Cuisine: Ann Cashion may no longer be here, but chef John Manolatos has maintained her standards, serving a consistently satisfying lineup of elegantly homey dishes. His Greek-inspired—and family-derived—fare particularly stands out.
Mood: A low-key charmer with the soul of a neighborhood restaurant, serving regulars from Adams Morgan and beyond in a warmly lit dining room brimming with good-time seekers.
Best for: Dates and double dates; brunch; late-night eating—sous chef Sam Thresher takes over the kitchen at midnight on weekends, putting out a likable menu of chili dogs, shaved-beef sandwiches, and grilled veal.
Best dishes: Pork souvlaki with tzatziki and chilies on grilled flatbread; a buttery skillet of Alaskan crab, Parmesan, and prosciutto with Parker House rolls; turbot with grapefruit beurre blanc; duck breast with foie gras; a juicy bison burger (brunch); pear clafoutis.
Insider tips: Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30, wines by the glass are half price.
Service: •••
Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner, Sunday for brunch and dinner. Expensive.
See all of 2010's 100 Best Restaurants
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
