Washington DC

Located in an 18th-century federal townhouse, 1789 is divided into five themed dining rooms, resplendent with fireplaces and period furniture. The setting combined with the food to make this a premiere dining experience presided over by Chef Nathan Beauchamp. His 'keep it simple' approach is enhanced by the best quality ingredients, and complemented by excellent wine pairings. Fish and meat dishes are followed by a list of decadent desserts. There is also a good-value pre-theatre menu available, as well as an 'after hours' menu catering to those who prefer a post-performance dinner. Reservations essential. Open for dinner nightly.

Food Type :American

Address :1226 36th Street NW

Website :www.1789restaurant.com

Zaytinya is one of Washington D.C.'s top restaurants, Greek or otherwise. Travellers with adventurous palates can dig into mezze delicacies like goat flatbread, crispy veal sweetbreads, and grilled octopus, while vegetarians will find plenty to choose from. There is a reduced-price lunch menu offering sandwiches, salads, and shawarmas, and even a brunch menu available until 2.30pm.

Food Type :Greek

Address :701 Ninth Street NW, Edison Place

Website :www.zaytinya.com

For Belgian cuisine at its very best, look no further than Belga Café. This stylish eatery with tasteful décor is a favourite in Washington DC with locals and out-of-towners alike. With unforgettable dishes, it's hard to forget this trendy restaurant. There is also a large selection of Belgian beers and wines to complement your meal. Sample the four kazen korketten, two croquettes of 'four cheeses' with a frisee-bacon salad and balsamic dressing. The Lotte mit Jenever, bacon-wrapped monkfish fillet with Jenever beurre blanc, yellow potatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli on a bed of red onion confit is also excellent. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday and Sunday brunch and dinner only.

Food Type :Belgian

Address :514, 8th Street, SE

Website :www.belgacafe.com

By far the smartest Indian restaurant in town, the ambience created by the ceiling fans, wicker furniture, and potted palms is straight from the British colonial era. Bombay Club is known for its setting, as well as for its gourmet regional Indian cuisine and personalised service, and was a favourite spot for the Clintons when occupying the White House across the road. Delicious naan flatbread complements dishes ranging from fiery green chilli chicken and tandoori dishes, to rogan josh, biryanis, dhals, and lobster malabar. The Sunday champagne brunch is popular. Lunch Monday to Friday, dinner daily. Reservations essential.

Food Type :Indian

Address :815 Connecticut Avenue NW (Downtown)

Website :www.bombayclubdc.com

If you're in the mood for a steak, there's no better place to go in Washington DC than the aptly-named Capital Grille. The elegant mahogany-panelled dining room creates the perfect backdrop for the restaurant's famous dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood, accompanied by an extensive wine list with thousands of choices.

Food Type :Steakhouse

Address :601 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Website :www.thecapitalgrille.com

Carnivores will be in heaven at Fogo de Chao, Washington DC's top Brazilian restaurant. Skewers of meat are paraded around as you eat the signature churrascarias beef. The name means 'Fire of Ground', and refers to the gaucho method of roasting meat. Vegetarians will have to content themselves with the salad bar and vegetable sides.

Food Type :Brazilian

Address :1101 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Website :www.fogodechao.com.br

Serving the best American food in the most American city in the world, Birch and Barley is popular with locals and tourists alike for its delicious comfort food like pan-seared rainbow trout, honey-glazed duck breast, and their special bratwurst burger. The brunch menu is equally tasty with offerings that include waffles, French toast, sticky buns, and even grits. But the real star of the menu is the draft beer list, which stretches to an amazing 555 varieties! Brunch is served on weekends, dinner daily, but the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Food Type :American

Address :1337 14th Street NW

Website :www.birchandbarley.com