Pizzeria Paradiso

In spite of awesome competition, this is still the best pizza place in the city. An oak-burning oven turns out exceptionally doughy but light-crusted pizzas, with choices ranging from the plain Paradiso, which offers chunks of tomatoes covered in melted mozzarella, to the robust Siciliana, a blend of 10 ingredients including eggplant and red onion. Or you can choose your own toppings from a list of 35. As popular as the pizza is the panini of homemade focaccia, stuffed with marinated roasted lamb and vegetables, and the salads, such as the panzanella (thick crusts of bread with chopped zucchini and peppers tossed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil). In 2009, Paradiso moved up the street to this twice-the-size location and added a Birerria Paradiso, like the one its Georgetown sister Paradiso has, at 3282 M St. NW (tel. 202/337-1245). A third location has recently opened in Old Town Alexandria, at 124 King St. (tel. 703/837-1245).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.