Ardeo

Reviewed by Thomas Head

An airy neighborhood spot for inventive, modern American cooking.

Ardeo

3309 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-244-6750

Cuisines:
American, Modern

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Cleveland Park

Price Range:
Expensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Intimate

Reservations:
Recommended

Special Features:
Party Space, Weekend Brunch

Parking:
Valet

Website:
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Best Dishes
Steamed mussels; seared scallops with pea risotto; hamachi tartare; linguini with peas, cream, and soppresatta; seared duck breast; grilled mahi mahi; carrot cake; chocolate-peanut butter bombe.

Price Details:
Appetizers, $7 to $12. Entrees, $14 to $22.

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At this Modern American dining room, starters have included seared sea scallops, perfectly cooked and served with pea risotto, fresh chanterelles, and a truffle vinaigrette. Steamed mussels are delicious in their garlic herb broth. Fried calamari were a bit tough, but the accompanying lemon aïoli was a nice alternative to the usual tomato dipping sauce.

The kitchen will serve half orders of pasta as a first course--the linguine with peas, cream, and soppresatta was very good. Main courses have been a bit less dependable--a too-sweet maple-brined pork chop with peaches; overcooked cod with a delicious brandade of salt cod; a good roast duck breast with confit; and a tough grilled New York strip. The best dessert was a fresh cherry financier with whipped crème fraîche.

Service at a restaurant with these ambitions and prices should rise above the "Now, who had the cod?" level.