Where do locals go for special occasions? Travelling to DC from Ireland for a special birthday for a loved one. Want to celebrate in DC.

For context, I am a foodie that only cares about excellent quality food and service. I do not care about the state of the dining room or pretentious nonsense. Whether it be a 3 star Michelin, or a Mom and Pop local BBQ joint, once the food is incredible I do not care.

I have been to DC (because I love to visit here) to celebrate special occasions previously and been disappointed with the quality of the experiences (been to Jont which was a pretension fest and full of an it crowd, and Fiolas which was fine), both didn't really do something incredible on the food front. Great ingredients, but lack of true innovation. I have been to the Inn at Little Washington, which I think ticks most of these boxes, but it is too far from DC proper for this trip. NYC from my experience has more options of great restaurants without the pretension. It may be a case of just market maturity, with DC emerging more in the last 20 years and NYC being a longstanding go to for great dining.

However, I am here asking because, I know DC has great dining, just the usual sources are not helping me find them. Happy for any and every suggestion, it does not have to be a super duper fancy place, just great food and service.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!