Now on Resy: Lydia on H, Sushi Snob, Eatopia Eatery, and More Local Favorites

Malawi-born chef Victor Chizinga spotlights both Caribbean and African foodways at his lively restaurant, named in honor of his late mother. Get ready for oxtail with curry cabbage and jollof, Malawian snapper, and a very fun twist on Taco Tuesdays (jerk chicken and beef suya nachos, anyone?). Pro tip: Head upstairs to Raine, the second-floor speakeasy lounge and music venue, where you’ll definitely want to have a drink.

You won’t want to miss this art-filled tribute to Ethiopian food. An essential dish is the berbere-spiced chicken stew called doro wat, the country’s national dish. But there’s plenty to love on the menu, from exceptional plant-based specialties and seafood entrées to vibrant communal vegetable platters.

Travel to three distinct regions (Italy, Lebanon, and Spain) in one night at this lively Georgetown spot. The room — earthy terracotta-colored walls and prints galore — sets the stage for a tour around the Mediterranean. Definitely take a group: You’ll want to share everything, from fattoush with stracciatella to wagyu beef carpaccio, and from lobster paella to the smoked lamb ribs feast.

The Dupont Circle stalwart always shines with its handmade pastas, thin-crust pizzas, and other traditional Italian classics at the ready. An extensive by-the-glass wine list will never go out of style, and the heated patio is surprisingly cozy, even when the weather turns brisk.

The best tempura has a barely there, light and crispy, almost fluffy breading, and that’s what you’ll find at this Dupont Circle gem. You’ll find it on the regular menu and the kaiseki experience, which takes you through the seasons, bite by bite.

Stumble upon this friendly little find near Whole Foods, and you’ll find plump shrimp in garlicky butter sauce, merguez sausage and white beans in a zesty harissa tomato sauce, lamb shank risotto, and other Mediterranean dishes. Live musicians add to the ambience (without ever overpowering it).

You’ll find all the trappings of a French bistro in this Vienna charmer: Buttery, garlicky escargot; a French onion soup with the perfect cheese-pull; savory beef Bourguignon; and frites so crisp they practically snap. There’s even a floating island dessert (called snow eggs, here) that’s as classic as it gets.

West African and Ghanian food are the specialty at this friendly neighborhood spot, where you can enjoy a bowl of jollof rice with oxtail stew, groundnut soup with fufu (plantain dumplings), and other pan-African delights. The room is as warm and welcoming as a side of red red — chef-owner Candice Mensah’s stewed, chile-like black-eyed peas.

Is this a bar with great food or a restaurant with fantastic drinks? You decide. Thanks to the throwback décor, this buzzy spot feels like it’s been here forever. But with one bite of that burger with shallots and cheese, a sip of a really well-done old fashioned, and a cheese or charcuterie plate brimming with local picks, it’s all about the now.

Because you start with empanadas at Mola, which range from savory-sweet beef patties or curry chicken in flaky dough to gluten-free pepper steak in corn masa dough or a vegetarian-friendly cheese option, all of which are served with delicious aji sauces. You could stop there, with a rum-based Panamanian-inspired Negroni in hand, but keep going: Slow-braised oxtail and a side of yucca fries await.

The kitchen at this all-day Falls Church spot has a way with homey favorites, making things like onion dip with chicharrones, delightfully messy breakfast sandwiches, big meaty burgers, and other comfort food staples truly stand out. A few draft cocktails make the sippin’ easy.

Chef John Mooney’s Union Market restaurant offers everything you want to eat when you don’t know exactly what you want: lobster tacos, pizzas, fried oysters, salads made with lettuces grown on the rooftop aeroponic garden, an excellent patty melt — it’s tough to choose. Note that cocktails are fun, and beers are local.

Hidden in the Belle View Shopping Center, this low-key spot has all the hallmarks of a neighborhood gem: A pretty room, attentive servers that won’t leave you hanging, cocktails you’ll talk about later, and a global menu (gougères, pimento cheese and chips, gumbo) to match the equally eclectic wines.

The beauty of so many traditional Spanish dishes is the alchemy of great ingredients and seemingly simple techniques. But here, mastery elevates the simplest of dishes like pa amb tomàquet, croquetas de jamón, and wood-fired chicken. The wine list and cocktails, like gorgeous goblet-sized gin and tonics, have that same focus and precision.

Everything chef Edward Lee touches has a tinge of Southern soul and Korean influences, and his Penn Quarter steakhouse is no different. A perfect night: Pimento hush puppies, a juicy tomahawk for two with blue cheese and furikake sauce, Old Bay mac and cheese, and collard greens with kimchi and country ham. Don’t forget the libations.

A great stop before or after a Nats game, this Navy Yard local’s haunt has something for everyone, from a foot-long mozzarella stick with marinara to Detroit-style pizza and sushi. It’s sleek but unpretentious, and there’s a great patio for those days when you need it most.