Recommended Georgetown Restaurants

La Chaumiere

In this world of ever-abundant Italian eateries and endless trattorias, it is refreshing to break away and return to the classic French cuisine – that is, when one can find a good French restaurant. I had such luck when my husband and I decided to try La Chaumiere in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C. It is located on the tony M street between 28th and 29th streets.

The minute we walked in, it felt like we had stepped into the dining room of a cozy French chateau, complete with fireplace. Matter of fact, the translation of the name means thatched cottage. You feel at home and are ready for a hearty meal.

It begins with the hot crusty French rolls and appetizers that put you in the right mood for a delicious meal. Whether you choose escargots, baked onion soup, salade niçoise, or steamed mussels, it will put you in the right frame of mind for your entrée. Their menu has a very wide range, offering trout, calves liver, veal, rabbit and lamb as well as specific Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday specials.

The dress is upscale casual and I say that because one should dress properly for the setting and the experience. There is nothing that I loathe more than people that go out for a nice meal dressed in sloppy jeans and a t-shirt. It simply isn’t appropriate and does not belong in a setting befitting a nice restaurant. Though some establishments and owners may seat you, I can assure you that those that do not dress considerately of others not only embarrass themselves but impact on the other diners that DID have the courtesy to dress accordingly.

And now, for the pièce de résistance, can you handle having one of the most indescribable chocolate soufflés? Well, I have never tasted anything so light and chocolaty in my life. Their individual serving is rich enough that it can easily be shared by 2 or even 3 people, and you will still feel like you have sinned sufficiently.

I only wish we did not have to leave the next day, because I would have unabashedly returned the following evening for a second dose of "heaven"!

Old Ebbitt Grill

I can only imagine the number of today’s Washington insiders, politicians and notables not to mention those historic figures of days gone by, that have dined at this convenient watering hole located across the street from the Treasury Department and mere steps from the White House. One has the sense that many a deal, negotiation or gentleman’s agreement have gone down in some of the velvet upholstered booths of this long-standing D.C. establishment. The history of the restaurant goes back to 1856 when William E. Ebbitt originally purchased it as a boarding house. It has evolved and waned over the years, but in 1983 it found its current location at 675 15th Street, NW in the beautiful Beaux-Arts building, a former theatre. Reading the full history is fascinating.

Whether during a business day or at the end of one, it is a great spot to conduct either a business meeting or retire for dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. It was my first visit to this restaurant, but I sensed I was stepping into a small bit of history. The deep-hued woods, marble bar and beveled glass décor offer a welcoming feeling to this classy eatery. The service we experienced was excellent. Our server recommended the house specials, from which I chose their famous Parmesan-crusted Trout. It was a good decision on my part and I was rewarded with a very delicious, crunchy yet moist, piece of fish. It was a perfect-sized portion, accompanied by sautéed vegetables.

Although, when on the coast, I try to take advantage of the flavorful fresh fish fare, the restaurant also offers a wide selection of non-seafood appetizers and entrees. For those that desire an alcoholic beverage, the restaurant’s bar looked inviting and quiet. Check out their gallery of photos online.

Great Restaurant Find in D.C.

While in the central Georgetown area, if you take M Street to 33rd and turn south, look for a cozy side street named Cady’s Alley, which runs parallel with M Street. It has a couple of boutique shops and is also the address for a wonderful discovery we made on our last visit to Washington, D.C. – Leopold’s Kafe & Konditorei. You may well be lured by the aromas coming from this sleek, modern Austrian restaurant. It is a welcome change from the standard restaurant fare and quite delicious. It offers a comfortable patio, when weather permits, in addition to their indoor seating. We sat inside which affords the customer a nearly "front row seat" near their decadent pastry and dessert case. While you’re waiting for your order, you can peruse the many delectable temptations…it’s very hard not to want ONE OF EACH.

They offer a full bar with cocktails (I had my favorite, Midori Sour), beers and wines. We ordered an appetizer (generous portion) of Pommes Frites to munch on while we made dinner selections. You can see their menus on their website but I can tell you from personal experience that the Rostbraten vom Angusrind (Skirt Steak) was (how can I describe this)…insanely good! They also offer the traditional Wiener Schnitzel, and the person in our party that ordered it said it was wonderful.

As I mentioned, the best part of this experience is their desserts. Though you will thoroughly enjoy your dinner, make sure you leave room for one of the treats from their bakery. If only a little taste…you won’t be disappointed. There are cookies, tarts, mousses, and more and something for everyone.

My philosophy is when traveling to a new destination, break out of your customary dining habits and try the local offerings. You never know when you may discover a new culinary love. And of course, the variety is a pleasant change of pace!