Where the Obamas have eaten — and where they should eat

More than any other first family in recent memory, Barack and Michelle Obama have embraced the local restaurant scene. We’ve compiled a list of destinations where at least one of them has dined (though what they actually ate is often a state secret), followed by Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema’s recommendations on places they should try. Click the bold text of each caption to see each restaurant’s full review.

5 Seconds

00:00

Rasika West End

Michelle Obama lingered past 10 p.m. over a meal at the stylish West End offshoot of Rasika. Reliable Source reported that she stopped by with one other guest after a busy day of fundraising, in which she clashed with a heckler. It's no wonder the first lady wanted to sit down to a relaxing dinner.

Robert Miller / PHOTO BY ROBERT MILLER

Birch & Barley

On Sunday, March 24, Michelle Obama dined at Logan Circle’s Birch & Barley. Wrote the Reliable Source: “[She] arrived with two other women around 6 p.m., stayed for about three hours in the semi-private dining room overlooking the open kitchen [pictured here], so our witnesses couldn’t get a good look.”

Sean McCormick / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Minibar

The Obamas celebrated Valentine's Day 2013 at Jose Andres' Penn Quarter restaurant, which left Washington Post restaurant critic Tom Sietsema unimpressed in December. “If this represents the future,'' Sietsema wrote, ''I’m going to start stockpiling roast chicken.” Read the review.

Scott Suchman / For The Washington Post

Fiola

On Feb. 13, Michelle Obama dined at Fiola , a Penn Quarter restaurant known for its divine pasta. Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s wife and wine director John Toigo tweeted about pairing wines for the first lady.

Fiola / Courtesy of Fiola

Cafe Milano

For her 49th birthday on Jan. 17, the first lady had a special menu of, among other Italian dishes, fusilli with veal ragu, roasted tile fish with fennel and thyme puree and ricotta cheese mousse with carmelized pear. The setting: the upstairs Wine Room of the city’s see-and-be-scene Cafe Milano in Georgetown. Cafe Milano, 3251 Prospect St. NW. 202-333-6183. www.cafemilano.net.

Greg Powers Photography

Smith Commons

President Obama dined with supporters at Smith Commons on H Street NE on Oct. 12. The three-story lounge and restaurant with fancy microbrews, an attractive interior and a large patio is housed in a former carpet warehouse.

James M. Thresher / For The Washington Post

Bourbon Steak

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama celebrated their 20th anniversary in style at Bourbon Steak. Bourbon Steak, the posh steakhouse in the Four Seasons, where they may or may not have dined on a specially prepared tasting menu.

/ Courtesy of Bourbon Steak

Rosa Mexicano

On Sept. 21, Sasha Obama dined with Hunter Biden and his family at the Chevy Chase outpost of the national modern Mexican chain. Yes, they ordered table-side guacamole.

Rosa Mexicano

Mintwood Place

“The difference between the fare at Mintwood Place and so many other neighborhood dining rooms is the distinction between black-and-white and Technicolor,” Tom Sietsema wrote in his April review, which highlighted chef Cedric Maupillier's tagliatelle Bolognese, steak tartare, chopped chicken liver tartine and baked Alaska (pictured). Mintwood Place, 1813 Columbia Rd. NW. 202-234-6732. www.mintwoodplace.com.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

Lincoln

On June 15, President Obama took winners of an Obama for America fundraising contest to Lincoln, a downtown restaurant where the menu and decor honor another president from Illinois. The seasonal small plates are an excellent introduction to the kitchen. This is also a destination where herbivores can dine well. Lincoln, 1110 Vermont Ave. NW. 202-386-9200.

Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images

Kenny’s BBQ Smokehouse

President Obama celebrated Father’s Day early at Kenny’s BBQ Smokehouse on Capitol Hill on June 13. He brought two members of the Army — both winners of the Military Fatherhood Award — and two local barbers who are part of an initiative called “Fatherhood Buzz.” Kenny’s is known for its Carolina-style ‘cue, such as this plate of hickory-smoked pork ribs with potato salad, greens and corn bread. Kenny's BBQ Smokehouse, 732 Maryland Ave. NE. 202-547-4553.

