In the Washington, DC, the nation's capital, where pressure and intensity accompany the everyday bravura of self-importance, I prefer to hold my business dinners in a more relaxed DC restaurant setting. Although this 
doesn't work in all cases, with certain colleagues we accomplish plenty by slowing down for a couple of hours, hearing ourselves without shouting and experiencing carefully prepared alternatives to predictable power-dinner menus (steaks, chops, whole fish and blah blah blah). Women particularly like this option, especially if we are kicking back a bit, though still accomplishing our business conversations. Added value -- in many of these locations the service feels more like a neighborhood restaurant, even a little bit of home.
I lived and worked for two decades in DC, then began visiting it as a womantraveler, and looked at some of the standby favorites differently as I ate out night after night. Accustomed to eating well at home, I wanted excellent food ideas, variety, healthy options (low fat and low cholesterol), attentive service, ample but not oversized portions and less formality -- all without sacrificing quality. By contrast, some of the well-known DC power spots are underperformers in quality and service, stuffy in atmosphere and often way too noisy for conversation. Practically speaking, in DC it's smart to have a list of options in different parts of the city, because gridlock is more common than movement in rush hour traffic across town.
Here are the restaurants I return to time after time in DC on Capitol Hill, downtown and in the West End and Georgetown. They're equally good for business lunches, too.
Capitol Hill
Cafe Montmartre -- Websites in France recommend this French bistro to French travelers visiting DC. Though a very casual atmosphere, those who need to get things done on the Hill know they can do their business and eat comfortable French food here.
Park Cafe -- This 40-seat storefront on Lincoln Park always rates high in reviews. The South American dishes, joined by North American steak and lamb chops, are often accompanied by pleasant live music. The powerful and their staffs mix easily here. I dined with a woman Member of Congress and a a woman lobbyist, both familiar to the welcoming staff. We savored the pescado criollo (fish of the day), stuffed wild boar and crabmeat poblano chiles and poussin adado (roasted young chicken), though menus change seasonally.
Bistro Bis -- Fun, lively and in the middle of things, this chic power spot in the Hotel George is just fun, very convenient and yummy. You'll see the venerable and the wannabees -- and still get your work done.
Downtown
Ceiba -- One of Conde Nast Traveler's "hot list," Ceiba is the Latin culinary venture of the owners of DC Coast and TenPenh. The range includes whole crispy red snapper Vera Cruz and braised pork shank feiojada along with other delicacies from the Yucatan, Brazil, Peru and Cuba. (DC Coast has fabulous food but it's big, loud and frenetic.)
The Asian American Ten Penh fusion menu will be familiar to Californians and happily so to all those who appreciate the eclectic culinary diversity. As seafood lovers, we chose from among the Wasabi Pea Crusted Grouper, Marinated Grilled Swordfish, and Five-Spice Pecan Halibut. Start off with Malpeque Oysters in Ginger Granita Ice. Have I made my point?
West End and Georgetown
Vidalia -- James Beard Award winner Jeffrey Buben, also owner of Bistro Bis, features Southern specialties at this comfortable restaurant in the West End not far from the White House. On one of my visits there, we had a large round table of 8, and we could all hear each other, which is important in larger groups.
Primi Piatti -- Primi Piatti Ristorante is wonderfully warm and generous in service and style with regional and classic Italian specialties -- a pasta or a four-course meal and accompanied by peasant breads -- prepared with grace and ease. I always enjoy a simple piece of fish and steamed vegetables. Eating outside in spring and fall offers satisfying people-watching along Pennsylvania Avenue near George Washington University.
Kinkead's Restaurant -- Another James Beard winner, Bob Kinkead reinvents himself every so often since his arrival from Nantucket a couple of decades ago, first with 21 Federal on L Street NW, and in the last 10 years at this location in an oversized townhouse near George Washinton University. However, in all cases, he is faithful to his award-winning standards of great invention and presentation, built on imaginative New England seafood preparations and generous portions, in a very classy atmosphere. I remember the Applewood Smoked Bacon Wrapped Monkfish with Roasted Purple Potatoes and the Seared Nantucket Bay Scallops, among others, started off by appetizers like the wood-grilled squid. Menus change but never disappoint. Watch out for the spectacular desserts.
Bistro Francais -- This stalwart among DC French bistros draws everybody -- business people, locals, tourists and late-night Georgetown revelers -- but for good reason. The menu reads like a familiar neighborhood Parisian bistro, the prices are unexpectedly reasonable and the roomy booths make for gracious business dining.
Mendocino Grille & Wine Bar -- Local organic produce and California culinary sensibility, along with 150 wines, combine for a tremendously satisfying experience in New American cuisine. The spare wood and stone decor is also comfortably West Coast. The deep wine list offers a terrific range of wine flights, which is a fun way to mix and match food and drink.
