What are some unique/exotic resturaunts in Washington, DC?

Question

by unique/exotic, I don't necessarily mean in type of food, but more in the overall dining experience for example:

-presentation of food

-decoration/theme of restaurant

-way of eating it

-etc.

and just something thats different from all other restaurants or a typical resturaunt

Answer 1

I don't know if it falls under your definition of "unique," but if you've never been, check out Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant in Adams Morgan.  The "tables" are actually wicker baskets.  The server places a tray on which a piece of injera (spongy teff bread) is unrolled in the basket, and various stews are placed on the piece of injera.  You eat with your hands, tearing up pieces of injera (they're folded up and placed on a plate next to the diners) and dipping it in the stews.

I've been at a couple of other Ethiopian places where they serve you on regular tables.  I like how Meskerem (at least on the street and upstairs levels) uses the wicker baskets.

Answer 2

In George Town

Mie N Yu

3125 M Street, NW.

202-333-6122

Neat fusion place with very cool decor and dry martinis.  Very much on the pricey side but a great experience

My wife and I really like the Tabard Inn on N St just East of Connecticut.  

[phone]

Cool old school Inn, great charm and really really cool place.

Also near Dupont is Obelisk, on P West of the circle.   Really neat place.  Fixed menu, very small restaurant and intimate surroundings.  

[phone]

Lastly I would recommend the Grill From Impenia on Columbia South of Adam's Morgan, Great Mohito's and such but is all Brazillian BBQ!  Great outdoor place for the summer!

Answer 3

My favorite place in DC is Brasserie Beck.  It's Belgian, which means great mussels, frites (fries) and a huge beer list.

Full Kee is a great Hong Kong-style restaurant.

Rasika and Heritage India are great for Indian.

Jaleo has great Tapas.

DC has the best Ethiopian restaurants, due to a large Ethiopian immigrant community.  I think Etete is the best of them.

Komi is incredible, and Minibar at Cafe Atlantico is great, but both are pricey.

Based on your parameters of unique/exotic, I think Etete would be a great choice.  The food is great, and the presentation, decoration, and eating style are so different than we are used to in the States.  If you haven't had Ethiopian before, check it out.