 The French owners used to run clubs before opening The Little Door, which explains why the restaurant is hidden behind wood doors and not particularly visible from the street. Crowds have been flocking for years through these doors, more for the atmosphere than for the food. A replica of a hideaway on the Riviera, the romantic courtyard, under a retractable roof, featuring a burbling fountain and candles flickering in the breeze, makes you feel you have escaped on vacation somewhere between Nice and Cannes. The interior spaces, while cozy, are not nearly as desirable. Unfortunately, the food does not live up to the ambience. Even though the kitchen uses quality ingredients, many dishes lack the bold flavors of Provence, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Among the specialties are spicy Mediterranean black mussels, seven-vegetable couscous, lamb tagine, and pistachio-crusted diver scallops with blood orange and rosemary sauce. Desserts are simple like crème brûlée and chocolate cake. All of this comes at a high price; that must be the reason why the bar, which only serves wine, is always busy. For affordable items like a Maryland blue crab melt and Moroccan lamb stew, visit Little Next Door, the restaurant's deli and wine shop.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
