Best Casual Restaurants in Palisades Northwest

I've been there many times. Truly varied, sophisticated, and nuanced Afghan cuisine--well beyond just the kabobs that dominate many other Afghan restaurant menus. Good service, reasonable prices considering the quality of the food, and tables well spaced and thus the noise level is rarely if ever a problem, unlike at so many other restaurants nowadays.

Our Thanksgiving meal was an inventive take on a traditional holiday meal —expertly prepared, ample proportions, a great blend of flavors, with a couple of memorable touches that inspired ideas I’ll use in my own kitchen. Our engaging server Daniel and lovely hostess (whose name I neglected to get) cared for us in a way that felt like we were home. We tried the chef’s wine selection which struck us as a bit unusual when it was first presented. I’m glad we trusted chef Claudio to find the perfect pairing for our meal. Our experience was one of surprise and delight which suited us well. I noted that the menu could also have satisfied diners less open to adventure. I’m usually the Thanksgiving cook so eating out might otherwise have felt a little sad. Instead, we feasted while being treated like welcomed family by chefs and staff who clearly love what they are doing. This was our first visit to Claudio’s Table but it won’t be our last.

Fantastic meal. We’ve done Thanksgiving dinner here a couple of times. Plenty of food and all the fixings with traditional turkey or ham. Emily, our server was amazing. Always book ahead because they get busy. Love the Georgetown location. You can always also order off the regular menu. Great clam chowder and crab cakes. We always eat at Clyde’s when visiting our daughter in DC.

While the menu might look common place, it's the quality of the ingredients and thoughtfulness of the preparation that makes Ruthie's outstanding, and a neighborhood gem. We were greeted like family, service was attention and professional while informal and friendly. The wood fire grilled branzino was outstanding -- hot, moist, perfectly seasoned. Each dish, while familiar in concept, has a surprise twist that is so pleasing.

Three family members each enjoyed our entrees and split a salad and a dessert. We liked sitting in the comfortable booth and the service was very good. I especially liked the low noise level in the restaurant. All in all I’d recommend it for a very good meal in Georgetown DC.