If we can't get a reservation at Levante's, here are a few ideas (assuming we want to do Dupont Circle area)

Scion - haven't eaten there, but it got a best new restaurant award from somewhere and the menu sounds good (contemporary American, sort of fusiony, interesting cocktails)

La Tomate or Odeon - both Italian places that always seem to be busy. Never been to either.

Pesce - good seafood and some other French inspired stuff, but might be a bit pricy. I think it is not as good as Hank's, but the latter would be impossible to get into.

Firefly - I've only been there for drinks, so not sure how the actual food is

My Dupont mainstay is Bistrot du Coin, but only if I am eating with people I don't actually want to talk with because it is way too loud to carry on a conversation there.