Annabelle

With its moderate decibel level and solidly delicious cooking, this elegant Kalorama dining room is our frequent recommendation to satisfy all generations. The menu from chef Frank Ruta—the more seasoned crowd may remember his food from Palena in the early aughts—changes daily. Tomato risotto with crab was a late-summer highlight, along with perfectly seared halibut and crisp-skinned Guinea hen, with flavors reminiscent of Ruta’s famed Palena roast chicken.