Lunch recommendations for next Sunday in DC?

[laurenpk]

My husband and I are driving through/by DC after attending a wedding in Pennsylvania, next Saturday. In order to break up our trip back to NC, we want to stop in DC for a lunch on Sunday.

I'm looking for recommendations for a nice lunch ($50-75 or so for 2 of us, maybe 1-2 appetizers, 2 entrees, no alcohol, possibly dessert). We love Asian food (Indian, Thai and sushi specifically), Italian (authentic, fresh, no just lasagna :)), Mediterranean; looking for a place with meat & fish or vegetarian options.

We'll have to drive into the city and park our car, which could be a pain, but we're willing to pay for parking for a couple hours. I'm also interested in a place with a nice atmosphere- buzzy/trendy and/or a place with outdoor seating.

Thanks!

[Steve]

You should know about the nuevo latino dim sum brunch a Cafe Atlantico. You can order a la carte or get the full treatment for $35 per person or $25 vegetarian. Cetainly one of the most unique meals anywhere. It is staggering.

www.cafeatlantico.com

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Cafe Atlantico
405 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

[woodleyparkhound]

Another vote for Rasika - it has everything you want. As Raids said, it may be a bit tight budge-wise, but you can make it work - especially if you head for the vegetarian options. I think it's one of the the most exciting places in the city.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

[woodleyparkhound]

I just checked Open Table for a reservation for two at Rasika for 12:30 on 5/1. They have nothing available within 2 1/2 hours of that time, but call them ASAP -- they may be able to do something for you.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

[katecm]

Rasika's awesome. If you can't get the reservation that Woodley suggested, Zaytinya would be a good fallback. Plus with both, if you really want to break up the trip, you can stop into the Portrait Gallery for a little stroll.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

[laurenpk]

Thanks for the heads-up...we're actually going next weekend, Mother's Day, so Rasika has availability at the moment, but you need to give them a credit card to reserve. I'll check with the hubby and then decide. Thank you all for your great suggestions!

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

[dcandohio]

If Rasika is not available, check with their sister restaurant, Bombay Club, near the White House. The serve a Sunday buffet normally; not sure of the offering on Mother's Day. It's a great buffet, and the space is elegant but not stuffy. It's not buzzy, but it does have outdoor seating.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

Bombay Club
815 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006

[marcj]

If you opt for Rasika (which, I agree, is clearly the best choice, with Kushi and then Zaytinya very solid backups), please do yourself a favor and order the palak chaat, it's a stunning dish, delicious enough to make even a lifelong spinach-hater clean his plate (I've seen it happen).

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

[hill food]

correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Palak Chaat mandatory and failure to order it is punishable as a misdemeanor under DC law? should be.

[katecm]

It's excellent, but I do like to remind people that the sev batata puri is outstanding too, and people gloss over it in favor of the spinach. My solution? Order both.

[hill food]

kate: agreed and your judgement is worthy of Solomon.

[msjess]

foodie mafia will come after you and break your kneecaps.

[Elyssa]

Since you have a car I would consider going to Blacksalt for excellent fresh seafood. It's in upper Georgetown and therefore not easily accessible by metro or anything, but if you have a car it's a great choice. Parking is easy in that neighborhood. Afterward if you want you can drive down to M Street and wander around Georgetown.

For excellent Indian try Rasika. The food is fantastic and I think it has the vibe you are looking for. You can hope over to the National Portrait Gallery afterward for some beautiful (free) art.

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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

[Raids]

Rasika. No doubt in my mind. Park over by 4th St - the further east you go from the restaurant the easier parking will be, although there are plenty of garages close by that area also. Make your reservation NOW. It'll be a little tight with the budget, but I think you can make it work. The atmosphere is really nice, also.

Another suggestion is Kushi - Izukaya and sushi, supposedly some of the best sushi in the city. Might be a little tough for vegetarian options. Really cool, bustling atmosphere. There is garage parking right below the restaurant, but I live right over there and free street parking is abundant also on Massachusetts and H St.

[msjess]

rasika is doable for under 75 if you don't order alcohol. You must order the spinach chaat! It's amazing!