Country Inn By Carlson, Stafford, VA

FAIRFAX. Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This...

FAIRFAX. Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in Persian food on a skewer. The meat is juicy and tender, and everything comes at a bargain price. Freshly baked bread and tasty hummus accompany the kebabs for even more flavor. Daily specials deserve notice too, so be sure to look for them. Vegetarian options available. Moby Dick has a total of six locations around the metro area. Casual dress.

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

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , 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

ARLINGTON. This Arlington restaurant serves tasty Peruvian eats in a stripped-down atmosphere. However, the food gets...

ARLINGTON. This Arlington restaurant serves tasty Peruvian eats in a stripped-down atmosphere. However, the food gets unfailing attention, and after one bite, you'll know that taste and quality are top priorities. Spit-roasted chicken is a prominent favorite, accompanied by any number of goodies, including yucca fries, fried plantains, and black beans and rice. Other menu items include a selection of Argentinean steaks, salads, and sandwiches. Casual dress.

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

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

THE PALISADES. Founded by Jeff and Barbara Black, this market-restaurant eschews fanfare, much to the delight of the...

THE PALISADES. Founded by Jeff and Barbara Black, this market-restaurant eschews fanfare, much to the delight of the affluent neighborhood folks who deem themselves regulars. Once you've made your way past the spectacular array of fresh fish and seafood displayed on the retail end, you'll find friendly waitstaff eager to welcome you to your cozy booth or table. From there, the tough choices start: Will it be fried Ipswich clams or braised baby octopus? Mahi-mahi with polenta or French bourride? You really can't go wrong.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm; Sun 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm

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

GEORGETOWN. Sleek and modern, this restaurant sits just a stone's throw from Washington Harbor, and the waterside...

GEORGETOWN. Sleek and modern, this restaurant sits just a stone's throw from Washington Harbor, and the waterside location makes it a favorite haunt of Georgetown U students and faculty. Chef-owner Aulie Bunyarataphan's dumplings steal the show, with the Foie Gras N' Shrimp and Winter Squash Potstickers among the more creative selections. Tasty rice and noodle bowls make appearances, as do a handful of choices simply dubbed "Not Your Ordinary Joes" ­ for example, grilled five-spice filet mignon and coriander-crusted Maple Leaf Farm duck. Close proximity to the nearby Loews Cinema makes Bangkok Joe's a popular place to gather before or after catching a flick. METRO: Foggy Bottom

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

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

GEORGETOWN. Casual yet stylishly European, this restaurant-bakery manages to stay below the city's culinary radar...

GEORGETOWN. Casual yet stylishly European, this restaurant-bakery manages to stay below the city's culinary radar despite its creative fare and the staff's sterling reputation. That's just fine with regulars, who pride themselves on keeping Leopold's many joys close. Fabulous main dishes like bratwurst and traditional Austrian schnitzel are more than worth the indulgence. Lighter alternatives include salads, gourmet sandwiches and hot and cold soups. Cheese strudel and other homemade pastries justifiably draw acclaim as well, thanks to perfect baking and a rich boost of fresh fruit, nuts, vanilla and caramel.

Hours: Sun-Tue 8am-10pm; Wed 8am-11pm; Thu-Sat 8am-Midnight

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

GEORGETOWN. Classic French cuisine is the mainstay at this charming bistro, which is open until the wee hours of the...

GEORGETOWN. Classic French cuisine is the mainstay at this charming bistro, which is open until the wee hours of the morning. It's especially good after a late theater show or when you have an insatiable craving for pommes frites at 1am. Seafood, poultry, and pork are favorites, as are stews, couscous, and roast lamb or pigeon. They also have great appetizers, such as crab-stuffed avocados or baguettes spread with minced duck. The townhouse setting is comfortable and relaxed, perfect for leisurely dining. Make sure to ask about the prix fixe menu from 5pm-7pm each day. It's a great value.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-3am; Fri-Sat 11am-4am

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

GEORGETOWN. Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This...

GEORGETOWN. Order a Moby's Combo platter, and prepare to dig into some of the best kebabs you've ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in Persian food on a skewer. The meat is juicy and tender, and everything comes at a bargain price. Freshly baked bread and tasty hummus accompany the kebabs for even more flavor. Daily specials deserve notice too, so be sure to look for them. Vegetarian options available. Moby Dick has a total of six locations around the metro area. Casual dress.

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

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , 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

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