It might have steak in the name but Charlie Palmer Steak is about more than just meat, although it does do an exceedingly good line in rib-eyes. Located in the imposing United Brotherhood of Carpenters building, it's a polished eatery that attracts an upmarket clientele drawn by the prospect of hearty local wines and classic American fare. Burgers, crab cakes and, of course steak, all feature heavily, but are given an upgrade courtesy of some creative kitchen thinking and ultra-fresh, locally sourced produce.

One of the hottest new additions to the Washington DC dining scene, CityZen is located within the slick new Mandarin Oriental hotel but manages to be reasonably intimate despite its setting. Most of what's on offer is fusion fare – think Kobe beef sliders – although there are also some genuinely Asian dishes on the menu. Highlights include oyster sashimi, made using shellfish sourced from the Chesapeake Bay, and the excellent lump crab cakes. The wine list is long and excellent to boot.

Boasting a mid-Atlantic menu that is heavy on the seafood, Equinox is where the city's most powerful go to rub shoulders, socialise and, in some cases, seal the deal. Unsurprisingly, it's also a date night favourite of the Obamas, who are regularly spotted tucking into chef Todd Gray's fine fare. Gray, one of the first to embrace sustainable cooking, has also ensured that all the food served up to guests is organic and sourced from within 100 miles of the restaurant. Freshness, if nothing else, is guaranteed.

Billed as 'the friendliest saloon in town', Mr Smith is a Georgetown institution that has been welcoming regulars and guests alike for more than 40 years. Boasting a chintzy interior crammed with antique mirrors and lamps, as well as a piano bar, it serves up hearty home cooking with burgers, chilli and fish and chips among specialities. The hidden garden buzzes with the sound of conversation and is open all year round, heated by fireplaces and kept warm courtesy of an electronic roof in winter.

Situated around the corner from the White House, Old Ebbitt is a comfortable little pub with an interior that boasts lots of dark wood and polished brass. It also has a rather distinguished history and has been serving presidents their supper since 1856. Despite the highbrow clientele, the food is not what you would expect to find at a state dinner - American classics rather than haute cuisine. Staples include enormous, freshly-made beef burgers and there's also an excellent oyster bar.

The Mediterranean cuisine at Zaytinya excels. Tuck into the mouth-watering mezze, small plates of seafood, meat or vegetables. Save room for Turkish delight, a walnut ice cream creation with, among other things, caramelised pine nuts. The décor is simple with huge windows and white walls. Zaytinya only takes limited reservations so take a chance and join the hustle and bustle at the bar with others waiting for a table.

The sign over the grill says 'Home of the Famous Chili Dog', which should give a clue as to what to order at this popular eatery. So admired is Ben's, its toothsome chilli half-smoke was voted Washington's signature dish. Formica counters lined with red vinyl barstools are a throwback to the 1950s when it first opened, but then again, posh interior design is not the reason why patrons like comedian Billy Cosby and the Obamas have popped in.

The streets of Adams Morgan are lined with Ethiopian eateries, but none as enjoyable as Meskerem, which is set over three levels and decorated with colourful murals and traditional musical instruments. Food is served at low tables, where diners sit and tear off little pieces of injera (sour pancakes) which they then use to scoop up delicious stews made from lentils, chicken, lamb or vegetables. The duro wat (chicken stew) is particularly good. Wash the whole lot down with a glass or three of the homemade honey wine.

From traditional favourites, such as quattro formaggi (four cheese), to the popular Atomica (tomato, salami, black olives), the thin, crunchy crust is always a winner here and the pizzas are cooked up in a wood-burning stove that takes pride of place. Along with classic pizzas, Paradiso has also created a few unusual recipes of its own, including several that pay homage to the city itself. Although originally a small downtown eating spot, Paradiso has since branched out and now has several locations, including one in Georgetown.