Any restaurant foodies from DC here?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

Spending one night in DC in June. Since we currently live in a food desert in central TX, so looking forward to a great dinner in DC.

But been overwhelmed with all the options of dozens and dozens of places.

Any recommendations? Been looking at pre-fixe and Michelin options. We're pretty adventurous but not to the point of not even recognizing anything on menu Favorites.. farm-to-table, seafood, steak, Cajun, Italian seafood..

[spooky3]

1. You could try one of the Jose Andres options (because of all he has

done for people in need). At Jaleo (tapas) there are options for every taste.

[elleng]

6. I agree try one of Jose Andres places,

and Jaleo was an early favorite for me (as it was near my office,) @ 480 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, so near the Mall (and not far from Capitol Hill, Portrait Gallery, and National Gallery.)

[Laura PourMeADrink]

9. Thanks. Looked at Jaleo and minibar. Both looked temporarily closed?

Will look again

[spooky3]

10. Jaleo is open for reservations. I just went to their site. Nt

[Laura PourMeADrink]

13. Me too. You're right.

Maybe too close to "texas" tasting for us ? Menu looks a bit too heavy for what we were imagining.

I know I sound crazy, but I have one shot at a fabulous dinner

Think craving a beautiful super fresh fish filet and gorgeous organic salad. Maybe some mussels in a creative sauce. Beets? Goat cheese? Creative soup.

[elleng]

18. Tapas are what you make of them, rarely 'heavy.' EDITED

Last edited Sat May 29, 2021, 03:34 PM - Edit history (2)

Menu items described here (more for ME than OP; definitely missing it.)

Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain by showcasing the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine. Try our signature tapas, the savory paellas, superb sangria, and a wide selection of the finest Spanish cheeses and cured meats.

https://tfgmenus.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20210327_JDC_Dinner_ScaledDown.pdf

[spooky3]

20. Tapas are tiny plates and you can get "heavy" or light foods.

But there are many other options—see the Washingtonian.

[spooky3]

2. Here are more options:

https://www.washingtonian.com/2020/02/11/the-100-very-best-restaurants-in-washington-2/

[Dream Girl]

4. I think they're looking for personal recommendations.

Just saying.

[spooky3]

7. I'm happy to give mine but the Washingtonian's list is

Updated yearly and gives descriptions he can use. His taste may not be the same as mine. Locals use the Washingtonian list when trying out new places.

The Jaleo recommendation is mine, too.

[Dream Girl]

11. Got it. Seems like a great resource. I may use that list as a reference for my DC trip next fall.

[spooky3]

21. The same magazine also has a best neighborhood restaurant list

with a wider range of prices.

If you are staying in Northern VA and metro-ing in, a very consistently good and moderately priced favorite of mine is Carlyle in Shirlington. True Food Kitchen in No. Arlington is very good too.

[DFW]

3. My favorite tip

The place our old friend Helen Thomas used to take us: Mama Ayesha‘s. Helen was such a fixture there, one of the items on the menu is now called Helen‘s Salad. Very old world feel, and some of the best Lebanese food in town. Of course we love Lebanese food, so that helps. Otherwise, the Capital Grille never disappoints, but being a world capital, DC is full of fabulous places to eat, and if Congress is not in session, it is s LOT easier to get a table.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

14. Man if we had more time, I'd definitely try. Cap Grill

my fallback. We were just hanging out one day and it started pouring. We ran in there. My biggest impression I will never forget is how we were dressed casually and soaking wet and they didn't miss a beat... Welcomed us in like VIPs

[DFW]

15. I know what you mean. Just one night

Going to DC and having only only one place to eat out at is like going to a Stones concert and you can choose what they‘ll play, but they will only play one song.

[DFW]

16. I know what you mean. Just one night

Going to DC and having only only one place to eat out at is like going to a Stones concert and you can choose what they‘ll play, but they will only play one song.

[Sophiegirl]

5. DC Warf

The District Warf is an exceptional place to have dinner. Many great restaurants and most with a Potomac River view.

I would recommend La Vie. Excellent food, exceptional service and a beautiful view. Reservations are highly recommended. They are only open for dinner weeknights. Lunch and dinner on the weekends. We had dinner there in February and went back in April for my husband’s birthday. Just wonderful.

You can explore all of the Warf restaurants at this website.


https://www.wharfdc.com/restaurants/

[spooky3]

8. Just one more opinion--the Wharf restaurants seem overpriced to me

And the food average. But that was several years ago so things may have improved. The views are outstanding.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

12. Thanks. Does look beautiful. Don't think the wharf even

existed back when I lived in DC

I know restaurants have pared down their menus due to pandemic understandably. La Vie menu only has 4 choices. Chicken and salmon which we eat every week at home. Lamb which I'm not crazy about.

Have you ever eaten at Salt Line? Looks kinda touristy but good ratings.

[Sophiegirl]

22. Salt line is excellent

They have a fresh oyster bar. I particularly like the butter dressed lobster roll.

[soothsayer]

17. Central (the late Michel Richard's place) is fabulous

[bottomofthehill]

19. Are you staying in DC proper

I love Old Town Alexandria, there are some great food options and it is a fun place to wander before and after a meal. It is starting to get a bit crowded as more and more are vaccinated.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

24. Thanks. Yes love Alexandria. Took me a long time

To find an Airbnb and nothing in Alexandria fit. So staying in Capitol Hill.

Ended up reserving Rooster and Owl. They just got Michelin star, have a nice patio, and their menu sounded interesting to me.

https://www.roosterowl.com/menu

They had me at Carolina BBQ carrots with Cornbread ice cream

[live love laugh]

23. Please post a follow up review of your experience for the benefit of us future diners.