Nestled between Maryland and Virginia, the nation's capital is abuzz with culture, natural beauty, politics, nightlife, and memorable dining opportunities. Washington D.C. is an obvious tourist destination; the capital is teeming with museums, monuments and historical landmarks. Consequently, Washington is also home to some of finest restaurants in the country.
Located in the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, Corduroy is a hidden gem known for simple execution and high-quality ingredients. Menu highlights include duck egg and leg salad, Pennsylvania lamb loin, peppered rare big-eyed tuna, and prime beef striploin with rutabaga gratin. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear jackets.
Corduroy
1201 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-589-0699
corduroydc.com
An industrial-chic interior houses this bistro which specializes in hand-crafted pizza. The pies include prosciutto white, fire and smoke, and white anchovy and capers. Patrons can also create their own combination from 30 ingredients. Other entrees include salads, seafood, and steak.
Matchbox
713 H St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-289-4441
matchboxdc.com
Jaleo is a tapas bar in the downtown D.C. area, although there are also outlets in Bethesda, Md., and Arlington, Va. Tapas may feature caviar and eggs, stuffed shrimp and fingerling potatoes. Paella, soup and salads are also on the menu.
Jaleo
480 7th St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-628-7949
jaleo.com
An inventive menu and charged atmosphere is the hallmark of this D.C. eatery. Chateaubriand with mushrooms and horseradish, Mediterranean-style loup de mer, and cobia with vegetable tart are just a few of the choices that make this menu stand out from others. Jackets are mandatory for men.
Michel Richard Citronelle
3000 M St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-625-2150
citronelledc.com
Attention to detail in a warm setting makes this restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental hotel one of D.C.'s best. Offerings include pan-seared Maine diver scallops, mille feuille of prime Midwestern beef, and sweet butter poached Maine lobster. A six-course chef's tasting menu is available as well.
CityZen
1330 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-787-6006
mandarinoriental.com
Built around its steel and glass open kitchen, Brasserie Beck has a contemporary European style with a Belgian flair. Over 100 Belgian beers are offered by the bottle with nine on tap. The menu boasts pan-seared New England cod, crispy skate wing with garlic spinach, and duck Congolese almondine.
Brasserie Beck
1101 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-408-1717
beckdc.com
On this progressive multi-course menu, guests may find suckling pig for two, roasted pumpkin with smoked greens, and papparadelle with a ragu of quail and olives. A tasting menu is available. Homemade fruit lollipops arrive with the check, for a sweet ending.
Komi
1509 17th St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-332-9200
komirestaurant.com
Hospitality is the name of the game at Hook, where clean architectural design and artistic meal presentation come together. Sample offerings include bluefish with gnocci and white anchovies, lemon-basil halibut with quinoa and figs, and filet mignon with potato gratin and cherry tomatoes.
Hook
3241 M St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-625-4488
hookdc.com
Rasika (named for the Sanskrit word for "flavors") showcases family-style Indian dining in a variety of settings, including a lounge area and an area with a view of the open kitchen. Guests may enjoy chicken biryani, lamb galouti, or tandoori salmon.
Rasika
633 D St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-637-1222
rasikarestaurant.com
Specializing in fresh falafel (chick peas or fava beans shaped into a ball or patty and deep-fried), this eatery is environmentally conscious. Their falafel is sold without plates, spoons, or forks, but rather in a wax paper sleeve. Falafel may be ordered in two sizes, then garnished as you wish at the garnish bar. This restaurant accepts cash only.
Amsterdam Falafel Shop
2425 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-234-1969
falafelshop.com
