DC area Restaurants with consistently great food that aren't super expensive

[Anonymous]

Seriously, are there any? I already struggle to think of a great restaurant I've been to in the DC area (particularly in Bethesda, where I live) that have consistently great food without having to spend a lot of money.

I'm talking about food that's fresh and the ingredients are well balanced, the food is prepared in a way that makes it seem like someone actually cares about food, and the food tastes good without being overly sauced/fried/spiced into oblivion. It could even be something really simple, like a great sandwich or salad place.

Or, if you can't name any places that are great and inexpensive ($50 or less for 2 entrees), then which places are actually worth paying the money for?

Can be sit down or take away.

[Anonymous]

I will be the first to respond.

I really like Central in downtown DC. Great food, that is often simple but delicious. Same prices at lunch and dinner except that there is 3 course lunch every day for about $21. Chef food like cheese puffs, great bread, lovely onion soup, Brussels sprouts. Wow, I am getting hungry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I will be the first to respond.

I really like Central in downtown DC. Great food, that is often simple but delicious. Same prices at lunch and dinner except that there is 3 course lunch every day for about $21. Chef food like cheese puffs, great bread, lovely onion soup, Brussels sprouts. Wow, I am getting hungry.

Central Michel Richard? I went there once but it was 10 years or so ago. I don't remember anything standing out about the experience, but I would give it another shot.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Central Michel Richard.

What stands out for me is how good and simple the food is

[Anonymous]

In that same vein, Mintwood Place. Palena when it was open. Tosca.

[Anonymous]

Back to OP's original question:

I happen to like Eggspectation. We go to the one in Ellicott City, but there's one in Silver Spring.

[Anonymous]

Chipotle!

[Anonymous]

Fish Taco
Olazzo
Wild Tomato
Geppetto (they deliver!)

[Anonymous]

A little more but worth it:
Bistro Provence
Blacks

[Anonymous]

Ben's Chili Bowl

[Anonymous]

Cava

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fish Taco
Olazzo
Wild Tomato
Geppetto (they deliver!)

Someone told me that Fish Taco was opening up another restaurant in the Wildwood shopping center - the one with Geppettos in it. I have t been able to find any documented information about this. Does anyone know if this is true or not?

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Chipotle and Cava.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for Chipotle and Cava.

Cava and Cosi, yes for sandwiches and salad. Always fresh and never disappoint. And not $$$.

[Anonymous]

Fishnet in College Park.