We're looking for 4 moderate DC restaurants for dinner for an upcoming stay - not "splurge" places, but $30-40 per person is OK. We're staying at the Grand Hyatt downtown. I've been referred to Pesce, Ebbitt Grill, and Fogo de Chao. What would you recommend? Thanks.

I'm a huge fan of Jaleo, which is near the Grand Hyatt, on 7th and E Streets. It is a Spanish tapas place.

I would consider Fogo de Chao only if your party has REALLY big appetites. It is WAY too much food - though the quality is excellent.

I'll second Jaleo - still the best of all José Andrés' places (and the one you are most likely to find him). If any restaurant could get by resting on its laurels - it is Jaleo. But it DOESN'T - it is as good as when it first opened - if not better.

Other excellent close-by moderate choices are Proof, Oyamel, and Central Michel Richard.

Hi, MarleneK -

You might consider Sabores (Spanish +) or Sorriso (Italian). Not right by your hotel, but easy to reach on the red line metro at Cleveland Park. Or Tono Sushi in Woodley Park, again right by the red line metro.

Enjoy!

I work in that your area and have hit many/most of the restaurants for business lunches. I have enjoyed meals at most all, but I heartily recommend:
Jaleo (tapas)
Rasika (upscale Indian)
Oya* (Asian/French)
Brasserie Beck (Belgian - EXCELLENT fries)
Zengo* (Asian, Mexican fusion)
Zola* (in the Spy Museum)
Tosca* (Italian)
Central* (new American - very tasty!)
Ten Penh* (southeast Asian)
Les Halles (French brasserie)
Oceanaire* (seafood in a steakhouse mold)
Old Ebbitt Grill
Clyde's (American; a variety, but a great burger)
Matchbox DC (pizza) (friends love, but I've not been to yet)
McCormick & Schmick (seafood; good, but chain)

I definitely believe that Fogo at dinner may be outside your budget - I think it's $45 per person. All of the restaurants above can be done within your budget at lunch; I'm not as familiar with dinner. I would check the menus available online to see if the offerings and prices meet your needs. All should be available at www.opentable.com (you'll want Downtown or Penn Quarter).

I'd second Ten Penh, Jaleo, and Central. I'd also add Cafe Atlantico, Ceiba, or Chef Geoff's. I like Zaytinya too, and Zola's for drinks at the bar.

* Brasserie Beck (as someone mentioned, awesome fries...but they also have a fabulous Belgian beer menu about 18 pages long as well as some really fantastic mussels and entrees)
* Zaytinya
* Jaleo

I'm not a fan of Old Ebbitt Grill.