This post is from DCist Contributor Joe Viola

Located in the heart of Adams Morgan is the Little Fountain Café. The menu is quaint but extremely sophisticated, the ambiance quiet but romantic, and the service is friendly but unobtrusive. There’s no elevator music while you eat. Bono, Coldplay, Billy Joel, and smooth jazz covers by Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald enhance an already private affair. Walking downstairs into the Café you pass by the little fountain, the centerpiece of the restaurant’s most private table, outside, below the chaos of 18th St., Jumbo Slice, and the maddening vehicular escapades of taxis hitting passersby, underage drunkards lining the street for a table at Tryst or gathering together for one last charge to Ben’s Chili Bowl where, inevitably, they will vomit while in line.

I love Ben’s. And Jumbo Slice. And Tryst.

But if these places resemble the awkward-yet-self-assuring gropings of a new hookup, the Little Fountain Café resembles that of a sophisticated, older, wiser lover. We’re talking “Tell Me You Love Me” passion here. There’s artwork you want to make love to; there’s food you can savor. It’s a night out that offers glimpses into why you choose to stay monogamous.

Image of Little Fountain Cafe (and Angles) by furcafe and used with permission.

The Café gives you both romance and affordability. It’s an escape from the typical craziness of 18th St. and an oasis of high caliber, flavorful food, in a world of pub fare with hurried hospitality and great ethnic cuisine. Little Fountain Café is a safe, comfortable place to enjoy the night with a friend or loved one without the pressure of rushing out the door. Since most patrons prefer to dress up a bit for a meal here, the atmosphere is that much more sophisticated.

Lest I give you the impression that the Café is stuffy, let me steer you toward the truth. Wednesdays are half-price wine night, and um, this is gold. Gold. The wine list is diverse though predominantly full of mid-to-high end priced bottles (the average is about $40). Additionally, several local wine options give diners an opportunity to expand their palates and try something new. The staff was very accommodating in allowing us to try different wines until we settled on something for dinner.

We didn’t have to settle for our dinner, though; I can recall few meals as delicious. The cheese plate trio was superb. Pecan encrusted brie, goat cheese with pepper oil, and gorgonzola and honeyed walnuts made for a must-order starter. Portions were more than adequate (for two), bread was fresh, and the suggested wine pairings with the cheese appetizer was welcome. The spinach and Little Fountain salads were highlighted by brilliant touches of candied pecans, light dressing, and organic vegetables. Also, and this can’t be underoverstated, the timing and presentation of the various courses was impeccable. There was a real focus on service and appropriate periods of time between portions of your meal.

The entrees were equally as impressive, chief among them being the loin pork chop. Good lord. Stuffed with andouille sausage, shrimp, and presented on a bed of asparagus and red-wine demi-glaze, the chop was grilled to perfection. The vegetables were a great compliment but the pork was just out of this world. What a great collection of flavors from top to bottom. Specifically, the demi-glaze, touched with a bit of honey, when combined with the sausage-shrimp stuffing is truly bold. The spices were not gratuitous but the pork-sausage-shrimp trifecta is second to none. When presented with the asparagus you end up with quite a forkful. Again, portions were generous.

The roasted chicken was quite good as well. Garnished with a savory garlic au jus the chicken prepared simply, extremely flavorful but not over-spiced, and a great option for the more traditional palate that doesn’t like to stray far from the familiar. Similarly, the pan-seared beef filet was beautifully prepared, cooked properly, and complimented nicely by the bleu-cheese butter and potato side dish, a great twist on a classic mashed potato. Bacon, parsley, and sour cream top a simple milk and butter mashed potato which is then baked in the oven. Surprisingly, this is not a heavy dish; thankfully, it does not detract from the filet.

Perhaps most impressive is the Café’s ability to turn simple dishes into new and adventurous meals with exciting complementary dishes and wine pairings. The delicious food, diverse wine selection, excellent service, and enticing atmosphere create the perfect storm for a great night out. Your dining experience is complete, efficient, and enjoyable. The food is reasonably priced for a restaurant of this caliber. Appetizers range from $7 to $11, salads are $8, and entrees range from $21 to $29, but it’s worth it, especially for those who are celebrating something special or looking to escape from a week of craziness.

Take my word, the Little Fountain Café will not disappoint. Give them a ring for a reservation and stop by Angles, the bar upstairs, for a great drink before heading home.

The Little Fountain Café
2339 18th St., NW
202-462-8100
Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan