Looking for restaurants in DC where one can expect to pay about $40-50 ( or less) for two for dinner. We are staying downtown,but we are open to taking the metro to other areas of the city for dinner. Thanks.

Two restaurants I like in the Dupont Circle area that are definitely in that price range, and very good, are Anna Maria's (Italian) and City Lights (Chinese). Both are on Connecticut avenue in a block or two north of the Q St metro exit. Anna Maria's is very pretty, also, a very nice dining experience. I never see it mentioned in most restaurants reviews of DC, I don't know why, everything I've had there has been very good and I prefer it to the more expensive trendy Italian restaurants like I Ricci (which really underwhelmed me for its price which is 2-3x that of Anna Maria's). In Georgetown, Aditi (Indian) is very good and cheap and I also like Bistro Francais (cuisine just what it sounds like), prices are pretty reasonable there, although probably a little more than the others I mentioned.

Lauriol Plaza at 18th and S St, NW.
Central American/Mexican food. It's my favorite restaurant. Stylish new building too. If it's nice outside, sit up on the roof deck.

I'm amazed Anna Maria's is still there--I used to eat there 30 years ago! It is nice. There used to be a pretty decent Greek restaurant across the street. Also, We enjoy just walking around Adams Morgan area (Go straight North up Connecticut Ave from Dupont Circle and past the big hotel where Reagan was shot-- is it still the Hilton? -- then turn right) and choosing on the spur-of-the moment based on reading the menus posted (and looking to see if the place is relatively busy!) Of course you can always grab a cab and ask him to take you to Adams Morgan.

Yep, it's still the "Hinckley" Hilton.

Had a great meal recently in that price range at The Grill from Ipanema--quick cab ride from DuPont Circle.

If you like fresh fish and seafood, Grillfish is very good value for the money. I recently had a great rainbow trout dinner there and also tasted my companions' scallops and lobster which were also excellent. The wine list is really reasonable also. It's at 1200 New Hampshire, near M & 21st if I recall correctly (?).

I also agree with the recommendation for Lauriol Plaza. Love their seafood enchiladas, fresh chips & salsa, and their margaritas. Great prices, but very crowded & popular so get there early.

If you are willing to take the metro, one of my favorite restaurants is Lebanese Taverna, just across the street from the Woodley Park metro station. They have fantastic food and a huge menu with reasonable prices. I highly recommend the special hummus with arabic bread and the sharhat ghanam (thinly-sliced lamb with potatoes). The stuffed grape leaves are very good too.

Found a great mexican place at 400 first street SE called tortilla coast! great atmosphere, and reasonably priced!
across the street from the Capitol south metro stop. recommended by employees at the Capitol!

By all means buy a a DC Zagat's and look in the front for the best bang for the buck. Also, suggest taking Metor's Orange Line into VA to Clarendon, and try the Vietnamese places across the street. Also, places on H Street NW (Chinatown) ... such as Carlie Chang's (Mongolian Bar-b-que). Jaleo on 7th Street can be done for $40 at lunch if you're careful. Suggest avoiding places on Cap. Hill an Adams Morgan ... a bit over-priced, tourist for not that great a quality. Red Sage can be done for $40 at lunch, if you sit in the bar.

Filomena - heart of Georgetown (Wisconsin ave Below "M" street)great food, great service, make reservations and sit as close to the open kitchen as possible- arrive early and watch the pasta being made in the window!
Cafe Berlin - neat row House near Union Station - great schnitzel - enchanting!
Murphy's (King St. Old Town Alexandria) check for live irish music, dart playing upstairs, very casual & local-friendly. Great tap and fish & chips
Barcelona- old town Alexandria - casual, great sangria, good for a group gathering!
kinkeads - Georgetown - can be pricy but would be worth it - the bill can be limited according to how you order - everything is via signature chef.
King Street Blues - Old town alexandria - feel good/homesick good old fashion comfort food - great prices !
Sala Thai - off Dupont circle on P st. amazing thai food ! (Village like atmosphere)
Cactus Cantina - upper wisconsin ave (close to American Univ) college crowd, homemade tortillas - expect long waits in the eve.
If still in business : Al Tiramisu - at 20th at Dupont Circle- exotic setting for really good italian food, homemade sauces, great seafood!