Compass Rose feels like a secret garden, set in a discreet townhouse a whisker from 14th St's buzz. The exposed brick walls and sky-blue ceiling give it a casually romantic air. The menu is a mash-up of global comfort foods, so dinner might entail Jamaican curried lamb, Argentinian asado (rib eye with chimichurri) and Georgian khachapuri (buttery, cheese-filled bread).

　　They're unique flavors for DC, but Rose manages to steer clear of trendiness. No reservations, though waiting at the bar sipping offbeat wines and cocktails from around the world makes time pass quickly.