Washington has a little bit of everything, from really good inexpensive ethnic takeout (no problem getting Ethiopian or Afghani or Jamaican food here) to high-dollar lobbyist-fueled places that will cause your credit card to burst into flames.

Budget

 • Old Post Office Pavilion food court, Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th St NW. Close to the National Mall.
 • Union Station Food Court - on the bottom level of Union Station, located NE of the National Mall. Metro stop: Union Station. The food is nothing special, and the setting is noisy and crowded, but the prices are often cheaper than what is available in nearby museums.
 • Vace's Pizza - Arguably the best pizza in DC. Located near the Cleveland Park metro at 3515 Connecticut Avenue. There are no tables or delivery- Carry out only. A wide selection of Italian meats, cheeses and olives. Whole pizza or by the slice.

Mid-range

 • Sala Thai Dupont Circle branch at 2016 P Street NW, (202) 872-1144; Cleveland Park branch at 3507 Connecticut Avenue NW, (202) 237-2777. Thai food.
 • Marrakesh, 617 New York Ave, N.W. +1 202 393 9393. Moroccan Cuisine, belly dancers, eat with you hands. I found the food to be excellent, the serving staff to be good, and the atmosphere to be wonderful. The seven course meal is the only food served. There are some minor choices for main dishes, or if you want a vegetarian meal. The website lists the current meal choices. Be sure to check out the back hallway with pictures of all the famous visitors.
 • Fin 1200 19th St. NW, +1 202 530 4430. A very nice looking seafood restaurant with great food. Recommendations: the oyster sampler, grilled calamari. their maki tuna. Considering the quality this restaurant is very reasonably priced. Worth calling and asking about their happy hour as it features specials like oysters as well for very low prices.

Splurge

 • CityZen,1330 Maryland Avenue SW. +1 202 554 8588. Contemporary multi-course tasting menus by acclaimed chef Eric Ziebold at the city's sparkling Mandarin Oriental hotel. Expensive.
 • Olives, 1600 K Street, NW. +1 202 452 1866. Mediterranean/Italian style, steak and chop house featuring olive tapinades. Valet parking. Full bar. Noisy bistro-type atmosphere.
 • Marcel's, 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. +1 202 296-1166. Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Expensive. Quiet, elegant atmosphere.
 • Michel Richard Citronelle, 3000 M Street NW. +1 202 625 2150. World famous French-themed cuisine in Georgetown. Jacket required for dinner. Very expensive.