2 Amys
3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016 202-885-5700

Description: WOODLEY PARK. This pizzeria stays busy, but don't let that keep you away. While 2 Amys' wood-fired pies are topped with everything from eggplant confit to cockles, their authentic Neapolitan pizzas steal the show. Recognized by the Italian government as Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), Neapolitan pizza is prepared using soft-grain flour, fresh yeast, fresh oregano and basil, Italian plum tomatoes and mozarella di bufala, and 2 Amys proudly displays its Verace Pizza Napoletana Association certification. Hands down, one of the best ­ and tastiest ­ deals in the capital city. METRO: Cleveland Park
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Bangkok Joe's
3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-333-4422

Description: GEORGETOWN. Sleek and modern, this restaurant sits just a stone's throw from Washington Harbor, and the waterside location makes it a favorite haunt of Georgetown U students and faculty. Chef-owner Aulie Bunyarataphan's dumplings steal the show, with the Foie Gras N' Shrimp and Winter Squash Potstickers among the more creative selections. Tasty rice and noodle bowls make appearances, as do a handful of choices simply dubbed "Not Your Ordinary Joes" ­ for example, grilled five-spice filet mignon and coriander-crusted Maple Leaf Farm duck. Close proximity to the nearby Loews Cinema makes Bangkok Joe's a popular place to gather before or after catching a flick. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Belga Café
514 Eighth St SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-544-0100

Description: CAPITOL HILL. Occupying a renovated storefront just minutes from the Capitol, Belga delivers the gastronomical artistry and charm of a Brussels sidewalk café. Though the kitchen adds Asian splashes to their "Eurofusion" dishes, many of the menu items hold true to Belgian culinary traditions, as evidenced by delightful main courses like Flemish beef stew with Belgian fries, and mussels with white beer. As for drink, six Belgian beers are on tap, including Leffe Blonde and Brune, Hoegaarden and Stella Artois; dozens of others are available by the bottle. METRO: Eastern Market
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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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Bistro Francais
3128 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-338-3830

Description: GEORGETOWN. Classic French cuisine is the mainstay at this charming bistro, which is open until the wee hours of the morning. It's especially good after a late theater show or when you have an insatiable craving for pommes frites at 1am. Seafood, poultry, and pork are favorites, as are stews, couscous, and roast lamb or pigeon. They also have great appetizers, such as crab-stuffed avocados or baguettes spread with minced duck. The townhouse setting is comfortable and relaxed, perfect for leisurely dining. Make sure to ask about the prix fixe menu from 5pm-7pm each day. It's a great value.
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BlackSalt
4883 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-342-9101

Description: THE PALISADES. Founded by Jeff and Barbara Black, this market-restaurant eschews fanfare, much to the delight of the affluent neighborhood folks who deem themselves regulars. Once you've made your way past the spectacular array of fresh fish and seafood displayed on the retail end, you'll find friendly waitstaff eager to welcome you to your cozy booth or table. From there, the tough choices start: Will it be fried Ipswich clams or braised baby octopus? Mahi-mahi with polenta or French bourride? You really can't go wrong.
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Buck's Fishing & Camping
5031 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 202-364-0777

Description: TENLEYTOWN. If the name evokes images of fried catfish and grilled bear, be prepared to think again. Despite the lodge-inspired decor, owner-chef Carole Greenwood's intimate dining spot caters to a sophisticated clientele, and her creativity in the kitchen knows few bounds. One night you might enjoy a thick, juicy sirloin with sweet potato fries; the next time out, her signature pan-roasted mussels might call to you. The wine list features a wide range of affordable European imports. METRO: Tenleytown/American University
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C.F. Folks
1225 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 202-293-0162

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. C.F. Folks, which only opens for lunch, attracts hungry folks who jostle for position at open tables in the small, nondescript eatery. Some of Washington's biggest movers and shakers are known to line up at this popular lunch counter to place an order. Be sure to carefully inspect the blackboard's daily specials, because they seem to be the most appealing. The regular menu offers a collection of tasty soups and salads. Casual dress. Outdoor dining available.
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Café Atlántico
405 8th St NW, between D and E Sts, Washington, DC 20004-2102 202-393-0812

Description: DOWNTOWN. This visually stunning café features fiery red walls, black and white tiling, and a winding black staircase, creating the ideal backdrop for dramatic works by Latin American artists. Highly recommended dishes include Ecuadorian seared scallops over crispy rice cooked in coconut oil, quail prepared two ways, and flavorful salmon with papaya. The wine list is extensive and well-chosen, with choices from Chile and Argentina and the bar does lively business on weekends. METRO: Archives
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Ceiba
701 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-393-3983

Description: DOWNTOWN. The sizzling cuisines of South and Central America have invaded the nation's capital, and, thankfully, the DC dining scene will never be the same. A decor of Yucatan stone, mosaics and furniture fashioned of Brazilian wood takes traditional elements and gives them a modern slant. Ceviches, of course, lead the menu, and it's wise to go ahead and sample the yellowfin tuna or Yucatan shrimp. From there, look to such flavorful courses as Brazilian-braised pork shank with black beans and rice, Bahian-style boullabaisse, or jerk barbequed young chicken with rice, peas and sautéed callaloo. METRO: Metro Center
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Crisp & Juicy
4540 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207 703-243-4222

