Best Restaurant Gardens in Washington DC

Exceptional " American fare that " goes well beyond a slab of beef " belies the moniker of chef Michael Mina’s " impressive " destination in Georgetown’s Four Seasons Hotel; whether for an " addictive " burger, " knock-your-socks-off " cocktails, " celebrity sightings " in the bar or a " smooth " " special celebration ", dining " doesn’t get any better " – even though it " may set you back a paycheck or two.

A magnet for "Washington establishment" types, this "sophisticated" West End American turns out "consistently excellent" farm-sourced meals served in a "beautiful" designer-rustic setting that permits "conversation without shouting" ; an "excellent" wine cellar, extensive tea selection, "incredible" brunch and "Anthony Bourdain" –ish bone marrow appetizer are further reasons why it’s "well worth the hefty price.

Renowned " Yannick Cam, " one of Washington's greatest chefs ", is the mind behind this " intimate " Bethesda hideaway where it’s " hard to get a reservation " given the " marvelous " nouvelle French cuisine (insiders go for lunch when the kitchen isn’t " overwhelmed "); even though it’s decidedly " pricey ", it’s worth a visit for the " not-to-be-missed " lobster purses, and dining on the " lovely " brick-walled patio is especially " delightful.

Everything clicks " at this " charming " country French setting in Great Falls, where the staff is " really glad to see you " and you " want to love everything " – the " plentiful " Provençal comfort classics, the " picture-perfect " garden dining and the all-" inclusive " prix fixe pricing; " dated in a good way ", it’s been a " favorite special-occasion " choice for decades, though for more relaxed dining, there’s also an " adorable" brasserie downstairs.

Celebrating good times " on a " delightful, rustic " patio near the C&O Canal is a natural at this " off-the-beaten-path " Potomac, MD, destination that’s been around since 1860; the New American menu may be " small " and " pricey ", but the " lovely " ambiance and " efficient " service earn this one " memory-maker" status.

This modern-day American set in a former Eastern Market speakeasy near Capitol Hill showcases locally farmed ingredients that make for "killer" main dishes as well as "imaginative" sides; "eager-to-please" servers patrol the "intimate" dining room, but it’s so "coal-mine" dark that it’s hard to see the vintage artifacts and taxidermy on display.

This "treasured" U Street Corridor wine bar is renowned for its "legendary" happy hour showcasing "affordable" vinos and "delish" Eclectic small plates (on weekends there’s a "dream" of a brunch with bottomless mimosas); "friendly" barkeeps, an "appealing" setting and an "unparalleled" back patio complete with a bocce court make for "super-fun" times here.

Wear an "ironic beard and dark-rimmed glasses" to fit in at Bloomingdale’s "mega-trendy" coffee "mecca" that morphs into an evening destination for "creative" New American cooking and a "well-curated" wine list; a "cozy" indoor setting and a vine-walled, "urban-garden" patio add to the overall "Brooklyn" vibe.