Ask Lisa
Living in a large Metropolitan area such as Washington, DC, there are hundreds of dining options. The city and surrounding suburbs are chock-full of restaurants. With such a wide array of nationalities and ethnicities represented from American, Belgian, Chinese, Ethiopian, French, Italian and more in the area … sometimes it can be quite difficult and even frustrating finding the best places to eat. Have you ever asked yourself or others:
- Who has the best pizza in Alexandria?
- Where’s the best restaurant for a first date?
- Where is a romantic restaurant to celebrate an Anniversary?
- Where is the best place to take the man in my life for Father’s Day?
- Who has the best Mother’s Day brunch?
- What’s the best burger joint?
- Who has the best service?
As a Native Washingtonian – born and raised in the DC area, Lisa has become well versed in the subject of “Dining in DC”. Do you have a dining question?
Simple … Just Ask Lisa.
Hi Lisa – saw your writing on Examiner.com. I’m in need of some advice on where to take a date for dinner. We’re both young professionals (so not too expensive), like pubilc transportation (so need close to the metro), and like a wide variety of foods. Any advice you can give me is much appreciated! Maybe you could even do a column for guys like me who want to impress girls but haven’t a clue about fine dining!
Thanks!
Hi Alex,
Do you like Italian? Have you heard of Dino? Since you want to stay in DC … and it’s literally a stone’s throw from the Cleveland Park metro, so it would be good for you and your date who need to be close to the metro. They have excellent food with menu options as low as $30 per person.
I did a review on my examiner page. Here is the link: http://www.examiner.com/x-6895-DC-Restaurant-Examiner~y2009m6d29-Dining-Review-Dino-and-4th-anniversary-celebration
The Dino website is http://dinodc.com
Check it out!
Good Luck, Lisa
Best Thai in DC?
Hi Lisa! I need some advise on a good restaurant or 2 to take a group of colleagues to in February in DC. I’m looking for at least one place that would be group friendly (one night we’ll likely take ~ 40 people) that would be willing to work with a reasonable budget. I struck gold this summer in Chicago with Sol y Nieve (tapas) just when it was made very clear by multiple restaurants that I was crazy to think I could feed people for under $40 a person and not have to resort to fast food and a case of beer. Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Tatiana,
I can do better than provide some advise on a good restaurant. I can provide recommendations on where to go and then help negotiate your menu and budget with the managers, etc. I’ve gotten some experience doing some party planning recently and I really enjoy it.
I am thinking of a couple of places that would be great:
Oya – DC (Asian Fusion with Sushi)
La Tapas – Old Town, Alexandria
Masa 14 (not open yet) – DC (Latin and Asian Tapas)
Ardeo – Cleveland Park, DC
Cafe Atlantico, DC
I will be in touch with you!
Lisa
It’s almost time for me to visit DC and take some colleagues out – the official dinner got canned so I am looking for gems that will have my colleagues talking and not break my corp card. We’re near the JW Marriott for the week. Got any good suggestions? I am going to try Masa 14 if it’s open. Am also thinking about taking them to Ethiopian, but my favorite place in Adams Morgan closed a few years ago.
Lisa — it was good to meet you last night at the food blogger happy hour. I’m psyched to have discovered your blog. Good luck with the pies sales –
BTW: tell me about the scotch eggs — i was too chicken to try one, but were they yummy?
take care, Lori
QUESTION: “Lisa, need a upper mid to high end french place for saturday ….you’re the expert! thanks!”
Answer: Hi! where? DC? VA? Bastille is in Old Town, VA (great cozy place); Montmartre (327 Seventh St., SE) is an amazing restaurant. Chefs go there to eat it is so good (capitol Hill).
QUESTION: “We have tickets for a 7:30 show at the kennedy center”
Answer: Marcel’s (2401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW), you can get 3 courses of Robert Wiedmaier’s rich French/Flemish/Belgian cooking for $52 plus car service to and from the Kennedy Center. Can’t beat that!
AND I made a reservation in your name for you at 6 p.m. ~ Enjoy!
