AKB: Best upscale restaurant in metro DC area....

[psuro]

could be anything - Japanese, Italian, Steak, Seafood, etc.

Looking for a top end restaurant that will let me purchase a cert for my brother and SIL 50th Birthday.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

could be anything - Japanese, Italian, Steak, Seafood, etc.

Looking for a top end restaurant that will let me purchase a cert for my brother and SIL 50th Birthday.

Rose's Luxury, Komi, Pineapples and Pearls, minibar, Blue Duck Tavern...

We still have a gift card to Komi from about eight years ago - hard to find the time. All of the above are great IMO (and most have at least one Michelin star).

 

[Nitwit]

The Oval Room, located just across from the White House.

This power-dining mainstay is more approachable than ever now that chef Bryan Moscatello is calling the shots. The 701 alum is now offering diners a glimpse into his menu writing process via the experimental tasting menus he serves on Tuesdays, and he’s included gourmet snacks and refreshing drinks to fuel people-watching on the well-situated patio.

A seasonally inspired fish dish at Oval Room.
Oval Room/Facebook

 

[PSU65]

For steaks or lobster, the Palm is the best.

 

[roswelllion]

Not a DC resident but had a fantastic meal at Filomena's in Georgetown. Would certainly recommend.

 

[cool1099]

Best in "area" is Inn At Little Washington, 3 star Michelin, but it's a 70 mile drive from DC. Great experience though.
2 star Michelin: Minibar and Pineapple & Pearls
(All VERY pricey - $250 and up without booze).)
There are 13 one stars at various price points.
Look up Washingtonian Magazine Best Restaurants 2018 for ideas and price points.

 

[PSU Blue]

PSU 65 is right on the Palm, you can't go wrong and it's a laid back environment, very loud, killer steaks and lobster. If you want their specialty Prime Rib, you have to order it a few days in advance.

For Italian, nothing really beats Filomena in Georgetown, two old ladies folding dumplings in the window out front, great food, also a loud laid back environment (for upscale). You will definitely need a reservation for Filomena a few weeks in advance. Like DC's version of Raos.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Best in "area" is Inn At Little Washington, 3 star Michelin, but it's a 70 mile drive from DC. Great experience though.
2 star Michelin: Minibar and Pineapple & Pearls
(All VERY pricey - $250 and up without booze).)
There are 13 one stars at various price points.
Look up Washingtonian Magazine Best Restaurants 2018 for ideas and price points.

Is it still good? Been around forever. I was going to recommend an overnight and meal here but wasn't sure since it's been 10+ years since I went.

 

[eilion]

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak, and Stone Crab. On 15th near the White House.

 

[cool1099]

I dined there once many years ago but I have heard from other more recent diners it is still outstanding. In 2018, the French government used various sources to rank it as the fifth best restaurant in the world. Rooms at the inn are an additional $550 weekdays, $1000 weekends.
(Well, the OP asked for the best without reference to budget, so.....)

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Is it still good? Been around forever. I was going to recommend an overnight and meal here but wasn't sure since it's been 10+ years since I went.

It’s the only Michelin 3 Star restaurant in the ‘area’ (used loosely noting it is some 70 miles from DC).

 

[razpsu]

Does anyone remember the bar restaurant near union station? Sold yards of beer? Tiber? Something? Tiber creek? All of the young professionals fresh out of college drank there. It was awesome.

 

[PSU Blue]

Does anyone remember the bar restaurant near union station? Sold yards of beer? Tiber? Something? Tiber creek? All of the young professionals fresh out of college drank there. It was awesome.

Tiber Creek, in the old Bellevue Hotel. Been there many times, too many!!!

 

[razpsu]

Yep it was awesome. Remember my bill one time was 300 bucks in 1991. Dear lord. The next day i was so ticked off. Worked at bennigans as a manager at that time. Had to eat at the store for 2-3 weeks free to make it up.

 

[PSU2UNC]

Try “Volt” just outside DC in Frederick, MD

http://www.voltrestaurant.com/mobile/

Overrated and Frederick not "just outside DC".

 

[PSU Blue]

Yep it was awesome. Remember my bill one time was 300 bucks in 1991. Dear lord. The next day i was so ticked off. Worked at bennigans as a manager at that time. Had to eat at the store for 2-3 weeks free to make it up.

Raz, which Bennigans, the one Rockville Pike?? If so, you may have escorted me out a few times )) Actually, if you were manager at that one, we'd likely know some of the same people.

 

[razpsu]

I knew the gm there. I was at fair oaks in Centreville then Alexandria then greenbelt and laurel. I was a km troubleshooter. Stick me in when it is really bad then when it is fixed and I’m about to bonus they would ship me to the next kitchen from hell.

 

[PSU2UNC]

could be anything - Japanese, Italian, Steak, Seafood, etc.

Looking for a top end restaurant that will let me purchase a cert for my brother and SIL 50th Birthday.

I've lived in DC for 15 years and dine out a lot, but I have some follow up questions to make a reasonable recommendation.

1) Do they live in the city/work in the city/get into the city frequently? I ask because some people that live in the suburbs (especially farther out suburbs) don't get into town much and that certainly would impact my recommendations.

2) Assuming that they live in the area, I'm guessing you'd want to get them something that they wouldn't normally do for themselves (i.e. something opulent). Is that correct?

3) Are they fairly adventurous eaters (i.e. if the go to a place that has a limited menu, will they have a hard time finding something to eat, especially if the offers are "unusual") or are they more "steak and potatoes" folks?

I definitely have some ideas, but wanted to narrow it down some as DC is a really good food town these days.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Ro, here are some "non standard" recommendations. I put a lot of time into this post for entertainment value:

If you like history... especially recent election history and potentially your family wants to do some real conspiracy, wikileaks type, research I recommend:
Comet Ping Pong
"A hip crowd eats pizza & wings while playing Ping-Pong & listening to bands in warehouse-chic digs.

For entertainment... imagine this board being a restaurant, at this place it is customary to walk up to people and start yelling at them while they eat:
Teaism
"Teahouse with Zen-like decor serving light Japanese & Thai-style fare, plus snacks & breakfast."

If you like douchebags or like people who don't like douchebags... depending on your political party, you should try this place. Maga hats not allowed!:
The Red Hen
"Cozy destination serving a daily menu of farm-to-table New American cuisine in rustic-chic quarters"

Good luck!

 

[psuro]

I've lived in DC for 15 years and dine out a lot, but I have some follow up questions to make a reasonable recommendation.

1) Do they live in the city/work in the city/get into the city frequently? I ask because some people that live in the suburbs (especially farther out suburbs) don't get into town much and that certainly would impact my recommendations.

2) Assuming that they live in the area, I'm guessing you'd want to get them something that they wouldn't normally do for themselves (i.e. something opulent). Is that correct?

3) Are they fairly adventurous eaters (i.e. if the go to a place that has a limited menu, will they have a hard time finding something to eat, especially if the offers are "unusual") or are they more "steak and potatoes" folks?

I definitely have some ideas, but wanted to narrow it down some as DC is a really good food town these days.

1. They live in Germantown, MD. They can/have gone into the City but typically on weekends.

2. Yes. Opulent or at the very least, upscale so that they have to get somewhat properly dressed. Their daughter is 14, and they are at the point where she does not dictate their dining choices.

3. Yes. My brother is a bit of a foodie, but my SIL not as much. But quality is key. My brother is OK with spices, but my SIL - not so much.

Thanks.

 

[psuro]

Ro, here are some "non standard" recommendations. I put a lot of time into this post for entertainment value:

If you like history... especially recent history and potentially your family wants to do some real conspiracy research I recommend:
Comet Ping Pong
"A hip crowd eats pizza & wings while playing Ping-Pong & listening to bands in warehouse-chic digs.

For entertainment... imagine this board being a restaurant, at this place it is customary to walk up to people and start yelling at them while they eat:
Teaism
"Teahouse with Zen-like decor serving light Japanese & Thai-style fare, plus snacks & breakfast."

If you like douchebags or like people who don't like douchebags... depending on your political party, you should try this place. Maga hats not allowed!:
The Red Hen
"Cozy destination serving a daily menu of farm-to-table New American cuisine in rustic-chic quarters"

Good luck!

Ha! Some of those are apt descriptions. Nice. Thanks.

 

[sluggo72]

1. They live in Germantown, MD. They can/have gone into the City but typically on weekends.

2. Yes. Opulent or at the very least, upscale so that they have to get somewhat properly dressed. Their daughter is 14, and they are at the point where she does not dictate their dining choices.

3. Yes. My brother is a bit of a foodie, but my SIL not as much. But quality is key. My brother is OK with spices, but my SIL - not so much.

Thanks.

hmmm so I guess sending them over to Cantlers in Annapolis is out!

 

[PSU2UNC]

If you like douchebags or like people who don't like douchebags... depending on your political party, you should try this place. Maga hats not allowed!:
The Red Hen
"Cozy destination serving a daily menu of farm-to-table New American cuisine in rustic-chic quarters"

Good luck!

Just FYI, the Red Hen of the maga hat controversy is NOT the Red Hen in DC (which is quite tasty Italian food).

 

[PSU2UNC]

1. They live in Germantown, MD. They can/have gone into the City but typically on weekends.

2. Yes. Opulent or at the very least, upscale so that they have to get somewhat properly dressed. Their daughter is 14, and they are at the point where she does not dictate their dining choices.

