GBD for fried chicken and donuts. CF folks is great for lunch, I always get the fish special of the day. Mourayo has good Greek food as does the more casual Zorbas, both on Conn north of the circle. I love ping pong dim sum, though it's not traditional dim sum. Bistro du coin is great too. The food at Kramerbooks is overpriced but the pies are good and it's a fun place to explore. Sushi HH at Thai chef, drinks and bar food at Maddy's.

I just moved out of the area and now I miss it!

Love Bistro du Coin!

And if you want to take a bottle of wine back to your hotel room, Connecticut Ave. Wine & Liquor (Conn. & Q, across the street from the metro entrance).

If you want your coffee and pastries local (and great), not from one of the big chains: Firehook at Q & 19th, or Marvelous Market on Connecticut just below Q.
If you're one of those serious-about-your-coffee people, Filter on 20th.

+1 to Hank's.
If you like sushi, Sushi Taro at 17th & P. Expensive and worth it. (Though there are a few surprisingly affordable lunch options.)
Next door to that, Komi. If you have $400 for two, want one of those once-in-a-lifetime meals, and called a month ago for a reservation. If this appeals to you, call and see if you can sweet-talk your way in or if they have any cancellations. It's amazing.
Next door to that, and downstairs, Little Serow. By the owners of Komi--spicy Northern Thai food, multi-course-tasting style. No menu, you eat what they serve you. No reservations, you start queuing up at 5:00. (They'll take a # and then text you when your table is ready; you can go have a drink and a few oysters at Hank's while you wait.)

Food corner on 21/P, better kabob than moby dick.
Or Panas right below it, empanadas, a million times better than Julia's.

Shake shack, great burger. Gourmet burger -- DGS's is super good. My favorite burger in DC.

Bistrot du coin, second that. Also Hank's, ate there today.

Bub & Pop's -- amazing sub shop.

Teaism is really nice and a fairly unique place. Definitely worth doing at least once.

Boqueria has good tapas at 19th & M. Two doors above that on 19th, tucked out of the way, is the New Orleans Po'Boy shop. Authentic stuff if you like Po'Boys (or etouffee, or beignets, or biscuits and gravy for breakfast ...)
If you want great white tablecloth dining, Vidalia on M St. And if you want it affordable, they have a $20 3-course prix fixe lunch, or a good wine happy hour at the bar.
If you want really good, damn-the-diet sandwiches, in a basement shop with zero atmosphere, Bub & Pop's on M Street. Better takeout than eat-in. But they're really good sandwiches.

If you're a beer nerd, definitely Pizzeria Paradiso. The Neapolitan pizza is also good, though I'm kind of over Neapolitan pizza. But it's a beer destination.

One other good lunch spot, with gourmet food at a tiny counter, is C.F. Folks.

Stay away from Big Hunt, Bistro du Coin, and Rosemary's Thyme. Hanks, Paradiso, and DGS Deli are good choices.

Yes to Hank's, Tabard and Bistro du Coin. Teaism is great too.

I liked La Tomate.

I thought Ping Pong Dim Sum was putrid.

Teasim, Bistro Du Coin, Pizza Paradiso, and Hank's are great suggestions!

My personal favorite: Moby Dick House Of Kabob
(a local, counter-service, Persian chain, food freshly prepared and delicious! I like the chicken and pita or chicken w/ rice, and hummus on the side.)

Oh, also

Teaism

Anonymous wrote:Pizzaria Paradiso
Le Pain Quotidien is a chain, but it's good for breakfast

Vote no on LPQ.

Check out chowhound and tom sietsema on Washington Post for some good recs.

G St food is quick and good for solo fast dining.

Sakana for sushi.

Ditto kramerbooks and afterwords.

Tabard inn for the atmosphere and history (food can be awesome but its hit or miss)

Grew up in Dupont. Yes, been to la tomate at least twice for family dinner, so not sure if that counts.

Anonymous wrote:Some of these are terrible suggestions!

Awesomely helpful to OP.

Anonymous wrote:Some of these are terrible suggestions!

Well, without additional commentary (i.e., which ones you don't like and which you would recommend) this is a terrible post!