Bardia's New Orleans Café
2412 18th St NW, near Belmont Ave, Washington, DC 20009 202-234-0420

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. This is the best place to find a delicious breakfast served all day. From simple to elaborate dishes, the intimate restaurant is sure to please. Have eggs Benedict the old-fashioned way, or try them New Orleans-style, complete with fried oysters and crabmeat. The stylish ambiance is accentuated by jazz music and refined service. Don't leave without trying a beignet, a fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar. Lunch and dinner are also served with full menus and daily specials. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo
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Ben's Chili Bowl
1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-667-0909

Description: U STREET. Although you can get wonderful chili (including vegetarian) at this family-run restaurant and have it served with just about any dish, you'll also find true Southern breakfasts and other tasty items. The Chili Half-Smoke is reported to be a favorite of Bill Cosby's, and you're likely to see other familiar faces from entertainment, political, and sports circles at this U Street eatery. The decor is retro '50s, a perfect backdrop for chili dogs and the like. METRO: Cardoza/Shaw
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Blue Duck Tavern
1201 24th St NW, Park Hyatt Washington D.C., Washington, DC 20037 202-419-6755

Description: FOGGY BOTTOM. Housed in the Park Hyatt Washington D.C., this casually stylish space is outfitted with blue lacquer, gray stone and an open kitchen. Tender roasted meats and recreated comfort foods like French fries prepared in duck fat highlight the menu. An awesome Sunday brunch features offerings that range from Hog Island oysters to the Belgian waffle with honey-glazed pecans to mettwurst with beer and red cabbage confit. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Bread Line
1751 Pennsylvania Ave NW, between 17th and 18th Sts, Washington, DC 20006 202-822-8900

Description: DOWNTOWN. Bread Line offers exactly what the name states on two counts: you get great bread, but you'll probably have to wait in line. Still, with the city's best baguettes, freshest bagels, tastiest muffins, and most flavorful scones, the place promises food that's certainly worth the wait. The decor is minimal and industrial, and the ambiance a bit chaotic: many people grab breakfast and a loaf of bread ­ or several ­ to go. METRO: Farragut North
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Cafe Dupont
1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Dupont Hotel, Washington, DC 20036 202-939-9596

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. A modern design aesthetic greets diners at this restaurant in the Dupont Hotel building. Boasting a mango and black interior and a large glass-enclosed pavilion, the restaurant exudes a sophisticated, comfortable feel. The eclectic menu draws on Cajun, Asian, French, and American cuisines for inspiration, and the pork chops and quail elicit rave reviews. Sunday brunch available. Large wine list. Smart casual dress. Reservations accepted.
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Café Luna
1633 P St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-387-4005

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch, this café offers classic morning dishes you love, made just like mom used to ­ assuming your mom was a great cook. Traditional eggs Benedict are topped with creamy Hollandaise and served with a flavorful side of onion-spiked home fries. Eggs tomato florentine is terrific too, but the most popular dish is light, sweet French toast, made with batter-dipped, bakery-fresh bread, drizzled with syrup and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Enjoy the vivid, artsy dining room, or head out onto the sunswept patio. Brunch served 10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday.
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Café Promenade
1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC 20036-4301 202-347-2233

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Set in the historic Mayflower Hotel, Cafe Promenade features a Mediterranean menu whose eclectic dishes hail from Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy, North Africa, and France. Appetizers and entrees are created from the freshest seasonal foods and prepared by expert chefs. Skillful servers and a well-selected wine list also provide appeal. The upscale dining room draws a well-heeled, sophisticated crowd. Business dressy attire. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Coeur de Lion
926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Henley Park Hotel, Washington, DC 20001 202-638-5200

Description: DOWNTOWN. The Henley Park's Coeur de Lion boasts a stately dining room that meshes perfectly with the hotel's elegant atmosphere. Hundreds of gargoyles decorate the historic hotel's exterior, and the restaurant's interior is traditionally British. The restaurant offers three different venues: the main dining room serves new American cuisine, the parlor-like Wilkes Room presents an elegant afternoon tea, and the relaxed Blue Bar features small plates and drinks. Dressy attire. Reservations suggested for lunch and dinner.
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Cosi ­ Dupont Circle
1350 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 202-296-9341

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Cosi is a fun place to hang out and get a great cup of coffee. Grab a tasty muffin, pastry, or brownie, or try a thick slab of cheesecake. Or, for a real treat, relive your Boy Scout or Girl Scout days by making your own s'mores over a small grill set up in the dining room. The drink selection is extensive, with flavorful options such as chai tea latte and caramel iced mocha. There's also a full bar where you can order your favorite cocktail ­ or have a cocktail and dessert simultaneously with the mocha martini. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Firefly
1310 New Hampshire Ave NW, Hotel Madera, Washington, DC 20036 202-861-1310

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Boasting a whimsical name, this restaurant is decorated with earth tones and features a backlit amber-glass bar, a birch log wall, and a large "Firefly Tree" that dominates the room. The menu includes both meat and vegetable items, like succulent Amish chicken with red chili gravy or braised short ribs cooked in red wine and served with roasted vegetables. Outdoor dining is available. Smart casual or trendy dress. Reservations accepted.
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Firehook Bakery & Coffeehouse ­ Dupont Circle
1909 Q St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-588-9296

