A fixture on the DC scene for a number of decades now, this Penn Quarter stalwart, owned by the affable Ashok Bajaj, still functions as a club for politicians and Beltway insiders. Polished and sophisticated with just a hint of spice, Bombay Club’s environs are a nostalgic nod to the clubs of the British Raj.

If you can take your eyes off the senator snuggled into the half-moon banquette, the polished Indian cuisine doesn’t disappoint. Palate-pleasing items span the continent to include Northern grilled meats, as well as Southern seafood and coconut-inflected dishes. Tender minced lamb is coaxed with a hint of heat in the Seekh kebab, while the bharli vangi's soft-as-pudding bulbs of stuffed and braised baby eggplant simply burst with flavor.