Washington, D.C. Restaurants

Although most neighborhoods lack a unified culinary flavor, make no mistake: D.C. is a city of distinctive areas, each with its own style. Adams Morgan, for example, is known for its small family-run eateries. You'll find Ethiopian restaurants next to Italian trattorias and French bistros. These small ethnic spots open and close frequently; it's worth taking a stroll down the street to see what's new. The Chinatown area is often disparaged by D.C. natives for lacking the authenticity of New York's or San Francisco's, but its Asian kitchens are the finest outside the less accessible Virginia suburbs.

Downtown, you'll find many of the city's blue-chip law firms and deluxe, expense-account restaurants, as well as stylish lounges, microbrew pubs, and upscale eateries that have sprung up to serve the crowds that attend games at the Verizon Center.

Wherever you venture forth in the city, there are a few trends worth noting: Spanish tapas eateries and other restaurants serving small tasting portions are bigger than ever. You'll find this style of eating pervasive, whether you're at a Modern Greek, Asian, or American restaurant. High-end restaurants in town also have begun to add bar menus with smaller plates that are much less expensive than their entrées, but created with the same finesse.

Though Italian, French, and fusion spots continue to open at a ferocious pace, Washingtonians are always hungry to try something new, whether it's Chinese smoked lobster, fiery Indian curry, or crunchily addictive Vietnamese spring rolls.