Dining in Washington is a many layered experience. You can dine at the very top where the diplomats and senators dine. You can slip into a seat at a trendy cutting edge foodie destination. Or you can nosh on great inexpensive ethnic cuisine. Because Washington is such an international city, it is blessed with an impressive array of choices.
Let’s start at the top. Komi is undeniably an extremely popular restaurant in Washington. It serves a $135 prix fixe menu, which means everything is included in that price. The ambiance is totally warm and cozy, with only a few tables so you feel cosseted in luxury and pampering. The menu is Greek inspired so you begin with small plates which are followed by entrees and desserts. In an unusual step, the restaurant does not allow pictures to be taken and does not offer menus. You get what they have on offer that night. Food editors to foodies are singing the praises of Komi. You have the opportunity, if you can get a reservation, to add your opinion!
On the other end of the spectrum, take a look at the place where cab drivers and students are patronizing with passion, Zenebech Injera. This humble Ethiopian restaurant is pulling in crowds for its huge portions and delightfully spicy food. Add to that the rock bottom prices and you have an adventure to try!
Featured on the Food Channel, Blue Duck Tavern is decorated in Americana and serves Americana type of food. That means, for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, you’ll be dining on American products blended together to really please. They even tell you where in America the produce comes from for each dish. A fascinating concept and a totally captivating menu that is as much fun to read as it is to try, a visit to Blue Duck Tavern will put you on the map as having eaten in one of the city’s best restaurants.
And you can’t miss a visit to Founding Farmers Restaurant, just steps from the White House. It has a farm house vibe with loads of wood, community tables, preserving jars with pickles for decoration, simple wood serving platters. Food is homey and copious, celebrating the bounty of American farms, which makes sense since the restaurant is owned by family farmers. All tables and walls and dinnerware are “green”, either produced from recycled material or material that is eco friendly. You’ll like the feel of this restaurant. It is a happy place filled with light and good food at reasonable prices.
As you can see, Washington holds a rich diversity of restaurants for every palate and every budget. Start with these. They are a good sampling of the spirit of the city.
Alex is a blogger and travel writer. He writes about everything from exotic destinations to beautiful hotels. He also writes a blog for Coupon Croc . Image by andrewarchy
