The cuisine of Ethiopia isn’t one that announces itself boldly – instead, you need to give it time to make its charms apparent. One of the best places to get an introduction to this complex and rewarding food is Keren Restaurant in Washington, D.C. Regulars rave about the incredible dedication to flavor on display in every dish. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, it’s served family-style on enormous platters and eaten with the hands and torn-off pieces of a moist, bitter bread called injera, and it's perfect for dining out as a group. Some of the best dishes at Keren include the fuul, a paste made from chickpeas that is expertly spiced and very filling, as well as the spicy eggs silsi. Keren might just be one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in the D.C. metro area.

Keren Restaurant
1780 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-5764
www.yelp.com/biz/keren-restaurant-washington
www.washingtoncitypaper.com/food/restaurantfinder/restaurants/2923/keren

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr foooomio

You’ll be glad when you come to Mad Momos Beer Deck & Restaurant. Easily located on 14th Street off of N. Spring Road, Mad Momos is a great spot for after work, dinner and late night. The ambiance of the bar and dining room is modern but rustic, with exposed brick walls, a comfortable lounge and nice tables. Regulars recommend that when the weather’s nice, try to get a table on the second floor patio, which has a beautiful view of the neighborhood. Since this is a Beer Deck, check out the wide selection of domestic and imported by the tap and the bottle. There’s also a good variety of wines by the glass and specialty cocktails. And the food is pretty good, too! Check out the Sunday brunch.

Mad Momos Beer Deck & Restaurant
3605 14th Street NW
(between N. Spring Rd & N. Perry Place)
Washington, DC 2001
(202) 829-1450
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mad-momos-beer-garden-washington

After one visit, you’ll know that The Coupe is not your average diner. Located along the 11th Street corridor near N. Park Road, the Coupe might just be the coolest place around to get some real comfort food. Check out the interior, with modern appointments, comfortable booths and a dining room with lots of space between tables. This place might be called “the Coupe,” but you certainly won’t feel cooped up! Come with friends and hang out in the coffee-house style lounge, thirsty folks can hang out at the bar to enjoy beers on tap, wine by the glass or a terrific selection of specialty drinks. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus feature all of your diner favorites, and stop on back for weekend brunch or a late night bite!

The Coupe
3415 11th Street NW
(between N. Park Road & N Monroe Street)
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 290-3342
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-coupe-washington