Mary Lou Foy / For The Washington Post

Eatonville

One of my favorite brunch strategies starts with a zippy Bloody Mary served in a mason jar and continues with crisp golden catfsh propped up on tangy collards and alongside cheesy grits. Some of the cooking at owner Andy Shallal's tribute to folklorist Zora Neale Hurston leans too sweet for my taste; the chopped beef barbecue, for instance, is a ringer for dessert. But there's no denying the place is fun. Floating tin ceilings, glittery chandeliers, rocking chairs and jazzy music help fuel the nightly party. Michelle Obama dined here on May 17. Eatonville, 212 14th St. NW. 202-332-9672. eatonvillerestaurant.com.

Susan Biddle / For The Washington Post

Taylor Gourmet

The president dropped by Taylor Gourmet's 14th Street NW store on May 16. Among the top-of-the-ticket sandwiches on Taylor's menu is the one named for Philadelphia's Pattison Avenue, featuring roast pork, broccoli rabe and sharp provolone cheese on a classic Italian sesame seed sub roll.

Michael S. Williamson / The Washington Post

Ray's Hell Burger

Ray's Hell Burger is a cult favorite among burger enthusiasts. Ten ounces of freshly ground, hand-trimmed meat and gratis toppings help explain the popularity of the joint Obama has visited twice, once with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, in 2010. Ray's Hell Burger, 1725 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-841-0001. rayshellburger.com.

Mikhail Klimentyev / AP

Boundary Road

The president and first lady hosted a fundraiser at H Street's Boundary Road on March 8, highlighting the Northeast corridor's dining options for the second time (first lady Michelle Obama has previously dined at Sticky Rice). The airy neighborhood tavern, run by former Cashion's, Proof and Central chef Brad Walker serves a creative cocktail list and homey dishes, including pierogies and minestrone soup.

Dayna Smith / For The Washington Post

BLT Steak

I used to think that the best part of eating at BLT Steak was the free stuff — Bunyanesque popovers, chicken liver pate — but that was before I sunk my teeth into the politically themed hamburgers at lunch. For the 1 percent, there’s a kobe burger gilded with foie gras and gold leaf.

Justin Rude

Scion

As part of his “Lunch With Barack” fundraising program, the president broke bread (well, he ordered from an Asian-accented menu) with grass-roots supporters at Scion in Dupont Circle last month. I sure hope POTUS ate better here than I did! Scion, 2100 P St. NW. 202-833-8899. www.scionrestaurant.com.

James M. Thresher / For The Washington Post

Equinox

The jury is still out while executive chef Karen Nicolas settles into the long-running downtown restaurant owned by Todd and Ellen Gray. We’re hopeful; previously, she was a sous chef at the esteemed Gramercy Tavern in New York. Equinox, 818 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-331-8118. www.equinoxrestaurant.com.

Xiaomei Chen

Restaurant Eve

Cathal Armstrong is one of the mid-Atlantic’s best chefs, evinced by a tasting menu that can stretch to nine courses — and one polished performance after another. The first lady has to love knowing that some of her meal was plucked from Eve’s own garden. Restaurant Eve, 110 S. Pitt St., Alexandria. 703-706-0450. www.restauranteve.com.

Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post

Del Ray Pizzeria

The beer list is great and the pizzas are good, if not exceptional, but the real secret to Del Ray Pizzeria is its classic American comfort food. The reason is in the kitchen, where former Del Merei Grill chef Eric Reid runs the show. Del Ray Pizzeria, 2218 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 703-549-2999. delraypizzeria.com.

Mark Gail / The Washington Post

The Hamilton

Part of the novelty of this latest restaurant from Clyde's Restaurant Group is its size: 850 seats spread across three levels, including a concert floor. The other allure is the behemoth's schedule: The Hamilton is open around the clock, seven days a week. The menu reaches out to a wide audience, featuring everything from sushi to pancakes to chicken and biscuits. The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. 202-787-1000. www.thehamiltondc.com.

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

Oyamel

The guacamole is as hot as you request, and the ceviche sparkles with fresh seafood at Jose Andres’s festive salute to Mexico. The most daring dish on the menu: fried grasshoppers. Of course there are tortillas, too. Oyamel, 401 Seventh St. NW. 202-628-1005. www.oyamel.com.

