Ray's East River was wonderful and very affordable but sadly they closed. I'm guessing the other Ray's restaurants might fit this,too, but I haven't been to them.

Anonymous wrote:Toki Underground! You do have to go early or wait forever.

+1.
Also Daikaya, both ramenya downstairs and izakaya upstairs. They never disappoint.

Toki Underground! You do have to go early or wait forever.

Asian places.

Anonymous wrote:Founding Farmers in Potomac
Eastonville off U street
Ullah Bistro on U street

Founding Farmers is so overrated. I love the farm-to-table concept but feel it's poorly executed; I was surprised at how unhealthy most of the menu options were (lots of bacon, deep fried things). Desserts and cocktails were pretty good though. The fact that people think this is a great restaurant shows how hard up DC is for great restaurants.

Also overrated - Le Diplomat. I wanted it to be good, but the cooking was sloppy and it's obvious their kitchen doesn't really care about the quality of the food. Cute decor though.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ben's Chili Bowl

because that's a joke, right?

I actually think the half smoke lives up to the hype. Obviously not fine dining but that dish is solid. However it will not leave you feeling good.

For those saying Chipotle, Peri Peri and Cava, you cannot be serious. They are consistently good at best, but not great. - OP

You are mighty picky for someone looking for mid range prices. I love Cava for what it is - for dinner for 2 for $20 I think it delivers. Same with Nandos, although that's usually about $25 for 2.

Founding Farmers in Potomac
Eastonville off U street
Ullah Bistro on U street

Anonymous wrote:Black Market Bistro.

For a little more $$ and a white tablecloth, Vidalia. But you can save money with their 3-course prix fixe every day. (19.90 for lunch, 29.90 for dinner, often with upcharges for stuff like foie gras.)

On M Street? I spent $250 on dinner for 2 the last time that I went there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any of Jose Andres's places (Jaleo, Zatinya, etc.)

Love Zaytinya but it can be pricey. The small plates add up, probably outside OPs budget.

I've been to Zaytinya. It was fine but nothing special. I recall the cocktails being better than the food - OP

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ben's Chili Bowl

because that's a joke, right?

I actually think the half smoke lives up to the hype. Obviously not fine dining but that dish is solid. However it will not leave you feeling good.

For those saying Chipotle, Peri Peri and Cava, you cannot be serious. They are consistently good at best, but not great. - OP

Anonymous wrote:Any of Jose Andres's places (Jaleo, Zatinya, etc.)

Love Zaytinya but it can be pricey. The small plates add up, probably outside OPs budget.

On the VA side, I like to frequent Del Ray Cafe. Great quality of food for the price point.

Also -- Lyon Hall/Liberty Tavern, Society Fair.

Any of Jose Andres's places (Jaleo, Zatinya, etc.)

Anonymous wrote:Ben's Chili Bowl

because that's a joke, right?

Anonymous wrote:In Bethesda/NW in the midrange I like Et Voila, Mon Ami Gabi, Fish Taco, Praline, Jaleo, Raku, Food Wine & Co., Rosa Mexicano.

Love Cava and Nando's but that's more fast casual (so's Fish Taco but its a little pricier).

For sandwiches/lunch - Fresh Baguette.

Should have added Two Amys - we go there (often sit in the bar area) or take out from there more than anyplace else.