For years DC – the hub of international politics – was considered one of the best places for ethnic dining in the United States. But in recent years, the city has expanded its culinary dimensions even further.

There are more Ethiopian restaurants in DC than any other US city, mostly concentrated in the Adams Morgan area. Perennial favorites include Addis Ababa (2106 18th Street NW, DC 20005, +12022326092), Meskerem (2434 18th Street NW, DC 20009-2004, +12024624100), Red Sea (2463 18th Street NW, DC 20009-2003, +12024835000) and Harambe (1771 U Street NW, DC 20009, +12022326453). The combination of the geographically-close Chesapeake Bay (famous for its crabs) and the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers provide DC with a great supply of fresh seafood, done up tantalizingly at Kinkead’s Restaurant (2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, DC 20006, +12022967700), the snazzy Oceanaire Seafood Room (1201 F Street NW, DC 20004, +12023472277), the Creole-influenced DC Coast (1401 K Street NW, DC 20005-3418, +12022165988) and Johnny’s Half Shell (2002 P Street NW, DC 20036-5916, +12022962021), a lively neighborhood fish joint.

Of course, there are first-class, West Wingish, power lunch spots galore. Choose from the Bombay Club (815 Connecticut Avenue NW, DC 20006, +12026593727), DC’s preeminent see-and-be-seen locale The Palm (1225 19th Street NW, DC 20036, +12022939091) and the fast-rising Charlie Palmer Steak (101 Constitution Avenue NW, DC 20001, +12025478100).

For great, cheap eats heavy on local atmosphere, Ben’s Chili Bowl (1213 U Street NW, DC 20009, +12026670909) isn’t to be missed and it’s almost as good a late-night choice as Kramerbooks Afterwords Cafe (1517 Connecticut Avenue NW, DC 20036, +12023871462).

The authentic political bar experience can be had at Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th Street NW, DC 20005, +12023474800) and Capitol Hill’s Hawk and Dove (329 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, DC 20003, +12025433300), but try to drop by the dazzling, aquatic-themed Reef (2446 18th Street NW, DC 20009, +12025183800), the totally rock ‘n’ roll 9.30 Club (815 V Street NW, DC 20001, +12022650930) or The Brickskeller (1523 22nd Street NW, DC 20037, +12022931885), which claims the world’s largest selection of beers – close to 1,100 at last check.

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