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11 restaurants around Washington to try right now

March 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. EST
Beef short rib with jalapeño Cheddar grits, crispy sweet potatoes and cilantro lime crema at the Smith. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post)

There's an uncertainty that comes with trying a restaurant for the first time, especially if the place is new. No need to fret about these spots, though — they've all been recently visited by Post staffers, who have given them the seal of approval.

The Smith

There's something for everyone at this (loud) dining room near Verizon Center. Check out the crab cake tots, meatless bibimbap and s'mores in a jar. 901 F St. NW.

The Smith reviewed: In Penn Quarter, there are crowds to please

Himitsu

The tiny “young establishment is a case study in contemporary dining,” Post food critic Tom Sietsema says, with “food that tastes like a celebration but is priced for workday consumption.” Highlights include Peking duck, deep-fried Brussels sprouts and tuna tartare. 828 Upshur St. NW.

Himitsu review: This Petworth jewel is a secret no more

La Puerta Verde

Sietsema calls this Mexican restaurant “yet another score from Mindful Restaurant Group in burgeoning Ivy City,” joining siblings Ari's Diner, Denson Liquor Bar and Dock FC. Strong contenders on the menu include guacamole, fried cod tacos and the chile relleno. 2001 Fenwick St. NE.

Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse

Fish is the name of the game at this Ivy City hangout, where strong dishes include the crab cakes, grilled shrimp and fish and chips. Non-seafood eaters will enjoy the chicken wings, spare ribs and fried chicken sandwich. ​1356 Okie St. NE.

The Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse review: 'If it swims, we have it'

On Rye

The modern sandwich shop inspired by Jewish delis offers especially enticing Reubens made with smoked beets or portobello mushrooms and spiced broccoli rabe. Also try the egg cream. 740 Sixth St. NW.

On Rye review: Deli that doesn't put you down for a nap

Alma Cocina Latina

Another reason to make the trip to Baltimore: Explore Venezuelan fare beyond arepas — though there are good ones here, too. “The food here is so compelling, I couldn't wait to return after my initial trip and came back the next night,” Sietsema says. 2400 Boston St., Baltimore.

Alma Cocina Latina review: A Venezuelan stunner beckons in Baltimore

Iron Gate

The romantic Dupont Circle restaurant recently revamped its concept to allow more flexibility in the menus diners can choose. The new, six-course, Italian-leaning tasting menu is a winner. 1734 N St. NW.

Iron Gate review: Relax by any fire. The ordering's flexible.

Ari's Diner

Who doesn't love breakfast all-day? You can't go wrong with the tender house-baked biscuits, served with sausage gravy and scrambled eggs. Burgers, crab cakes and avocado toast are worth your attention, too. 2003 Fenwick St. NE.

Ari's Diner review: A stylish spot for all-day breakfast in Ivy City

Dolan Uyghur

Dumplings, kebabs and hand-pulled noodles are on offer at this Uyghur restaurant. The cuisine hails from northwest China, but in spirit it's closer to Middle Eastern. Don't miss the goshnan, a pizza-like dish with a pan-fried pastry crust stuffed with ground beef, red peppers and sweet onions. 3518 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Dolan Uyghur review: Where East meets Middle East, noodles meet kebabs

Joselito

This Spanish restaurant embraces the novel concept of letting diners choose from three different sizes for most dishes. Good bets include fried anchovies, pork tenderloin and torrijas, a kind of bread pudding. 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

Joselito review: Just the right amount of Spanish, on Capitol Hill

Smoked and Stacked

Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley, formerly of Ripple and Roofers Union, makes some seriously excellent sandwiches. Some of the best feature her house-made pastrami, including the Messy, a kind of Reuben riff, and the New Yorker, a breakfast creation with a fried egg and Comte cheese. 1239 Ninth St. NW.

Smoked and Stacked review: A chef packs passion into her sandwiches

Read more:

A guide to eating and drinking in Petworth

Why touch screens are changing how we order at restaurants

Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana: You can’t go wrong with the tacos here