Rated among the top Italian restaurants in the country, Filomena is an authentic, old-time favorite in Washington, D.C., according to Zagat. Filomena is a great place for a romantic date or special occasion. It offers an elegant setting and a delectable menu featuring freshly-made raviolis, old-country-style gnocchi, Neapolitan ragu with beef and tomatoes and much more. They also offer several seafood dishes, featuring the mid-Atlantic’s fresh catches such as lobster, Maryland blue crab and shrimp. Filomena serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, and dinner from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Filomena Ristorante 1063 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20007 202-337-2782 filomenadc.com

A well-known Washington institution, the 1789 Restaurant is a luxurious dining experience close to the George Washington University and Georgetown University campuses. Make early reservations and come in formal dress, and be ready to receive the full, five-star treatment. The chefs set the bar high, combining traditional favorites with their adventurous style. During multicourse meals, they like to warm up the diner’s palate with an appetizer full of spice and flavor. Plus, the menu changes frequently, showcasing the chef’s unique concoctions such as pork chops with cider jus and pumpkin-soufflé cheesecake. Many local diners find the experience well worth the high-end cost, rating this place as the “Best for Special Occasions” and “Most Romantic” in the December 2005 issue of “Washingtonian” magazine. 1789 Restaurant serves dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. 1789 Restaurant 1226 36th Street NW Washington, DC 20007 202-965-1789 1789restaurant.com

Due to the rising popularity of its original pizzeria in Dupont Circle, the Pizzeria Paradiso recently opened a new location in Georgetown. If you prefer casual dining, this is the place to go for great brews and pizza. According to “Washingtonian” magazine critics, “the pizza at Pizzeria Paradiso is world-class…better than any in Naples.” Food is available for carryout or group dining, and you can choose from a large range of nontraditional pizza toppings like mussels, salami, pancetta, egg and goat cheese. There are also 16 beer imports on tap as well as a selection of gourmet coffees and lattes. Pizza Paradiso is open 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Pizzeria Paradiso 3282 M Street NW Washington, DC 20007 202-337-1245 eatyourpizza.com

For something on the lighter side, pay a visit to Ching Ching Cha, a Chinese tea house in the neighborhood. The setting is quite serene and is a great place to relax and recharge, and you can choose from their snack menu and an array of teas, which will satisfy your appetite. Ching Ching Cha is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ching Ching Cha 1063 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20007 202-333-8288 chingchingcha.com