not a good sign. Still, going here is better than eating American-style fast food.
Mixtec, 1792 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC, 202-332-1011 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
An old Washington standby, but still reliable. Fairly genuine Tex-Mex food in crowded surroundings. At least yummy. Nor is it evil, unlike Lauriol Plaza.
Lauriol Plaza, web site, 1835 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-0035, closed Mondays. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Formerly they provided good Mexican and Spanish dishes in Adams-Morgan, but now they are execrable. And expensive. A hangout, and a huge one at that, no longer a restaurant. Not to mention the interminable waits to be seated.
Straits of Malaya, web site, 1836 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, near T Street, 202-483-1483 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Hill Rag (scroll down) | In Towner | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
This place closed in 1999, now it has reopened nearby, in the old home of Wazuri. See my remarks under Malaysia Kopitiam.
Pete's Diner, 212 2nd Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-544-7335, near Capitol Hill (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WAMU | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
They are supposed to have some Malaysian specials.
Mount Everest Grill, 1805 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-462-3980 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp]
Consistently good food. The buffet tends to be more Indian, and while good, is less unique. Try instead the dumplings and the potatoes, listed on the menu under “Delights of Nepal and Tibet.”
Penang, web site, 1837 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-822-8770 (on the corner of 19th and M Streets NW, just down the block from Malaysia Kopitiam) (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Also 4933 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-657-2878, Bethesda branch has better hours. [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Pretty good, but not as good as the sister branch in New York City (Penang: 109 Spring Street, New York, NY, 212-274-8883; Nyonya: web site, 194 Grand Street, New York, NY, 212-334-3669).
It’s still the best Malaysian you’re likely to get this side of Asia, so count your blessings. Some of it is too sweet for me and not spicy enough, but sometimes rigorous instructions can overcome this problem.
Malaysia Kopitiam, web site, 1827 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-833-6232 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
You can’t go wrong with Malaysian food, but once you know its peaks, all these places are disappointments. I love Malay and Malaysian food, but not in the U.S. This place is OK, but best for those who don’t know the real thing. “Kopitiam,” by the way, means something akin to “coffeehouse” in Malay. Real Malaysian and Singapore coffeehouses are quite a different breed, get their incredible toasts and snacks.
Mama Ayesha's, web site, 1967 Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-232-5431 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [zabihah | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Recommended by Washingtonian magazine, dates from the 1950s, I am suspicious.
Meze, web site, 2437 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-797-0017, near Columbia Road (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Middle Eastern appetizers, broadly Lebanese, main courses at your peril.
Lebanese Taverna, web site, 5900 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-241-8681, not far from Falls Church (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Silver Chips Online | WBFN | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Gayot]
Other locations
Very tasty Lebanese food. Draws an older, more traditional sort of Virginia crowd. Don't let them put you off. Good yogurt sauce, especially when pomegranates are involved.
Bacchus, web site, 1827 Jefferson Place NW, Washington, DC, 202-785-0735, closed Sundays. A bit south of Dupont Circle, doesn't open for dinner until 6:00. There is also a branch in Bethesda: 7945 Norfolk Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-657-1722 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Traditionally it has been the area's ruling Lebanese restaurant. Very good on all counts, especially the appetizers. I love the chicken in yogurt sauce with pomegranate seeds. Not cheap, but worth it, this restaurant is a favorite for many people.
Update: Now closed.
Agua Ardiente, web site, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-833-8500 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [The Daily Colonial | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Tapas and nouvelle Latin dishes, mostly of an Andean nature, and run by an Ecuadorean. It’s not quite a fancy place, but well above an ethnic place, a “tweener,” you might say. So maybe it won’t quite make anyone fully happy, but it is still one of the best Andean places around. And unlike the other Andean places, it draws from the entire region. And not all that expensive either, especially given the neighborhood it is in. Strange red décor. On weekends, they have active Latin night life. Recommended.
Gabriel's, Radisson Barcelo Hotel, 2121 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-956-6690
Closed. Now the Hotel Palomar.
Formerly nouvelle Latin, but now only at brunch. It used to be a good restaurant, but I’ve yet to try the new regime.
