Washington DC

Johnny Monis, the young, energetic chef-owner of this small, personal restaurant, offers one of the most adventurous dining experiences in the city. — Fodor's

Fry anything in duck fat and it tastes good. — Not For Tourists

"Proving Michel Richard doesn't need beaucoup bucks to be brilliant", his "high-energy brasserie" in Penn Quarter dazzles with its "outstanding" riffs on tradition. — Zagat

North of White House, plush atmosphere for Goan, Parsis, Moghlai fare by Nilesh Singhvi. Tandooris, thalis, lobster Malabar. — Where

Deep in the heart of Dupont Circle is this lively, laid-back hangout, fronted by a sidewalk cafe in warm weather. — Frommer's

Chef Robert Wiedmaier's vivid style is firmly on display here, with French dishes that include nods to his Belgian training. — Frommer's

Considered to be a top-10 contender for best DC restaurant and we know why. Modern upscale trattoria features showstoppers like wild hare ragu and prosciutto wrapped veal chop. — BlackBook

Trendy 14th Street NW feels a bit like the Champs-Élysées at Stephen Starr's movie set of a French brasserie, with its zinc bar, tile floors and vintage fittings plus a sidewalk cafe. — Zagat

Be forewarned. The inventive cocktails and chatty bartender may tempt you into trading your table for a liquid dinner, but that would be a huge mistake. — BlackBook

Ris Lacoste's long-awaited restaurant offers sophisticated comfort food. — Washington Post

A menu that is focused on Greek and Lebanese cuisines, this is a much better option than another boring, overcooked filet. — The Infatuation

Start with the foie gras or beef crudo two ways and move on to a main course of Alaskan halibut or rack of lamb. — Michelin Guide

The tapas king of DC. Great for first dates. — Not For Tourists

A high-end cocktail/bar bites destination. — Gayot

Sapporo-style ramen shop from partners Daisuke Utagawa, Yama Jewayni and (chef) Katsuya Fukushima. — Where

Romantic rendezvous. — Not For Tourists

If you're hoping to enjoy one especially wonderful and sophisticated dinner while you're in Washington, try to book a table at Plume, in the dazzling Jefferson Hotel. — Frommer's

"Swim" to this "elegant Greek" seafooder in the Golden Triangle "that can rival any in Athens" with its "beautifully done" fish and tasty meze in a "bright", airy room. — Zagat

It's hard not to feel like a master of the universe when ensconced in this coolly elegant dining room in the imposing shadow of the Capitol. — Fodor's