This summer offers the opportunity to partake in delectable culinary options around the city that are a reprieve from Leo’s. Make the most of Washington D.C.’s restaurant choices, which feature everything from ethnic cuisine to traditional American fare.

Jaleo

Celebrated chef José Andrés’ restaurant, Jaleo, brings Spanish flare and cuisine to D.C. Escape the heat with summery sangria, a wide variety of tapas — the majority of which are under $15 — and authentic paella. Although the main courses can get a little pricey, stick with small plates to make it manageable for smaller budgets or indulge inarroz caldoso de bogavante — rice with lobster — or arrozcon leche tia chita, a succulent, crispy caramelized rice pudding. Jaleo offers a casual dining atmosphere and has been hailed as one of the best restaurants in D.C.

Mate

One of D.C.’s premier destinations for sushi, Mate offers a variety of sushi rolls that range from the Snowy Beach, which consists of fresh tuna, salmon and cucumber with jumbo crab meat, scallop, kani and tobikosalad on top, to the Amazon, a more untraditional combination of avocado, cucumbers, asparagus, mango, andcilantro, covered by avocado and a special sesame sauce. Although the rolls can be a bit expensive, Mate offers a happy hour during the weekdays with discounted sushi — $4 will get you eight maki rolls — and drinks that range from $4 to $6.

Dolcezza Gelato

Recover from the D.C. humidity with artisanal gelato. With locations in Georgetown, Bethesda Row,Dupont Circle and Fairfax, Va., Dolcezza features fresh gelato made daily from local ingredients.Dolcezza advocates support of local farmers and has a constantly changing menu based on what is seasonally available. The cafe also features coffee prepared by specially trained roasters for those who need a break from Saxby’s. Although Thomas Sweet may offer a break from D.C.’s notorious summer weather, Dolcezza provides a healthier and more gourmet dessert option for those looking for something lighter during swimsuit season.

Bayou

Home to an acclaimed chef renowned for his New Orleans-style food, Bayou has affordable fare that could satisfy anyone’s cravings for Louisiana cooking. The restaurant offers seafood and Andouillesausage gumbo bowls under $10, New Orleans classics like cajun fried chicken breast and jambalayaand a variety of po’boy platters — traditional New Orleans sub sandwiches. Brunch is available on the weekends and diners can choose between everything from Bayou Benedict Surf & Turf to Bananas Foster French Toast. Bayou also has daily specials: Stop by Sundays for half-priced wine and Tuesdays for Abita beer and burger nights.

Circa

Circa, which prides itself on a thriving social scene, has locations in both Clarendon, Va., and Foggy Bottom for those looking for upscale, reasonably priced cuisine. Dinner is seafood-heavy, including caramelized diver scallops and blackened Atlantic salmon, although sandwiches and Neopolitanflatbreads are available. Happy hour is offered every weekday, and they have a late-night menu with everything from chicken wings to Nutella truffles for those who enjoyed happy hour a little bit too much.

Sea Catch

For those looking to treat someone special to an upscale seafood dinner overlooking the C&O Canal, Sea Catch offers seafood dishes made with seasonal and local ingredients. Happy hour is offered after 5 p.m. every weekday, although very few prices dip below the $10 range. The dinner menu provides access to a raw bar with a variety of shellfish and tantalizing options from wild burgundy escargot with garlic butter to seared tuna au poivre served with potato gnocchi, mushrooms, peas and a parmesan cream sauce. Reservations recommended.