Dining 101: Where do I take my significant other for dinner?

November 6, 12:38 PMDC Restaurant ExaminerChrissy Skudera

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DC's restaurant scene is diverse, exciting, and at times, overwhelming. There are so many choices, aren't there? Recently I've been asked for recommendations for date night and special occassion restaurants, some on the affordable end of the spectrum, and others a bit more expensive. Because choosing a date night or special occassion restaurant can be tough, I've compiled a list with the hopes of making your decision a little easier.

Try tapas! Sharing small plates is a great way to try a little of everything on the menu.

1. Jaleo, 480 7th Street, NW, (202) 628-7949 - Spanish tapas. Metro accessible and offering a pre-theatre menu, Jaleo delivers tasty Spanish tapas at reasonable prices. Executive Chef Jose Andres regularly whips up special menu items that will excite the palate (over the summer, one was a watermelon salad with goat cheese). In addtion to small plates, Jaleo also serves up paella dishes fit for two or more people. Don't skip out on the sangria! $$

2. Oyamel, 401 7th Street, NW, (202) 628-1005 - Mexican tapas. Jaleo's sister restaurant, Oyamel serves up the best tableside guacamole in DC! Don't miss out on the slow-cooked refried beans with Chihuahua cheese or the tacos (if you're feeling adventurous, order the Oaxacan speciality of sauteed grasshoppers). The margaritas are exceptional, especially the Ron Cooper. $$

Go Italian! This includes pasta and non-pasta dishes.  

1. Al Tiramisu, 2014 P Street, NW, (202) 467-4466. This cozy restaurant offers an authentic Italian menu including classic antipastas, a variety of pasta dishes (ricotta dumplings, ravioli, seafood linguine), and several fish and meat dishes (John Dory, duck, chicken, lamb, and beef). Do not skip the dessert menu! The selections will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. $$$

2. Coppi's Organic Restaurant, 1414 U Street, NW, (202) 319-7773. Coppi's prepares all of their menu items from scratch daily and uses green practices (ie: local organic produce, free range meats, sustainably sourced fish, wind power electricty, energy-saving bulbs). Coppi's is full of energy and chatter and is ideal for single or double-dates. From its delicious gnocchi and ravioli to its rack of lamb, Coppi's menu is manageable and will satisfy your need for a scrumptious, environmentally sustainable meal. $$

3. Obelisk, 2029 P Street, NW, (202) 872-1180. This small restaurant is very pricy, but you will eat one of the best meals of your life there. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes you feel comfortable as you linger for hours (literally) over your meal. Obelisk offers a prix-fixe menu which changes regularly and be warned: pace yourself. In addition to your appetizers, entrees, and dessert, there is a cheese plate and a post-dessert plate! $$$$

Seafood...from ordinary to exotic!

1. Tony & Joe's Seafood Place, 3000 K Street, NW, (202) 944-4545. Located on Georgetown's Waterfront, Tony & Joe's, although pricy, exudes a more casual atmosphere than most seafood restaurants in the area. Soft shell crabs (not always the easiest to find in DC) are available at market price, as are whole steamed Maine lobsters. For a little bit of everything, try the Tony & Joe's Chilled Platter: a one pound lobster, three oysters, three clams, three shrimp, and three mussels served with drawn butter. $$$

2. Kinkead's, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, (202) 296-7700. Kinkhead's menu is simple yet creative. From an appetizer of butter poached lobster medallions to its list of seafood specialties including walnut horseradish encrusted skate, you can also order a simply grilled fish from the day's fresh fish menu. Make sure to choose a few shareable sides (you can't go wrong with the creamy polenta). $$$$

3. Oceanaire Seafood Room, 1201 F Street, NW, (202) 347-2277. Oceanaire is committed to serving sustainably-caught seafood and receives fresh fish from all over the world daily. Dishes are simple and regionally inspired. From the ordinary to the exotic, you'll find a selection or two on the menu that will make your mouth water (Cape Hatteras swordfish, Greek branzini, Hawaiian Onega snapper). $$$$

* Price ranges are indicated by $ with $$$$ translating to "very expensive."