Michael Temchine / For The Washington Post

Co. Co. Sala

This dressy dessert boutique puts an emphasis on chocolate, even in some of its savory dishes. The niches in the walls show off some of the co-owner's delicate blown-sugar sculptures. Go early to avoid the roar of the crowd on weekends. Co. Co. Sala, 929 F St. NW. 202-347-4265. www.cocosala.com.

Scott Suchman / For The Washington Post

BlackSalt

Black Salt has great drinks, fab fish and a retail counter arranged with some of the freshest seafood in the city. Wonder if Michelle tipped off personal chef Sam Kass to the ice show of striped bass, king mackerel and baby octopus? BlackSalt, 4883 MacArthur Blvd. 202-342-9101. www.blacksaltrestaurant.com.

Michael Temchine / For The Washington Post

Blue Duck Tavern

Since the Obamas dined at this West End retreat, the Park Hyatt Washington has hired a Texas-born, French-speaking former Los Angeles chef to tend the wood-fired oven. Eventually, Sebastien Archambault says he wants to serve his father’s recipe for duck confit. He also says he is looking forward to feeding an audience that will eat richer food. (Take that, Los Angeles!) Blue Duck Tavern, 1201 24th St. NW (in the Park Hyatt). 202-419-6755. www.blueducktavern.com.

Blue Duck Tavern

1789

The most genteel restaurant in the city has a new chef: Anthony Lombardo, formerly of Casa Nonna downtown. Each dining room has a distinct personality, but all enjoy flickering table lamps, nooks for intimate gatherings, classical music that doesn't interfere with conversation and solicitous service. Gentlemen, you're no longer required to wear a jacket, but management appreciates it when you do. 1789, 1226 36th St. NW. 202-965-1789. www.1789restaurant.com.

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Thomas Sweet

No one would ever mistake the busy corner of Wisconsin Avenue and P Street NW for a sleepy small-town intersection, but the D.C. location of this mid-Atlantic chain manages to pull off the vibe of a small-town ice cream shop. It’s the perfect place for busy working parents to take a pair of precocious tweenage daughters. Thomas Sweet, 3214 P St. NW. 202-337-0616. www.thomassweet.com.

Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post

Shake Shack

As tired as some of us are of the burger craze, you should make room for this agreeable New York import. In addition to the expected beef burgers: a mushroom version, a hot dog, shakes in a rainbow of colors and “concretes” made with frozen custard (and fun to watch being concocted). Shake Shack, 1216 18th St. NW. 202-683-9922. www.shakeshack.com.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

Good Stuff Eatery

When Obama took his economic team here, just before his big 5-0 in August, he declined the fancy burger named after him in favor of a plain cheeseburger, fries and a salad (of course). Good Stuff Eatery, 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-543-8222. www.goodstuffeatery.com.

Jason Reed / Reuters

Ted's Bulletin

James Beard and June Cleaver could have been consultants on this menu, which runs from egg salad and tuna sandwiches to roast chicken and satisfying spaghetti topped with jawbreaker-size meatballs, a kicky tomato sauce and rafts of Texas toast. Neat touch: Old movies are beamed onto the wall of the booth-lined dining room by a faux-antique projector suspended from the ceiling. Ted's Bulletin, 505 Eighth St. SE. 202-544-8337. tedsbulletin.com.

Jim Watson / AFP/Getty Images

Komi

Chef Johnny Monis’s brilliant take on modern Greek cooking is less than a mile from the White House. Here’s betting POTUS and FLOTUS saved the restaurant’s house-made lollipops for Sasha and Malia. Komi, 1509 17th St. NW. 202-332-9200. komirestaurant.com.

Mark Finkenstaedt / For The Washington Post

Georgia Brown's

The shrimp and grits aren’t anything they’d recognize in Dixie, and the best part of the barbecue platter is the moist nap for cleaning up. What this vaguely Southern restaurant has going for it: four-star people-watching. Georgia Brown's, 950 15th St. NW. 202-393-4499. www.gbrowns.com.

Jonathan Ernst / For The Washington Post

Michel Richard Citronelle

Never mind the dated underground dining room in Georgetown. I can’t think of a more playful chef than French native Michel Richard, the creator of escargots dressed up as “porcupines” with spiky pastry and pizzas spread with scallop mousse and sparkling caviar. Michel Richard Citronelle, 3000 M St. NW. 202-625-2150. www.citronelledc.com.