Look also under the various Latin countries, most of these restaurants are Pan-Latin, rather than serving some pure national cuisine.
JCC Cafe, web site, 1529 16th Sreet NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-3246, inside the DC Jewish Community Center, (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | openlist | Yelp]
Supposed to be good, run by a French-trained chef who has cooked for The White House.
Zaytinya, web site (flash), 701 9th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-638-0800 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WBFN | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Has received much attention and a few awards. It is uneven, much variety, and many of the dishes have genuinely new ideas. Not just the same old stuff. Lots of vegetarian. Get the mezzes. Overall I feel the place is in decline, having become too trendy. Note also that the dining room is too noisy and crowded, even on weekdays.
Yee Hwa, 1009 21st Street NW, Washington, DC, near K Street, 202-833-1244 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Korean DC | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | Yelp]
Finally DC gets a Korean place. Living so close to Annandale I have no reason to go, but there are no bad Korean places around here.
Matsutake Hibachi Steak & Sushi, 4121 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-351-8787 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | food-plan (Herndon) | openlist | Yelp]
Also in Worldgate Shopping Center, 13049 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, VA, 703-787-3700, 320 S. 23rd Street, Arlington, VA, 703-412-5301, Kabuki Sushi, Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC, 202-789-1159, and Washington Reagan National Airport, National Hall Center, 703-417-0521.
One of the best of the sushi buffet places. All you can eat sushi for lunch, and the sushi is reasonably good. Some of the branches have teppanyaki as well. Is it the single best sushi place around? No. Will it start you wondering why you ever order sushi a’la carte? Yes.
Kaz Sushi Bistro, web site, 1915 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC, near 20th, 202-530-5500 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | The Hill | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
A mix of Japanese and fusion, both the beef and the sushi can be very good. It has much more variety than your typical Japanese place, you won’t get bored here even after a few visits. Washington needs more of this kind of place. Get the kobe beef. Lately, however, I’ve seen some signs of decline. It remains well above average, but beware.
Sushi-Ko, web site (Flash), 2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-333-4187, closed Monday. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
The best sushi around, after Makoto. Not cheap, but you can afford to eat here, also.
Makoto, 4822 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Washington, DC, 202-298-6866, closed Monday. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Ten small courses, (used to be $35), only four tables. A gem - one of Washington's best. The closest you will get to real Japanese haute cuisine here.
Tropicana (aka Patwa?), 7812 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-541-9060, at the DC-Maryland border. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]
I have yet to go, but it looks promising.
Rita's (aka Rita Carryout, Mike & Rita's West Indian Carryout), 3322 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-722-1868, west side of the road, a few blocks north of Irving, just south of the intersection with Morton. Closed Sunday. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Not for all tastes, but a real treat in my book. Great goat curry, great atmosphere, very cheap. The beans are especially good. And they stock lots of grape soda. Try to park the car right in front of the restaurant where you can watch it, however.
See also Caribbean, and visit the cluster of places on Georgia Avenue NW, near the intersection with Rhode Island, they appear worth a visit, for the brave that is…
Negril's, web site, 965 Thayer Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 301-585-3000 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Also
Curried stews, red beans, ox-tail, and rolled breads. Cheap, and very tasty. Don’t be scared off by the branching, this place is great.
Mehak, web site, 7716 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA, 703-573-8076 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Falls Church News-Press | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Yelp], also a DC location: 817 7th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-408-9292 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Update August 13, 2006: Mehak is closed.
A good Indian restaurant, believe it or not they used to serve Italian food also. Not the area's best, but good enough to enjoy, with a good branch in DC too.
Amma Vegetarian Kitchen, web site, 344-A Maple Avenue East, Vienna, VA, 703-938-5328, Chain Bridge Road, just across from Outback Steakhouse (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp]
Also in Georgetown, 3291 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-625-6625 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Strictly Indian, strictly vegetarian, mostly dosas. Excellent channa (chickpeas). This place significantly ups the options for Vienna dining. I’ve never tried the Georgetown branch.
