Top 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC: Komi, Palena, Proof, Makoto, Blue Duck Tavern
Blue Duck Tavern
(American, West End, in the Park Hyatt hotel)24 & M Streets NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-419-6755
Blue Duck Tavern has a stunning interior with its hand-crafted wood furnishings and open kitchen. Features prime ingredients from American farms and purveors, who are credited on the menu. More interesting menu items include the house-smoked sturgeon rillet, oven roasted bone marrow, and kohlrabi gratin. Try vitello tonnato as an appetizer.
Buck's Fishing and Camping
(American, Upper Northwest/Chevy Chase Circle)5031 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-364-0777
We love Buck's. The ambiance is sophisticated rustic. You may be seated at the long communal table in the middle of the dining room. The food is about freshness and solid execution. Buck's ‘World-Famous' Wood-Grilled, Dry-Aged, Prime Sirloin Steak w/ Hand-cut French Fries is a much tastier hunk of meat than you would ever get in filet or New York strip.
City Zen - Review
(New American, East Potomac Park)1330 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-787-6006
The only AAA 5 Diamond restaurant in Washington DC, City Zen sports an open kitchen, 20-foot ceilings and luxurious furnishings, lampshades, and firewells. City Zen offers a three-course prix fixe menu, a six-course chef's tasting menu, and a six-course vegetarian tasting menu.
Komi
1509 17th Street
Washington, DC 20036
202-332-9200
The rustic simplicity of the dining room contrasts with the subtle sophistication of the numerous small dishes that flow from the kitchen. Many of the amuse bouche feature raw fish. A crouton cube contains liquefied "caesar salad". Believe the server when she tells you to eat it in one bite! The greek roots of Chef Johnny Monis provide inspiration the the eclectic menu.
La Chaumiere
2813 M St NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-338-1784
An authentic French dining inn, with its central stone fireplace, wood beams, and stucco walls provides a cozy and slightly rustic atmosphere. First courses include a deeply-flavored lobster bisque and baked mussels. Second courses include river trout with almonds, shad roe (in season), true Dover sole, crab cakes, steaks, and various organ meats. For dessert, opt for a soufle (chocolate, Grand Mariner, or both!). Thursday is cassoulet night.
Makoto - Review
4822 MacArthur Boulevard NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-298-6866
This hard-to-find little Japanese restaurant is truly one of the best restaurants in DC. Prix-fixe "Omakase" from $60 per person. Enjoy it at the bar for the full experience.
Palena
(American/French/Italian, Cleveland Park)3529 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-537-9250
Executive chef and owner Frank A. Ruta was executive sous chef in the Reagan and first Bush White Houses. His inspired dishes are well-executed. His Swiss Chard Ravioli with Ink Pasta and Tuscan Cuttlefish Sause is one example. Prix fixe menu in the main dinning room. The café up front offers a great cheseburger. "Palena Fries" is a dish unto itself. Be advised that perfect roast chicken takes 45 minutes to prepare so order right away.
Proof
(Wine Bar/Eclectic, Penn Quarter)775 G Street
Washington, DC 20001
202-737-7663
Proof, with 40 wines by the glass, encourages sharing of dishes. The charcuterie plate can easily be shared by 4 as a starter. Try the sautéed yukon gold potato gnocchi for a second. Plates of artisan cheeses are served with an incredible creamed honey.
Restaurant Nora
2132 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-797-4870
Restaurant Nora is the first certified organic restaurant in America. Everything they serve is of high quality and the service is excellent. Nora's Housemade Country Pate with red pepper jelly, crostini, pickled vegetable salad, and grainy mustard is our favorite starter.
Rosa Mexicana
(Modern Mexican, Penn Quarter)575 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-783-5522
The bright pink dining room matches the house specialty cocktail--pommegranite margarita. The high-end Mexican food at Rosa Mexicana is a favorite. Guacamole prepared table side is a must. Our favorite dish is the Zarape de Pato / Layered Duck Tortilla Pie, which is roasted pulled duck layered between soft corn tortillas and topped with a delicious yellow pepper-habanero cream sauce.