3. Yes. My brother is a bit of a foodie, but my SIL not as much. But quality is key. My brother is OK with spices, but my SIL - not so much.

Thanks.

OK, that helps. My concern with them living in Germantown is that they'll be driving into the city and then parking (ease of) comes into play.

But here goes:

I'm going to steer away from the old school steak places (Palm, Charlie Palmer etc) because while the food is good, they are pretty similar to steakhouses anywhere else in the country, so unless they would get a kick out of eating next to a politician, there's not much point. But if that's what their into, my favorite of those type of places is BLT Steak.

Suggestion 1: Roses Luxury. Excellent food, a true foodie destination, parking won't be too bad near Barrack's Row. Downside: they don't take reservations and it's not as fancy as some other places (i.e. jeans are acceptable)
https://www.rosesluxury.com/

Suggestion 2: Al Tiramisu. Old school fine Italian dining in Dupont Circle. Authentic and opulent. Only downside is parking, but it might make sense for them to park at Shady Grove metro and then it's an easy train ride to Dupont. (the alternative to this is Obelisk (also in Dupont) which might be a little fancier, but they have a price fix menu, and I think AT has better food).
https://www.altiramisu.com/
http://obeliskdc.com/

Suggestion 3: Sei. Non-traditional sushi/Japanese in Penn Quarter in a trendy setting. (I'm going there this weekend for my anniversary). Parking should be easy in garages near Capital One Center.
https://www.seirestaurant.com/

Hope that helps.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

OK, that helps. My concern with them living in Germantown is that they'll be driving into the city and then parking (ease of) comes into play.

But here goes:

I'm going to steer away from the old school steak places (Palm, Charlie Palmer etc) because while the food is good, they are pretty similar to steakhouses anywhere else in the country, so unless they would get a kick out of eating next to a politician, there's not much point. But if that's what their into, my favorite of those type of places is BLT Steak.

Suggestion 1: Roses Luxury. Excellent food, a true foodie destination, parking won't be too bad near Barrack's Row. Downside: they don't take reservations and it's not as fancy as some other places (i.e. jeans are acceptable)
https://www.rosesluxury.com/

Suggestion 2: Al Tiramisu. Old school fine Italian dining in Dupont Circle. Authentic and opulent. Only downside is parking, but it might make sense for them to park at Shady Grove metro and then it's an easy train ride to Dupont. (the alternative to this is Obelisk (also in Dupont) which might be a little fancier, but they have a price fix menu, and I think AT has better food).
https://www.altiramisu.com/
http://obeliskdc.com/

Suggestion 3: Sei. Non-traditional
sushi/Japanese in Penn Quarter in a trendy setting. (I'm going there this weekend for my anniversary). Parking should be easy in garages near Capital One Center.
https://www.seirestaurant.com/

Hope that helps.

DC Pro Tip: you can pay people to wait in line for you at Rose’s Luxury - if that’s your thing...

 

[psuro]

OK, that helps. My concern with them living in Germantown is that they'll be driving into the city and then parking (ease of) comes into play.

But here goes:

I'm going to steer away from the old school steak places (Palm, Charlie Palmer etc) because while the food is good, they are pretty similar to steakhouses anywhere else in the country, so unless they would get a kick out of eating next to a politician, there's not much point. But if that's what their into, my favorite of those type of places is BLT Steak.

Suggestion 1: Roses Luxury. Excellent food, a true foodie destination, parking won't be too bad near Barrack's Row. Downside: they don't take reservations and it's not as fancy as some other places (i.e. jeans are acceptable)
https://www.rosesluxury.com/

Suggestion 2: Al Tiramisu. Old school fine Italian dining in Dupont Circle. Authentic and opulent. Only downside is parking, but it might make sense for them to park at Shady Grove metro and then it's an easy train ride to Dupont. (the alternative to this is Obelisk (also in Dupont) which might be a little fancier, but they have a price fix menu, and I think AT has better food).
https://www.altiramisu.com/
http://obeliskdc.com/

Suggestion 3: Sei. Non-traditional sushi/Japanese in Penn Quarter in a trendy setting. (I'm going there this weekend for my anniversary). Parking should be easy in garages near Capital One Center.
https://www.seirestaurant.com/

Hope that helps.

Much obliged. I will keep these in mind. I am going to see him this weekend, and try to extract some information without giving away what I am doing. Considering my naturally bumbling nature, I am not sure I will be successful, but I will try.

Thank you.

 

[BrucePa]

I've been in Washington DC for nearly 40 years now, and I've eaten everywhere.

Ignore all recommendations for chains -- The Palm, Joe's, etc. You can eat at these in a lot of other cities.

Inn at Little Washington is worthy of its 3 Michelin stars, but is a trek out of town and probably comes with an $800/night room at the Inn.

Fiola Mare is the best seafood restaurant in Washington DC right now. Marcel's has the best service of any restaurant in Washington DC. Komi is one of the best restaurants in Washington DC, with Johnny Monis as Washington's best restaurateur.

Washington's best chef is probably Eric Ziebold, who was chef de cuisine at The French Laundry. His Mount Vernon Square restaurants are not to be missed -- Metier and Kinship. But if they are to be missed, miss them for Corduroy, Tom Power's excellent and not-to-be-missed restaurant.

I have not yet been to Pineapple and Pearls, but it is getting national acclaim.

If you have some time, join www.donrockwell.com and do some research. It is a powerful source of information, and all of Washington's best chef's are on the board most of the time. If you're nice to Don Rockwell. he'll connect you with any of the chefs.

 

[psuro]

I've been in Washington DC for nearly 40 years now, and I've eaten everywhere.

Ignore all recommendations for chains -- The Palm, Joe's, etc. You can eat at these in a lot of other cities.

Inn at Little Washington is worthy of its 3 Michelin stars, but is a trek out of town and probably comes with an $800/night room at the Inn.

Fiola Mare is the best seafood restaurant in Washington DC right now. Marcel's has the best service of any restaurant in Washington DC. Komi is one of the best restaurants in Washington DC, with Johnny Monis as Washington's best restaurateur.

Washington's best chef is probably Eric Ziebold, who was chef de cuisine at The French Laundry. His Mount Vernon Square restaurants are not to be missed -- Metier and Kinship. But if they are to be missed, miss them for Corduroy, Tom Power's excellent and not-to-be-missed restaurant.

I have not yet been to Pineapple and Pearls, but it is getting national acclaim.

If you have some time, join www.donrockwell.com and do some research. It is a powerful source of information, and all of Washington's best chef's are on the board most of the time. If you're nice to Don Rockwell. he'll connect you with any of the chefs.

Thanks.

 

[PSU2UNC]

DC Pro Tip: you can pay people to wait in line for you at Rose’s Luxury - if that’s your thing...

You can, and they also have a limited number of same day reservations now. But that makes planning difficult since you won't know until that morning if you have a rez.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

You can, and they also have a limited number of same day reservations now. But that makes planning difficult since you won't know until that morning if you have a rez.

Do they do gift cards?

 

[PSU2UNC]

Do they do gift cards?

Yep.

https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/order/?hash=2e5edf87

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Yep.

https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/order/?hash=2e5edf87

WIN.

 

[Pocky]

For steaks or lobster, the Palm is the best.

And for Pizza, Sbarro is the best!

 

[LionJim]

Much obliged. I will keep these in mind. I am going to see him this weekend, and try to extract some information without giving away what I am doing. Considering my naturally bumbling nature, I am not sure I will be successful, but I will try.

Thank you.

Snowstorm on Saturday.

 

[jmisdamina]

BLT steak on I street- steak
Fiona Marie- seafood
RPM- Italian

Palm was the worst steak I’ve ever had out.

 

[fairfaxlion2]

Here is a tip - almost all of it is overrated. It is not a fun city. The restaurants serve their purpose and they are extremely overpriced. The actual good ones are in places you wouldn't expect

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Here is a tip - almost all of it is overrated. It is not a fun city. The restaurants serve their purpose and they are extremely overpriced. The actual good ones are in places you wouldn't expect

Booooo!!!! DC is a great food city! I think nearly every recommendation in this thread would work for 'ro ('S'barro - pfft!). I will say that there are some spots that may not be as 'high end' that would be great dining experiences - Chez Billy Sud in Georgetown, Rasika in West End or in Penn Quarter, Le Diplomate on 14th St., Iron Gate in Dupont Circle, plus a bunch of new stuff at the Wharf (Kaliwa, Kith and Kin). Not to mention all the great wine and cocktail bars.

 

[PSU Mike]

1. They live in Germantown, MD. They can/have gone into the City but typically on weekends.

2. Yes. Opulent or at the very least, upscale so that they have to get somewhat properly dressed. Their daughter is 14, and they are at the point where she does not dictate their dining choices.

3. Yes. My brother is a bit of a foodie, but my SIL not as much. But quality is key. My brother is OK with spices, but my SIL - not so much.

Thanks.

Then Frederick isn’t far.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Then Frederick isn’t far.

Right - if they've not been to Volt that would be a really good suggestion. I don't know if they have anything other than their tasting menu, but it's a solid dining experience. Would be easier to navigate too.

 

[psuro]

Then Frederick isn’t far.

I remember when Frederick used to be known as Fredneck. Cuz it was kind of a rural area.