Teaism is an ideal pit stop from a day of museum-tripping at the Mall. (LaJuan Payton/wp.com)

Photo Gallery of Washington Restaurants

So you've got a day or few planned to hang out at the Mall (by now, we assume you understand the definition of Mall here -- not to be confused with a half-priced sale).

From the U.S. Capitol, at First Street to the Washington Monument, at 17th, the Mall is a hefty chunk of terrain. That means a lot of walking, a lot of brain power and a lot of other tourists with similar needs -- tickets to the latest exhibit, directions to the cleanest restroom and a good place to eat that's nearby.

If you can meet your needs with a nondescript yogurt, a sandwich and some fruit, then the various cafeterias inside the museums will do you just fine. Among the museum dining options, we recommend the cafeteria at the National Gallery of Art, in a lovely subterranean setting with a soothing fountain sculpture.

But since you're working so hard at being a good tourist, we encourage you to take a breather, walk a few blocks and explore some of the eateries that are well worth a detour from the Mall's boundaries.

Just north of the intersection of Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW (skipping distance from the National Gallery) is a pocket of restaurants that will satisfy more than just your hunger; they'll give you a look into Penn Quarter, a newly thriving neighborhood that includes galleries, shops and the MCI Center.

As you walk away from the Mall, the first thing you'll probably see is a Starbucks (we know, they're everywhere), so if all you need is a pit stop for a cup of joe, there you go.

Venturing north just a tad, at the corner of Seventh and D, you'll see Andale for sit-down lunch and dinner with a Nuevo Latino twist. Chef Alison Swope has been traveling to various parts of Mexico to develop her menu.

Moving a tad up the block and across the street is Footnotes, the cafe inside Olsson's Books and Records. Find a few cafe tables, a couple armchairs and a cozy atmosphere, if all you want is a hot beverage, a quick sandwich and a sweet. Olsson's is also one of the last independent bookstores in Washington, and as such the feeling is more homegrown.

At the corner of Seventh and E is Jaleo, a popular standby offering Spanish tapas, Sangria and lively energy; around the corner on E is its sister restaurant, the less-expensive, Tex-Mex-style Austin Grill.

Stroll down to Eighth Street and turn left, and you've got trendy Cafe Atlantico (also owned by the Jaleo/Austin Grill folks); if you cross the street, you'll see Teaism. A Pan-Asian-inspired cafeteria, Teaism is more of an oasis than a lunch line to collect your food. As its name implies, there is an excellent assortment of teas, most of which are Asian, served loose leaf in a variety of hand-crafted pots and mugs. Food also bends Asian, with curries and bento boxes, and lots of choices for vegetarians. With its peaceful decor and casual mood, Teaism is perhaps the most civilized way to recharge yourself after a session "doing the Mall."

Within the last year, there's really been a restaurant boom in this little neck of the Washington woods. The Penn Quarter is trendy place to be. Zola, the restaurant housed in the new International Spy Museum, is a smoothie. But prices are reasonable and the menu takes into account the differing tastes of locals and tourists alike. Have a big, juicy hamburger or tuna tartare. Most dishes are done well and the decor is stunning. (The Spy Museum also has its own little snack shop, the Spy Cafe, that will satisfy a basic need for lunch with sandwiches, boxed salads, pastries, cookies, juices, etc.)

Right next door, in the old post office building, is the Hotel Monaco and its restaurant, Poste. It's worth a visit just to see what's become of an old sorting room, and to walk in across the old cobbled courtyard where horse-drawn carriages would once come to deliver and pick up the mail.

The Gordon Biersch Brewery is a few paces a way at the corner of Ninth and F streets. Enjoy one of the five beers brewed in house, and sample from the eclectic menu. On the National Register of Historic Places and once a Riggs Bank, the building maintains its 19th-century charm to spectacular end.

Take a load off at Zaytinya, refuel at the glam bar or settle at table for some of the best Greek food around. This is tapas -- small plates -- so if you're with a group, this is a perfect place for sharing.

Other restaurants within walking distance of the Mall: French bistro, Les Halles; blueblood steakhouse Capital Grille; upscale Butterfield 9, TenPenh and Signatures. There are sundry counters for snacks inside the Old Post Office Pavilion.

-- Kim O'Donnel and Alexa Beattie