Allison Dinner / For The Washington Post

The Source

Scott Drewno's sleek pan-Asian restaurant is good any day of the week, but I particularly like it for Saturday brunch, when the chef serves some of the best dim sum in the area. Picture soft bao buns cradling crackling duck slices, cool cucumber and intense hoisin sauce, and golden spring rolls that snap open to show off pearly centers of mousselike shrimp and lobster. The Source, 575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-637-6100. wolfgangpuck.com.

Scott Suchman / For The Washington Post

The Majestic

Anticipate great American cooking (think crab cakes, liver and onions, and coconut cake) in a booth-lined, mellow-yellow dining room in Old Town. The drinks, created by master mixologist Todd Thrasher, are top-shelf. The Majestic, 911 King St., Alexandria. 703-837-9117. www.majesticcafe.com.

Dayna Smith / For The Washington Post

Rasika

No other Indian restaurant of my acquaintance surpasses the range and richness offered by Vikram Sunderam. Spurring the top toque to acclaim: baby spinach tossed with sweet yogurt and date chutney, and silken black cod marinated in honey and dill. Rasika, 633 D St. NW. 202-637-1222. www.rasikarestaurant.com.

Michael Temchine / For The Washington Post

Proof

There's a little something for everyone — rabbit sausage, vegetable tempura, spaghetti and meatballs — on chef Haidar Karoum's eclectic menu. The name is a play on both the restaurant's spirit-centric beverage program and the photographs housed in its neighbor across the street, the National Portrait Gallery. Proof, 775 G St. NW. 202-737-7663. www.proofdc.com.

Darko Zagar

Acadiana

Acadiana can be a tease, promising one thing — a true taste of the Big Easy — but sometimes falling short on the delivery. Among the dishes that succeed are the fried tomatoes topped with shrimp and blackened tuna with custardy spoonbread. Acadiana, 901 New York Ave., NW. 202-408-8848.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

When South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak visited Washington, President Obama whisked him here for a welcome dinner. My big question: Why? <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/woo-lae-oak,1119662.html'>Woo Lae Oak</a>, 8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. 703-827-7300. www.woolaeoak.com.

Woo Lae Oak

When South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak visited Washington, President Obama whisked him here for a welcome dinner. My big question: Why? Woo Lae Oak, 8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. 703-827-7300. www.woolaeoak.com.

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

We, the Pizza

Blame the clamor on the loud music, the pressed-tin ceiling, the buzz of the crowd, the tug of celebrity: Spike Mendelsohn, a "Top Chef" star from Season 4, is behind the joint, which sits next to his popular Capitol Hill burger place, Good Stuff Eatery. The best of the pies are the sturdy, nicely browned crusts decked out with three kinds of melting bell peppers and thin-sliced sausage; a dark forest of mushrooms tweaked with thyme; spinach and artichoke hearts; and snowy ricotta with pungent garlic. We, the Pizza, 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-544-4008. www.wethepizza.com.

James M. Thresher / For The Washington Post

Tosca

Chef Massimo Fabbri’s luscious contributions to this premiere power restaurant include simply grilled fish and some of the best pastas around. Hope for tagliatelle stained black with squid ink and scattered with sweet morsels of crab. Tosca, 1112 F St. NW. 202-367-1990. www.toscadc.com.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Sticky Rice

H Street sushi joint Sticky Rice rocks some cool interior design, hipper-than-thou servers, a menu with items named "Sticky Balls" and "Drawn-N-Buttered" and the occasional crowd of ladies celebrating birthdays and bachelorette parties. Sticky Rice, 1224 H St. NE. 202-397-7655. stickyricedc.com.

James M. Thresher / For The Washington Post

Sei

Asian small plates dominate the menu of this vision in white in Penn Quarter. Scallion-sprinkled wonton chips spill out of a paper cone alongside a bowl of guacamole ignited with wasabi oil and creamy with tofu. Chicken wings are draped in a liquid black curtain (that would be soy sauce reduced with molasses, honey and lemon grass) that tickles the tongue and requires additional napkins for cleaning up. The most amusing (seafood) roll is billed as Fish and Chips: flounder accented with red onion and malt vinegar, plus a garnish of Barbie-size fried potatoes. Sei, 444 Seventh St. NW. 202-783-7007. www.seirestaurant.com.

