formal Dining

1789 Restaurant    $$$$

1226 36th Street Northwest / phone: 202-965-1789
If one is here for the history, this might be a dining stop to round out the trip. Located in an historic mansion decorated with antiques, the five dining rooms offer inspired creativity in a relaxed country-inn elegance. The menu at 1789 changes daily & features fresh meats & seafood found locally & from around the country offering a world class cuisine. / Gentlemen jackets required / Open nightly for dinner / Reservations suggested

Cafe Atlantico    $$$

405 Eighth Street, NW / phone: 202-393-0812
An award winning restaurant with a menu of delectable Spanish & Portuguese culinary delights, the mix of entrees with exotic & unique ingredients keeps diners coming back for more. The soups, appetizers & salads also rank way beyond the norm & the Cafe's six-seat, reservations-only Minibar is a an “interactive carnival” with its 30-plus bite-size creations of “art and chemistry” according to "Zagat Survey". Let's just say, the "Washingtonian" calls the place thrilling! / Wine Spectator Award of Exce

Corduroy    $$$$

1122 9th Street Northwest / phone: 202-589-0699
Located at the Sheraton Four Points, Corduroy is considered a hidden gem in Washington, DC dining circles. Captained by Chef Tom Power, the classic American menu here is impressive for its simplicity as well as the quality of its ingredients. Corduroy serves the best food of the season, with much of the restaurants produce coming from local farms. The atmosphere is modern & cozy. / Jackets are Preferred for Gentlemen

Equinox    $$$

818 Connecticut Avenue, NW / phone: 202-331-8118
One of the acclaimed places to dine in DC, Equinox is a place to see & be seen, & the food is superb as well. The atmosphere is sophisticated contemporary, the menu is pure American cuisine with a nod to Italian cooking techniques. Dishes are based on seasonal freshness & a large portion of the menu relies on local organic foods which are used whenever possible. A place where earth's natural rhythms greets guests. / Reservations requested / Monday - Friday for lunch & dinner, Saturday & Sunday for dinner

Kinkead's    $$$

2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW / phone: 202-296-7700
Think of fresh catch seafood as done by a chef who grew up working on Cape Cod, Bob Kinkead has won numerous awards for culinary talents & has been a chef in the DC area for over 20 years. His menu ranges from classic favorites that loyal clientele return for & new daily offerings that may become classics of the future. Fresh catch, raw bar items & select appetizers are sure to please, & there is always a turf selection or two, to suit every taste. / Weekend reservations should be made 2 to 3 weeks ahead

Komi    $$$$

1509 17th Street Northwest / phone: 202-332-9200
This is the hottest ticket in town for an fabulous evening of dining pleasure. Owned by Chef Johnny Morris, he serves a progressive multi-course menu, with high-end, and sometimes unexpected ingredients. Do expect an unhurried, sensual, and communal night out. / Open Tuesday through Saturday at 5:30 pm / Reservations are accepted one month in advance / Komi cannot accept reservations for over 4 persons

Restaurant Eve    $$$$

110 South Pitt Street / phone: 703-706-0450
Located in Old Town, in a historic warehouse, Eve's is an award winning, quaint yet sophisticated 100 seat restaurant offering two unique dining experiences in separate rooms. “The Chef’s Tasting Room” & “The Bistro.” The upscale Bistro appeals to the neighborhood & boasts both flavor & selection with choices such as Bouillabaisse, Braised Short ribs & Salt Baked Prawns. For a splurge, a prix-fixe menu of 5 or 7 or 9 courses is available in the 34-seat Chef’s Tasting Room & starts above $100 per

The Inn at Little Washington    $$$$

309 Middle Street / phone: 540-675-3800
Washington, DC native, Chef Patrick O'Connell, is self-taught & has pioneered a refined, regional American cuisine in the Virginia countryside. He allied himself with local farmers & artisanal producers over 30 years ago when nothing but milk was delivered to the tiny town of "Little" Washington, VA. Since then, the dining room at the Inn has become a national sensation. Admired for it's eclectic elegant ambiance & mouth-watering take on classic American cuisine, this place is well-worth a pilgrimage!

Volt    $$$$

228 N. Market Street / phone: 301-696-8658
Known as one of the best in all of Maryland, the drive is not that far for a evening of superb dining. Chef-partner Bryan Voltaggio was a runner up on "Top Chef" & one can see why at this place. Housed in a historic brick-mansion with a contemporary dining area, the menu is prix fixe with 6 courses to delight. Drawing inspiration from many cultures, the menu is created from fresh, local, in-season ingredients. / Table 21, a 21-course tasting table is in the kitchen / Reservations suggested / Open Weds-Sun

Willow Restaurant    $$$

4301 N. Fairfax Drive / phone: 703-465-8800
With a menu based on French and Northern Italian cooking with an emphasis on seafood, Willow cuisine style can be described as modern continental. Chef and co-owner Tracy O'Grady comes up with innovative dishes, created in an artful, but straightforward manner, yet with a playful flavor and texture pairings. The atmosphere at Willow is spacious, contemporary and comfortable. / Open for lunch & dinner Monday - Saturday / Closed Sundays except for Mother's Day & Easter Brunch