What would be the ONE restaurant that you could not miss in Washington DC area or your trip would not be complete--what would that restaurant be?

These days, I would say the concessions at RFK during Nats games. But seriously, my candidate would be the Caucus Room, an elegant steakhouse that's a lobbyist's hangout. I saw Ken Starr the last time I was in DC.

Equinox. Todd Gray is a genius. His spring pea ravioli brings tears to my eyes.

Thanks for info!!
I am suprizing my nephew with a trip in Oct. and want to have a dining experience as well as seeing the sights. We will be in DC area for 5 days--I want to have ONE special night of dining. He has never been out of state of Texas--this will be a treat! he is 13 and old enough to enjoy a great meal.

I agree totally with Bugswife - I went to Equinox last October for my birthday and it was the MOST amazing meal ever. I will always go there when I'm in DC -pricey, but worth it.

<<he is 13 and old enough to enjoy a great meal.>>

Must be quite a 13 year old to have an appreciation for very fine big city dining.

Spoken like someone who has no kids.

If you can get reservations, Inn at Little Washington.

"Must be quite a 13 year old to have an appreciation for very fine big city dining.

Spoken like someone who has no kids."


well, that was obnoxious and unnecessary.

Washington, DC has a large number of great restaurants. I suggest you repost with a title that mentions restaurants and you're likely to get a wide variety of suggestions. If you have a prefernce for food type, that would also help. My recommendation would be hands down, Inn at Little Washington if you're willing to drive about 1 hour into VA and pay top $ for an outstanding dining experience. Within DC Kinkeads is really good. Enjoy your stay in DC

Not true radio....

If I had said something nasty about the OP's completely useless and generic choice of title for their post...then that would have been obnoxious, however true that is as well.

Hi rphsims1-

I have no recommendations for the DC area. I would like to salute you however for taking your nephew on this wonderful trip and out for a fine dining experience. I was lucky enough to be blessed with aunts, uncles, grandparents who exposed me to lots of wonderful experiences. My parents worked very hard to support their family. I'm sure they would think twice before taking a gawky 13 year old who lived on Captain Crunch to a 4 star restaurant or a ballet or a Shakespearean play. Your nephew is blessed to have you. Have a great time!
Sharon

Inn at Little Washington is the "single best restaurant" in a 75 mile radius of DC. If you want an ultimate food experience that is the place to go.

In the city, our favorite place has been Galileo.

If you prefer seafood, Kinkead's is a good choice. Bob Kinkead also runs an excellent restaurant called Colvin Run Tavern at Tyson's Corner in Virginia.

Of course, if you REALLY want to experience the best this region has to offer, and give your nephew a TRUE "food experience," make the pilgrimage to Baltimore for some steamed Chesapeake blue crabs at Obrycki's. You can get "fine dining" anywhere but you have to come here to eat the hard-shell crabs in Old Bay spice rub. You pick 'em apart with a knife, a hammer, and your hands - it's the opposite of an upscale experience, but FUN!

"If I had said something nasty about the OP's completely useless and generic choice of title for their post...then that would have been obnoxious, however true that is as well."

boy, you must be really proud of yourself. If you didn't like the title, you didn't have to read it - and instead of providing helpful information, you felt it was better to berrate the OP. Nice. Next time, do us all a favor and leave your unhelpful remarks to yourself.

"Must be quite a 13 year old to have an appreciation for very fine big city dining.

Spoken like someone who has no kids."

Actually have 3 all over the age 20- My nephew might enjoy designmr's suggestion of concession at RFK; however he really enjoyed the chef's table at Brennans last October.

If you haven't already decided, I would like to recommend Kinkead's as well. The service and food are both fantastic!

Hopefully not posting this too late... I also love Equinox and have had many wonderful meals there. Palena is another of my favorites - and your nephew might think it's cool have two former White House chefs cook for him. Many would say that Citronelle is among DC's not-to-be-missed fine dining experiences as well. Also, if you choose Galileo, I would highly recommend trying to get a reservation at the Laboratori, a separate area within the restaurant with its own kitchen and about 8 tables. Chef Donna prepares an amazing tasting menu for the group and you get to watch him and his crew prepare everything before your eyes.

Finally, for a once in a lifetime experience (if you two are feeling particularly adventurous) - try Minibar at Cafe Atlantico. You will be served 30 to 35 tiny courses at a bar that seats 6 people - with 3 chefs cooking for just you. It is part theater, part science experiment and an amazing experience.

I think it is great that you want to take him to a great restaurant. However, I question that it needs to be the best, most expensive 5 star restaurant within 75 miles of our nations capital. On the other hand, if you want to spend a hundreds of dollars on a meal for a 13 year old then as the adult you get to make that decision.

I would like to offer a different suggestion. I love to eat lunch at the Monacle. It is a Washington institution where Senators discuss base closings, the next Supreme Court justice, run out if an important vote is called, etc. I always have the steak with french fries which is a wonderful meal (ordered by most Senators). I suggest this because it is a unique experience for Wash DC. He probably will not recognize anyone in the restaurant but he will feel the powerful vibe. I think this would be a much more impactful experience for your nephew that he will remember.

Honestly, do you really remember whether you ordered the duck or lobster at an amazing restaurant 10 years ago? He will remember that he ate what the President would order (hypothetically speaking) if he was there that day.

BTW, sorry if I sound star struck. I would rather see W or a Supreme Court Justice any day over the Hollywood crowd...