There is a lot of rumor about the new chef’s table at teatro Goldoni and his acclaimed chef Enzo Fargione.
Can you give me some details?
Thanks
Hi Michael, Enzo gave me this link for deets: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2009/12/04/the-new-chefs-table-at-teatro-goldoni-gunning-for-four-stars/
Hi Lisa:
I’d like to talk to you offline about a local event. What’s the best way to contact you? Thanks. Doug Naegele
I am looking for a restaurant that serves a Sunday night prix fixe menu. Ideas? Suggestions?
Hi Sharon,
Some of my favorite restaurants in the area offer a prix fixe menu on Sunday. I think you will find a lot of options listed under the “pre-theatre” category.
Examples: Dino for $39 a person, Cafe Atlantico is just $35 a person. 701 was hugely renovated and has a new chef. On Sundays, 701 offers their pre-theater menu all evening from 5 – 930 PM for just $29.95 per person! At Bastille in Old Town you can enjoy French the Sunday family dinner (5-8 pm) $29!
Acadiana offers a sumptous pre-theatre three course menu (530-630 p.m.) for $29: http://www.acadianarestaurant.com/news.html
I have more suggestions, if needed.
Let me know!
Thanks and happy eating!
Lisa
Hi,
UpTake has recently launched a new program called Travel Gems that features blog content from across the web. It brings great blog content to a wider audience and helps bloggers like yourself to increase traffic to their own blogs. I’d love to speak to you more about how this program works and see if you are interested in participating.
Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!
Example: http://hotels.uptake.com/colorado/ouray/364576531.html
Best,
Michelle
Did you hear what Jamie Oliver said last night? Parents should be
really angry about what their kids are being fed in school.
Well, there is a food revolution underway in D.C. schools and it’s
called Parents for Better D.C. School Food. We are a Google group:
http://tinyurl.com/ye5slv9
A Facebook page:
http://tinyurl.com/y89mehx
A blog:
http://betterdcschoolfood.blogspot.com/
And you can follow us on Twitter:
@dcschoolfood
Please join us, join the conversation, and spread the word.
Great website, Lisa! I’m a foodie myself and I’m constantly exploring new recipes and restaurants. I’ve discovered some GREAT restaurants here in DC and have a never-ending list of more places to try for dinner. My question is brunch- Where can I get a reasonable champagne brunch that’s nice but not over the top? $30 or less… Any suggestions?
Hi Bethesda Foodie,
So have you been to Redwood yet? (http://www.redwoodbethesda.com)
Brunch for adults is $19.95 and you can get bottomless mimosas for an extra $15.00. I took my mother and mother-in-law for brunch on Mother’s Day and it was a nice buffet, and even had live jazz. How about Visions in Bethesda? They have a bottomless mimosa Sunday Brunch. You order a la carte, dishes range from $9-$15 (here is the menu) http://www.visionsbethesda.com/sunday_brunch.html
Are you looking for outside of Bethesda Area? In downtown, Silver Spring right next to the metro, the new 8407 kitchen bar just started serving brunch. I’ve been there several times for lunch and was always blow away! Here is their menu: http://8407kb.com/menus.html
I’m not sure about the champagne, but I’m sure that they have it, after all it is a “wine bar”.
Need more ideas?
Let me know.
Thanks,
Lisa Shapiro xox
Dear Lisa, do you have any info on new bakery opening in the spot where Kinosos used to be, next to the Amphora restaurant. I have heard that a husband and wife pastry team has rented the space. Would be glad to hear from you.
Hi Lin,
I’ve been looking around for some information. I’ll let you know if I find something out. Thanks. Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Have you ever tried “El Poyo Rico”? From the outside it looks like a dumpy warehouse and nothing like the delicious chicken it produces. It is peruvian chicken and the best you will ever taste. It is located in Arlington near Ballston, closer to VA Sq. Metro. People come from DC just for the chicken. On Friday’s you have to go at like 11:20 AM or the line circles around the door. The best part is the price, you can get a quarter chicken, fries and cole slaw for $5.