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. This well-known bakery stays filled with dessert-lovers and bread fiends who can't get enough of Firehook's baked treats. An excellent selection of coffees and coffee drinks perfectly complements crisp biscotti, tempting pastries, and an ever-changing roster of cakes and breads. The welcoming interior invites folks to linger, and the menu includes sandwiches and soups if you want something savory before you indulge in something sweet.
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Ici Urban Bistro
806 15th St NW, Sofitel Lafayette Square Hotel, Washington, DC 20005 202-730-8800

Description: DOWNTOWN. Not your typical French restaurant, upscale Ici Urban Bistro prides itself on consistency and presentation. The contemporary menu features only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Food is prepared and presented with tasteful panache ­ for example, roasted halibut with toasted gingerbread crust is accompanied by zucchini tagliatelle with white wine and pepper emulsion. The stunning dining room features brightly colored artwork set against a backdrop of rich jewel tones. The well-selected wines reflect the bistro's high standards and are fairly priced, making this elegant affair one of the best deals in DC. METRO: McPherson Square
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Lafayette Room
One Lafayette Sq, Hay-Adams Hotel, Washington, DC 20006 202-638-2570

Description: DOWNTOWN. A top destination for something savory, the signature dining room of the Hay-Adams Hotel offers subdued surroundings and views of the White House. If you have Sunday morning free, make plans to take brunch in these elegant confines. Doing so entitles you to indulge in their fantastic appetizer buffet before savoring your plated main course. Will it be fresh Virginia three-egg omelet or country-style corned beef hash with poached eggs and Provencal tomato? You really won't go wrong either way.
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Les Halles
1201 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 20004-2401 202-347-6848

Description: This Parisian-style brasserie helped initiate the reintroduction of French restaurants to DC several years ago. Popular for beef entrees, Les Halles offers steaks the Continental way, aged less than their American counterparts. As a result, meat is less refined in taste and texture, a difference many diners relish. The restaurant also serves fantastic French fries, luscious onion soup, and a flavorful country pâté. Veal, lamb, poultry, and seafood make appearances too, along with blood sausages, sauerkraut, and pig's feet. Each February, a sauerkraut festival pairs the tangy dish with duck and seafood. Plan to attend if you're a fan.
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Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-347-4800

Description: DOWNTOWN. Since 1856, this landmark bar and restaurant has served DC's power class. Rich with furnishings, including Teddy Roosevelt's hunt trophies, the place never fails to satisfy. Known for its American cuisine, the saloon has a fantastic raw bar with seven types of oysters. It also makes a terrific burger, along with reuben sandwiches, chicken wings, and a more complete dinner menu featuring homemade pastas, fresh steaks, seafood (including the signature trout parmesan) and seasonal vegetables. Moderate prices. METRO: Metro Center
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Restaurant at The Morrison-Clark Inn
1015 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-898-1200

Description: DOWNTOWN. The golden interior of this inn's dining room is punctuated with soft-hued floral arrangements and gilt mirrors. Elegant details extend to the food as well. Influenced by Southern comfort cooking, the seasonal menu features only the best ingredients and options. Among the entrees you may find are pan-seared grouper accompanied by crawfish pierogi, and country ham or beef pot pie with mushrooms and red wine sauce. When the weather is mild, you'll want to dine on the brick-paved terrace amid the sunshine and potted plants.
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Tabard Inn Restaurant
1739 N St NW, Hotel Tabard Inn, Washington, DC 20036 202-331-8528

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Within one of DC's oldest hotels, this restaurant plies guests with delicious American cuisine. It places a premium on fresh, regional produce and meats and changes the menu depending on what's available. An apple and walnut salad skillfully mixes flavors and textures. Seafood is the house specialty, and sautéed soft-shell crabs over wilted greens are proof of the attention. Rigatoni with bolognese sauce also delights, as do homemade ice creams and white chocolate cheesecake. If you don't mind waiting for a table, the enclosed courtyard is bliss during mild weather. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Teaism ­ Penn Quarter
400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-638-6010

Description: DOWNTOWN. This wonderful teahouse is a welcome departure from standard fare. Asian-tinged cuisine includes bento box lunches and kicky sandwiches, but flavor-filled, homestyle desserts are Continental classics. While you enjoy the abundant (and exotic) tea menu, don't forget to sample excellent cookies, chiffon cake, or fruit-filled pie. Creamy rice pudding is comfort food at its best. METRO: Archives
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Urbana Restaurant & Wine Bar
2121 P St NW, Hotel Palomar Washington DC, Washington, DC 20037 202-956-6650

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. At this alluring eatery and bar, patrons nibble on gourmet pizza and savor wines bearing remarkable European labels. The interesting Mediterranean cuisine extends from savory brandade beignets with garlic aoli to grilled meats and seafood. An aesthetically pleasing arrangement of wine bottles lines the wall, and sommeliers behind white marble counters help you choose from the vast selection.
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Willard Room
1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Willard Inter-Continental Hotel, Washington, DC 20004 202-637-7440

Description: DOWNTOWN. A superb hotel restaurant, the Willard Room features exquisite Nouveau American and French cuisine. Characterized by complex flavor combinations and delightful presentation, the seasonal menu features only the freshest ingredients. Notable dishes include chilled tomato soup and grilled halibut. The dining room's elegant ambiance is enhanced by a bi-level design and warm oak paneling. Dressy attire. METRO: Metro Center
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