Part of a small New York City chain, Carmine's in Penn Quarter is a vivid reminder of just why family-style Italian cuisine is so popular. The usual suspects — including Caesar salad, manicotti, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, cold or hot antipasti, chicken marsala and good old-fashioned spaghetti and meatballs — are all available on the expansive menu, but so, too, are less-typical dishes. That means if you're not in the mood for pasta, you can opt for the broiled porterhouse steak, prime rib chops or broiled lobster instead. And if you've got food sensitivities and don't know what to order? Turn to the special menu outlining the best choices for the gluten-, garlic- or dairy-intolerant, vegetarians and vegans. METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown or Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Family-style dining at its best, Carmine's reminds guests that there's just something about sharing a big bowl of pasta with the ones you love.
Holly's expert tip: Sworn off pasta because of gluten issues? Try Carmine's gluten-free variety made with cornmeal!
Minimalist in menu and decor, this 40-seat, two-story relative newcomer to DC (since 2012) serves up exciting Japanese dishes prepared by Chef Hiroshi Seki, who co-owns Izakaya with his daughter, Cizuka. Chef Seki has been carving fish since he was a boy and artfully slices fresh fish into creative small plates. The menu is subject to change, however, since it's dependent on the day's fresh catch, but you can bet there will be something spectacular on offer. Like other dishes, the highly recommended tuna sashimi pairs wonderfully with sake; ask your server for guidance if you're not sure what else goes best with the famed rice wine. METRO: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: The Land of the Rising Sun's cuisine is honored and celebrated at this authentic Japanese eatery.
Holly's expert tip: Stick to sushi and sashimi, and you won't have to worry about gluten ruining your meal!
Legal Sea Foods operates on the motto, "If it's not fresh, it's not Legal." And they make good on their word. The variety of tasty seafood dishes and their clam chowder are near legendary in the Washington, D.C., area. Appetizers are also popular, and Maryland crab cakes are a special (and totally worth the cost) treat. If you're ordering at the bar, lobster or shrimp rolls are terrific choices, as are oyster po' boys and lobster salad. (Sensitive to gluten? Legal Sea Foods has a separate menu just for you.) For dessert, don't forget to try the Key lime pie or Belgian chocolate mousse souffle. METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Lovely surroundings and a menu emphasizing freshness make Legal Sea Foods tops in the undersea-cuisine department.
Holly's expert tip: Try the cioppino — it's full of the ocean's finest offerings, and not a spec of gluten in sight!
It's an indoor picnic at this neighborhood restaurant with an edge. From its cabin-facade kitchen to its lantern-hung tree in the dining room, Firefly understands that a night on the town should be fun, not fraught. So dress up or dress down (though not too far down) before stopping in and enjoying such "urban picnic" bites (a.k.a., appetizers) as salt-cod hushpuppies and chicken liver torchon. From there, move onto the main event: grilled bistro steak, pan-roasted duck, eggplant & lentil moussaka or half a dozen other clever options. If you and your camping buddy, er, dining companion have room for dessert, share a caramelized banana split, a sweet way to celebrate l'amore. (A nice touch: Firefly has separate gluten-free menus, too.) Metro: Dupont Circle.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Stellar food, playful surroundings and a comprehensive gluten-free menu mean Firefly will suit just about any diner.
Holly's expert tip: Order something delicious from the gluten-free lunch, brunch, dinner or dessert menu — you won't miss the flour!
Trendy, popular and frequently packed, Oyamel is one of those places that lives up to the hype. One of several restaurants launched by famed chef Jose Andres, Oyamel features dishes inspired by Mexico's many different regions. The menu is made up of antojitos — basically small plates, or tapas — which make it easy to sample a bunch of different dishes without committing to a huge entree. (Small plates also make it easy to accommodate diners with food sensitivities.) Known for its margaritas, tequilas and mezcales, Oyamel's cocktail list will loosen you up — perhaps even giving you the courage to try the Chapulines tacos (made with sauteed grasshoppers, a Oaxacan specialty). METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Authentic Mexican cuisine is vibrant, fresh, zingy and creative; at Oyamel, it shines.
Holly's expert tip: Order the fresh guacamole prepared table-side. It's a spicy, creamy bowl of perfection.
This Spanish restaurant's sleek, stylish decor is accented with hand-painted ceramics and colorful murals depicting flamenco performances. A long list of tapas (small plates) — including such fabulous dishes as Iberian ham, Canary Island-style marinated rabbit confit, stewed vegetables with quail egg and creamy rice with mushrooms and cheese — means you can order an array of dishes to satisfy everyone at the table (including those with food sensitivities). Of course, if the whole gang agrees to eat the same thing, go for the paella of the day. Brimming with such goodies as fresh seafood, chicken, vegetables and rice, one order of the classic Spanish showstopper feeds up to four. Business-casual dress; reservations recommended. METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Superstar chef Jose Andres' flagship restaurant, Jaleo elevates Spanish cuisine to an art form.
Holly's expert tip: Attention, gluten-intolerant eaters: Jaleo's expansive tapas menu surely offers something you'll love.
With its stark white walls, high ceilings and dramatic glass facade, Zaytinya has emerged as a popular after-work gathering place. Hot and cold mezze ("middle-of-the-day" meals) enrich the dining scene with contemporary Eastern Mediterranean fare (much of it gluten free), including lamb with hummus and spiced sirloin with dry fruit compote. For more substantial appetites, the kebab platter or braised lamb shank with eggplant does nicely. An added perk: The wine list focuses almost exclusively on Greek, Turkish and Lebanese selections. A Jose Andres restaurant, Zaytinya consistently tops the best D.C. dining lists. Dress is upscale casual. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner. METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Zaytinya celebrates the fabulous cuisine of Greece, Turkey and Lebanon in innovative — and succulent — ways.
Holly's expert tip: Hold the pita bread, and many of Zaytinya's dishes suddenly become gluten-free.