One day about a year ago I was in there with my boss and the Anthony Bordain show came in because they were doing a piece on a restaurant in DC and head about the chicken place. You should check it out…
The correct spelling is El Pollo Rico
My family will be vacationing in DC in late July. I’m looking for family friendly restaurants that will welcome 8 and 9 year olds, but also offer flavorful food for the adults.
Hey Lisa!
I’ve been trying to get reservations at Minibar for awhile now with no luck. What’s the secret?
Thanks and keep up the awesome job!
Rhett
Hi Lisa
I have a friend who lives in Alexandria who is getting married in the fall. I thought a gift certificate to a special restaurant in DC would be a great gift. Any suggestions for a special restaurant with fantastic food? Looking to spend $150 – $200 for two.
Thanks!
Hi Liz,
Thank you for your question. You’re a very thoughtful friend. They’re lucky to have you. So this is an easy one. No question in my mind that dinner at Restaurant Eve’s tasting room would be an amazing gift. It’s definitely for a special occasion. With wine pairings, if they are into wine is a very memorable experience.
Can’t go wrong on this one!
Let me know how it goes!
Best,
Lisa
Do you have any info on where the former Mrs. Cam is opening a new rest. in DC. Nona??
Lisa,
How about a column on best Happy Hours, including the times they run and the deals they include. My friends and I are always looking for a resource that will list the best Happy Hour locations. For example, in Penn Quarter Oyamel offers their tacos for $2 from 4:30-6:30. Zola has $1.50 sliders from 5-7and Legal seafood offers some great seafood specials for Happy hour!
Hey Charlie,
Try looking on this website: http://www.dchappyhours.com/
They list all of the places that offer happy hour specials and you can sort by day and area.
It has everything from Acadiana’s $4 Draft Beer; $5 Selected Cocktails; Wine Specials and 1/2 Price Apps to Zaytinya’s $4 Mezze Specials!
Best,
Lisa
I was thinking about relocating to Springfield……if I do so, what is your fave NON CHAIN restaurants in the area? Thanks
Ok Lisa – Pixie is coming back to town. I need a cool place to go to dinner and drinks downtown next Wednesday (day before Thanksgiving). Some place with atmosphere, and where we can walk around afterwards safely. Any ideas??
Hi Natalie, One of my favorite places is Co Co. Sala in Penn Quarter. Very nice part of town. Best cocktails of your life. Sumptuous desserts. It doesn’t get better than this. The atmosphere is fun, hip, trendy, and vibrant. You can check out Gallery Place, Chinatown, afterwards near Verizon Center. I promise you a great time!
CoCo Sala was the best recommendation! The service impecable, the food was delicious and as with all of your choices = the atmosphere was fantastic. We were treated extra special when we mentioned Dining In DC!
Another Pixie visit, another Ask Lisa opportunity! I need a good hip and fun place to go for drinks and tapas/light dinner before the Lady Gaga concert in DC on Thursday, Feb 24th. We will have wigs on, and want to have fun, but if you have a place that it would not be appropriate, we can don our attire later before the show.
)
You have NEVER steered me wrong!
Hi Natalie,
Let me look into it and get back to you. I’ll find the perfect place! 
I am actually positive that there will be themed events around this. People are “Gaga” over her! (pun intended). You have already been to Co Co. Sala otherwise, I would send you there.
Me again! My sis is coming in town, we are going to DC Saturday early evening and staying overnight somewhere. I need a cool place for dinner…she doesn’t get out much but is open to pretty much all types of food. Something cool! I think it will be smoking hot outside, even at 7 so not sure Sequoia would be good although I heard great things about their outside dining. Where are two gals to go, and that will dictate what hotel I pick too. Thanks Lisa! PS – it is this weekend.
