Food and fun available in the nation's capital

ACP's staff in Washington, D.C., have years of experience in helping shape national health policy, but for them the dining is all local. This list comprises the D.C. staff's picks for the best places to go while in the nation's capital. Many are a one-zone cab ride away. Also try the DC Circulator, buses that cost $1 and have routes to most of the restaurants. For more information on dining in Washington, go to Fodor's online travel guide and click on the link for Washington, D.C.

701 701 Pennsylvania Ave. 202-393-0701 Contemporary American food with live jazz.

Acadiana 901 New York Ave. NW 202-408-8848 This Louisiana-style eatery was ranked by Esquire as one of 2006's best new restaurants in America.

Austin Grill 750 E St. NW 202-393-3776 This Tex-Mex fusion purchases wind power and prints their menus on recycled paper.

Bombay Club 815 Connecticut Ave. NW 202-659-3727 Fancy Indian, near the White House

Brasserie Beck 1101 K St. NW 202-408-1717 Robert Wiedmaier's cozy and stylish Belgian cuisine.

Cafe Atlantico 405 Eighth St. NW 202-393-0812 A Nuevo Latino restaurant with an extensive South American wine list.

Cafe Mozart 1331 H St. NW 202-347-5732 An authentic German deli with a lounge and restaurant.

Cashion's Eat Place 1819 Columbia Rd. NW 202-797-1819 A mix of American and European offerings.

Ceiba 701 14th St., NW 202-393-3983 Taking its name from the imposing umbrella-shaped tree found throughout the new-world tropics, it offers Latin fusion.

Central Michel Richard 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 202-626-0015 Michel Richard's year-old namesake eatery remains one of the hottest reservations in town. Recommended: the lobster burger.

Corduroy 1201 K St. NW 202-589-0699 Contemporary American, with a quiet atmosphere, at the Four Points Hotel.

DC Coast 1401 K St. NW 202-216-5988 Located in the Tower Building, this seafoodery is a re-birth of a classical Beaux-Arts style.

Jaleo 480 Seventh St. NW 202-628-7949 Tapas and main dishes alike.

Johnny's Half Shell 400 N. Capitol St. NW 202-737-0400 This seafood locale is located very near ACP's offices in D.C.

Komi 1509 17th St. NW 202-332-9200 Excellent, upscale Mediterranean food with Greek influence recently rated one of the top D.C. restaurants by the Washington Post's food critic.

Occidental 1475 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 202-783-1475 Contemporary American, very Washington.

Old Ebbitt Grill 675 15th St. NW 202-347-4800 Very Washington but more casual. Go to the Hotel Washington rooftop for drinks afterwards—a must when in Washington.

Ollie's Trolley 425 12th St. NW 202-347-6119 Cheap burgers and fries in a completely non-Washington atmosphere.

Oval Room 800 Connecticut Ave. NW 202-463-8700 Very Washington, and of course near the White House

Oyamel 401 Seventh St. NW 202-628-1005 José Andrés's Mexican hotspot earned mentions on Esquire restaurant critic John Mariani's list of 2007's best new restaurants in America.

Rasika 633 D St. NW 202-637-1222 From the Sanskrit word for “flavors,” this Indian locale was ranked by Esquire as one of 2006's best new restaurants in America.

Rosa Mexicano 575 7th St. at F St. NW 202-783-5522 Great for pomegranate margaritas and great guacamole.

TenPenh 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 202-393-4500 Asian Fusion

Zaytinya 701 9th St. NW 202-638-0800 Mediterranean small plates that are great for sharing. Caution: doesn't take reservations after 6 p.m.

Zola 800 F St. NW 202-654-0999 Contemporary American spot attached to Spy Museum.