PRICE:
Frommer's Highly Recommended

Tabaq resides in a four-story building, but its restaurant levels are on the first and fourth floor. The fourth floor is the place to be; you'll be on the roof with a glorious view of the city, including the far-off Capitol and Washington Monument. A glass ceiling and glass doors open and close to accommodate the weather, so you can dine here year-round. The terrace is very dimly lit, making this a favorite spot for couples but a frustrating experience for anyone trying to decipher the menu in the almost-dark. And a word about those four flights to the top: Women might want to don longer skirts, so as not to reveal too much to the ones following in their wake, and to opt for lower heels, rather than trying to teeter their way up. Tabaq does try to keep to a dress code, though, so forget the athletic look. It's all about tapas here, with about 40 from which to choose. Winners include hummus, the tabaq salad, and manti, a Turkish-style beef ravioli, served with red pepper, garlic, and yogurt. From the small list of entrees, the Mediterranean sea bass, served with almond and currant rice, is your best choice. If the wait's too long for the terrace, you can always dine in the first-floor Red Room, quite romantic in its own way.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Washington, D.C. 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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