Butterfield 9 Restaurant

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
Blonde wood and swanky banquettes set the sophisticated scene at Butterfield 9, located in the old Garfinkel's department store building near Metro Center. The service is gracious and the smart dining room, with its cozy banquettes and high ceiling, is just a short stroll from the Warner, the National and Ford's Theaters.

The Food
Some of the strongest performances in downtown Washington's theater district are delivered not onstage, but in chef Martin Saylor's contemporary American kitchen. The chef's delicate gnocchi, tossed with mushrooms and heady with white truffle oil, suggests an Italian's flair for simplicity. His grilled lamb steak, arranged in neat slices with Israeli couscous and flavorful ratatouille, strikes a sunny Mediterranean note. Save time for dessert, and make it roasted fruit tucked between sheets of pastry and (surprise!) whipped Gorgonzola.