In your opinion, what's the best restaurant in DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Inn at Little Washington

I find the Inn to be extremely overrated. While there certainly is something special about the ambiance, the food just isn't top-level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Zola, hands down.

I guess you were in the minority, as it shut down quite some time ago.

NOPA, which replaced it, is quite good. I wouldn't put it in the "best" category, but it's still worth a try for a great meal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Coco Sala, El Jaleo and Rasika (in alphabetical order because I love them all but at different times)

Do you live on that block?

[Anonymous]

Doi Moi in particular is an extreme letdown, they went for pure douche magnet to the expense of good food.

You, I like. Spot on!

Zola, hands down.

Zaytinya

Seriously?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My favorites are Fiola and Rasika. Also like The Source, Tosca, and Kaz Sushi Bistro, though I wouldn't say any of them are the best in DC.

I also enjoyed Citronelle and TenPenh.

Can we stop talking about places that are closed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Zola, hands down.

I guess you were in the minority, as it shut down quite some time ago.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH took me to Proof for my birthday a few months ago. It was a fine enough experience but not worth the price at all. For those of you who mentioned it, what do you like about it?

I didn't find Proof expensive. I find it warm and inviting, the service is good - but we eat there often. Good comfort food with charcuterie, cheese and wine. Simple and easy. Best? Maybe not - but always a great meal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coco Sala, El Jaleo and Rasika (in alphabetical order because I love them all but at different times)

Do you live on that block?

Not that poster, but I just thought the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Ten Penh is great. Also, the Zebra Room in Tenley.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ten Penh is great. Also, the Zebra Room in Tenley.

Don't forget all of Roberto Donna's excellent restaurants!

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, but I don't think vegetarians can judge what is the best restaurant. They are not able to appreciate the chef's full range of skill. Plus in many cases the are ordering off menu.

[Anonymous]

For a special occasion, I agree with Komi, but my beloved everyday go-tos include 2 Amys (for the small plates more than the pizza) and Estadio. Both are consistently delicious and feature some of DC's most straight forward, yet wonderful food.

[Anonymous]

Toki

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH took me to Proof for my birthday a few months ago. It was a fine enough experience but not worth the price at all. For those of you who mentioned it, what do you like about it?

I didn't find Proof expensive. I find it warm and inviting, the service is good - but we eat there often. Good comfort food with charcuterie, cheese and wine. Simple and easy. Best? Maybe not - but always a great meal.

+1

[Anonymous]

So, separating "the best" from "my favorite" is impossible, because on all metrics, there is subjecting ranking of and within the metric. Cuisines I don't really love would never appear on my "best" list and that would eliminate some nice restaurants (eg, Rasika).

To me, "best" is some maximization of value - the metric gets really hard for the stratospherically expensive place because if the food is only 10% better, but the price is twice as much, then we've gone negative on the 2nd derivative of the 'value' function. This probably favors the unpretentious like Ben's Chili Bowl.

I do miss Citronelle; Vidalia is pretty good but not knock-your-socks off for what it costs. I'd say Montmatre is a little gem - more casual atmosphere, but I've only ever had exceptional service and the food has always been top-notch.