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1789 Restaurant
Located in an 18th-century federal townhouse, 1789 is divided into five themed dining rooms with fireplaces and period furniture, and the setting makes this a premiere dining experience presided over by chef Nathan Beauchamp. His 'keep it simple' approach is enhanced by the best quality ingredients, and complemented by excellent wine pairings. Fish and meat dishes are followed by a list of decadent desserts. There is also a good-value pre-theater menu available, as well as an 'After Hours' menu catering to those who prefer a post-performance dinner. Reservations essential. Open for dinner nightly.
Address: 1226 36th Street NW
Website: www.1789restaurant.com

Galileo
Flagship restaurant of executive chef Roberto Donna, Galileo serves renowned and innovative Piedmontese-style Italian dishes at what is claimed to be one of the best Italian restaurants in the country. The menu changes depending on the season's ingredients, but dishes include homemade pasta, a variety of meat dishes, or one of the irresistible desserts such as the traditional tiramisu. For a special dining experience book a seat at the table in the Labortorio del Galileo, a private kitchen-dining room in which Donna prepares and serves a multi-course tasting menu for his guests. Open for dinner nightly and lunch Monday to Friday. Special note: the restaurant is closed for renovations until late 2008.
Address: 1110 21st Street NW, Foggy Bottom (Downtown)
Website: www.galileodc.com

Vidalia
The sweet Vidalia onion is a specialty in season at this charming, lively restaurant below street level. The regional Southern cuisine features such specialties as crab cakes, shrimp on yellow grits and the renowned lemon chess pie; homemade corn bread is served with every meal. Reservations recommended. Open for lunch and dinner, but no lunch on weekends.
Address: 1990 M Street NW, Dupont Circle (Downtown)
Website: www.vidaliadc.com

Kinkead's
Located in an old townhouse, Kinkead's offers a sophisticated formal dining area upstairs and a casual bar and café on the ground floor that has live jazz music every evening. With the exception of at least one meat and poultry dish, the menu concentrates on seafood that is always fresh and superbly prepared and presented, and includes classic dishes like grilled fish as well as more creative seafood specialties. Open daily. No lunch on Saturdays. A light menu is offered between brunch/lunch and dinner. Reservations essential and the dress code is business casual.
Address: 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Foggy Bottom (Downtown)
Website: www.kinkead.com

Sushi-Ko
Washington DC's first sushi bar, Sushi-Ko still boasts one of the best-quality sushi bars in town. This small restaurant has high standards, and sashimi, tempuras and teriyakis are all excellent. Daily specials are more innovative and equally delicious such as the sea trout Napoleon or smaller dishes like the grilled baby octopus with mango. There is also a long list of sakes. Reservations recommended for dinner. No lunch Saturday to Monday.
Address: 2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Glover Park
Website: www.sushiko.us

Obelisk
This tiny, charming dining room serves exquisite sophisticated Italian cuisine by means of a fixed-price menu that offers two or three choices for each of five courses. Dinner might include Tuscan bean soup, mushroom crostini, cod with fried asparagus, lamb or veal. All desserts and breads are baked in-house and are delicious. Reservations essential. Closed Sunday and Monday. Dinner only. Dress is business casual.
Address: 2029 P Street NW, Dupont Circle

Bombay Club
By far the smartest Indian restaurant in town, the ambience created by the ceiling fans, wicker furniture and potted palms is straight from the British colonial era. Bombay Club is known for its setting, as well as for its gourmet regional Indian cuisine and personalised service, and was a favorite spot for the Clintons when occupying the White House across the road. Delicious naan flatbread compliments dishes ranging from fiery green chilli chicken and tandoori dishes, to rogan josh, biryanis, dhals and lobster malabar. The Sunday champagne brunch is popular. Lunch Monday to Friday, dinner daily. Reservations essential.
Address: 815 Connecticut Avenue NW (Downtown)
Website: www.bombayclubdc.com

Michel Richard Citronelle
The breath-taking décor, including a wall that changes color and a glass-enclosed wine cellar that encircles the dining room, complements the exquisite French-California cuisine that is a work of art as colorful, light and innovative as its surroundings. Among the many outstanding treats on the menu are truffles, lobster, or lamb rack. The Chef's Table in the kitchen is an intimate look at the top chefs in action, but must be reserved months in advance. Jacket required for dinner. Open for breakfast and dinner daily.
Address: Latham Hotel, 3000 M Street NW, Georgetown
Website: www.citronelledc.com

Jaleo
This fun and lively spot has a bar that is usually filled with a pre-theater and business crowd, and has been serving up simple classic Spanish fare for years. Jaleo's focus is primarily on tapas and the long list includes garlic shrimp, Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions, warm goat's cheese and mushroom tart, to name a few. There are also some tasty entrées such as grilled fish and huge portions of paella. There is live flamenco dancing on Wednesday evenings.
Address: 480 7th Street NW (Downtown)
Website: www.jaleo.com

Gerard's Place
This quiet little restaurant is known for its menu that combines an intriguing and delicious mixture of ingredients into every dish. There are a variety of memorable savoury offerings, as well as desserts. A fixed-price menu gives the best of everything. Reservations essential. No lunch weekends. Dinner Monday to Saturday. Dress is business casual.
Address: 915 15th Street (Downtown)
Website: www.gerardsplacedc.net

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