Anonymous wrote:Capital Grille

NO! I used to love the place, but just had one of the worst meals of my life there. I truly think I would have had a better meal at Outback - seriously. The steak was tough as shoe leather, the potatoes au gratin were a pure salt lick, the salad was overdressed with a VILE dressing, and the creme brulee tasted like it had been made with a mix. Run, don't walk, away from Capital Grille.

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

Galileo! I remember when that was one of the fanciest of the fanciest. God I'm old.... Remember Two Quails? Lived the atmosphere.

Capital Grille

How can there be just one? I like many on this list, but it depends on my mood. Sometimes I like Kramer Books? Afterwards, sometimes Coca Sala

Forgot Tabard Inn.

Rose's Luxury & Ambar

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any new takes on this? I'm taking DH out for his birthday at the end of March (too soon for a month-out Komi reservation). We haven't been downtown for a nice dinner in ages (moved to VA, baby and toddler) and I am now 2.5 years out of the scene. I'd planned on Le Diplomate, but now wonder if there's somewhere else we should go. If you could visit just one restaurant in 2014, where would you go (that I can get reservations)? We love everything, but especially French, sushi, novelty (think Citronelle tasting menu).

maybe Iron Gate's tasting menu? or Fiola is nice.

Ah Iron Gate. That's an idea....
We're definitely looking for something scene-y (romantic we can get during an occasional night out in VA). I got a reservation for Le Diplomate at 10:15 (mercy!) and thought maybe we can hop 14th St a bit beforehand to see what all the new fuss is about. Little Serow would be awesome, but we have to get the babes to bed before we can go out, so waiting in line at 5pm is a non-starter until they're a bit older. But I'm going to take another look at Iron Gate. I enjoyed the old one and the WaPo reviews are excellent. Thanks!

El Chalan, Rasika, Las Canteras, Rumba Cafe, Medium Rare.

Anonymous wrote:Any new takes on this? I'm taking DH out for his birthday at the end of March (too soon for a month-out Komi reservation). We haven't been downtown for a nice dinner in ages (moved to VA, baby and toddler) and I am now 2.5 years out of the scene. I'd planned on Le Diplomate, but now wonder if there's somewhere else we should go. If you could visit just one restaurant in 2014, where would you go (that I can get reservations)? We love everything, but especially French, sushi, novelty (think Citronelle tasting menu).

maybe Iron Gate's tasting menu? or Fiola is nice.

Granville Moore is funky/cool, and delicious!

Makato is one of my favorite restaurants in DC. Very small and quiet place and they offer a set menu. Awesome food if you like Japanese cuisine and are willing to try something other than sushi.

If you can get reservations at le diplomate it's worth a visit. Food is good, not anything extraordinary..very "happening" vibe if you are looking for that kind of atmosphere.

Izakaya seki is a solid Japanese restaurant as well. It's primary focus is not sushi..and they have a a variety of traditional dishes. One minus is that they don't take reservations.

Cork is fun and has decent food, but they also don't take reservations.

IMO, cityzen is not worth the money...was very disappointed. Corduroy/Marcel's is a better choice for me.

For novelty, maybe seasonal pantry? It's a communal table kind of concept with seating available for 12 people. The chef prepares a menu based on seasonal items. You buy tickets ahead of time.

Hope this helps.