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1. Rasika
633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004 · 202-637-1222
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DOWNTOWN. Authentically gourmet takes on sigiri, tandoori and tawa dishes have enabled this elegant Penn Quarter establishment to capture a fair amount of popular and critical praise. All the attention is justly earned, too, starting with a smart, suave decor that features rich colors, imported fabrics and chandeliers. And the fare – for example, Lamb Dahiwala, Dum Ha Duck, Tandoori Trout – truly captivates the senses. The restaurant offers multiple settings, including a community table, a formal dining room, a lounge area, and a showcase kitchen. METRO: Archives/Navy Memorial; China Town/Gallery Place
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DOWNTOWN. This is the area's most elegant place for fine Spanish cuisine, and the showstopper dining room boasts ornate carvings, plush seating, silk drapes, and high, dramatic ceilings. As you're serenaded by Spanish guitar or entertained by flamenco dancers, choose from a long list of tapas or choose a full meal such as marmitako, a rich stew of tuna and potatoes. Or try cocido, a savory soup of thin noodles and roast meat with chickpeas, all served bubbling hot in a lidded earthenware pot. The staff will treat you like royalty. Reservations recommended. Business dressy attire. METRO: Farragut West
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3. Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Pepco Building, Washington, DC 20001 · 202-638-0800
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DOWNTOWN. With its stark white walls, high ceilings and dramatic glass facade, Zaytinya has emerged as a popular after-work gathering place. Hot and cold mezze ("middle-of-the-day" meals) enrich the dining scene with contemporary Eastern Mediterranean fare – for example, lamb with hummus, and spiced sirloin with dry fruit compote. For more substantial appetites, the kebab platter or braised lamb shank with eggplant does nicely. An added perk: Their wine list focuses almost exclusively on Greek, Turkish and Lebanese selections. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown
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4. Bombay Club
815 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 302, Washington, DC 20006 · 202-659-3727
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DOWNTOWN. This little-known find is one of the top places in town for flavorful Indian cuisine, and its location near the White House means it typically crawls with staffers and political types. Reportedly a favorite of the Clintons during his time in office, the refined, palm-dotted dining room is a combination of British and Indian styles. But the food is authentic Indian all the way, with skillfully prepared tandoori dishes, lamb in saffron with yogurt and spices, and a fantastic array of curries. Vegetarians and carnivores will both be satisfied. Just don't miss the naan, a flavorful, soft bread that's a Bombay Club specialty. Business casual dress. Reservations recommended. METRO: Farragut West
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5. Ceiba
701 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 · 202-393-3983
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DOWNTOWN. The sizzling cuisines of South and Central America have invaded the nation's capital, and, thankfully, the DC dining scene will never be the same. A decor of Yucatan stone, mosaics and furniture fashioned of Brazilian wood takes traditional elements and gives them a modern slant. Ceviches, of course, lead the menu, and it's wise to go ahead and sample the yellowfin tuna or Yucatan shrimp. From there, look to such flavorful courses as Brazilian-braised pork shank with black beans and rice, Bahian-style boullabaisse, or jerk barbequed young chicken with rice, peas and sautéed callaloo. METRO: Metro Center
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6. Café Atlántico
405 8th St NW, between D and E Sts, Washington, DC 20004-2102 · 202-393-0812
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DOWNTOWN. This visually stunning café features fiery red walls, black and white tiling, and a winding black staircase, creating the ideal backdrop for dramatic works by Latin American artists. Highly recommended dishes include Ecuadorian seared scallops over crispy rice cooked in coconut oil, quail prepared two ways, and flavorful salmon with papaya. The wine list is extensive and well-chosen, with choices from Chile and Argentina, and the two bars do a lively business on weekends. METRO: Archives
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7. Neyla
3206 N St NW, Washington, DC 20007 · 202-333-6353
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GEORGETOWN. Named for the Mediterranean concept of success, this charming restaurant has made a name for itself in Georgetown. Upscale and welcoming, it offers an array of tasteful Lebanese dishes. Start with stuffed grape leaves, and then try porcini-scented Chilean sea bass or succulent roast duck. Vegetable dishes, salads, fish, and grilled meats make up the bulk of the menu. Smart casual dress. Reservations accepted.
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This restaurant serves traditional Indian dishes, including curries, samosas, and tandoori chicken, but it also presents innovative items that spice up the menu a bit. Try any of the homemade breads available or squid served with coconut and a splash of lemon and tomato. The simple, welcoming interior features interesting prints and large windows that brighten cream-colored walls. Smart casual dress. Reservations necessary.
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9. Jaleo
480 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 · 202-628-7949
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DOWNTOWN. This Spanish restaurant's sleek, stylish decor is accented with hand-painted ceramics and colorful murals depicting flamenco performances. A long list of tapas ably satisfies, or try the specialty of the house, paella, which feeds four! Bold, fruity sangria is a nice complement to your meal, as are Spanish wines. Stay for dessert; options include rum-and-butter-soaked apple charlotte or chocolate hazelnut torte. Service is friendly and efficient even when the dining room is packed. Business casual dress. Reservations recommended. METRO: Chinatown or Gallery Place
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DUPONT CIRCLE. Why go to Russia when you can find vodka and caviar a short walk from Dupont Circle? Housed in an imposing stone townhouse, Russia House offers a regal lounge, over fifty varieties of vodka and traditional Russian cuisine. The splendor of Imperial Russia is reflected in the lounge's interior, adorned with fine art, marble decor and red damask wall coverings. Despite its apparent formality, on the weekends its Eastern European patrons flock to the lounge, creating a lively atmosphere. If fine dining is what you're after, the restaurant serves large and small plates, and menu offerings include vodka dill salmon, mushroom potato crocotte, oven roasted duck breast and beef stroganoff. METRO: Dupont Cir
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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