Komi
Komi specializes in set menus featuring communal eating and food designed to thrill, including stuffed dates, pasta in a sea-urchin sauce and communally served roast suckling pig or baby goat.
Komi
1509 17th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-332-9200
komirestaurant.com
Raisika
Eat Indian vegetarian food in style at Raisika amidst curtains of metal and glittering glass beads. Try the crisp spinach with date chutney and tamarind and naan bread with truffle oil. Seafood lovers can plump for the lobster with coconut milk or tandoori lamb chops with cashew paste.
Raisika
633 D St., NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202.637.1222
rasikarestaurant.com
Ray's the Steaks
Ray's the Steaks is a Washington institution, and earned its reputation serving dishes such as the cowboy cut steak--weighing in at 28 ounces, eggs stuffed with steak tartare, mac and cheese, or steak with jalapeno or blue cheese sauce.
Ray's the Steaks
2300 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA
703-841-7297
raysthesteaks.com
Minibar at Cafe Atlantico
Take a seat at the tiny, six-seat counter that makes up the Minibar at Cafe Atlantico, and be thrilled by 30 miniature courses that are as much about science as food. Eat olive oil bonbons, a tumbleweed made of beets, and foie gras wrapped in cotton candy.
Minibar at Cafe Atlantico
405 Eighth St., NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-393-0812
cafeatlantico.com
Eve
At Eve, Irish chef Cathal Armstrong makes his own yogurt and cures his own pork belly. His food is earthy and the unstuffy atmosphere makes this a good choice for catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion. Specials include lobster or crab bisque, bouillabaisse and charcuterie.
Restaurant Eve
110 South Pitt Street
Alexandria, VA
703-706-0450
restauranteve.com
Blue Duck Tavern
Chef Brian McBride's menu lists every city and farm that each ingredient comes from. Dishes are seasonal and regional--and filling. Try warm Swiss-chard pie, weisswurst with red cabbage or short-rib hash. You may also spy secret service agents lurking around--the restaurant is a favorite with the White House staff. Desserts are huge, so plan on sharing.
Blue Duck Tavern
1201 24th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-419-6755
blueducktavern.com
Indique Heights
K.N. Vonod's menu focuses on Indian street foods served in an elegant setting of silk curtains and a gurgling fountains. This food is full of big flavors, especially in dishes such as anise-flavored crab tikka, peppery chettinid chicken and a yogurt crème brulee. For a deal, try the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet of curries and dosas.
Indique Heights
2 Wisconsin Cir.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-656-4822
indiqueheights.com
Cafe Du Parc
A bistro-style cafe with an umbrella festooned patio and hearty, classic French fare. Steak tartare, pork belly, and a large pot of mussels are all perfectly prepared, simple fare that make for a great, relaxed meal.
Cafe Du Parc
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-942-7000
cafeduparc.com
General Store
If its soul you're after, head for chef Gillian Clark's affordable and soulful dishes of meatloaf, fried chicken, collard greens and coconut cream pie. Cheap and homey, guaranteed to fill you up and make you feel good. This spot allso does take out.
General Store
6 Post Office Rd.
Silver Spring/Takoma Park, MD 20910
301-562-8787
Ray's the Classics
Sister restaurant, Ray's the Classics, serves steaks in an unpretentious atmosphere. Hanger steak and a luscious crab bisque are available at affordable prices.
Ray's the Classics
8606 Colesville Rd.
Silver Spring/Takoma Park, MD
301-588-7297
raystheclassics.com
