April 24 (Bloomberg) -- Washington’s vibrant dining scene has become even more exciting, thanks to the presence of the city’s favorite new resident, President Barack Obama. Here are our selections, in alphabetical order, for business dining in Washington.

1. Acadiana: 901 New York Ave. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-408-8848; http://www.acadianarestaurant.com

What: The roux, remoulades, bisques and etouffees of Louisiana.

Why: Fried green tomatoes and a Sazerac help make your worries fade and the French Quarter appear.

Where: In downtown D.C., 1,100 miles northeast of New Orleans.

When: Busy at lunch, but you can always grab some jambalaya or a muffaletta at the bar. Mostly business people after dark.

Bar: Friendly and comfortable.

Private Room: For up to 100 guests.

Noise level: White tablecloths, but occasionally high- spirited, best for celebrating not calculating.

2. Adour at the St. Regis Hotel: 923 16th and K streets, N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-509-8000; http://www.adour- washingtondc.com

What: A French outpost designed by David Rockwell within a few blocks of the White House.

Why: Alain Ducasse’s stripped-down menu is precisely executed by Chef Julien Jouhannaud, giving diners an extraordinary experience and finally providing competition to Michel Richard’s Citronelle as the preeminent kitchen in D.C.

Where: On K Street, the avenue of lobbyists who can afford it.

When: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Noise level: Hushed like paper money, not jangly like coins.

Bar: You can get a beer and chicken wings at the handsome bar, but this is the St. Regis, so the beer is Stella Artois ($7) and the wings are stuffed with noodles ($14). The bar menu also offers salads and sandwiches.

Private Room: Semi-private, seats eight.

3. Bistro Bis in the Hotel George: 15 E St. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-661-2700; http://www.bistrobis.com

What: French cuisine on Capitol Hill.

Why: Lobbyists enjoy French toast and omelets before heading to Congress. For lunch and dinner, monkfish stew and beef Bourguignon.

Where: A few blocks from the Capitol.

Noise level: A high ceiling helps disperse the sound, keeping this deal-making site discreet.

Bar: Gleaming, contemporary, convivial.

Private Room: For up to 80 guests, using the hotel’s meeting spaces.

4. Cafe Milano: 3251 Prospect St. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-333-6183; http://www.cafemilano.net

What: Modern Italian.

Why: To mingle, to be part of what passes for the celebrity scene in Washington. The food is fresh, not fussy, not particularly inventive, but who cares? Who’s that standing at the bar?

Where: Georgetown.

When: After six.

Noise level: Only tables near the windows or on the patio (in nice weather) are far enough from the tumult at the bar to hear quiet conversation.

Bar: The bar at the center of the restaurant becomes crowded with the wealthy and those who want to meet them.

Private Room: Yes.

5. Charlie Palmer Steak: 101 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-547-8100; http://www.charliepalmer.com

What: Cool, stylish cuisine, precisely executed and expertly served.

Why: So business-oriented that the menus have stands to keep hands free for texting. So good that you will want to visit, even if your only pending deal is paying the check. This is the most popular restaurant for lawmakers, and its proximity to the Capitol isn’t the only reason: Try the tuna tartare and the hanger steak.

Where: Only steps from the Capitol, Charlie Palmer is frequently the site of political fundraising events.

When: At $25, the prix-fixe lunch is a steal. Dinner is an expensive indulgence but your clients will swoon.

Noise Level: Quiet and discreet, this is the place for negotiating, lobbying and toasting successful efforts.

Bar: A handsome, roomy space.

Private Room: Rooms can accommodate up to 70 for dinner; a rooftop terrace with a spectacular view of the Capitol dome can serve 250.

6. CityZen: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 1330 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-787-6006; http://www.mandarinoriental.com/washington/dining/cityzen

What: An elegant room with excellent service and often brilliant food.

Why: Chef Eric Ziebold is drawing people to this off-the- beaten-track hotel with his inspired menu and presentation. Highlights include a confit of yellowfin tuna and toro sashimi with dates and almonds, sweet potato gnocchi with chestnuts and shaved truffles, and butter-poached Maine lobster.

