Located just moments from Residences on the Avenue, CIRCA at Foggy Bottom serves elevated new American fare that is simultaneously familiar and innovative. Consider, for example, the panzanella salad, which features the expected cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. But the kitchen at CIRCA substitutes a springy brioche as the base for this salad, then adds baby kale and arugula for a modern twist on a traditional dish. That's the kind of innovation CIRCA's reputation is built on, and is what keeps loyal customers coming back.

Favorite dinner entrees include things like chianti-braised short ribs, spicy jambalaya, and jumbo lump crab cakes, but you should know that this place really gets going for brunch. It's not unusual to find a crowd of people hungry for pancakes and eggs Benedict gathered here on a Sunday morning, and during warm months the patio seating is especially coveted by brunch-goers. Don't worry, there's plenty of patio space to go around!

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom
2221 I Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 506-5589
www.circaatfoggybottom.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Michael Fötsch