A perfect dining guide would read your mind.

Technology doesn’t allow for that – yet – but I can share my favorite restaurants in and around Washington, based on recent months of visiting previous picks to see if they still measure up, and discovering a slew of new places to appreciate.

With a hundred research meals under my increasingly tight belt, I can tell you this is the year of caviar as the default garnish, improved vegetarian options, off-the-menu “secrets” and tableside everything: drinks, duck and sushi made before your eyes. The current dining scene is also awash in seaweed, banh mi (traditional and reimagined) and shrimp toast, which reminds me to tell you that Washington is enjoying an Asian moment right now. Indeed, four of my Top 10 favorites look to China, Korea, the Philippines and/or Thailand for inspiration.

This year, we’ve added a couple features to make finding what you want easier. One is a Hall of Fame comprising 10 restaurants that have stood the test of time and serve as standard-bearers in the region. Another is a finder that lets you pinpoint restaurants that are quiet, vegetarian-friendly, suitable for special occasions or groups — factors you’ve told me determine where you choose to eat. Read on to find out which of my picks is the unicorn in the bunch: simultaneously easy on the ears, welcoming to those who forgo meat, and a deal.

As before, my colleague Tim Carman shares his picks for bargain restaurants. And just like with the 19 fall dining guides that have preceded this one, my hope is that some of my favorites become yours.