Sadly, my life in Washington DC is over (for now). It was a good 4 years, and I’m proud to say I know the area very well now. And with knowing the area, I also know the good food. While I did occasionally go to some very upscale restaurants, my favorites were always the cheaper  kind with amazing food. For all you readers who live or are going to travel to the DC area, here are 5 places you cannot miss.

5. Otello: I happened to go to this place when I found myself in Dupont Circle with two friends after, for some unexplicaple reason, Buca de Bepo had a 45 minute wait. We wanted Italian so we went to this small Italian place a half mile away. It was a really pleasant surprise. The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was made from scratch, which seems to make Italian food that much better. I recommend the meatball ravioli.

4. A. Litteri Inc.: This place is a gem found in the middle of a grimey looking old meat packing and wholesaler square. When you see the surrounding area you’ll probably want to turn around, but you shouldn’t. It’s an Italian grocery store that sells subs at the deli, and damn are those subs good. So good that there is an hour wait during lunch time, so go during odd hours. You simply fill out a sheet with your choice of meat and toppings. The Chicken Parmesan is crazy good.

3. Cava Mezze: A great Greek tapas place. Not too fancy and simply superb food. In an area with other great restaurants such as Matchbox, a great pizza place. I’d recommend the spanikopta, meatballs, and lamb sliders.

2. Rasika: I know a lot of people do not like Indian food, but I personally love it. Believe me when I say this is the best Indian restaurant I have ever been to, and very well could be one of the top Indian restaurants in America. It’s very spicy, but not so much that it hurts the experience. The palak chaat is unworldly; it’s fried spinich that has crispyness you would never expect. The only downside for Indian food fans: No samosas .

1. Parkway Deli: Growing up in DC, I went here with my parents and ordered a grilled cheese everytime I went. It was bomb. But there is way more to Parkway than grilled cheese. It is a New York quality Jewish Deli in the DC area. Yes, it isn’t diet food, but if you are looking to get painfully full go here. My personal favorite dishes: Crabcake Sandwich, Hot Open Face Turkey Sandwich, Lox and Bagels, and the Matzah Ball Soup. I kid you not, I have ordered all these things for myself in one sitting.

Don’t miss these places when you travel to DC.