Zagat Survey Discussions

New Restaurants

Coming Soon

Asia Nine Bar & Lounge

This large, modern Asian eatery is being readied for a spring opening in the ground-floor space of Penn Quarter's posh Artisan condo (915 E St. NW).

Casa Oaxaca

As its name suggests, this entry to the Adams Morgan multicultural dining scene will feature the mole-rich cuisine of southern Mexico on two pottery- and art-bedecked floors when it opens in February (2106 18th St. NW).

Central

Named for its strategic Penn Quarter location between the Capitol and the White House (1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW), this glamorous and oh-so-contemporary take on a French-American bistro (house-cured charcuterie, fried chicken, steak frites) from Michel Richard (Citronelle) is slated to open at press time.

Fran O'Brien's

This popular steakhouse was forced to close last spring when its DC lease expired; it will be reborn in early 2007 in McLean (1381-A Beverly Rd.) – a handy location for suburban beef mavens, but not for serving free dinners to wounded soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which it did at its former address.

La Pata Negra

In spring 2007, The Sonoma Restaurant and Mendocino Grille team will bring this Spanish-themed gastropub to the Logan Circle area (1612 14th St. NW), where it will feature a neo-baroque downstairs dining room and an upstairs lounge that visually channels the Prado museum; the mainly tapas menu will feature its namesake cured ham products.

Oyamel

Penn Quarter pedestrians will be able to scope out the six-seat ceviche bar through the bay corner window when José Andrés' Mexican restaurant reopens in its spiffy new location later this month (401 Seventh St. NW).

Also Coming Soon

Chef Ris Lacoste will open a Contemporary American neighborhood cafe in the West End (1101 23rd St. NW) for classy, casual dining on the New England–accented fare that earned her high marks at 1789.

Good Deals and Other News

Asia Nora

Michael Berard, who was recently promoted to executive chef, is putting his stamp on its Asian fusion menu with dishes like Szechuan pepper–crusted venison tenderloin with braised venison leg and chestnut ravioli..

Divino

Is opening a second location in a former Cleveland Park McDonald's (3407 Connecticut Ave. NW), which it's transforming into a sleek, modern setting for its Argentinean-inspired tapas and grilled meats and fish, with a small cozy lounge for pre- and post-show nibbles; it's scheduled to open this summer.

Café Luna

Its latest chef, Paul Morello (ex Les Halles), has added an Asian-French flair to its eclectic menu, as in his ginger-garlic chicken with lo mein noodles.

PS 7's

Seven is the lucky number during happy hour at this Penn Quarter New American's lounge, where $7 small plates like veal-cheek chips or tuna tartare sliders can be partnered with $7 cocktails (Monday–Friday; 5–7 PM).

Sushi-Ko

Will open a second location in March in fashionable Chevy Chase (5455 Wisconsin Ave.) featuring a theatrical sushi bar, a separate wine bar and three designer dining rooms awash in woods and leather.

• Austin Grill (Glover Park branch only)
• Drinx
• Essential Grille
• Red Sage
• Saffron Lounge