Elegant Interiors

Jerusalem Restaurant

For nearly two decades, Jerusalem Restaurant has been serving kabobs, falafel, delicate stuffed grapes leaves, couscous and pastries such as baklava and basboosa, a sweet semolina-and-coconut cake. The halal restaurant has a gorgeous dining space, with mosaic tile tabletops and quiet music. No alcohol is served, but the restaurant offers a stellar list of fruit juices, lemonades, teas and coffee drinks.

3405 Payne St., jerusalem-va.net

Duangrat’s and Rabieng

Duangrat’s this year celebrates 30 years of serving unique Thai plates (think boar with eggplant and red curry; shrimp with satoh beans; and chili-basil whole flounder) in its ornate, red dining room. Sister restaurant Rabieng, which opened around the corner in 1996, features Thai street food, including customizable som tum (papaya salad), platters and a Northern Thai specialty – miang kham leaf wraps. Executive chef Aree Poonkruen has been in charge of the Duangrat’s kitchen since it opened and ensures that traditions such as wok-roasting and hand-grinding chilies continue. In the summer, look for Maryland soft-shell blue crabs. Both restaurants source from a family-owned supplier in Easton, Maryland, and often get the first local crustaceans of the season.http://rabieng.com

5878 and 5892 Leesburg Pike, duangrats.com and rabieng.com