There is an abundance of quality restaurants in Washington. Many of them are sites of "power lunches" convened by lobbyists and other movers and shakers in business suits. D.C. has always been known as a culinary city, and the arrival of famed chefs such as Michel Richard and Jose Andres has only added icing to the cake, so to speak.
Recent waves of immigration have brought an immense diversity of cuisines. The ethnically rich Adams Morgan neighborhood, especially along 18th Street just south of Columbia Road Northwest, is wall-to-wall with restaurants, some both inexpensive and good.
Washington is a town that rises early, with many people at their desks before 8 am. But many also leave work at 4 pm, so dining hours can be as early as 5-6 pm. Most restaurants serve until at least 9:30 pm.
All of Washington, D.C.'s eating establishments are smoke-free.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, excluding drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$20; $$ = US$20-$35; $$$ = US$36-$50; $$$$ = more than US$50.
