| Cielo Rojo in Takoma Park is great and affordable. Foodie vibe. They have outdoor seating too. |
Appetizer $20 max and entrees $40 max. We don't drink, and would probably split dessert so I guess $150 total before tip? |
If you were ok to go up to $200 Rooster and Owl is really great. |
| Wait for August 12-18 and do restaurant week? |
| How about either Evelyn Rose or Le Bistro in Vienna, they are next door to each other on Church Street. Affordable compared to downtown. They get a range of casual to upscale diners. |
| I lived in NYC for grad school and we used to go to the top restaurants for lunch. Often they served many of the same dishes as at dinner time but for a lot less. I know you want to do a special dinner but this may get you further. |
Ellie Bird is the little sister of Rooster & Owl and is also great. Fixed 3 course menu for $55. |
| Meli Mezze in Adams Morgan |
Red Hen |
There are so many good restaurants that fit this bill. Any nice Italian easily. L'Ardente is an occasion restaurant and their famous 40 layer lasagna is $38. |
Lord no. |
That works actually. We don't drink. |
|
Mannequin Pis in Olney.
https://www.mannequinpis.com/ |
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Cubanos—I remember the silver spring location being more white table cloth than Bethesda
Places on our similar foodie on a budget list that we haven’t tried but also can’t say for sure is lower budget: Lime and Cilantro in Silver Spring is new and I’ve heard very foodie vibe. La Canela upscale Peruvian La Panetteria Salt and Vine Tavira Portuguese |