Natalie, Your questions are always welcome. I enjoy providing a recommendation. So are you looking to sit outside? How about just a place with an amazing view? I know that you’ve been to the National Harbor for another get-a-way, but I don’t think that you stayed overnight. The Gaylord National hotel is an amazing hotel, and they have many restaurants. There is also a new steakhouse in the hotel. One place with a great view of the water and has a really fun countdown to sunset every night is McCloone’s Pier House. Pretty fun atmosphere, especially for happy hour. Another option, of course, is Old Town (Chart house is a fave) or the Georgetown waterfront. The waterfront is a pretty happening place, especially during the summertime. If you’re looking for a spanking view of everything in DC, I highly recommend the W Hotel and the J&G Steakhouse. They have a lovely patio and POV (Point of View) on the roof has the best view in town. Next door to the W is the Willard Intercontinental hotel. Inside the hotel is Cafe du Parc. C’est francais … and you and Mme. Angelique will feel at home there. A great option for breakfast, even if you room at the W. I could go on for hours. Let me know what you decide and I will do my best to help you with your accommodations.
Hi Lisa!
I’m looking for a wedding reception venue in the D.C. area (either D.C. or Northern Virginia) and I’m on a bit of a shoestring budget. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Hi Val,
How many people are you expecting?
I can help!
Lisa
Hey Lisa,
We actually went to school together at PB but I’ve been gone from the area for quite some time now. I’m coming home from Iraq and was going to stop by my parents for a visit and wanted to bring them either a great cuban sandwich or some authentic papusas, a weekend tradition while I was growing up. Any suggestions?… All I can remember is Columbia Rd? but we are talking almost 20 years.
Thanks!
Hi Eric! Nice to hear from you! When will you be in town?
If all goes well…it will be around the middle to end of October time frame
Eric, I have done some searching around and I think that the place that you are talking about is “Sabor”, in Silver Spring in the corner of a tiny strip mall right at the corner of Flower Ave. and Piney Branch (8484 Piney Branch Rd. // (301) 495-5755) I have heard great things about Irene’s Pupusas on Georgia Ave. near the Wheaton Metro, Papusas de loroco at Taqueria El Charrito Caminante in Arlington, VA (which i have been to) or Ercilia’s in Washington, DC.
Hello there!!! My boyfriend and I are visiting DC this weekend, we are staying near the convention center at the Renaissance Hotel. We are 24, and love “epic” meals. I’m talking about the kind you see on the food channel, where the experience is just as exciting as the meal. We live in NYC and enjoy ALL types of food. I read about the eastern market, which sounds pretty cool…maybe we will go there for lunch (soft shell crab sandys?) Any recommendations for a place in DC that has the best __________ ever, something that we should NOT miss out.
Hi Lisa, I responded to this last week, but it didn’t post properly, so I will have to add a new reply.
Hi Lisa,
Do you have any suggestions for a place to eat on Christmas Day? There will be six people, including one child. We’re looking for a decent place but not too expensive or fancy. We’re going to Mount Vernon for the National Treasure tour, then going to the Pentagon Memorial and to see the trees at the White House and are looking for a place to have dinner afterwards. I live in Northern Virginia.
Thanks!
Hi Brandi, Thank you for your question. Christmas Day Dinner will be available at Bourbon Steak located in the Four Seasons hotel in Georgetown. Enjoy a holiday-themed three-course prix-fixe dinner. Priced at $90 per person, not including tax and gratuity. The restaurant will serve dinner from 5:30 – 10:00PM on December 25, 2011.
One of my favorites, J&G Steakhouse is offering for $75, delicious interpretations of Christmas classics, including butternut squash soup with fall mushrooms (see my post and recipe), rice cracker crusted tuna with citrus chili sauce, grilled filet mignon with soy-caramel sauce and gingered mushrooms, and green apple crisp with cinnamon ice cream. 515 15th Street NW. Reservations are recommended and can be made on JGSteakhouseWashingtonDC.com or by phone at (202) 661-2440.
In Tysons Corner, dine Christmas Day at MICHEL by Michel Richard in The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. Christmas dinner includes a 3-course menu, Adults $75 Kids 12 and under $28. 1700 Tysons Boulevard McLean, VA. For reservations and more information, please call 703.744.3999
Another favorite of mine, Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert will offer Christmas dinner in The Lobby Café & Bar offers a festive three-course prix fixe menu offered from 11 a.m. to 9:00 PM.; $70 per adult, $35 per child, ages 12 and under. 1150 22nd Street NW. For reservations, please call 202.974.5566.
