Looking for restaurant recommendations for the Penn Quarter area of Washington DC. Not looking for Michelin prices, just good food. Thank you.

tapas, paella: https://www.jaleo.com/washington-dc-menus/#food-menus

Turkish, Greek, Lebanese: https://www.zaytinya.com

Both the above are from Jose Andres.

“American bistro with a French accent”: https://www.centralmichelrichard.com

We have enjoyed these three over the years. Could you be more specific about what tou are hoping to find?

Rasika (Penn Quarter) -- Indian
Jaleo -- Spanish tapas. Can get loud; consider the patio.
Zaytinya -- Greek / Turkish mezze. Can get loud; consider the patio.
Clyde's -- American. Great crab cakes.

I agree with all of the above.

I would also add another tapas place to the recommended list. Around the block from Zaytinya is Boqueria.

I won't give out any blanket recommendations, but I will recommend specific dishes:

All of these are Jose Andres restaurants. Order two tapas at a time, then you don't over-order.

Don't miss the smoked beet salad and the horta salata at Zaytinya. (Eastern Med)
Patatas bravas, spinach with raisins and apples, beet salad with citrus, grilled asparagus with romesco at Jaleo (Spanish)
Lomo saltado and aeropuerto at China Chilcano. (Chifa Cuisine) Do not order the ceviches, for that see below.
Albondigas, Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo Negro, Ceviche con citricos at Oyamel (Mexican) Do not order tacos here or at any restaurant that is precious.

All of the above restaurants and many others use the InKind app. You simply download the app on your phone, register, and when it comes time to pay your bill, you enter your restaurant check # and pay on the app. The price reductions are serious. No interaction needed with the server or the restaurant. If you visit any of these restaurant websites, they will encourage you to sign up for the app.

You will need reservations at the above.

Also, the miso ramen at Daikaya is serious. I do not think they take reservations.

Thank you all for your suggestions. This is what I was looking for. We will be there for 4 days in September.

https://www.lincolnswaffleshop.com/

Quite the experience.