Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Capitol Heights, MD

CAPITOL HILL. Occupying a renovated storefront just minutes from the Capitol, Belga delivers the gastronomical artistry...

CAPITOL HILL. Occupying a renovated storefront just minutes from the Capitol, Belga delivers the gastronomical artistry and charm of a Brussels sidewalk café. Though the kitchen adds Asian splashes to their "Eurofusion" dishes, many of the menu items hold true to Belgian culinary traditions, as evidenced by delightful main courses like Flemish beef stew with Belgian fries, and mussels with white beer. As for drink, six Belgian beers are on tap, including Leffe Blonde and Brune, Hoegaarden and Stella Artois; dozens of others are available by the bottle. METRO: Eastern Market

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. With its stark white walls, high ceilings and dramatic glass facade, Zaytinya has emerged as a popular...

DOWNTOWN. With its stark white walls, high ceilings and dramatic glass facade, Zaytinya has emerged as a popular after-work gathering place. Hot and cold mezze ("middle-of-the-day" meals) enrich the dining scene with contemporary Eastern Mediterranean fare ­ for example, lamb with hummus, and spiced sirloin with dry fruit compote. For more substantial appetites, the kebab platter or braised lamb shank with eggplant does nicely. An added perk: Their wine list focuses almost exclusively on Greek, Turkish and Lebanese selections. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown

Hours: Sun-Mon 11:30am-10pm; Tue-Thu 11:30am-11pm; Fri 11:30am-Noon; Sat 11:30am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. The sizzling cuisines of South and Central America have invaded the nation's capital, and, thankfully, the DC...

DOWNTOWN. The sizzling cuisines of South and Central America have invaded the nation's capital, and, thankfully, the DC dining scene will never be the same. A decor of Yucatan stone, mosaics and furniture fashioned of Brazilian wood takes traditional elements and gives them a modern slant. Ceviches, of course, lead the menu, and it's wise to go ahead and sample the yellowfin tuna or Yucatan shrimp. From there, look to such flavorful courses as Brazilian-braised pork shank with black beans and rice, Bahian-style boullabaisse, or jerk barbequed young chicken with rice, peas and sautéed callaloo. METRO: Metro Center

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-11:30pm; Fri 11:30am-Midnight; Sat 3pm-Midnight; Sun 11am-4pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

U STREET. Although you can get wonderful chili (including vegetarian) at this family-run restaurant and have it served...

U STREET. Although you can get wonderful chili (including vegetarian) at this family-run restaurant and have it served with just about any dish, you'll also find true Southern breakfasts and other tasty items. The Chili Half-Smoke is reported to be a favorite of Bill Cosby's, and you're likely to see other familiar faces from entertainment, political, and sports circles at this U Street eatery. The decor is retro '50s, a perfect backdrop for chili dogs and the like. METRO: Cardoza/Shaw

Hours: Mon-Thu 6am-2am; Fri 6am-4am; Sat 7am-4am; Sun 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

DOWNTOWN. Not your typical French restaurant, upscale Ici Urban Bistro prides itself on consistency and presentation....

DOWNTOWN. Not your typical French restaurant, upscale Ici Urban Bistro prides itself on consistency and presentation. The contemporary menu features only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Food is prepared and presented with tasteful panache ­ for example, roasted halibut with toasted gingerbread crust is accompanied by zucchini tagliatelle with white wine and pepper emulsion. The stunning dining room features brightly colored artwork set against a backdrop of rich jewel tones. The well-selected wines reflect the bistro's high standards and are fairly priced, making this elegant affair one of the best deals in DC. METRO: McPherson Square

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-10am, 11:30am-10pm; Sat 7am-11am, 5pm-10:30pm; Sun 7am-11am, 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DUPONT CIRCLE. C.F. Folks, which only opens for lunch, attracts hungry folks who jostle for position at open tables in...

DUPONT CIRCLE. C.F. Folks, which only opens for lunch, attracts hungry folks who jostle for position at open tables in the small, nondescript eatery. Some of Washington's biggest movers and shakers are known to line up at this popular lunch counter to place an order. Be sure to carefully inspect the blackboard's daily specials, because they seem to be the most appealing. The regular menu offers a collection of tasty soups and salads. Casual dress. Outdoor dining available.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:15pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DUPONT CIRCLE. Without exception, everyone raves about this fabulous place and its incredible pies. Pizzas baked in a...

DUPONT CIRCLE. Without exception, everyone raves about this fabulous place and its incredible pies. Pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven come with thin, hearty crusts and authentic ingredients. Without even sampling one, you can judge food quality by the lines outside the door. The small dining room provides more than just pizza, as proven by great sandwiches, stuffed with fresh cold cuts, roasted vegetables, and tangy cheeses on home-baked breads. Salads, wine and gelatos are terrific, too. METRO: Dupont Circle

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-Midnight; Sun Noon-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

DUPONT CIRCLE. Tucked into a brick townhouse, this intimate restaurant thrives on simplicity. Its environment is...

DUPONT CIRCLE. Tucked into a brick townhouse, this intimate restaurant thrives on simplicity. Its environment is clean-lined; its food, unadulterated; its menu, uncluttered. Based on what's fresh and seasonal, the prix fixe menu changes daily and offers just a few well-developed selections. As a result, rich, satisfying courses keep patrons coming back for more. Italian-inspired meals might begin with bread or antipasto, then move to a roast squab entrée, and end with a homemade ice cream dessert. Reservations strongly recommended. METRO: Dupont Circle

Hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

GEORGETOWN. Escape the hectic pace of everyday life, and relax in this award-winning restaurant. Amid rush-seated chairs...

GEORGETOWN. Escape the hectic pace of everyday life, and relax in this award-winning restaurant. Amid rush-seated chairs and hanging copper cookware, a central stone fireplace blazes during winter months and adds to the traditional atmosphere of this charming French inn. Menu selections include an enticing cassoulet, veal piccata, and salmon in puff pastry with champagne-dill sauce. More adventurous diners may opt for tripe stewed in Calvados liqueur or calf's brain sautéed in brown butter and capers. Daily specials. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended. METRO: Foggy Bottom

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm; Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

ARLINGTON. Open daily, Kabob Palace serves authentic Pakistani food for dine-in or take-out. The menu offers regular...

ARLINGTON. Open daily, Kabob Palace serves authentic Pakistani food for dine-in or take-out. The menu offers regular specials along with lamb, beef, and vegetable dishes. However, kabobs (both lamb and chicken) are the house specialty. Not in the mood for a kabob? Try charred lamb chops and fresh, warm pita bread, or sample the daily vegetable special. Prices at this Crystal City eatery are sure to make you smile ­ they're around $10 per entree. Casual dress.

Hours: Daily Open 24 Hours

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club