This romantic restaurant lies hidden away on a quiet Dupont Circle side street. But it’s no secret—just try booking a reservation. Whether you sit in the long, narrow carriageway fronting the restaurant, in the wisteria-canopied brick courtyard, or in the cozy banquette-filled and paneled main dining room, you’ll be smitten. (In winter, if health restrictions permit—at this writing Iron Gate wasn’t offering indoor dining, I would choose the main dining room, where the open kitchen and wood-burning hearth add a special glow.) Plates are to share or not and might include such delectable tastes as caramelized ricotta gnocchi, oak-grilled asparagus on a bed of lentil hummus, and, in season, Maryland soft-shell crab. Be sure to leave room for one of the delicious desserts, the crispy Greek yeast doughnuts with orange blossom syrup are a particular favorite.