Washington, DC Restaurants

  1. Café La Ruche

    Set on a quiet lane away from the crowds and near the canal, La Ruche bills itself as Georgetown's oldest French bistro. This quintessential café has a dining room packed with tiled tables and a garden draped in vines, making it an appealing date spot. The menu is straightforward, featuring classic items like steamy, spicy, garlic moules (mussels) or fresh, tangy salad Niçoise. On weekends, come for brunch and a complimentary mimosa.

    Read more about Café La Ruche

  2. Circle Bistro

    For romantic dining and delectable French cuisine at reasonable prices, you can't beat Circle Bistro (it's one of the few places in the city where you can impress a date on less than around US$100 ), a respectable hotel restaurant tucked into a quiet part of town. Try the juicy roast chicken bursting with smoky flavor or the gooey leek-and-goat cheese tart. On the downside, the menu won't satisfy picky eaters - it's not big on variety.

    Read more about Circle Bistro

  3. Citronelle

    Tucked away inside the Latham Hotel , this elegant, bi-level restaurant is one of DC's most acclaimed. Chef Michel Richard began his career as a pastry chef, so you can't go wrong with menu items such as shrimp wrapped in filo or, well, dessert. Reserve your table in advance and dress up for the occasion.

    Read more about Citronelle

  4. Marcel's

    Located on the edge of Georgetown and the West End, this gem offers French fare with Flemish flair. That translates into fresh fish, farm-raised produce and high-quality ingredients whipped up into dishes like roasted rack of lamb with polenta and goat cheese garlic confit, or pan-seared salmon dusted in coriander and fennel seeds in citrus sauce. One classy touch: Marcel's offers a complimentary limousine service to the Kennedy Center and a prix-fixe menu (around US$48 ), so this is an ideal spot for pre-theater dining.

    Read more about Marcel's

  5. Petits Plats

    This petite French bistro fits a warm, welcoming atmosphere into its little rooms. The traditional menu gets high marks for delicious appetizers, salads, seafood and desserts. But this place is so charming you might not care what you eat, so long as the waiter continues to pour your wine. The artichoke soup with scallops is a winner, as is the seafood-packed bouillabaisse with its smooth, garlicky punch.

    Read more about Petits Plats