Restaurant

Oyamel

Name: Oyamel
Address: 401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA, Washington DC, United States

Cuisine: Mexican Named after a butterfly forest in Mexico, this quaint restaurant situated in Penn quarter is accented with reds and oranges and a huge metal butterfly mobile that hangs from the tall ceiling, thus the name. Service is efficient and portions are small so that diners can sample at least three different authentically Mexican selections. A serving of mushroom tacos, seared scallops in pumpkin sauce and flank steak is sufficiently filling.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

401 Seventh Street, NW Tel: (202) 628 1005. Website: www.oyamel.com

Muslim check

Halal dining checks

These checks help Muslim guests assess service details before booking or visiting.

Serves alcohol?Not verified
Serves pork?Not verified
Separate utensils for pork?Not verified
Washroom has bidet / Muslim shower?Not verified
Has prayer room?Not verified

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1789

Cuisine: American.

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Blue Duck Tavern

Cuisine: American Opened in 2007, the Blue Duck Tavern has already been heaped with accolades. The open kitchen with wood-burning oven is surrounded by simple Americana décor like wooden Shaker furniture, and quilts hanging from the wall. Some of the tables face the outside fountain and a prairie-like garden. The real star however, is the food. Artfully presented, traditional American fare includes everything from oysters and crab cakes to smoked trout, rabbit and prime aged NY strip roast. Pastries and breads are made from scratch. Save room for the award-winning apple pie.

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Charlie Palmer Steak

Cuisine: American / Steakhouse A muted blue and orange color scheme and a bold, award-winning modern menu with an all-American wine list is what makes this restaurant a power magnet.

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Gerard’s

Cuisine: French Dine at Gerard's Place for elegant French cuisine that's among the best in the city. The dish that made the restaurant famous, poached lobster with Sauternes sauce still appears on both the lunch and dinner menus ($62!), though slightly reinvented: fresh mango, lime, piquillo peppers, and spinach are its sidekicks now. Diners may order a la carte or choose a $30 prix-fix menu at lunch or the $87 chef's tasting menu at dinner. The dining room itself is small, seating only 50 at a time, and somewhat modest in design. And this is a quiet restaurant, not a place to get rowdy. You're here for the food and quiet conversation. Hours are from Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; Mon-Thurs 5:30-9pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-9:30pm. Reservations are recommended.

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Nora

Cuisine: American Set in a quaint carriage house on one of DuPont’s beautiful corners, Nora’s is famous for serving made from organic and fresh ingredients. The dining room is hung with vintage quilts, and adorned with antique pieces. Those who are unable to get in at this DuPont circle favorite can try Asia Nora on the edge of Georgetown.

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Bombay Club

Cuisine: Indian The most popular item, and the spiciest on the menu, is the green chilli chicken. The speciality of the restaurant is the tandoori items including tandoori salmon, chicken tandoori, and the lobster Malabar. The Bombay Club is known for its vegetarian offerings (try the black lentils cooked overnight on a slow fire) and for its Sunday champagne brunch, which offers a buffet of fresh juices, fresh baked breads, and assorted Indian dishes. Slow-moving ceiling fans and wicker furniture accentuate the colonial British ambience. A pianist plays nightly. One of DC's top Indian restaurants, this place is popular with movies stars such as Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis.

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Kaz Sushi Bistro

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Rosa Mexicano

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Zaytinya

Cuisine: Mediterranean The food here is downright excellent. Earth tones, high ceilings and clean lines characterize this restaurant. There are mind-boggling choices between hot and cold mezze. Watch out for the walnut ice cream here.

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Ben’s Chilli Bowl

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Kids in tow

Activity

Here are several suggestions on what we think children might find interesting on their trip to DC. You can start with the National Zoo, a sure hit with the kids! Not only is admission free but the National zoo is home to 400 different species of animals and is set within the beautiful Rock Creek National Park.

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International Spy Museum

Museum

The International Spy Museum opened in July 2002 is the largest public collection of spy- related paraphernalia and exhibits on some of the most prominent spies in history. It provides a global perspective on a unique and ‘invisible’ profession that has moulded history and continues to impact world events. It gives an insight on some of the most secretive espionage missions in world history and also exhibits espionage gadgetry. 800 F St. NW Washington, DC Tel: (202) 393-7798 Website: www.spymuseum.org

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Jefferson Memorial

monument

A tribute to the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the country's third President. The memorial was built on land reclaimed by the Potomac River, now known as the Tidal basin. It is a columned rotunda in the style of the Pantheon in Rome, whose classical architecture Jefferson himself introduced to this country. A 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson atop a 6-foot black granite pedestal graces the domed interior of the memorial.

