Top Five Go-To Restaurants in DC Metro Area?

[Smiles2008]

I was just wondering if any of you chowhounders could share what your Go-To restaurants are right now...

I know we have had similar posts in the last couple of years but the DC metro dining scene is always changing. I myself would like to stay fresh with what is really good food in our area.

Thanks for sharing.

[Marty L.]

If by "go to" you mean the ones we keep coming back to -- rather than the ones that we wish we could frequent more often (Fiola, Komi, taquerias way down Alexandria way, Kabob & Karahi, Estadio/Cork/Pilar, Grace Garden) -- then our list is fairly consistent (which is why it's our list, I suppose), namely . . .

2 Amys
Palena Cafe
Sichuan Pavillion Rockville
Jaleo ( a bit less consisten across time and kitchens)
Ray's [fill in the blank]

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Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Komi
1509 17th St NW Ste 1, Washington, DC 20036

Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

[Steve]

Has Ray's in Arlington expanded their offerings since the move? How would you compare the menu from The Classics in Silver Spring? And do you know if they offer any bar deals? Although I live in Arlington, I've eaten more in Silver Spring (3x) then my single visit to the old space....and of course the ultimate question: have you ever met Ray? I hear he's a recluse.....

[ktmoomau]

If by Ray you mean Michael Landrum, he is almost always there or between his restaurants. I see him often. He is not a recluse.

The menu is more limited than the classics, pretty similar to the old one, with a few changes. But it is much easier to get in. I think they just took away the lounge deal they had. But there are still some very reasonable things. And you get to have Mark Slater recommending your wine which is a big plus.

[Giggling Gourmand]

Kushi
Central
Tosca
Mandu

[elgringoviejo]

From up here in Balto I will throw in a few observations from afar; Honey Pig for Korean bbq, Dona Azucena for pupusas, Matuba for AYCE sushi, and Grace Garden for Chinese although GG might be stretching the definition of metro Washington.

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Grace Garden
1690 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD

[DMNGOODTIME]

Komi
The Source
Rasika
Palena
Central

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Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

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

Komi
1509 17th St NW Ste 1, Washington, DC 20036

[Energy09]

Mine are:

Hank's Oyster Bar
Taj of India (M st. in Georgetown)
Ris
Cava
Masa 14

[katecm]

Mine:

The Source
Rasika
Zaytinya
Dickson Wine Bar (the banh mi)
Cork (I'm a sucker for the avocado bread)

I'd also throw out there The Passenger, for their great bar food.

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

Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

[ktmoomau]

Currently they are:
Ardeo+Bardeo
Palena Cafe
Rustico
Dino
Liberty Tavern

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Palena
3529 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Rustico
827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314

The Liberty Tavern
3195 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201

[Steve]

Joe's Noodle House (Sichuan).........Rockville, MD
Bangkok Golden (Lao Menu).......Falls Church, VA
Oohhs and Aahhs (Soul Food).....DC
Pimento Grill (Jamaican).........DC
Myanmar..........Falls Church, VA

[bougouni]

We had another fantastic Bangkok Golden meal on Sun. night. Rice paste salad, crispy watercress salad (special) and pork Orm, which was awesome. Plus, my kids like the Thai menu so much they won't go anywhere else for dinner.

[Steve]

Pork orm is a now one for me, must try that the next time.