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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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DOWNTOWN. At The Capital Grille you'll find superb food in a dramatic dining room where you can sink into a burnished leather chair, order a Manhattan and interact with the powerful Washington elite. The discreet service is flawless, the menu is as impressive as the atmosphere, and the dry-aged steaks are considered some of the best in the city. The 22-oz. Delmonico is flavorful and cooked to your specification, and for those whose palates lean more to the sea, fresh seared salmon with mustard sauce just might do the trick. The wine list has collected Wine Spectator's coveted "Best of" award. METRO: National Gallery
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3. Kinkead's
2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006 · 202-296-7700
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FOGGY BOTTOM. This two-story establishment grants guests the option of dining casually in the downstairs area or more formally upstairs. The menu features a number of seafood standards, including roasted cod with crab imperial and Virginia ham spoonbread, and monkfish wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon. Other tempting choices are braised lamb shank with gigante beans, or grilled chicken with polenta, sun-dried tomatoes and mixed mushrooms. Be sure to leave room for dessert because Kinkead's will win you over with chocolate dacquoise, pecan carrot cake and a trio of crème brûlées. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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4. DC Coast
1401 K St NW, Tower Building, Washington, DC 20005-3401 · 202-216-5988
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DOWNTOWN. Into people-watching? DC Coast's wall of windows overlooks busy 14th Street. As the name suggests, seafood is the specialty. Chef Jeff Tunks is famous for his Chinese-style smoked lobster, and pan-roasted rockfish with polenta cake and lobster corn broth. Popular terrene dishes include grilled NY strip with andouille hash, and marinated free-range chicken with roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled ramps. Portions are sizable, and the ambience is bright and lively. As for finding the place: Keep an eye out for the mermaid marking the entrance to this Beaux Arts-style dining room. METRO: McPherson Square
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5. The Palm
1225 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 · 202-293-9091
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DUPONT CIRCLE. For a classic fine dining experience in our nation's capital, you can't beat The Palm. While there, you're likely to see scurrying Secret Service agents and legislators recognizable from C-SPAN, and regulars have been caricatured on the walls for decades. USDA Prime steaks are justifiably famous, jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters are delicious, and Italian dishes reflect the restaurant's heritage. Delectable sides include cottage fries, creamed spinach and fried onions. The casual yet refined atmosphere and outstanding service accommodate a relaxed meal or a business meeting with equal aplomb. METRO: Dupont Circle
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DOWNTOWN. This upscale restaurant attracts a wide mix of politicos and world citizens longing for South Carolina's Lowcountry cooking. Barbecued salmon fillet, shrimp and grits, Frogmore stew (seafood, no frogs) and Southern fried chicken are menu classics that come with cornbread, biscuits and lots of animated conversation. Vegetarians find warm embrace in meatless dishes like sautéed black-eyed pea cakes. Fried catfish, biscuit-battered French toast, country ham with gravy and other brunch delights also gain wide approval. Some say that this type of food is a bit heavy – others simply nod and butter another biscuit. METRO: McPherson Square
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7. Café Milano
3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007 · 202-333-6183
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GEORGETOWN. A pale interior punctuated by framed European-designed scarves and ties sets the scene for this "see and be seen" establishment. Washington's fashionable elite frequent the elegant hot spot, and it's not uncommon to stand at the bar and glimpse one of the Wizards or a US Senator in the next room. Scrumptious Italian delights fill the menu, from specialty pizzas to veal-and-spinach-stuffed ravioli. There's also a range of carpacci and pasta dishes, along with daily specials. An outside dining area, shaded by large awnings, is attractive during mild weather. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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8. Equinox
818 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006 · 202-331-8118
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DOWNTOWN. Cleanly decorated and centrally located, this restaurant has earned a loyal following thanks to the inspired efforts of chef and owner Todd Gray. Using the freshest regional ingredients, he creates innovative, satisfying dishes such as grilled wild Alaskan king salmon with caramelized artichokes, or grilled Polyface Farm rack of pork with pickled ramps, spring bean fricassée and apple cider jus. The dinner menu, presented in a chef's tasting format, offers three, four or six hand-selected courses. An excellent list of primarily American wines is also available. METRO: Farragut West
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9. Bistro Bis
15 E St NW, Hotel George, Washington, DC 20001 · 202-661-2700
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CAPITOL HILL. Escape the high-stress environment of the business world and decompress in the relaxed atmosphere of this contemporary bistro, enjoying lively conversation and sophisticated French cuisine. Owner-chef Jeffrey Buben's classically-inspired menu includes lamb chops Niçoise, escalope of salmon Gascone and duck confit prepared with garlic and thyme. The glass-enclosed kitchen allows guests to watch the skilled chef and his team as they hone their culinary expertise. A destination in its own right, Bistro Bis has become a haven for the trendy and the powerbroker alike. METRO: Union Station
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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
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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