Nirvana, web site, 1810 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-223-5043 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]
Excellent South Indian dishes and most Gujarati vegetarian dishes. It is from the people who once brought you Swagat’s, near the University of Maryland. Not everything on the buffet will be good, but the best dishes are superb and original, not what you find elsewhere in the area. You will always feel that this place is not as good as it might have been, but anyone who likes Indian food should have this in their repertoire.
Aroma, web site, 1919 Eye Street NW, Washington,DC, 202-833-4700 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Foggy Bottom Indian stand-by. Reliable.
Taj of India, web site, 2809 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-965-4266 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | Yelp | Gayot]
I haven’t eaten here yet. One should always be suspicious of Georgetown ethnic restaurants, but my sixth sense tells me that the place is probably decent.
Aatish on the Hill, web site, 609 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 202-544-0931 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Some years ago Phyllis Richman asked why this place isn’t better known. I still wonder. It is not perfect, but far better than the Capitol Hill competition. Their specialty is lamb, especially Rogan Josh, real full-flavored lamb taste. Above average Mango Lassi. Not outrageously priced.
Heritage India, 2400 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, across from the Fresh Fields, 202-333-3120. (Also a Dupont Circle branch, 1337 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, near N Street, 202-331-1414, with a different menu.) (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Why don’t they have an ethnic restaurant that adheres to mainstream restaurant standards of ingredients, presentation, and service? That’s Heritage India for you. Extremely yummy, one of the best Indian places around. Worth the trip into DC, even if you’re happy with your local places in VA or MD. Not as good as Indique, but still good enough to knock your socks off. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the new Dupont Circle outlet, which also offers Indian tapas.
Polo India Club, web site, 1736 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-483-8705 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Excellent Indian food. They have a thick yellow chicken curry, exactly the same as the chicken that used to be served at Katmandu, the now-defunct Nepalese place. Order that.
Bombay Club, web site (flash), 815 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-659-3727, Sunday brunch (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Gourmet, expensive, the most refined Indian food in the area.
Bombay Palace, at 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-331-4200 is also quite good, but both are too Americanized for my tastes. [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Poste Modern Brasserie, web site, 555 Eighth Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-783-6060 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | The Hill | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Kobe beef and sea salt, it must have some potential.
Colorado Kitchen, 5515 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC, near 14th Street, 202-545-8280, closed Monday and Tuesday, occasional breakfast and lunch hours, call them to find out. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Takoma Silver Spring Voice | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
CLOSED
I am hearing increasing reports that this place has the best burgers around. Most of it is a kind of nouvelle Southern, but with a neighborhood storefront look.
Five Guys, web site, 4626 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-671-1606, many other branches too, including on 107 N. Fayette Street, Alexandria, VA, 6541 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA, and 2960 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA, right by the Multiplex and the Szechuan place set back in the strip mall. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
See web site for locations in DC, Virginia and Maryland.
Formerly the definitive local hamburger, now it is a huge chain with varying quality. It can still hit the spot, however. Great albeit greasy french fries, makes you realize that most people’s french fries taste like nothing. No spa cuisine here. Not for all tastes, but if you think you might like it, try it. And dirt cheap.
Corado's, 3217 Mt. Pleasant Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-462-3332 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]
Yummy food, good atmosphere, and in DC's most Latin neighborhood. A very good restaurant, with a surprisingly high quality of beef, given the low prices. Don't let the police sirens throw you.
Akosombo, 613 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-408-1133, closed Sunday, opens at 8 am for breakfast, closes 8 pm, don’t go after 6 pm I would say. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
I’ve heard they have spruced this place up a bit, but it remains a true mom and pop. Some of the dishes are excellent, truly spicy and authentic, but don’t bring your date here. I like it, but this one is for the brave. Great atmosphere, and a favorite with taxi drivers. Note that the neighborhood requires some courage after dark, and perhaps even before dark as well.
Ghana Cafe, web site, 2465 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-3845 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]
Ghanian places are never bad, but this one is better than you think. The Red Red (beans and plantains) is excellent, so is the peanut soup. You can’t go wrong here, highly recommended, don’t be put off by the total lack of enthusiasm among the staff. One of the best African places around.