Dominic Bracco II / For The Washington Post

Redwood

A sibling of Sonoma in the District, this light-filled Bethesda eatery suggests an urban forest thanks to all the wood surfaces and shades of nature. The basics -- burgers, roast chicken, pork loin -- are all done right. Redwood, 7121 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda. 301-656-5515. redwoodbethesda.com.

Scott Suchman / For The Washington Post

Okra's

This vibrant and lively Cajun restaurant has been anchoring its corner of Old Town Manassas for 13 years, offering the usual selection of Big Easy classics: po-boys, dirty rice, jambalaya, etouffee and strong cocktails. Okra's, 9110 Center St., Manassas. 703-330-2729. okras.com.

Len Spoden / For The Washington Post

Restaurant Nora

I like the spirit behind Washington's best-known organic restaurant more than the execution. On any given night, there might be Italian, Japanese and Indian combinations on the menu and more misses than hits, unfortunately. Restaurant Nora, 2132 Florida Ave. NW. 202-462-5143. www.noras.com.

James M. Thresher / For The Washington Post

Dreary Peking duck, vapid kung pao shrimp: more reminders of the sad state of Chinese food in the nation's capital. <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/meiwah,1025679.html'>Meiwah</a>, 1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW. 202-833-2888. www.meiwahrestaurant.com.

Meiwah

Dreary Peking duck, vapid kung pao shrimp: more reminders of the sad state of Chinese food in the nation's capital. Meiwah, 1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW. 202-833-2888. www.meiwahrestaurant.com.

Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post

Art and Soul

Named in part for cookbook author Art Smith, best known for feeding Oprah, this hotel dining room serves up a Southern theme with hoe cakes, fried chicken and shrimp and grits. The three-course "power lunch" is a Hill deal for $25; snug white booths against the wall afford movers and shakers the most privacy. Art and Soul, 415 New Jersey Ave. NW. 202-393-7777. www.artandsouldc.com.

Michael Temchine for The Washington Post

Vermilion

For Valentine's Day 2012, the president and first lady dined at Vermilion, where they were but one of a number of diners at the always-delicious Old Town restaurant. Follow their lead — not only will you dine memorably, you'll leave with much of your budget intact. Vermilion, 1120 King St., Alexandria. 703-684-9669. www.vermilionrestaurant.com.

Sean McCormick for The Washington Post

Fuego Cocina y Tequileria

For one of their early state dinners, the Obamas tapped Mexican maestro Rick Bayless from Chicago’s acclaimed Topolobampo. Closer to the White House, and led by Jeff Tunks and chef de cuisine Alfredo Solis, is Fuego Cocina — “fire kitchen “ — in Arlington. At this two-story fiesta, the margaritas run strong and the hand-patted corn tortillas wrap around tender goat and pineapple-sweetened pork. Pictured from left: the beef and goat tacos. Fuego Cocina y Tequileria, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington. 571-970-2180. www.fuegova.com.

Scott Suchman for The Washington Post

Izakaya Seki

A devoted dad, the president should dig this story of a father and daughter who opened one of the most exciting Japanese restaurants of 2012. Don’t miss the poached squid with basil sauce, Mr. President. Izakaya Seki, 1117 V St. NW. 202-588-5841. www.sekidc.com.

Joseph Victor Stefanchik for The Washington Post

The Oval Room

The Oval Room is so close to the Oval Office, the Obamas could walk to the restaurant if the Secret Service says yes. On the menu they’ll find elegant food set off with enticing twists: sweet shrimp electrified with lime and Thai chilies, veal tenderloin with shaved Parmesan and breezy mint, and pasta swirled with truffles and toasted hazelnuts. The Oval Room, 800 Connecticut Ave.202-463-8700. www.ovalroom.com.

Courtesy of the Oval Room

Vidalia

Brimming with southern charm, Vidalia would make a stellar date night for the first couple. The city’s best bread basket, oyster pan roast and lemon chess pie — POTUS digs pie — will help them overlook the underground setting. Vidalia, 990 M St. NW. 202-659-1990. www.vidaliadc.com.

