A “Garden of Eden in Old Town”, this “world-class” New American lets “brilliant” chef/co-owner Cathal Armstrong “spotlight whatever’s in season” with “imaginative”, “perfectly crafted” dishes served with “unstuffy” “charm” in a “stylish” bistro and fireplace lounge or “intimate” “special-occasion” tasting room; a “top-flight sommelier” makes “refreshingly unpretentious recommendations” from an “exceptional” list, and evangelists who “purr” over the “culinary epiphany” attest it’s so “worth the price tag”; N.B. recessionistas revel in the $13.95 lunch bargain.

“A better deal does not exist” than at this Arlington “living legend” near the Courthouse metro that’s rated the Top Steakhouse in the DC Survey for “incredible” house-butchered beef (plus “affordable wines” and sides “at no extra charge”); service can be “rushed”, but it now takes same-day reservations for one of the rooms in its new Navy League Building location, a big-windowed corner space with minimalist decor and signature open kitchen.

“Chef’s chef” Frank Ruta “is at the top of his game” at this Cleveland Park New American where his “meticulous” “made-from-scratch” methods yield “exciting, scrumptious” seasonal prix fixe meals served by “polished” staffers in an “intimate” back dining room; patrons without a reservation can “squeeze” into the “informal” cafe/bar for the likes of “fabulous” “gourmet burgers” and other “outstanding” fare (one of the “best deals in town by far”), but “success has brought crowds.”

“Success has not spoiled” this “most original” Penn Quarter “hot spot” that “redefines Indian cuisine” with “spectacular” dishes like street fare–inspired small plates and “insanely delicious” appetizers, all paired with a “superior wine” selection; with a “gorgeous” interior bathed in an “orange glow”, it’s a “chic place” that’s also “surprisingly comfortable” thanks to “outstanding” service.

“Magnifico!” swoon surveyors whose “socks are knocked off” by the “superb, sophisticated” Italian cuisine at this Penn Quarter “class act”, a “stalwart” in the local “power-lunch” rotation; add in a “gracious” staff, a “subdued” room (though brighter thanks to a few recent decor tweaks) and an “in-depth wine list”, and Italophiles swear that while it’s “not cheap”, “you get every bit of what you pay for”; P.S. the “bargain” $35 pre-theater menu “steals the show.”

Situated “in a magical glen of seclusion” inside a Falls Church office park, this “gorgeous” restaurant turns out “delicious” French-accented New American food in a “majestic” space where the “soaring windows” offer “wonderful views” of the garden, koi ponds and “soothing waterfalls”; chef Bertrand Chemel (ex NYC’s Café Boulud) has brought an “exciting new approach” to the kitchen, and although you can expect a “hefty price tag”, “professional service” helps to make it “perfect for a special occasion” or business lunch; N.B. bar dining is a relative bargain.

Rockville’s “hip twentysomethings” mob this “Greek tapas” specialist that plies “traditionally prepared” meze “mainstays” “with modern pizzazz” in a “small”, rustic-chic space enlivened by “enthusiastic” service and “interesting” Attic wines; “crowded, loud” conditions don’t deter fans who say they’d “dine alfresco in the parking lot” for a taste of the “awesome edibles”, so “go early and enjoy”; N.B. the Capitol Hill branch, which opens to the street, premiered post-Survey.

At Penn Quarter’s “‘it’” spot, all-star chef Michel Richard (Citronelle) lends his “signature cheeky style” and “culinary chops” to “haute cuisine packaged for everyone” via a “mouthwatering” New American–French lineup that’s billed as “comfort food gone upscale”; with its “informed” service and “smart” looks, it draws “daunting” crowds of bon vivants who exult in “vibrant” scenery, a “hot bar scene” and “super-high quality” that “doesn’t break the bank.”