Situated inside the waterfront Mandarin Oriental Hotel, City Zen features an upscale setting complete with marble columns, candlelight and a full bar, as well as white linen napkins and tablecloths. The restaurant features more than 700 wine selections and its own resident sommelier. The dress code adheres to a strict "business casual" policy, with denim clothing restricted to the bar area. Eric Ziebold, a 2008 "Best Chefs in America" James Beard Award recipient, created the menu, which features such fare as poached Maine lobster and pan-seared scallops. The hotel offers valet parking or guests can take the Blue or Orange Metro line to the Smithsonian station.
Perched along the shores of the Washington Channel, Phillips Flagship offers a massive dining hall, seating approximately 1,400 diners. The upscale interior includes Tiffany-style lamps, marble-top tables, wrought iron chairs and little white lights scattered across the ceiling. The buffet, with a seafood emphasis, offers more than 50 items, including a wide variety of crabs. On Friday and Saturday evenings, try to arrive between 6 and 7 p.m. to avoid the large crowds. For diners using public transportation, take the Blue, Orange, Green or Yellow Metro line to L'Enfant Plaza.
Split into two separate sections, Vie de France sits within the Capital Gallery's lobby, a government building that lies within walking distance to the National Mall, including the Smithsonian Sculpture Garden and National Museum of African Art. While one location sells quick snacks, such as baked goods and light sandwiches, the other spot features a bar and sit-down dining experience, including a menu filled with pastas and salads. Utilize the nearby parking garage, search for limited street parking or take the Green, Yellow, Orange or Blue line to L'Enfant Plaza.
Located on the Gangplank Marina, Cantina Marina remains the only D.C. restaurant to sit upon the water. Due to its location, the restaurant stays open for business between April and November. The brightly colored restaurant, complete with high wood beam ceilings and checkered floors, offers a casual setting with outdoor dining options. Featuring a fusion of Tex-Mex and Cajun cuisine, the menu includes such dishes as East Texas barbecue beef sandwiches and fried catfish. To reach the restaurant via the Metro, take the Green line to the Waterfront station. Cantina Marina also sits within walking distance to the MLB Washington Nationals' stadium and the Arena Stage, a prominent D.C. theater. On game nights, diners with a Nationals ticket receive a free beer.
