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Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Tips for Dining, Eating, and Food Shopping in DC/Baltimore and Suburban Virginia

Can't Miss DC Lunch Spots?

My husband and I moved from DC 1 1/2 years ago and will be back for about 24 hours and want to eat well while there! We have Thursday dinner mapped out (Rasika, we miss it oh so much!) but I'm blanking on where to go for a Friday lunch. We're staying in Capitol Hill but have access to a car and know the city well. Is there anything new we should not miss? We are open to all cuisines but probably want to stay in the moderately priced range ($15-$20/per person).
Thanks!

    12 Replies so Far

    1. There is so much that is new and something I consider a don't miss. Is there any type of cuisine you want, any place you didn't get to?

      I love the mussels at Brasserie Beck, I really like Sonoma, Rays Hell Burger is something I crave when I leave DC. Where do you live what isn't as good there?

        1. re: ktmoomau

          We live in Minneapolis, a decent food town in its own right (great Thai, Ethiopian, Italian) but we've been really missing Greek/Mediterranean food, solid Mexican, the aforementioned Rasika and great sushi. There isn't much we don't like but I'd love to hit somewhere delicious in DC.

            1. re: MNkateo

              one of my favorite lunch spots is greek deli at 19th and I downtown...nowhere to sit but the food is so good. you could always get carryout, find a park bench and people-watch. I know it sounds silly but everything is so good...string beans, avgolemno (though it's a bit hot for soup right now), spanakopita, it is all so wonderful.

                1. re: MNkateo

                  The new Cava on Barracks Row is great for Greek food. Right across from the Marine Corps Barracks.
                  I adore the grilled octopus. Total mezze/small plates menu so you can try soooo many things - and you'll want to! Also don't miss the lamb chops.

                    1. re: MakingSense

                      I 2nd Cava. It's very good, has outdoor seating and is mezze/tapas style so you can sample a bunch of different things.

                      There is a zucchini fritters dish that is to die for!

                        1. re: MakingSense

                          Third Cava. And the grilled octopus.

                          • re: MNkateo

                            That said it isn't new, but why not go for the bento boxes at Sushi Kaz for lunch, I have seen from posts on donrockwell they have a really good lunch deal. If you wanted somewhere new you could go to Zentan or Sei for sushi. If you go to Zentan get sushi and maybe the slaw, I wasn't too impressed with their other warm dishes, ok, but not the flavorful dish I thought I would get. I haven't been to Sei, but their sushi menu looks really good.

                            Cava is new and good for Mediterranean.

                            I think the most solid Mexican is Guajillo, but it isn't new, either.

                          • Do check out the lunch special at Vidalia. Such tasty and gorgeous food for such a tiny price: three courses for $19.90.

                              1. I would go to Central for lunch. It's such a great restaurant and it's nice during lunch because you don't need to deal with how loud the restaurant can get sometimes.

                                I also hear great things about the Proof lunch deal. I believe it might only be at the bar but it's in your price range and I believe it includes a glass of wine (you should double check this though.)

                                Another good place would be Matchbox (either up on the Hill or in Penn Quarter). You can get salads and mini-burgers or pizza.

                                  1. re: Elyssa

                                    I had thought about Central for a lunch spot, but wasn't sure if they required khaki's or not. My main issue is going to be that I'll be outside most of the day and away from where I could change clothes.

                                    • If you don't feel like a nice table-service lunch that day, stop by Taylor Gourmet on H Street NE for awesome subs.

                                        1. Lickety Split lunch at Restaurant Eve in Old Town Alexandria. Unbelievable deal and amazing food, if you're willing to drive out there.

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