Nope--no kids. We're getting a sitter so the little ones can go to bed and we (and our fellow diners) can enjoy some adult conversation.

RIS would be okay with children. I have taken the children and grandparents to Brasserie Beck, Ted's Bulletin, Ping Pong Dim Sum, Boundary Stone, Chez Billy, Indique Heights, Mari Vanna and the new Balkan place on Barracks Row. I would call all of these restaurants pretty comfortable with a little edge. The children are elementary age.

Oyamel, Mintwood Place, Dino's, Palena.

Are you taking the kids? Some of the places mentioned in this thread are not places I would take very young kids. Kids are very welcome at Dino's for example, but not so much at Palena.

Ris or Range

OP here: We've been jonesing to go to Rasika, but it's always completely booked on Open Table months out. What's up with that? I know it's great, but do they just release a limited number of reservations that way?

Just had a great meal at Zengo this weekend.

Anonymous wrote:Graffiato in Chinatown for very trendy scene and good Italian-inspired small plates.

Estadio (on 14th?) for tapas and Spanish-style decor.

Mintwood Place or Cashion's in Adams Morgan.

I was going to recommend Estadio and Graffiato as well -- I have not been to either but have heard good things and want to go! We had a good and fun meal at Range, the new restaurant in Friendship Heights. Also, recently have a good meal at Bibiano.

I love Graffiato but I'm not sure it would work for someone's parents. Depending on where the parents live -- they might think G's plates are too small and too expensive.

Graffiato in Chinatown for very trendy scene and good Italian-inspired small plates.

Estadio (on 14th?) for tapas and Spanish-style decor.

Mintwood Place or Cashion's in Adams Morgan.

Sax. The food was absolutely wonderful!! The "entertainment" was enjoyable. Would definitely recommend (only if parents are young at heart and fun).

Palena Cafe (NOT main dining room.)
Dino (upscale, interesting Italian.)

*Both are in Cleveland Park

Try Farmers Fishers at the watefront in Georgetown. Re-opened in November and has many food choices. The outdoor ice skating right outside is lovely to watch.

rasika. Either location.

Central is good and not too expensive.

So DH and I are a little rusty on the new restaurant scene (we have two small kids), and my folks are coming to town in a couple of weeks. Any recommendations for good, inventive, interesting places to eat? (Parents are buying, but we don't want to break the bank--doesn't need to be cheap, but we're not talking Inn at Little Washington, either.)