where are good places to eat in Washington DC?

Pizza: Red Rocks (Columbia Heights) or Ella's Wood Fired (Penn Quarter)

Spanish: Jaleo (Penn Quarter / Chinatown)

Mexican: Alero (various locations) or Oyamel (Penn Quarter / Chinatown)

Middle Eastern: Zatinya (Penn Quarter / Chinatown) or Lebanese Taverna (various locations)

Sushi: Kotobuki (Palisades)

Brunch: Matchbox (Chinatown) or Clydes (Chinatown and Georgetown)

Fish: Grillfish (Foggy Bottom)

Italian: Sorriso (Cleveland Park)

Washington DC is just not known for it's fine cuizine. I've had this conversation with some fine chefs over the yeairs, and they/we all agree; the secret to good food is to start with good water. Water is a key ingrediant in just about everything. Cooking pasta? You need water. Making bread? You need water. The DC area gets its water from the muddy Potomac River. On the other hand, New York City is known for its great food. Where does New York City get its water? The crystal clear streams of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York.

Looking at the answers here I guess I am most intrigued by those given by melir23. I haven't eaten at most of these places, but they sound interesting. The only one I would scratch off my list would be Clyde's - that place is a fern bar...about one step up from the sitdown places at most suburban shopping malls.

If your looking for the best restaurant ever, you must try the White Tiger on the hill. It is the best Indian food there is! But, if Indian isn't your favorite, here are some other suggestions...

Italian- Bistro Italiano (Capitol Hill)

American- Pizzeria UNO (Union Station)

Chinese- Hunan Dinesty (Capitol Hill)

Thai- Old Siam (Capitol Hill)

Indian-The White Tiger (Capitol Hill)

Mexican- La Plaza (Capitol Hill)

Japanese- Kiyoto (Capiyol Hill)

Hamburgers- Five Guys or Good Stuff Eatery (Capitol Hill)

Bar Place-Tune In (Capitol Hill)

Asian: East Street Cafe (Union Station)

All the addresses and numbers can be found on google or other searches. I hope that information helped!

For the best Italian food ever go to Filomena in Georgetown. Make sure you call ahead for reservations. Georgetown is also a great area to walk around and see the waterfront. Filomena is one block from the water.

The list of celebrities that dine there is endless and the pasts mamas are incredible.

http://www.filomena.com/

The Cheesecake Factory at Friendship Heights. (It's right in a hotel/mall that has great prices for amazing suites) I was just on vacation with my family in D.C. for the Independence Day weekend staying at the Embassy Suites in D.C. at friendship heights (amazing prices for the value) and the cheesecake factory right in the hotel is phenomenal :D The prices at the cheesecake factory are very reasonable also so it's a good balance and convenient.

Best steak, guaranteed: Capital Grille...$50-100 per person but well worth it.

Uno Pizzeria at Union Station...that place is awesome

Go to http://www.washingtonian.com/sections/restaurants/... and you can pick the cuisine and price range you want.