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Lincoln Memorial

monument

A tribute to the country's 16th President, who led during the Civil War. The structure is designed as a neoclassical temple, similar to Parthenon in Greece with 36 fluted Doric columns representing states of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death, plus two at the entrance. President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address are both engraved on the walls of the memorial chamber. 900 Ohio Drive SW Washington, DC Tel: (202) 426-6842 Website: www.nps.gov/linc

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Smithsonian Institution Museums

Museum

This world famous museums includes not only 19 museums but also research centers around the city. Ten of these museums span an area from 3rd to 14th streets between Constitution Avenue and Independnece Avenue, almost a mile. So be warned and make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes when visiting the museums. The Smithsonian includes National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Zoological Park, Arts & Industries Building, and Freer Gallery of Art. It would be advisable to look up the museums to find your area of interest if you are short of time. All museums are open every day of the year except for Christmas day and admission is free. Website: www.si.edu

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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Museum

The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum is home to the largest collection of air and space artifacts, including the Wright Brothers' first airplane asnd the space suit that Neil Armstrong wore during his historic walk on the moon.

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The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

Theatre

The tourist with an intellectual bend of mind or love for theatre should not give this a miss. Officially named the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, this is the city’s premier performance venue providing approximately 3000 performances per year. It is the home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet and American Film Institute. Free daily performances are held on the millennium stage in the Grand Foyer, in addition to free guided tours of the center.

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The Washington Monument

monument

The Washington Monument is one of the most prominent and oldest attractions in the city that was built in honor of America’s first President, George Washington, who led the country to its independence. The monument is shaped like an Egyptian Obelisk, 555’5/8 high, and averages 30 to 40 miles visibility in clear weather. It was finished on December 6, 1884. Inside, an elevator whisks you to an observation landing with spectacular views. Before the Sep 11 attacks it was possible to descend the 897 steps. Same day tickets for a timed entrance to the monuments are available at the ticket kiosk on the monument grounds and distribution starts at 0800. Make sure you are there early as there are limited tickets which are on a first-come-first-served basis. You can also reserve tickets for a small fee by calling in advance. Food, drink and large bags are prohibited. Constitution Ave & 15th St., National Mall Tel 202 619 7222 (info) Website: www.nps.gov/wamo

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The White House

Building

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US Holocaust Museum

Museum

Visitors should come prepared for an experience likely to be disturbing and difficult to forget when visiting United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. At the start of the tour, each visitor is given an identity card of a Holocaust victim that matches the visitor's own age and gender. Ordinary reality is skewed through off-center stairways, weird angles and the shadows of other visitors on the glass walkways overhead. An elaborate audio-visual display includes interviews, films and photographs. The Hall of Remembrance provides a calm, empty space at the end of the tour where one can reflect on the experience. The museum discourages children under 11 from attending. Free timed passes are needed to visit the permanent exhibit.

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Four Seasons

Moderate Hotels

A popular place with celebrities, the Four Seasons is located in posh Georgetown neighborhood, just at the start of the M St strip. The hotel provides impeccable service minus the arrogance. With bright, airy rooms and comfortable furnishings, great original art and views of Rock Creek Park, the hotel charms its guests into visiting again. The hotel also has two restaurants, The Terrace Garden and the Seasons restaurant. In room facilities: A/C, T.V. WiFi, hair dryer, iron, robes, hi-tech cd player, and a 32 inch plasma TV.

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Hay-Adams Hotel

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Mandarin Oriental

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The Fairmont

Moderate Hotels

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Georgetown Suites

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Hotel Lombardy

This European boutique hotel has a multinational feel and look. The whole hotel is peppered with Chinese and European antiques. The hotel is the only one in the city with a manually operated lift. Facilities: Fitness center, laundry, internet, room service, children under 17 stay for free.

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Hotel Monaco Washington

A four storey 19th century building is the place to stay for its central location on the Mall. The interior rooms overlook the courtyard while the exterior rooms overlook the city sights. In room facilities: A/C, TV. and Nintendo, internet, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, robes and CD player. Facilities: Restaurant, bar, fitness center, business center, laundry service.

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Hotel Topaz

Unusually large rooms that are done up with splashes of emerald, sapphire, ruby, and other jewel tones, on wallpaper, down comforter, armoire, and armchair. This boutique hotel is into New Age wellness with a well equipped yoga room and no smoking policy in the rooms. The Topaz lies on a quiet residential street whose front-of-the-house windows overlook picturesque town houses. Facilities: Bar/restaurant (innovative American with an Asian influence); access to nearby health club ($5 per guest), 24-hr. concierge, 24-hr. business center, room service (7am-11pm), same-day laundry service, dry cleanin, 5 rooms for those w/limited mobility, 2 w/roll-in showers.

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Renaissance Mayflower Hotel

Perhaps the city's best-known, this landmark hotel is located a short distance from the White House and is steeped in history. The hotel’s long history is on display through mounted exhibits on the Mezzanine level. Colonial-style guest rooms have generously-sized desks with silvery green bed coverings, embroidered drapes, silk wall coverings and pillow topped mattresses.

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Windsor Inn

This old world bed and breakfast located in a brick townhouse still retains its original 1920’s moldings and floor tiles. Clean and cosy rooms with fresh flowers give you a homely feeling. Its 46 small but very tastefully decorated rooms have private bathrooms, cable TV and phones. Continental breakfast and evening snacks are included.