I spent 5 years in the Washington DC area. While I cooked most of my meals while I lived there, I still had 5 year to try the many food installations in DC. A coworker asked me for my restaurant recommendations for her trip to DC and I gave her the below. Instead of being done with the list, I decided to use it to kick off  “Make it Count”. This list is generally on the cheaper end since I only know how to live like a starving college student, even though I am a gainfully employed adult. These are the restaurants that make it count in the DC area.

Fancy Schmancy

Rasika– One of my old roommates was a server at Rasika and she told me it was the best Indian restaurant in DC. I finally got the chance to go when my mom was in town. I made a reservation weeks in advance because seating is tight. I forgot exactly what we ordered, but one of the things we got was Palak Chaat or fried spinach. My mind was blown. My roommate said it was the best Indian restaurant in DC, I would say it is the best Indian restaurant in the US. If another Indian restaurant wants me to say otherwise, you know how to contact me.

Rose’s Luxury: This is probably the most popular restaurant in DC. I was lucky to go there during my last week in DC and it was marvelous. I have never been more impressed with great service. The only thing about Rose’s Luxury is that there are no small reservations for small groups. They open up at 5 pm, though a line will start forming around 4:15 pm. I would get there at 4:30 pm and wait in line.

Momofuku CCDC: This is the DC outpost of the famous New York chain. I’ve been here many times. Some people love it, some people don’t. I like their Momofuku Beef Noodle Soup. Part of me thinks the only reason I go there is so I can also go to Milk Bar (See below).

Breakfast

To be honest I am not a restaurant breakfast or brunch person because during the week I eat something I made on Sunday. During the weekend, when I would have a chance to go out for breakfast, I would rather cook something more elaborate than my weekday breakfast. I don’t get a chance to do that during the week.

Metro 29 Diner: I used to live right by this place when I lived in Arlington. Every time I went there I got the French toast made with their freshly baked challah bread. I’ve never had better French toast. It is so rich, so decadent that you don’t share even though you would feel the guilt of 100 Jewish grandmothers. It would be nice to share!!

Cheap eats

For lunch or dinner, there is no reason you have to go to an expensive restaurant. Even in a place as expensive as DC, there are so many good cheap eats options.
Union Market: I’ve been here numerous times with friends and I always seem to find something new each time. This is a food hall where restaurants who aren’t ready for a full brick and mortar space can start out. Many have gone on and established their own restaurant after getting successful here. You’ll have to walk through a warehouse looking area to get there, but it is worth it! So many great places at once. This is not the cheapest option, but definitely a good value.
Amsterdam Falafel: Basically you order falafel, then stuff the falafel with as many items as you can from the salad bar. They have hummus, baba ganoush, pickled this and that. The Adams Morgan location is the original. This is a great option for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters.

Peruvian Chicken: Peruvian chicken is a DC lunch classic. If you want something good, cheap, and fast; look no further. I cannot recommend one location, but the best locations are in the suburbs. I would order a ¼ piece of chicken with plantains and spinach if available. I am not a fan of Yucca. Make sure you try each of the dipping sauces, especially the jalapeño. Super Pollo and Sardi’s are my favorite.When you go to a restaurant that has a specialty dish like a Peruvian Chicken place, do yourself a favor and order the specialty. I see time and time again people ordering something below in the fine print. While they might luck out, they are usually disappointed.

Habesha Market: The Washington DC area has by far the largest Ethiopian community in the US. I’ve been to this place many many times. You will feel weird when you first come in, but trust me it is good. Portions are huge so keep that in mind. No matter what, make sure you get a veggie combo. Ethiopians know their lentils.
Triple B Fresh: The DC area also has one of the largest Korean populations in the US. This Korean fast casual restaurant is amazing. It might be a little hard to find since you have to go down a set of stairs to find it. I would recommend making your own Bibimbap bowl. Do not get it in a stone bowl. It takes so long and it is more expensive.

Desserts

It is especially important to make it count with desserts. You are not doing yourself a favor nutritionally when you eat dessert, but many of us have a sweet tooth and find ourselves wanting a treat. When you do eat dessert, make sure it isn’t mediocre junk. Make it something memorable.
Un Je Ne Sais Quoi: This is a new bakery that I was so lucky to go to before I left. Order a Merveilleux. That is what inspired me to create my pomegranate meringue dessert. Make sure you get there early enough because they will run out!
Baked and Wired: I love cupcakes, but don’t go to Georgetown Cupcakes, go here instead! Everything else on their menu is great. Don’t be scared by the long line, it moves fast.

Milk Bar: Many of you know that I am a big Christina Tosi fan. She is the co-owner of Milk Bar which is part of the Momofuku group. When I read in the Washington Post that Milk Bar in DC, I literally yelled “OMG!!!!” as if my office was on fire. There are multiple locations of Milk Bar mostly in New York City. The one in DC is attached to Momofuku (see above). I would recommend crack pie and the chocolate cake truffle. Do not get the cereal milk soft serve.
Dolcezza Gelato: They might have better Gelato in Italy, but for America, this is pretty damn good. This business started out small with one shop, but now they have many locations across the DC area. They are pretty generous with samples to help you choose which flavors (or two) you want. It is pricey, but it is because they use high quality ingredients.
Ice Cream Jubilee: It is a shame I was only here once.. These days I am not impressed with many ice cream outlets, but they have some amazing ice cream.

Shilla Bakery: Korean shaved ice (Bingsoo or Patbingsu) with decadent ice cream, sign me up! With multiple locations across the DC area, you have no excuse not to find this delicacy. If you want something light, you can get Bingsoo with fruit and mochi over shaved ice that has a healthy dose of sweetened milk.

Comment below on some of your favorite DC area food places.