Where: At the Mandarin, which is swank but located between an aging fish market and a bridge out of town.

Noise Level: Discreet, refined, maybe too elegant for talking profit and loss, but fine for talking.

Bar: The bar features a 30-foot flame-spewing pipe, and a three-course menu of its own.

Private Room: The elegant wine gallery can seat 22 guests.

7. Commonwealth: 1400 Irving St. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-265-1400; http://www.cwgastropub.com

What: British gastropub.

Why: Where else in D.C. can you get bangers and mash that even British diplomats admire? The steak-and-oyster pie is also a standout.

Where: North of downtown in Columbia Heights.

When: A beer after work.

Bar: It’s a pub. It serves about 30 English and Irish ales, including Old Speckled Hen, along with 12 unusual American brews, such as Pennsylvania-made Stoudts Fat Dog Imperial Oatmeal Stout.

Noise level: Pub-like. Music, loud laughter.

Bar: Yes.

Private Room: The restaurant, with unpainted brickwork that makes it looks like a garage, has an exclusive room that seats 25.

8. Equinox: 818 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-331-8118; http://www.equinoxrestaurant.com

What: Pure American cuisine using ingredients grown within 100 miles of the restaurant. Strip loin steak is a standout.

Why: Graceful, elegant. Maybe that’s why it was the site of Michelle Obama’s birthday party before the inauguration.

Where: Very near the White House, so chef Todd Gray hopes it becomes President Obama’s hangout.

Noise Level: Normally restrained, the noise can build when this relatively small space is filled.

Bar: Small bar for waiting for tables, not a gathering spot.

Private Room: The wine room is private enough for a president, seats 14. The atrium can be used for events.

9. Filomena: 1063 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-338-8800; http://www.filomena.com

What: Italian.

Why: It was good enough for world-class eaters Bill Clinton and Helmut Kohl. Irresistible appetizers, lobster-studded linguini cardinale and a heavenly tiramisu. Bottles of amaretto and sambuca are delivered to each table with dessert.

When: Birthdays, anniversaries and when you’re going to propose a merger.

Where: Georgetown.

Noise Level: Tables are so close together you can share your neighbors’ conversations.

Bar: Yes.

Private Room: No.

10. Heritage India Dupont: 1337 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-331-1414; http://www.heritageindiadupont.com

(A second location is at 2400 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-331-3120; http://www.heritageindiaofgeorgetown.com)

What: Upscale Indian.

Why: It’s called Heritage India, but many dishes, from the naan with parmesan to the lamb vindaloo in an empanada are tweaked to add zing.

Where: In lively Dupont Circle.

When: At lunch you’ll have the place to yourself, at night make a reservation.

Noise level: At lunch, you’re alone with your thoughts, mostly about curry. At dinner, a little loud.

Bar: Yes.

Private Room: Yes, room seats 16.

11. The Lafayette: The Hay-Adams hotel, 16th and H streets, N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-638-6600; http://www.hayadams.com/lafayette-washington-dc.php

What: One of the premier spots for breakfast and lunch among political celebrities.

Why: Executive Chef Peter Schaffrath’s lunch entrees have muted flavors, yet keep politicians and high-powered corporate and media executives coming back.

Where: Across a park from the front door of the White House.

When: The elite gather for breakfast and lunch; at dinner the boldface names are gone.

Noise Level: A great place for making plans. The food and the design are too muted to be distracting and there’s practically no buzz.

Bar: The Off the Record is a basement bar favored by those (mostly Republicans) who want to relax after a long day pulling the levers of power.

Private Room: Yes, for up to 24 guests.

12. Michel Richard Citronelle: The Latham Hotel, 3000 M St. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-625-2150; http://www.citronelledc.com

What: French cuisine served with Disney-like flair.

Why: Michel Richard’s world-class food is all the more impressive for being presented with a wink and a grin. The lobster begula pasta is a witty triumph, and may be the best individual dish in Washington.

