Sfoglina in Rosslyn (Italian), La Piquette in Cathedral Heights (French), Old Ebbitt Grill, Michel Richard Central or Unconventional Diner downtown (American/something for everyone), Spanish Diner in Bethesda, Sushiko in Friendship Heights, Brine in Dupont Circle (seafood). None of these are cheap eats, but depending on how you order they can be reasonable and will satisfy foodies.

I always look at the Bib Gourmand and Michelin lists when foodies come to town. Do they have a preference for a particular cuisine such as French, Japanese, etc.? What part of town are they staying in?

Anonymous wrote:Pollo Rico only half kidding. It’s delicious and where else do you have to stand in line like that.

I think OP should throw in one or two cheap but popular locations. El pollo Rico is definitely worth a visit - I would have them go with you but then take it home or sit in a nearby park.

The oats;Ian store and lost dog are two other super casual places that have a cult following.

Lapis

Pollo Rico only half kidding. It’s delicious and where else do you have to stand in line like that.

I like the PP’s idea of pairing a place with a fun or interesting area. Also consider one of Enrique Limardo’s restaurants- he’s the new Jose Andres around here. Seven Reasons is great but he has several to choose from now.
I like Eater DC for ideas- they usually have a “heat map” or current top 30 with details about each place.

Jaleo definitely.

Huong Viet at Eden Center and get the Vietnamese crepe.

Raku for Japanese

She might like Rasika. I'm Indian. Rasika is good for things that are more Asian fusion as compared to traditional Indian. I do like the Tandoori salmon and spinach chaat a lot, and they're famous for the spinach chaat.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Elle in Mount Pleasant (can also do La Tejana for breakfast tacos on the same street)

Yellow in Georgetown (now has dinner service as well).

As someone mentioned look for a highly rated Ethiopian place with outdoor seating.

Nina May could be ok but might get a bit pricy

Yellow is soooo goooood. That would be the one foodie destination in my mind. I think you could get it to go and sit by the waterfront?

I am a major foodie and was underwhelmed by ELLE.

Opal in Chevy chase is my new favorite.

Anonymous wrote:How about something more on the iconic side, like Ben's Chili Bowl?

apparently, MD is known for blue crab and old bay, but VA is known for peanut soup.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/packages/best-food-in-america/photos/most-iconic-food-united-states

How about something more on the iconic side, like Ben's Chili Bowl?

My Cravingz in Manassas. Was completely blown away by the cool experience. It is Turkish food and best to go on a Saturday or Sunday at brunch time.

Anonymous wrote:Why do people keep posting Vietnamese? There are better Vietnamese restaurants in places like LA and even Houston. I would not say DC area is know for its Vietnamese food.

Eden Center has good Vietnamese food, per my Vietnamese friends. Definitely do NOT do Four Sisters; it's not what it used to be, once it shifted to Mosaic. I don't know any other region in Metro DC that has good Vietnamese food.

Blacksalt is wonderful. It’s not hip but it’s terrific. Bit pricier than you want but maybe you can balance it out by doing great pizza one night.

Why do people keep posting Vietnamese? There are better Vietnamese restaurants in places like LA and even Houston. I would not say DC area is know for its Vietnamese food.

Keep in mind that the popular restaurants will be booked far in advance. Not sure how much time you have but it’s good to plan ahead as early as possible.

I would aim to visit different neighborhoods to give them a good feel for the city. Maybe Moon Rabbit at the Wharf, somewhere in Georgetown, Columbia Heights, Red Hen in Shaw, etc.