Washington D.C.

My current favorites are Ris in the West End and Dino's and Ripple in Cleveland Park (Ardeo Bardeo is also popular). A new restaurant in Woodley Park that seems to get good reviews is the District Kitchen. I haven't been to Brasserie Beck for several years, but I still hear good things about it and enjoyed it when I was there. And how can you go wrong with their selection of Belgian beers?

I also like Pete's Apizza. Their pizza is excellent and they offer a good antipasti selection. It's always crowded and is cheaper than Two Amy's. Two other DC classics you might enjoy are Ben's Chili Bowl and Florida Ave. Grill.

I forgot to mention, if you can get in, Graffiato is fun.

Love your picks davidpdx! Don't rule out the 14th street corridor - Birch and Barley, Estadio, Cork.

Used to live there until recently. Since you are staying in the Mt Pleasant area, you will be near the Adams Morgan section (18th and Columbia environs) which is teeming with nightlife, bars, and little eateries, though the quality varies and it can get a bit rowdy. Worth exploring, though. I second the suggestion for 2Amys pizza. Excellent value Italian along with good wines can be found at Dino (Cleveland Park). Good Indian at Masala Art (Tenleytown). Close in for higher end dining would be Corduroy (near the Convention Center), Vidalia (West End), and Komi (Dupont Circle) (though the latter is small and expensive). Personal favorite for terrific seafood (and a good happy hour oyster bar) is Black Salt (MacArthur Blvd/Palisades). Check out a few websites.

We had a sensational dinner at Bistro Bis in the Capital Hill area last summer. Would definitely recommend it for a fine dinner.

For Good italian Cafe Milano's in Georgetown
Decent French Bistro Francais also in Georgetown
DO NOT GO TO Citronelle - extremely expensive French not worth the money
Dean and De Luca does not dissapoint

Take a look at the blog donrockwell.com for good discussions of DC area food and restaurants!

Ray's Hell Burger for burgers made from steak cuts, 2 Amys for some of the best VPN-style pizza in the country, and Max's Best for some terrific ice cream.