Sensual and elegant, Rasika is a temple to modern Indian food. We recommend the grand menu ($55 per person) for an introduction to executive chef Vikram Sunderam's cuisine. One of our favorite hangouts, Rosa Mexicano serves heavenly pomegranate margaritas ($8.50) and fresh guacamole ($12). For dinner, try Filete con Hongos ($26), a fillet smothered with wild mushroom-tequila cream sauce.

For smaller Mexican dishes and a wider range of flavors, head to Oyamel, chef José Andrés's newest restaurant. Order several dishes, and share them. Our favorites include tuna ceviche ($10), Vera Cruz-style red snapper ($10.50), and Tamales Verdes ($5.50). José's other eateries in Penn Quarter include Café Atlantico/minibar (Nuevo Latino), Zaytinya (Mediterranean), and Jaleo (Spanish).

Matchbox is famous for their mini burgers served on toasted brioche and topped with piles of curly onions. Order three, six, or nine ($8, $12, $15). The pizzas, hand-tossed and cooked in a wood-burning oven, are to die for too.

above: At Rosa Mexicano, guacamole is made tableside.