Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide

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.

Safari DC / Club, 4306 Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC, 202-722-7701 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [chef moz | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]

One reader recommends the beef samosa, I have yet to go Some sources indicate they have Afghan and South African dishes as well. The place is also a club, and it advertises music at night.

Kotobuki, web site, 4822 MacArthur Blvd., Washington, DC, near U Street NW, on the second floor, 202-625-9080 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]

The best sushi right now and remarkably cheap, the sushi is only a dollar a piece, yet the quality is very high. A real find. I've been waiting for a price shake-out in the sushi market, and perhaps the time for that has come. The also have Saturday lunch and Sunday dinner, they don't take reservations. A Beatles soundtrack plays all the time. Don't expect good service or comfortable seating, but right now this place is essential dining. The shumai and lobster sushi are especially good, in addition to the usual winners.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Julia's Empanadas
2452 18th Sreet NW, Washington, DC, 202-328-6232