Washington, D.C.: Where to Eat in the District

Best chicken: Nando’s Peri-Peri

The Peruvian chicken here is out of this world. The sides are generous (the mixed leaf side salad is enormous), the pitas served warm & the lemon herb seasoning that comes on the chicken is just spicy enough (but you can add your own peri-peri sauce to liven things up if you need to). Also, make sure & check out the frozen yogurt flavor of the day – you get an unlimited serving for under $3!

Best pizza: Ella’s

You must think that all I eat is pizza & you wouldn’t be too far off from the truth. I started eating Ella’s pizza because it was conveniently located close to my office, but I keep going back even though my office moved. You have to like thinner crust to like Ella’s – crisp bottom, doughy crust. I personally love their pucillo – tomato sauce, smoked mozzarella, prosciutto & fresh arugula – but you can’t go wrong with plain ol’ pepperoni or sausage. A pizza is the perfect size to share if you both munch on a salad before hand (but I won’t judge if you eat the whole thing, which I have).

Best patio for a date night: Bourbon Steak

The patio here (inside the Four Seasons hotel in Georgetown) is to. die. for. Comfy chairs & couches, perfect for cuddling, surround fire pits. The restaurant has a great menu, as does the lounge. If you’re looking for something to nosh on, try the black truffle popcorn or the trio of dick fat fries (three types of fries, three types of dipping sauces). If cigars are your sort of thing, they have an area of the patio that permits smoking them. An evening here is tres romantic.

Best bar lunch deal: 701

When I need to get out of the office & have a real lunch to clear my head, there is one place I always head: the bar of 701. For $15, including a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage, you can enjoy one of the lunch items off their rotating menu. I’m partial to the burger, but have also had a lovely seasonal salad there. The atmosphere is chill, & full of other solo diners so you don’t have to feel self conscious. After all, you deserve a treat every once in a while.

Best touristy place that’s actually worth a visit: Old Ebbitt

Located right across from the White House & serving what can only be described as “American” food, it’s only natural that tourists flock to this Washington institution. But, even if you live here full time, they’re doing some things inside Old Ebbitt that make it a worthwhile dining experience. Their raw bar is one of the best in the city & their crab cakes are personal favorites. Reservations are a must for locals & visitors alike, & this is one of the only places on my list that is 100% kid friendly!