Description: ARLINGTON. This Arlington restaurant serves tasty Peruvian eats in a stripped-down atmosphere. However, the food gets unfailing attention, and after one bite, you'll know that taste and quality are top priorities. Spit-roasted chicken is a prominent favorite, accompanied by any number of goodies, including yucca fries, fried plantains, and black beans and rice. Other menu items include a selection of Argentinean steaks, salads, and sandwiches. Casual dress.
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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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Kabob Palace
2333 S Eads St, Arlington, VA 22202 703-486-3535

Description: ARLINGTON. Open daily, Kabob Palace serves authentic Pakistani food for dine-in or take-out. The menu offers regular specials along with lamb, beef, and vegetable dishes. However, kabobs (both lamb and chicken) are the house specialty. Not in the mood for a kabob? Try charred lamb chops and fresh, warm pita bread, or sample the daily vegetable special. Prices at this Crystal City eatery are sure to make you smile ­ they're around $5 per entree. Casual dress.
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La Chaumière
2813 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-338-1784

Description: GEORGETOWN. Escape the hectic pace of everyday life, and relax in this award-winning restaurant. Amid rush-seated chairs and hanging copper cookware, a central stone fireplace blazes during winter months and adds to the traditional atmosphere of this charming French inn. Menu selections include an enticing cassoulet, veal piccata, and salmon in puff pastry with champagne-dill sauce. More adventurous diners may opt for tripe stewed in Calvados liqueur or calf's brain sautéed in brown butter and capers. Daily specials. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Leopold's Kafe + Konditorei
3315 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-965-6005

Description: GEORGETOWN. Casual yet stylishly European, this restaurant-bakery manages to stay below the city's culinary radar despite its creative fare and the staff's sterling reputation. That's just fine with regulars, who pride themselves on keeping close Leopold's many joys. Fabulous main dishes like bratwurst and traditional Austrian schnitzel are more than worth the indulgence. Lighter alternatives include salads, gourmet sandwiches and hot and cold soups. Cheese strudel and other homemade pastries justifiably draw acclaim as well, thanks to perfect baking and a rich boost of fresh fruit, nuts, vanilla and caramel.
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Moby Dick ­ Georgetown
1070 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-333-4400

Description: GEORGETOWN. Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in Persian food on a skewer. The meat is juicy and tender, and everything comes at a bargain price. Freshly baked bread and tasty hummus accompany the kebabs for even more flavor. Daily specials deserve notice too, so be sure to look for them. Vegetarian options available. Moby Dick has a total of six locations around the metro area. Casual dress.
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Obelisk
2029 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036 202-872-1180

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Tucked into a brick townhouse, this intimate restaurant thrives on simplicity. Its environment is clean-lined; its food, unadulterated; its menu, uncluttered. Based on what's fresh and seasonal, the prix fixe menu changes daily and offers just a few well-developed selections. As a result, rich, satisfying courses keep patrons coming back for more. Italian-inspired meals might begin with bread or antipasto, then move to a roast squab entrée, and end with a homemade ice cream dessert. Reservations strongly recommended. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Pizzeria Paradiso ­ Dupont Circle
2029 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036-5948 202-223-1245

Description: Without exception, everyone raves about this fabulous place and its incredible pies. Pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven come with thin, hearty crusts and authentic ingredients. Without even sampling one, you can judge food quality by the lines outside the door. The small dining room provides more than just pizza, as proven by great sandwiches, stuffed with fresh cold cuts, roasted vegetables, and tangy cheeses on home-baked breads. Salads, wine and gelatos are terrific, too. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Sake Club
2635 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 202-332-2711

Description: WOODLEY PARK. Stylish, tasteful and refined, this restaurant gives those living on DC's north side a place where they can sport their trendiest threads while savoring upscale Japanese fare and any of the 45 imported sake selections. The dinner menu lists, of course, sashimi, maki and nigiri; however, those seeking something beyond the raw can go for grilled selections like beef, chicken or pork bulgogi barbeque and Chilean sea bass with saikyo miso kinko sauce. A delightful option for large groups is the tapas menu, whose eclectic mix of dishes includes octopus ceviche and grilled flounder fin. METRO: Woodley Park
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Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Pepco Building, Washington, DC 20001 202-638-0800

Description: DOWNTOWN. With its stark white walls, high ceilings and dramatic glass facade, Zaytinya has emerged as a popular after-work gathering place. Hot and cold mezze ("middle-of-the-day" meals) enrich the dining scene with contemporary Eastern Mediterranean fare ­ for example, lamb with hummus, and spiced sirloin with dry fruit compote. For more substantial appetites, the kebab platter or braised lamb shank with eggplant does nicely. An added perk: Their wine list focuses almost exclusively on Greek, Turkish and Lebanese selections. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown
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