M.E.'s DC Restaurant Picks

As somewhat of a foodie, and definitely a lover of eating out, I'm often asked for suggestions of where to go eat in D.C. I was working on a list of restaurants for a friend today, so I thought I would share my favs with all of you:


DC Faves - unique to DC and delicious, our most frequented spots

• Two Amys (obvi) - best pizza in town (for more about pizza, check out this post here)
• Pasta Mia (cash only - I would suggest getting in line at 6PM) - like being in a neighborhood restuarant in Italy
• Cafe Oaxaca (they have at least 6 different mole sauces) 
• The Argonaut - great fish tacos and southern fare
• Bistro du Coin - lively atmosphere, good French food
• Dukem - best ethiopian
• Afghan Grille - who knew Afghan was so delicious?
• Himalayan Heritage - Indian and Nepalese, great atmosphere
• Regent Thai - love the pineapple fried rice

Solid DC area chains

• Jaleo - Spanish Tapas
• Matchbox - sliders and pizza
• Busboys and Poets - American
• Founding Farmers/Farmers & Fishers - Locally sourced American

Brunch

• Le Enfant Cafe - Love the souffle
• Open City - amazing omelets
• Cafe Saint Ex - they have cheese grits, need I say more?
• The Heights - build your own bloody mary menu

Cheap Eats

• Shake Shack - my favorite burger
• Shop House - The thai chipotle
• Ben's Chili bowl - b/c you've gotta try a a half smoke
• Astor Mediterranean - favs include the Astor burger and the chicken kebab sandwich
• Taqueria Distrito Federal - authentic Mexican tacos
• Pho Viet

For a Special Night Out

• Zaytinya - Mediterranean tapas
• Ezme - Turkish tapas
• Bistro Cacao - French bistro in an old house in capitol hill, one of the coolest and most romantic atmospheres
• Coco Sala - They have mac and cheese topped with chocolate covered bacon bits
• Vinoteca - 1/2 price Spanish wine on Sundays, with flamenco dancing and delicious food
• MienYu - very cool place I recently discovered in Georgetown, each section of the restaurant is decorated like a different country, they have a huge menu from middle eastern to asian food

Top on my list of places to try

• Rasika - supposed to be the best Indian food in the city
• Hill Country BBQ - Texans have recommended the bbq, plus they have Shiner on tap
• Granville Moore's - Belgian, tried to go a few times but the wait is always soooo long!
• Thai X-ing - This is a little restuarant in a basement of a row house where this one guy cooks for you. It is byob and the menu is set based on what is seasonal. I've never been but people RAVE about it and I've been dying to go. I think you need a reservation at week out

Did I leave anything out? What are your favorite DC restaurants?

-M.E.