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1. CityZen
1330 Maryland Ave SW, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, DC 20024 · 202-787-6006
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NATIONAL MALL. Sleek geometric designs, 20-foot ceilings, dark tones and an exhibition kitchen set a sophisticated stage at the Mandarin Oriental's signature restaurant, led by one-time French Laundry chef de cuisine Eric Ziebold. The ingenious fare can be best described as Modern American, though Ziebold allows for a few international nuances in dishes like veal shank with potato gnocchi. The bold wine list features an impressive 800 varietals, and the bar area shelves rare single malt scotches and cognacs. Six-course chef's tasting menu: $105; six-course vegetarian tasting menu: $90; three-course menu: $75. METRO: L'Enfant Plaza
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DUPONT CIRCLE. Despite its Southern-sounding name, Vidalia was opened by owner-chef Jeffrey Buben to deliver modern regional American dishes in a soothing, serene atmosphere. Fresh ingredients combined in innovative ways result in offerings such as shrimp and grits, brown sugar-crusted duck breast with red wine-beet reduction, and veal sweetbreads with roasted Maine lobster. House desserts like Morello cherry streusel cake and lemon chess pie are simply transcendent. METRO: Dupont Circle
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3. Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 · 202-537-9250
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CLEVELAND PARK. The brainchild of two former White House chefs, this upscale restaurant courts diners with American dishes influenced by the cuisines of Italy and France. Recommended dishes are seemingly endless: Start with roasted red and Chioggia beets salad, and then try the savory veal chop or herb-roasted squab. The dessert menu will definitely draw your attention, thanks to tantalizing goodies like chocolate toffee torte and lime tartlet with glacéed grapefruit peel. METRO: Cleveland Park
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FALLS CHURCH. Its office park location may not sound promising, but hold your hat — this suburban gem boasts a lakeside view, impeccable décor and exquisite cuisine. The menu combines French delicacies with the latest culinary trends and includes vegetarian dishes such as wild mushroom risotto with aged parmesan and mascarpone. Roasted fois gras and stuffed quail breast, herb roasted veal tenderloin, and bittersweet chocolate coolant topped with Tahitian vanilla ice cream highlight the ten-course tasting menu, which is enhanced by select European wines. For $87, create your own multi-course meal with an appetizer, two main course items and dessert of your choice.
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FOGGY BOTTOM. Chef Eric Ripert (of NYC's Le Bernardin fame) runs the show at this formidable dining room located in Foggy Bottom's exclusive Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The sleek, angular space features pendant lights, earthy brown and orange tone, polished hardwoods and a sexy bar area, and yet the atmosphere remains refreshingly calm and casual. Ripert, meanwhile, never fails to hit his mark with inventive dishes like Chesapeake Bay Stew with saffron-tomato broth; fish burger with fennel, oven-roasted tomato and saffron aioli; and roast chicken with country bread stuffing.
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GEORGETOWN. Step back in time as you enter this elegant Federal-style country inn. Indeed, the early American antiques, Limoges china, Currier and Ives prints, and rustic fireplace create a comfortable yet luxe dining space. Skillfully prepared American dishes such as fresh Maryland crab cakes, Chesapeake rockfish, and rack of lamb with creamy feta potatoes keenly remind patrons why 1789 is praised as one of the area's most distinguished restaurants. The superb wine list and strict dress code only add to the legend, as does a cast of regulars that includes members of DC's "old money" crowd and the occasional public servant. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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7. Willard Room
1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Willard Inter-Continental Hotel, Washington, DC 20004 · 202-637-7440
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DOWNTOWN. A superb hotel restaurant, the Willard Room features exquisite Nouveau American and French cuisine. Characterized by complex flavor combinations and delightful presentation, the seasonal menu features only the freshest ingredients. Notable dishes include chilled tomato soup and grilled halibut. The dining room's elegant ambiance is enhanced by a bi-level design and warm oak paneling. Dressy attire. METRO: Metro Center
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ALEXANDRIA. An old, renovated warehouse serves as the setting for Eve, which offers diners two distinct settings: a casual yet sophisticated bistro-style restaurant and the more intimate Chef's Tasting Room. The bistro is known for its creative cocktails and tempting dishes like roasted breast of Guinea hen with morels, cipolinnis and fava beans. The tasting room, meanwhile, wins praise for an enterprising, five-course prix fixe that features pan-roasted rockfish with braised onions and fricassée of rabbit with yellow carrots and pumpkin. On par with the cuisine, the wine list has itself garnered numerous accolades and awards.
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DUPONT CIRCLE. Accented with vintage crib quilts and elegant artwork, this well-received restaurant is a strong proponent of organic foods. Its sophisticated approach to cuisine emphasizes top-quality meats and produce and fresh, in-season seafood. Nora boasts a lovely, romantic ambience, perfect for indulging in roasted Amish pork shoulder with adzuki beans, or lemon balm-crusted lamb rack with chickpea puree. And of course, it doesn't hurt that chef-owner Nora Pouillon is often applauded for her culinary creativity and environmental efforts. METRO: Dupont Circle
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ADAMS-MORGAN. This diminutive restaurant, expertly run by owner-chef Ann Cashion, features Southern food with a twist. The menu changes daily and features seasonal items, such as pea soup in the spring and stewed rabbit in the winter. Sunday brunch offers traditional bacon and eggs, along with more inventive culinary endeavors. Inside, you'll find a mirrored bar and windows opening onto the sidewalk during warm weather. Outdoor dining available. Smart casual dress. Reservations accepted. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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