Where: In fashionable Georgetown.

When: Weekend reservations are tough to get, go on a week day and request a table with a view of the kitchen.

Bar: Cozy and refined, with a patio for enjoying some of the same marvelous food in shorts and sandals.

Noise level: Pleasantly buzzy.

Private Room: Yes, three of them. The hotel ballroom can seat much larger receptions.

13. Michel Richard Central: 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.; +1-202- 626-0015; http://www.centralmichelrichard.com

What: Bistro French by a master chef.

Why: Onion and bacon tart, cassoulet studded with garlic sausage and topped with duck; and skate with olive oil and capers. Guests often stop and stare at the ballet-like movement inside the glass-enclosed kitchen.

Where: On Pennsylvania Avenue, one of America’s great streets.

When: Whenever you can go, say “Oui.”

Noise level: Fun loud. Speak up, gesture wildly, be French.

Bar: Try the Clementine mimosa.

Private Room: Yes, for up to 16 people.

14. Old Ebbitt Grill: 675 15th Street N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-347-4800; http://www.ebbitt.com

What: A classic American restaurant.

Why: Established in 1856, the Old Ebbitt is a hotspot for out-of-towners, but far from a tourist trap. Plenty of locals are crowded around the bars eating chili, or in a velvet booth enjoying trout parmesan or grilled pork loin with pear-apple chutney.

Where: Just a block from the White House, Old Ebbitt is easily identifiable by the hungry crowds waiting outside.

When: Lunch is busy, dinner is mobbed.

Noise level: You have to TALK LIKE THIS!

Bar: Three bars, the one in the back is big, airy and relaxing. The other two are mosh pits for people in suits.

Private Room: The cabinet room on the lower level seats 50; the oyster bar can hold 80 people standing. There is also a 250- seat atrium.

15. Restaurant Eve: 110 South Pitt St. Alexandria, Virginia. Information: +1-703-706-0450; http://www.restauranteve.com

What: Ireland native Cathal Armstrong offers modern American cooking with French influences in a converted warehouse.

Why: One of the finest restaurants in sprawling Northern Virginia, Restaurant Eve aims high, and even the misses are interesting. The tasting room has a five-course meal at $110. Try the bouillabaisse in the less formal bistro.

Where: In Old Town Alexandria, a picturesque city just southwest of Washington.

When: Lunch is a bargain at $13.50 for two items on the bar menu, such as the Irish BLT and the lemon creme brulee.

Noise level: A nice low hum.

Bar: The drinks are as special as the food, the Cure All, which includes gin, tequila, turmeric, and coconut water, is a revelation.

Private Room: The sunflower room hosts small parties.

16. The Source: 575 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-637-6100; http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants

What: Wolfgang Puck’s modern twists on Asian dishes.

Why: Make a meal of pork belly dumplings with black vinegar; Thai-style duck curry; and a blueberry crumble.

Where: Next door to the Newseum, a museum about the media.

Noise level: Stark design and tall windows bounce noise around. Surprisingly loud for such a pricey space.

Bar: The ground-level lounge is modern cool, not cozy, but let the excellent bar menu, featuring General Tso’s chicken wings, make you feel at home.

Private Room: A lower-level dining room can seat 40 guests.

17. Westend Bistro: The Ritz-Carlton, 1120 22nd St. N.W., Washington. Information: +1-202-974-4900. http://www.westendbistrodc.com

What: New York chef Eric Ripert’s only Washington establishment offers pate en croute, braised short ribs and shrimp and grits in an inviting atmosphere.

Why: Blood-orange walls softened by candlelight, oversize booths with a view of the vibrant city,

When: The after-work crowd peaks by 7:30 p.m., but you should be finishing a small pot of ratatouille by then.

Noise level: Loud near the bar, sit at a booth in the back for an island of quiet.

Bar: Bustling, fun, expensive.

Private Room: No.

(Jim O’Connell writes for Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are his own.)

To contact the writer of this story: Jim O’Connell in Washington at joconnell3@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: April 24, 2009 00:01 EDT