The dining scene in the nation's capital is pretty hip.
Washington, D.C., has a number of star restaurants that boast wonderful chefs, a hip atmosphere, a storied history or all three. Many publications, from Zagat to Gayout and the New York Times, speculate on which is the best restaurant in town. But for diners looking to eat somewhere special, there are a number of winners.
Restaurant Nora
President Obama took his wife here for her birthday in 2010. It is indeed a special occasion restaurant and boasts the first fully organic restaurant menu in the country. Set in a historic brick house, the dining room is casually elegant. Menu choices include chilled local tomato gazpacho or wild Alaskan halibut with succotash and tomato salad. There is a popular tasting menu that can be tweaked for vegetarians.
Nora's
2132 Florida Avenue N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-462-5143
noras.com
Brasserie Beck
A Belgian chef heads up the kitchen at this elegant eatery. European food is served in a modern black and blue dining room. The wine list is extensive, and a sommelier will help you pair it with your food choice. The bar boasts what the restaurant's website calls the most extensive list of Belgian beers outside of Belgium. Dishes include lots of meat and seafood, with options like grilled trout in lemon caper sauce or steak in cognac sauce.
Brasserie Beck
1101 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-408-1717
beckdc.com
CityZen
Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, CityZen is considered by some--including the James Beard Foundation--to be the best restaurant in the city. Chef Eric Ziebold fills the elegant, high-ceilinged dining room with creative cooking that he calls "Modern American." Menus include items like shrimp scampi soup or pan roasted lamb with English yogurt and grilled yukon gold potatoes. Dress is business casual.
1330 Maryland Ave. SW,
Washington, D.C.
202-787-6868
mandarinoriental.com/washington
La Chaumiere
According to the Zagat guide, La Chaumiere is for those who "love French food without all the fusion." Even the decor and ambiance are traditional, with waiters in suits and a crackling wood fireplace. Menu appetizers are classics like escargot or mussels in cream sauce. Entrees include duck confit and cassoulet. Finish off with a decadent chocolate mousse.
La Chaumiere
2132 Florida Avenue N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-462-5143
lachaumieredc.com
Komi
This fine restaurant with prices to match is in central Dupont circle. The is minimalist and dimly lit--the focus is on the food. The chef is Greek, but the food is all over the place in terms of inspiration and definitely haute in its presentation. Dinners kick off with a series of mezethalia, a Greek version of tapas, and then proceed to a variety of bigger dishes with a local emphasis. Dress is formal.
Komi
1509 17th St NW,
Washington DC20036
202-332-9200
komerestaurant.com
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