Joseph Victor Stefanchik for The Washington Post

Westend Bistro

Talented new chef Devin Bozkaya means there’s fresh reason to recommend this welcoming, glass-wrapped dining room set in the Ritz-Carlton. A bonus for the health-conscious first family: Several “Bistro Light” options that feature calorie counts. Herbed chicken breast with cauliflower couscous and ginger-stewed tomatoes is a mere 300 calories. Westend Bistro, 1190 22nd St. NW. 202-974-5566. www.westendbistrodc.com.

Scott Suchman for The Washington Post

Ethiopic

Multiple forays to bohemian H Street NE have yet to take the Obamas to the best Ethiopian restaurant in the city. Ethiopic is a great place to stock up on vegetables (the sampler platter is a kaleidoscope of flavors) and unwind from fussy protocol. As any fan will share, diners eat with their fingers. Ethiopic, 401 H St. NE. 202-675-2066. ethiopicrestaurant.com.

James Buck/The Washington Post

Et Voila!

Our French fry-loving first lady could probably make a meal of the golden potatoes that grace the snug Belgian outpost’s signature steamed mussels. But she should try to find room as well for the kitchen’s equally compelling duck confit, beef stew and grilled trout. Fans of the joint include another power couple: former President Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Et Voila, 5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW. 202-237-2300. www.etvoiladc.com.

Dayna Smith for The Washington Post

Inn at Little Washington

Just like the White House, this fabled dining destination in the Other Washington employs a gardener and a beekeeper. But not even 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. turns out food as beautiful and fanciful as chef-owner Patrick O’Connell. From door to door, you’re talking two hours — unless, of course, you’re riding aboard Marine One. Inn at Little Washington, 309 Middle St., Washington, Va. 540-675-3800. www.theinnatlittlewashington.com.

Courtesy of the Inn at Little Washington

CityZen

The first couple can expect to see, taste and feel lots of stars in this dreamy cathedral of fine dining, presided over by chef Eric Ziebold, a protégé of the respected Thomas Keller. Not to be missed: Lobster Magic, seafood-and-pork dumplings that turn from green to red as the pasta, made with lobster roe, is cooked before diners’ eyes. The chef’s elegant vegetarian tasting menu proves that he’s as adept with ingredients from the garden as with meat and fish. CityZen, 1330 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-554-8588. www.mandarinoriental.com.

Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post

Farmers Fishers Bakers

The sunny interior finds enough mason jars to stock a farm market, rolling pins surrounding the private Baker’s Table and silhouettes of barn frames suspended from on high. There’s something for everyone on the menu, which is the Georgetown restaurant’s strength and weakness. What works are the top-shelf cocktails, hamburgers served on buns baked on site, short ribs enriched by an Asian marinade and pies (make mine lemon or key lime). The “Let’s Move!” creators would approve of the view: a skating rink for working off the big portions. Farmers Fishers Bakers, 3000 K St. NW. 202-298-8783. www.farmersfishersbakers.com.

Scott Suchman for The Washington Post

If it weren’t for its four-star rival across town — the original <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/rasika-penn-quarter,1114197.html'>Rasika in Penn Quarter </a>— this would be the finest Indian kitchen in town. One bite of chickpeas sparked with green chilies and ginger, or ground smoked lamb perfumed with rose petals should convince the commander in chief as well. Populating the dining room, not far from the corridors of power, are faces that will likely be familiar to him. <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/rasika-west-end,1226837.html'>Rasika West End</a>, 1190 New Hampshire Ave. 202-466-2500. www.rasikarestaurant.com.

Rasika West End

If it weren’t for its four-star rival across town — the original Rasika in Penn Quarter — this would be the finest Indian kitchen in town. One bite of chickpeas sparked with green chilies and ginger, or ground smoked lamb perfumed with rose petals should convince the commander in chief as well. Populating the dining room, not far from the corridors of power, are faces that will likely be familiar to him. Rasika West End, 1190 New Hampshire Ave. 202-466-2500. www.rasikarestaurant.com.

Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post

Seasonal Pantry

The next time the president wants to convene a meeting over a meal, he should consider Seasonal Pantry, chef Daniel O’Brien’s homey one-table storefront in Shaw. The lures include the ever-changing menu, a multi-course dinner of the chef’s choosing. For once, no major decisions to make! Seasonal Pantry, 1314-1/2 Ninth St. NW. www.seasonalpantry.com.

Stacy Zarin Goldberg for The Washington Post

For more restaurant ideas from the Going Out Guide, check out our galleries of the area's <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/40-dishes-every-washingtonian-must-try/2011/12/23/gIQA9KRbOP_gallery.html'>40 essential eats</a> and <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/tom-sietsemas-cheap-eats/2012/01/10/gIQAO9QroP_gallery.html'>Tom Sietsema's cheap eats</a> as well as more in<a data-xslt='_http' href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/dc-restaurants.html'> restaurants</a>.

For more restaurant ideas from the Going Out Guide, check out our galleries of the area's 40 essential eats and Tom Sietsema's cheap eats as well as more in restaurants.

The Washington Post

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES

A woman is attacked by water cannon during protests in Kizilay square in central Ankara, June 16, 2013. The unrest, in which police fired teargas and water cannon at stone-throwing protesters night after night in cities including Istanbul and Ankara, left four people dead and about 5,000 injured, according to the Turkish Medical Association. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Photos of the day

Continuing protests in Turkey, reformist candidate wins in Iran, Google’s Project Loon and more.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Johnathon Carrington, valedictorian at Dunbar High School, laughs with family and friends after his school's graduation ceremony at Howard University on Friday, June 14, 2013, in Washington, DC. Carrington, who grew up in Tyler House public-housing apartments and is graduating from one of DC's low-performing high schoolsy, where academic expectations are high. (Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Johnathon’s journey

Johnathon Carrington graduated Friday as the valedictorian of his neighborhood school, Dunbar High, and is headed to Georgetown University. But Carrington, 17, is nervous, and so are...

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 16: Reenactors dressed as knights stage a medieval jousting competition at Eltham Palace on June 16, 2013 in Eltham, England. The 'Grand Medieval Joust' event at Eltham Palace, an English Heritage property which was the childhood home of King Henry VIII, aims to give a great insight into life at the palace during the medieval period. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

The Grand Medieval Joust

The Grand Medieval Joust at Eltham Palace, an English Heritage property that was the childhood home of King Henry VIII, aims to lend insight through reenactment into life at the palace...

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 16: Solange performs during the 2013 Northside Festival at McCarren Park on June 16, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

Eye on entertainment

Solange, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, Samuel L. Jackson and more.

In this June 8, 2013 photo, youth compete in the Sao Carlos slum local soccer tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The pitch is just dirt and the incandescent lights aren't so bright. But when the boys' feet strike the football in the Sao Carlos slum as night falls every Saturday, big league dreams glow, inflated by the hope of escaping the shantytown with sporting skills. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Brazil’s other soccer fields

With the Confederations Cup opening this week and the World Cup one year away, all eyes are on Brazil, where soccer is arguably played with more passion and art than anywhere else....

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 16: John F. Tatum Sr. hugs his grandson John F. Tatum III during his annual Father's Day block party on Sunday, June 16, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)

Father’s Day picnic in Northeast D.C.

A decades-old backyard barbecue in Northeast Washington draws hundreds in honor of dads everywhere. “It’s off-the-chain fun,” says Butch McNair, who has worked one...

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 14: A man cycles past murals of Nelson Mandel near to Regina Mundi Church in the Soweto township on June 14, 2013 in Soweto,South Africa. The former South African President and leader of the anti-apartheid movement is spending a seventh day in hospital and is reported to be responding better to treatment for a recurring lung infection. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Mandela remains in a hospital

For a week, South Africa’s first black president has been undergoing treatment for a lung infection. Schoolchildren at Nelson Mandela’s childhood school in Qunu sang in...

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 16: Miss Connecticut USA Erin Brady reacts after being crowned Miss USA during the 2013 Miss USA pageant at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on June 16, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Miss USA 2013

Miss Connecticut USA Erin Brady is crowned Miss USA 2013 in Las Vegas.

Back to Previous Gallery

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.

D.C.-area nightlife, events and dining

Where the Obamas have eaten — and where they should eat

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES