Clyde’s of Gallery Place. A favorite among
Verizon Center fans and theater goers, this twolevel
Gallery Place location continues the Clyde’s
tradition of great food and atmosphere, featuring
three bars, five dining rooms and a private dining
area. 707 7th St., NW; 202/349-3700. $$ V M
Cure Bar & Bistro. Time-honored and careful
food preparation—in the form of spicing, drying, salting
and smoking—is the theme at this family style
restaurant inside Washington’s regal Grand Hyatt
Hotel. A rustic yet modern feel sets the stage for an
impressive menu, including stone-oven-fired Maryland
blue crab pie, herb-roasted organic chicken
and Angus beef flat-iron steak. 10th and H St., NW;
202/637-4906; curebarandbistro.com $$ V H M
Dukem. A vibrant downtown hotspot serving Ethiopian
cuisine in the trendy U Street corridor, Dukem
has earned its culinary stripes by catering to large
and small crowds alike while preparing everything
from kitfo (spiced beef) to excellent vegetable sides,
such as exquisite lentil dishes. Waits staff in traditional
dress adds to the appeal. 1114 U St. NW;
202/667-8735; dukemrestaurant.com. $$ H M
Equinox. Staying true to American cuisine, Chef
Todd Gray has combined local flavors and ingredients
into a traditional, yet innovative, palate that has
garnered him national attention. Open daily. 818
Connecticut Ave., NW; 202/331-8118. $$$ V H M
Jaleo. Featuring hot and cold tapas, paellas and assorted
entrees, Jaleo is a premier spot for fun Spanish
food in an exciting atmosphere. Open daily. 480
7th St., NW; 202/628-7949. 7271 Woodmont Ave.,
Bethesda, Md.; 301/913-0003. 2250-A Crystal Dr.,
Arlington, Va.; 703/413-8181. $$ V H M
Legal Sea Foods. Boston’s beloved export stays
true to its roots, pouring forth that famous New England
clam chowder and daily dish specials. Plus,
wood-grilled swordfish, banana leaf-steamed cod
and other fresh seafood, all served with fresh sides
and slaw. Open daily. 704 7th St., NW; 202/347-
0007. Also in Bethesda, Md., McLean and Arlington,
Va. $$ V H M
1789. An inventive American menu captures the
freshest flavors of the season at 1789, located in a
historic Georgetown house. Savor breads, pastries
and ice cream created on-site. Open daily for dinner.
1226 36th St., NW; 202/965-1789. $$$ V
Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro. An urban oasis
amid one of the most historic suburban enclaves
in the country, Vinifera has a menu and wine list
that rival some of the most sophisticated culinary
lineups in the Mid-Atlantic (300 local, domestic
and international wines by the bottle and 30 by the
glass). Situated in the Westin Reston Heights, Vinifera’s
menu—including pan-roasted sea bass and
slow-braised short ribs—continues to garner praise
from critics. Sunday brunch is a great option, too.
11750 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, Va.; 703/234-
3550; viniferabistro.com. $$ V H M
Zaytinya. Under the culinary direction of José Andrés,
Zaytinya is a true taste of the Mediterranean
featuring an extensive menu of hot and cold mezze
reflecting Turkish, Greek and Lebanese flavors. 701
9th St., NW; 202/638-0800. $$ V H M