Please let me know if you need anything else. Thanks, Lisa
Another option, not too far a drive from the White House, is Old Europe. I was surprised to see they are open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day until 8 pm. The atmosphere is not modern, but then that usually suits me at Christmas. And it is hearty German food, perfect for this time of year! I’d recommend a reservation. http://www.old-europe.com/
Hi Lisa,
I’m looking for a restaurant with a private dining area for a lunch of about 15 people. Ideally, I’m looking for something new/recently opened that has a bit of a buzz around it right now. A place on people’s “I gotta try” list. Preferably something central and easy to get to. Any ideas?
Thanks!
KMR
Hi, Lisa!
I stumbled upon your blog while researching restaurants in the Metro DC area for a business meeting that I am coordinating for early June. I would love your recommendations for (1) dinner for approximately 12 on a Thursday evening and (2) lunch for 7-8 on a Friday afternoon. For dinner, I would love to stay downtown or around Dupont Circle or perhaps venture out to Georgetown. (I was considering the Occidental, J&G Steakhouse or Sequoia.) For lunch, I would like to find a venue within walking distance of the Lafayette Square area. I am planning to suggest P.O.V. for an after meeting drink & view on Friday afternoon (approx. 4 PM). Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much,
Cathy
Hi Cathy, Thank you for submitting your “Ask Lisa” today. Depending your day and availability of the restaurant, I think that Equinox (near the White House) and walking distance from Lafayette Square – would be an excellent choice for your lunch or dinner. They have a small private dining room that is just gorgeous and would fit your group nicely. The Chef(s) are award-winning, not to mention White House endorsed. You can’t go wrong with Equinox. One of the front-runners in the seasonal, organic sustainable movement. Also, they would help you choose a menu for your guests within your budget.
Another great option for lunch that is walking distance from Lafayette Square, is The Oval Room.
While I like J&G Steakhouse, their private dining options aren’t as inviting, in my opinion. Sequoia is best known for its view of the Riverfront, not for its food. If you’re interested in solid food, I would not chose Sequoia.
Another Dinner idea near Dupont Circle is Founding Farmers. Strong seasonal, organic sustainable message, which is important in DC, right now.
I love your idea about P.O.V. People love it and their cocktails are some of the best around. Ask for Joseph Ambrose, if you go. He’s the best mixologist there.
Please let me know if there is anything else that I can do to help you.
Enjoy!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
My wife and I will be in the DC area in September for a company function and they’re paying for all our meals. The only night we’re on our own for dinner is Monday and I am trying to find the best dinner in the DC area at any price. I was looking at Komi but they are not open on Mondays. Any other suggestions for a restaurant open on Monday nights?
Hi Darren, I hope that you enjoy your trip! Mondays most chefs are off because they work Saturday/Sunday. Citronelle Michel Richard, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city is also closed Mondays. That was going to my other suggestion.
You could try to score a reservation at Minibar: Each day at 10 AM they begin accepting reservations for seatings one month away to the date. You’d have to call exactly at 10 a.m. 30 days from the date that you’re in DC (202-393-0812). Worth a shot. I got in on my 2nd try!
If that doesn’t interest you, you could always go to Rogue 24, which is getting reviews similar to Minibar. I think that they are open on Mondays.
Another great option would be one of my faves, Graffiato or the new Mintwood Place. Informal but food is creme de la creme.
Let me know if you need anything else.
thanks for the info. It looks like Rogue24 is closed on Mondays too. It’s too bad because their menu looks very interesting. I have been doing some research and so far I have only found a few places open for dinner on Monday. The Palm is open but their menu is pretty basic. Restaurant Nora and Eric Ripert’s Westend Bistro are both opened Mondays for dinner as well. The search continues.
It looks like lunch and breakfast is where we’re going to be having the most success trying the local restaurants. So far on my list I have Palena, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Central Michael Richards for the lobster burger, Vidalia, Good Stuff Eatery, Blue Duck Tavern, Art and Soul, and Johnny’s Half Shell. If you know of any other cant-miss breakfast/brunch or lunch places let me know.
Thanks again!