Georgetown Dining
Georgetown is not quite the red hot center it once was, but there are still some very good options in this charming neighborhood. We must once again warn you that the Metro system doesn't run in Georgetown. If we don't list a closest Metro below, that means it's greater than 1/2 mile and we suggest a bus or taxi instead.
Jump to Fast Casual DiningThis is a $5-million blockbuster, both visually and culinarily (in fact, the huge walls of glass and nautical-natty stripes make it look like a yacht from some angles and a gigantic fish tank from others). The “main bar” has fabulous view of the river, but the speakeasy-trend bar Piccolo is the hotspot. In fact, though it passes as a special occasion spot (and is seriously large), it’s busy enough at all times to suggest advance planning.
The chef's father is from the Marches region of Italy, along the coast east of Tuscany, and “Fiola” means something like faithful one or sweetheart. Seafood runs from raw (crudo, tartare, carpaccio, sashimi) to seared skate wing to olive oil–poached sea bass with oyster foam and caviar to whole fish carved tableside to mixed grills. And it’s not scant fare: if Ariel had ever eaten “Under the Sea”—lobster, branzino, sea urchin, langoustines, scallops mussels, plus foie gras and maitakis—she would have never have been able to rise to the surface. Fortunately, there is a “Maria’s menu” here as well. A few signature dishes from Fiola have been carried over, such as the lobster ravioli and wagyu beef (not everyone’s a pescaphile), but they are almost concessions to mixed parties.
Our Rating: 5 stars Address: 2050 K St NW - In the waterfront Washington Harbour Hours: Brunch: Sat-Sun 11:30am-2pm. Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30am-2:30p. Dinner: Mon-Thu 5pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-10:30pm Cost: Very Expensive
Occasionally, when writing about Fast Casual dining we feel like our record is busted (kids, ask a hipster about what a record is). Let us know when this sounds familiar: you begin your meal here with a base of rice, noodles, or greens, then add meats, veggies, sauces, and spreads. Yep, it's another build your own place, this time for Southeast Asian/Thai cuisine.
Honestly, we can't even be mad that these places all sound so similar because they're all high-quality. The flavors of the food at Shophouse are outstanding and we always respect a restaurant that doesn't cool off their spice for the general public. On that note, beware when they say the Spicy Red Curry is 4 flames...it certainly is.
Our Rating: 3 1/2 stars Address: 2805 M St NW Hours: Daily 11am-10pm Metro: Foggy Bottom - Blue, Orange, Silver (0.5 miles)
This is where to go if you feel like something healthy or if you or a member of your party lean vegetarian. Sweetgreen specializes in salads including delicious warm bowls and many organic, locally grown veggies. They have a wonderful, rotating seasonal menu and the freshest ingredients. The lunch line can get pretty long, but the line moves quickly.
Our Rating: 3 1/2 stars Address: 3333 M St NW Hours: Daily 10:30am-10pm