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Restaurants in Washington DC

Washington has come into its own as a culinary adventure with just about every type of restaurant imaginable. It is said that the best Ethiopian food in the country is available in the Adams Morgan neighbourhood; downtown Washington has peerless Indian fare; while Asian, Mexican, regional American specialities, crab cakes and whatever else pleases the palate can easily be found within the city limits.

The Washington, DC restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over US$55)
Moderate (US$25 to US$55)
Cheap (up to US$25)
These Washington, DC prices are for a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of house wine or equivalent. They do not include sales tax (10%) or service charge.

Blue Duck Tavern

Price: Expensive

The Blue Duck Tavern continues to be heaped with accolades. The open kitchen with wood-burning oven is surrounded by simple Americana décor like wooden Shaker furniture and quilts hanging from the wall. The real star, however, is the food. Artfully presented, traditional American fare includes everything from oysters and crab cakes to pheasant and braised beef rib, and the menu identifies where the main ingredient is sourced.

Address: 24 and M Streets, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 419 6755
http://www.blueducktavern.com/

Equinox

Price: Expensive

With a mid-Atlantic menu featuring seasonal and regionally inspired meals using organic ingredients grown within 160km (100 miles) of the restaurant, Equinox's proximity to the White House attracts an esteemed clientele, including the Obamas. The creative American food includes line-caught swordfish steak with sweet Maine shrimp. Dine in the buzzing atrium, right on the street, or in the quieter main dining room.

Address: 818 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 331 8118
http://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/

Nora

Price: Expensive

In a dining room hung with vintage quilts, diners will find some of Washington, DC's most creative dishes. And somehow restaurateur Nora Pouillon does it while making sure that everything is organic. The menu changes daily but you can't go wrong with the miso soup or any of the seafood main courses.

Address: 2132 Florida Avenue, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 462 5143
http://www.noras.com/

The Jockey Club

Price: Expensive

Rub shoulders with politicians and Hollywood royalty in a restaurant which has been an important part of the Washington, DC scene for much of the time since opening in 1961. Closed for several year, the revamped restaurant reflects its original style but with a modern slant. The menu still serves Jockey Club classics such as Dover Sole Meuniere but also serves innovative herb and marspone ravioli.

Address: 2100 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 835 2100
http://www.thejockeyclub-dc.com/

Vidalia

Price: Expensive

Named after a type of onion so sweet it can be eaten like an apple, award-winning Vidalia makes sure that this unique vegetable figures prominently on the menu. The kitchen specialises in Southern fare, so diners should not miss out on favourites such as crab cakes and their famous shrimp and grits. There is complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday from 1730-1830.

Address: 1990 M Street, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 659 1990
http://www.vidaliadc.com/

Brasserie Beck

Price: Moderate

Styled to look like a European train station, this Belgian bistro boasts luxuriant, dark walnut tones, a 10-seat chef's table and several clocks which reflect the time of some of chef/owner Robert Wiedmaier's favourite destinations. This casual, friendly and sometimes raucous restaurant is getting quite a reputation for its selection of over 100 different Belgian beers and its steamed apple and curry mussels.

Address: 1101 K Street, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 408 1717
http://www.beckdc.com/

Founding Farmers

Price: Moderate

Owned by a collective of American farmers, all the ingredients served here are sustainably farmed using the produce from family farms, ranches and fisheries. The freshness of the food makes signature dishes such as Yankee pot roast absolutely mouth-watering helped by the generosity of the portions. Its green credentials extend to the use of reclaimed wood throughout and recycled paper for the menus.

Address: 1924 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 822 8783
http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/

Mr Smith's of Georgetown

Price: Moderate

A Georgetown institution, with its antique mirrors, lamps and piano bar, for over 40 years, regulars come here for the hearty home cooking from burgers to chili and fish and chips. The hidden garden buzzes with the sound of conversation and is open all year, heated by fireplaces and an electronic roof covering in winter.

Address: 3104 M Street, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 333 3104
http://www.mrsmiths.com/

Old Ebbitt Grill

Price: Moderate

Situated around the corner from the White House, this comfortable little pub with lots of dark wood and polished brass has served presidents since 1856 and is a Washington, DC institution. The food is not what one would find at a state dinner, however, but the menu changes daily and uses the freshest local produce. Visitors come for the staples, such as humongous hamburgers, or belly up to the oyster bar.

Address: 675 15th Street, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 347 4800
http://www.ebbitt.com/

Zaytinya

Price: Moderate

The Mediterranean cuisine at Zaytinya excels. Tuck into the mouth-watering mezze, small plates of seafood, meat or vegetables. Save room for Turkish delight, a walnut ice cream creation with, among other things, caramelised pine nuts. The décor is simple with huge windows and white walls. Zaytinya only takes limited reservations so take a chance and join the hustle and bustle at the bar with others waiting for a table.

Address: 701 Ninth Street, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 638 0800
http://www.zaytinya.com/

Ben's Chili Bowl

Price: Cheap

The sign over the grill says 'Home of the Famous Chili Dog', which should give a clue as to what to order at this popular eatery. The chilli half-smoke was voted Washington's signature dish. Formica counters lined with red vinyl barstools are a throwback to the 1950s when it first opened, but then again, posh interior design is not the reason why patrons like comedian Billy Cosby frequent it and the Obamas have popped in.

Address: 1213 U Street, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: (202) 667 0909
http://www.benschilibowl.com/

Meskerem

Price: Cheap

The streets of Adams Morgan are lined with Ethiopian eateries, but none as enjoyable as this one set on three levels and decorated with colourful murals and traditional musical instruments. Diners sit at low tables and tear off little pieces of injera

Address: (sour-dough pancakes) with which they can sample a wide range of chicken, Washington DC, United States
Telephone: 2434 18,(202) 462 4100
http://www.meskeremethiopianfood.com

Pizzeria Paradiso

Price: Cheap

Whether the choice is a traditional favourite, such as quattro formaggi (four cheeses), or the popular Atomica (tomato, salami, black olives), the thin, crunchy crust is always a winner, cooked in a wood-burning stove that has pride of place. Pizzeria Paradiso moved up the street in 2009 and added a Birreria Paradiso serving microbrews and handcrafted beers. There is also a second location in Georgetown.

Address: Dupont Circle, NW, United States
Telephone: (202) 223 1245
http://www.eatyourpizza.com/

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