Indebleu, web site (flash and music), )707 G Street NW, Washington, DC, right at MCI Center, 202-333-2538, not open for lunch it seems (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | The Hill | bourrezvisage | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]
This new and trendy restaurant mixes French and Indian influences. I went here once. All of the dishes were good, some were excellent. The mushroom dosa was superb (it is 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. Recommended, but it is pricey for what you get. Not for everyone but it will have its partisans.
Athens Taverna, 1732 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-667-9211
Closed. Now Mourayo.
For DC eaters, a reader recommended a Greek Deli, Kosta’s, 19th between L and M, NW, they close mid-afternoon. (? Kostas Cafe: 2030 M Street NW Washington DC 20036 202-785-8208, or 1201 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-682-1679)
La Colline, 400 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-0400 [Washingtonian | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]
Closed
A classic stand-by.
Petits Plats, web site, 2653 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-518-0018 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Recommended by a credible-sounding reader.
La Chaumiere, web site, 2813 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-338-1784 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Barkley Rosser loves this place. He recommends it as a “solid, mid-price restaurant that specializes in Lyonnaise cuisine, and is favored by the older Georgetown crowd…”
Les Halles, web page, 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-6848, open 11:30 to midnight, every day. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
A good French steakhouse, with the onglet as the entree of pride. Not cheap, but a real treat. Also get the mashed potatoes with gravy, as well as the Creme Brulee for desert. The best French Fries in town as well. Consistent.
Cashion's Eat Place, web site, 1819 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC, near 18th Street NW, 202-797-1819 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | The Hill | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot] [Ann Cashion: StarChefs]
Marcel's, web site, 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-296-1166, dinner only (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | flyertalk | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Belgian, mostly, more classic than nouvelle. All the reviews are good, but hard to see it beating a trip to Europe.
Palena, web site, 3529 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-9250 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Entrees at $40, though, expensive even for its kind. I have yet to go, and don’t feel compelled.
Ten Penh, web site, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-4500 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Pan-Asian, sort of, and run by Jeff Tunks, a food god. Can be excellent, but you take a big chance here for the price. Most go away disappointed, your best bet is the lamb chops. When it hits the spot, one of the two or three best places in town.
Bistro Bis, web site, 15 E Street NW, Washington, DC, in the Hotel George, 202-661-2700 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Not what it once was, so why go?
Bistro d’Oc, web site, 518 10th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-393-5444, across from Ford’s Theatre (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist]
Recommended by a credible-sounding reader.
Bistro Francais, web site (scroll down), 3128 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-338-3830, open quite late: Fri-Sat 11 am-4 am, Sun-Thu 11 am-3 am (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Surprisingly good French bistro food, and at reasonable prices. Recommended, satisfies a real craving. This place has kept high standards for many years.
Bistro Bernoise, 5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Washington, DC, 202-685-3939, fondue on Tuesday nights only, or other nights with advance notice.
Closed. Apparently not enough other people liked fondue, either.
I hate Fondue, I refuse to go.
Oceanaire, web site, 1201 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-347-2277 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Hobnob Blog | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Economist | Don Rockwell | Gayot]
Has first-rate seafood, one of my favorite places right now. They do for fish what Morton’s did for steaks. That description might put you off, but you should try it anyway, it is really very good. Noisy and draws a hideous crowd, but don’t let that put you off.
Equinox, web site, 818 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-331-8118 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
One of the better upscale places, but not good enough to excite me. I’ve eaten here twice, the courses have a hit rate of about two-thirds, not cheap. Surely it has its partisans but not at the top of my list.
1789 Restaurant, web site, 1226 36th Street NW, Washington, DC, near Prospect Street, 202-965-1789, no lunch (part of Clyde's Restaurant Group) (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Forbes | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
Georgetown standby, it has about the most boring looking menu you can imagine. That being said, quality is uniformly excellent across the board. In a nice old building, the room is charming in the sort of way that appeals to fireplace lovers. Wealthy parents of Georgetown spoiled brats eat here. I can’t complain about the quality, but I will only eat here if someone else is paying the bill. Many will love it, and I enjoy it when I go, but it is not my thing.
