FALLS CHURCH. Its office park location may not sound promising, but hold your hat - this suburban gem boasts a lakeside view, impeccable décor and exquisite cuisine. The menu combines French delicacies with the latest culinary trends and includes vegetarian dishes such as wild mushroom risotto with aged parmesan and mascarpone. Roasted fois gras and stuffed quail breast, herb roasted veal tenderloin, and bittersweet chocolate coolant topped with Tahitian vanilla ice cream highlight the ten-course tasting menu, which is enhanced by select European wines. For $87, create your own multi-course meal with an appetizer, two main course items and dessert of your choice.

CLEVELAND PARK. This intimate wine bar invites patrons to relax with friends over drinks and good food. The laid-back atmosphere is especially conducive to lingering over a small plate and your favorite wine. The kitchen consistently delivers tasty New American cuisine, as evidenced by roasted rack of lamb and seared sesame tuna. Friendly service makes for an all-around pleasing experience. Bar and booth seating are available. Smart casual dress.

ADAMS-MORGAN. Perry's location in the hip Adams-Morgan neighborhood means that it can be a little wilder than most places, and Sunday brunch proves it. The menu offers a good selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, including pastries, eggs, waffles, quiche, and savory appetizers. However, most people come for the drag shows, where cross-dressing performers in evening gowns mingle with those looking for apple jelly. The atmosphere is lively, and shows are a lot of fun. If you're sensitive to teasing, go early though. Not many diners escape without a jab or two. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo

DUPONT CIRCLE. Accented with vintage crib quilts and elegant artwork, this well-received restaurant is a strong proponent of organic foods. Its sophisticated approach to cuisine emphasizes top-quality meats and produce and fresh, in-season seafood. Nora boasts a lovely, romantic ambience, perfect for indulging in roasted Amish pork shoulder with adzuki beans, or lemon balm-crusted lamb rack with chickpea puree. And of course, it doesn't hurt that chef-owner Nora Pouillon is often applauded for her culinary creativity and environmental efforts. METRO: Dupont Circle

DUPONT CIRCLE. Within one of DC's oldest hotels, this restaurant plies guests with delicious American cuisine. It places a premium on fresh, regional produce and meats and changes the menu depending on what's available. An apple and walnut salad skillfully mixes flavors and textures. Seafood is the house specialty, and sautéed soft-shell crabs over wilted greens are proof of the attention. Rigatoni with bolognese sauce also delights, as do homemade ice creams and white chocolate cheesecake. If you don't mind waiting for a table, the enclosed courtyard is bliss during mild weather. METRO: Dupont Circle