The number of foreign nationals and international tourists that flock to Washington, DC give the city a very ethnic, multi-cultural flavor. Dining options range from elegant, white-linen restaurants to tasty, aromatic street food. Reservations are always a good idea, especially for parties of six or more. Call ahead to check dress restrictions. Many of the finest Washington restaurants require that men wear a jacket and tie.

Fine Dining Near the Capitol

Many of Washington's finest restaurants are found in the hotels that surround the mall and Capitol area. The Hay-Adams Hotel (across from the White House), the Mayflower Hotel (on Connecticut Ave), and the historic Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Ave all offer excellent dining experiences.

Outside of the hotels, the Capital Grill is a favorite steakhouse, popular with members of Congress. La Colline, near Union Station, is one of the city's finest French restaurants, specializing in fresh vegetables and seafood. More exotic is Marrakech, an upscale Moroccan restaurant where the food is served family-style and belly dancers perform nightly.

Georgetown's 18th century townhouses make a lovely setting for fine dining. 1789, with its wood-burning fireplaces 18th century American cuisine (such as lamb chops and filet of beef) is typical of the charming restaurants in this neighborhood. For something simpler, try one of the traditional, colonial pubs here.

Fine Dining Farther Afield

Just across the Potomac River in Alexandria are many more fine dining choices. Here the emphasis is on seafood, with several excellent restaurants along the Old Town waterfront. South of Alexandria is the Mt. Vernon Inn, the restaurant adjacent to George Washington's home. This historic inn serves romantic, candlelit dinners and cozy lunches in a restored 18th century home.

East of Washington, DC lies the Chesapeake Bay, renowned for its crab and seafood. Fine dining as well as casual restaurants abound here. Bethesda Crab House, in Bethesda Maryland, is arguably the best place to enjoy crab in the Washington area. Waiters give you a mallet and knife to attack the blue crab placed on your paper-covered table. The fresh crabmeat here is well worth the work.