Please help me decide where to go for elegant, yet fun foodie dinner Washington DC between these restaurants:

[Primitive001]

We are in Washington DC in October for a weekend, staying near the White House. We are foodies from Toronto, who also like a place with lots of atmosphere. I've been combing the Chowhound boards and have come up with these places:

Komi
Blue Duck tavern
Bibiana
Oya
Central

Do these sound about right, and if you only had two nights, which two would you choose? Thank you!!

[Marty L.]

Assuming you have not gotten a reservation at Komi, I would not go to any of these if you're just here for two nights (although I haven't been to Blue Duck, so can't be sure about that). Nothing special about Central or Bibiana, although both are solid.

Instead, I'd go to Little Serow and (the bar at) Izakaya Seki. Alas, no reservations at either. For Serow, you need to get in line at 4:45-5:15 or so. The suggestions for Rasika or (especially) Rasika West are very good, too. And every meal I've had at the revamped Jaleo has been great. These all have more "atmosphere" than the ones you've chosen -- and better food, too, I think.

[sheldman]

"like a place with lots of atmosphere"

Based on this, I would avoid Komi (even if I could get in). I haven't been for a couple of years so it is possible that something has changed there. But the times I have gone, every aspect of the restaurant other than the food on the plate has been deadly dull, morose or overserious.

I may be an outlier in feeling that way - I rarely hear other people say it. On the other hand I never hear people say "Oh Komi what a lovely/fun/interesting/pleasant experience." People like the food, and I understand that.

[susabella]

Agreed, which is why I said it was austere. It's not a fun lively night out. Also, if you're staying at a hotel for the weekend and you want to get into city zen at an earlier time, your concierge will most likely be able to get you a table. Both Rasikas are great but the penn location is a little more glamorous ,west end is a little more casual.

[hill food]

good point, concierges often have a restaurant's 'secret number' if it exists.

[Elyssa]

If I had only 2 nights from your list I would choose Komi and Bibiana. Both excellent and both very, very different experiences of what the DC food scene has to offer.

Another place to consider is The Source.

[bigolpoofter]

One place you left off is Restaurant Eve in Old Town Alexandria. If you can squeeze it in, it's worth the trek across the river; and it's more on the par with Komi as a destination dining experience that any of the other restaurants.

[hill food]

ignore trip advisor, yet you have made good choices, you'll be happy.

but you are missing out on either Rasika, at least for lunch or a nibble at the bar.

[Just Visiting]

Normally I would agree about ignoring TripAdvisor but in this case, being curious, I wanted to see what people had written about Palena. It isn't the kind of place that out-of-towners would normally go unless maybe they are visiting locals. I expected to read things like "too expensive." I was quite surprised. The reviews are detailed and voice legitimate concerns, mostly about poor service. I happen to love Palena and I've never had bad service. I wonder if this is a recent problem and if so, what is behind it.

[Primitive001]

I know that's what put me off, that the service was not great, can really ruin a meal. perhaps they have new management??

[Primitive001]

Hmmmmmm, having second thoughts -- which location?

[hill food]

sorry Poo1 I've been straying, I've only been to the Penn Quarter one, the West End is recent. haven't heard anything negative about it yet. see susabella's comment below.

the idea of a grigio or martini or a seltzer and the Palak Chaat for a few minutes is worth pursuing.

[Primitive001]

Hmmm, having second thoughts. Which location???

[susabella]

I would also definitely suggest Rasika and Rasika West End, Tabard Inn, Fiola. Komi is a little austere.

[Primitive001]

Thanks!

[dinwiddie]

Boy, talk about different types of places. Like others have said, if you can get in, Komi is the way to go, but if you don't have a reservation already, you aren't likely to get one for a weekend in October.

Central is more casual, good food, but not "special" like Komi is. Oya has good food but can be pretty busy and loud. Blue Duck Tavern is a good choice, very good food and service.

One restaurant I'd suggest you consider is Palena. I consider it one of the best restaurants in DC (the back room, not the Cafe, although the Cafe is fantastic for what it is.) Innovative cooking, good service, and a quiet elegance. Other places to consider that are not on your list are Adour, CityZen, Corduroy, Fiola, The Oval Room,Rasika, and Rogue 24

If you are a "foodie" the strength of the DC dining scene is its ethnic diversity. Great Ethiopian restaurants,

[Primitive001]

Hi: i checked Palena, but it didn't get very good reviews on trip advisor, made me a little nervous. We've booked at Blue Duck tavern and Central. Fingers crossed. Thanks for your recommendations.

[Pappy]

Blue Duck and Central are pretty different places.

Blue Duck is a bit more formal, more sedate. The room is broken up, Shaker furniture that is not too inviting, and being it's in a hotel, it does seem a bit less local. Staff is a bit rigid. Some of the dishes are served to share, and I find that a little awkward.

Central is a busy, bustling place. Quite loud. A little younger, city-ish audience. A little more casual. Better for a group I think. A wider variety of menu choices, from fried chicken to lobster burgers. Seems like it would be a little more in keeping with what you are after.

RE: Rasika...I would categorize it as and Indian restaurant for people who don't like Indian food. It does have a bit of a "scene" about it, with a reasonable large bar area. But other than that, I don't get it.

[Primitive001]

How about Fiola versus the blue duck?

[Pappy]

Fiola is a hot ticket right now. They are turning tables on weekdays, unusual in DC. Fabio is an awesome chef, and his wife runs the front of the house. The dining room is classy, but loud. Lots of see and be seen right now. The tables in the front by the bar open up to the wide sidewalk, for a before or after drink, perfect this time of year.

But so you know...it is definitely Italian and it is definitely expensive.

[Primitive001]

Would you choose Fiola over the Blue Duck Tavern? We want some place with amazing food (obviously), but atmosphere too...

[Pappy]

Absolutely I would choose Fiola. I can't imagine anyone has ever used the word "fun" to describe Blue Duck. And do Central the next night. Or even Brasserie Beck would be a good idea. Both of those have a good atmosphere, broader menus, and won't hit your wallet quite as hard.

[c oliver]

We LOVED everything about Rasika, esp. the food.

[Pappy]

Good for you.

[rappel75]

I would recommend Komi (if you can get in). It different from most of the fine dining you will experience in the U.S. Central would be a nice offset to Komi. Very fun, lively feel with great bistro type food.

[Primitive001]

Wow, thanks!! I tried to get into Cityzen, but its only taking very late and very early bookings. have booked at Blue Duck and Central. Thanks again,

[Just Visiting]

They are very different. If you like long, multi-course dinners with very little choice, i.e., a tasting menu type of thing, at $135 per person and wine pairings at $70 per person, then Komi should stay on your list. Central is far more casual, has a vibrancy and buzz to it, and a full menu. I haven't been to Bibiana so I can't comment. Blue Duck Tavern I would describe as cozy and warm. Hope that helps. I don't want to make your life more difficult, but I would add CityZen to the list of candidates and would likely choose it. It is elegant but not in a stuffy way and the food is transcendent.