-
Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant
Skip the Mongolian barbeque on the ground floor - everything tastes pretty much the same, and instead head upstairs to the seafood restaurant. The place looks a little dingy, but it has one of Chinatown's best kitchens. The fare is mostly Cantonese and seafood is what to order (you can watch your dinner swimming about in tanks).
-
Tortilla Coast
Hillies have been flocking to this old stand-by joint on the House side for decades now for lunch and après-work cocktails. Tortilla Coast serves great chips and salsa - the chips are neither too heavy nor greasy - along with unique margaritas and the usual fajitas and enchiladas (although we have to say people come more for the congenial gossipy ambiance than for divine cuisine).
-
Uni
The decor is a little outdated at this friendly sushi bar (think Hello Kitty and bamboo), but it gets good marks for its sushi and innovative 'small dishes.' Looking down on P St from a 2nd-floor perch, jazz plays from the speakers and diners can even take advantage of high speed wireless access should they be carrying a laptop. Monday through Friday, enjoy Sake-tini happy hour, featuring around US$1 sushi and $3.50 sake martinis.
-
Union Street Public House
Gas lamps out front welcome tourists and locals into this spacious taproom for frosty brews, raw-bar delights and nightly dinner specials. Inside, the atmosphere is equally inviting: a wide bar, heavy wooden furniture and exposed brick hark back to Alexandria's days as a bustling Colonial port.
-
Vietnam Georgetown
A pioneer of Vietnamese cooking in the neighborhood, this restaurant serves steaming bowls of noodles and spicy and satisfying deep-fried crispy rolls. The lunch buffet offers especially good value. The setting and staff are charming, if somewhat frazzled. The light-bedecked garden out back is particularly attractive on summer evenings. Minus the garden, this place is nearly interchangeable with its next-door neighbor, the Saigon Inn.
-
Well-Dressed Burrito
Brought to you by CF Folks across the street, this hidden gem is arguably the best Tex-Mex in the neighborhood. The gigantic 16oz El Gordo burrito - stuffed with marinated beef, chicken or vegetables, plus beans and cheese - receives rave reviews from office folk in the neighborhood.
-
Wok & Roll
At this inauspicious address, Lincoln's assassins plotted their scheme and were later hanged for it. These days, much happier plotting takes place here, such as deciding between the light, fresh sushi or steaming, spicy noodles for lunch. The selection of teas - black, green, hot or cold - is impressive; try one of the delicious and healthy milk varieties.
-
Zaytinya
Earth tones, high ceilings and clean lines characterize this elegant bi-level. After stints at Café Atlantico and Jaleo, chef Jose Andres applies his expertise to the fare of Greece, Lebanon and Turkey. The extensive menu of hot and cold meze - 'little dishes' - reflect the rich, regional diversity of these cuisines. Reservations recommended for lunch; none are accepted for dinner so be prepared to wait.
-
Zed's Ethiopian Cuisine
Of the dozens of Ethiopian restaurants scattered around the district, Zed's has the distinction of being the Ethiopian Embassy's host for official dinners. In a classic two-story Georgetown townhouse on a quiet side street, this restaurant serves hearty, spicy dishes that you eat with your fingers or dip into with spongy flat bread.
-
Zola
Inside the International Spy Museum, it is only appropriate that guests should be able to monitor the kitchen through discreet one-way mirrors in the booths, or slip off to the restroom through a hidden door. In the midst of this secrecy, Zola's cuisine is surprisingly straightforward. Upscale versions of American classics include veal and mushroom meat loaf wrapped in bacon for dinner, or baked ham and smoked gouda grilled sandwiches for lunch.
-
Advertisement
-
Zoo Bar
This neighborhood pub is really more of a drinking establishment, but the animal theme and value-minded menu make it an ideal lunch spot on your way out of the zoo. And it's child-friendly, with animal decor, patient waitstaff and an inexpensive kids' menu.
-
Zorba's Café
Generous portions of moussaka and souvlaki and pitchers of Rolling Rock make this Greek diner one of DC's best bargain haunts. Contrary to the menu's promise and despite the bouzouki music, you will probably not confuse yourself for being in the Greek Isles. But the fresh food and quick service make this family-run place a good option.
