Sleek geometric designs, 20-foot ceilings, dark tones and an exhibition kitchen set a sophisticated stage at the Mandarin Oriental's signature restaurant, led by one-time French Laundry chef de cuisine Eric Ziebold. The ingenious fare can be best described as Modern American, though Ziebold allows for a few international nuances in dishes like veal shank with potato gnocchi. The bold wine list features an impressive 800 varietals, and the bar area shelves rare single malt scotches and cognacs. Six-course chef's tasting menu: $105; six-course vegetarian tasting menu: $90; three-course menu: $75. METRO: L'Enfant Plaza

Restaurant  Tue-Thu, Sun 6pm-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm Bar  Tue-Sat 5pm-11:30pm

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