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Adour, one of Washington D.C.’s finest restaurants, is located in the St. Regis Washington D.C. at 932 16th Street NW, at the corner of 16th and K Streets. Should you arrive by car, parking for the Four-Star restaurant is available via the hotel entrance. If you decide to valet park, it will cost you $8. You can also reach the restaurant via the Metro. Adour is a short walk, approximately two blocks, from the Orange Line’s McPherson Square Metro stop. Of course, if you’re staying at the St. Regis hotel, your commute is seemingly painless since you don’t even have to leave the building.

The casual atmosphere, the top-notch service, the mouthwatering menu—there’s so much to like about Adour, the St. Regis Washington D.C.’s fine dining restaurant. Here are five other things you need to know:

1. Alain Ducasse. He’s the restaurant’s celebrated founder and owner. The Ducasse name has turned the Four-Star hotel’s restaurant into a dining destination for locals, guests and out-of-towners alike, crafting fine contemporary French cuisine with an emphasis on the local and seasonal.

2. It’s expensive. But worth it. The standard menu items hover around the $40 mark and can be served with or without wine pairings. The menu at the restaurant rotates seasonally, with new tweaks and dishes appearing on a daily and weekly basis.

3. Macaroons. These house-made treats are served gratis at the end of each meal. They’re a coveted item in and of themselves.

4. Make a reservation early. The well-known restaurant seats less than 100 and fills up quickly, particularly during prime dining hours and on weekends. Make a reservation at least a week or more in advance.

5. It’s more casual than you’d expect. Despite the tony location (inside the St. Regis hotel) and the Alain Ducasse name, modern décor and a friendly staff ensure Adour feels contemporary and welcoming rather than stuffy. Expect exceptional cuisine and service and perfectly plated dishes, but you won’t find anything fussy or prissy on this menu.

Fear not if you bring a small group to dinner at Adour, the Four-Star restaurant housed inside the St. Regis Washington D.C. Tables of up to eight can dine together in the main dining area, while larger parties of up to 14 may opt for the semi-private dining space, which can accommodate up to 22. Despite the restaurant’s high level of service, cuisine, and attention to detail, tables are set in a variety of sizes throughout the restaurant. A number of couples do opt to dine at the restaurant for special occasions, but big groups won’t feel awkward. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, well suited for a group of diners. To secure your group table, be sure to book a reservation at least a week in advance, as the well-known Adour fills up fast.

Designed to simultaneously blend the St. Regis hotel’s Italian renaissance décor with a more modern, fresh feel, Adour offers a contemporary modern design, with white leather banquettes, cozy circular booths in silvery leather, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows to let in natural light. A highlight of the dining room is the temperature controlled glass wine vaults that flank the room’s ends, separating a semi-private dining area from the main dining space and offering a glimpse into the restaurant’s fine wine selection. The sophisticated, clean décor lends itself well to the tasty French cuisine that appears on the plate set before you.

The “best” table at Adour depends on your preferences. For privacy, reserve the semi-private dining space, available for up to 14 guests. Those who want to know what’s happening in the rest of the main dining area should ask for cozy circular booth, dressed in sleek metallic leather. These booths can seat up to six but can also be used for an intimate couple’s experience. If you crave a view of the entire room, the banquette tables near the front of the Four-Star restaurant offer views of the entire dining space. If you hope to snag one of the best seats in the house, we suggest calling ahead to secure your spot.