Dauphine’s Photos
Dauphine’s Popular Dishes
DAUPHINE’S ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Dauphine’s
Recommended Reviews - Dauphine’s
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
The ambiance is everything!! Such a cool place. Love all the decor. Great service, too. We went for brunch and got a bunch of different small plates: Bread service 7/10 (banana bread was the star of the show) Gumbo 6/10 (super flavorful but a bit too salty for my taste) Pommes Dauphine 5/10 (I LOVE a cream cheese and pepper jelly combo but I just didn't think the fried mashed potato worked with it) Fried Boudin Balls 7/10 (very good, shareable option! But not compelled to eat more than one or two) Oysters Dauphine 8/10 (classic oysters Rockefeller!) New Orleans Buck cocktail 10/10!!
I only came here for happy hour but I already want to return for full service dinner. I was highly impressed by the ambience and the charming nature of the staff here. *started writing a review, didn't finish, came back for brunch on a Saturday* **and now a few more times since then** Happy Hour here is always a good idea. The bartenders cool and they understand well their craft. I have not had a cocktail here that I didn't enjoy. The Sazerac is my go to, because New Orleans. Definitely get the bread service whether you're here for a meal or not. It's a great accompaniment to cocktails or a meal starter or just because you're walking by and want bread. It won't disappoint. They've also got a fun spin on bread pudding and good beignets. They do a pretty good brunch as well. This is one of my DC go-to restaurants for any occasion.
I have to start with the service. We had the absolutely best server. He gave us great suggestion and was ridiculously pleasant. He gave me real Southern charm and I was feeling the energy. He also checked on us so often, even with a Saturday night dinner rush. The food blew my mind. We ordered the baked stuffed shells and the Branzino at the suggestion of our server. To say both were amazing is an understatement. The flavor was unparalleled and all complimented each other. It was a lighter meal which I love because pasta can leave you feeling over full. For dessert we did the banana foster. Best decision I've made so far in life. It was the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Plus the presentation at the table was a cute little vibe. Looking for a little flare of Nola with great food and a vibe inside this is the spot. It paid homage to Nola in the best of ways without being too over the top. I will definitely return!
I came for restaurant week in January. The food was decent. For starters, we got the smoked chicken gumbo and lobster fritters. The gumbo was delicious just a touch salty, but I recommend! But the lobster fritters were a little underwhelming; I could barely taste the lobster. For entrees, we got the fried chicken and waffles and the catfish creole. The waffle was good, pillowy! The catfish creole was yummy, very flavorful. Beignets were yummy, pretty standard beignet. The bread pudding was good, very rich. The ambiance was super nice very beautiful inside! Service was good!
I spotted this charming and beautiful restaurant while driving. I was excited to finally dine here. Unfortunately, the food really missed the mark for me. I tried at least five items from the menu and was left unimpressed. For a restaurant characterized as New Orleans fare I was expecting the food to have better flavor. The items I ordered seemed to lack seasoning. The server even warned us that a few of the items probably wouldn't be to our liking due to the lack of flavor. We appreciated the honesty. Overall, Dauphine's offers a nice ambiance, and good service but the actual food was disappointing.
Yes, we were one of those people who came to use their Chase Sapphire Reserve credit.... BUT - we had an amazing time at Dauphines! It was my birthday, so aside from the credit we had something to celebrate and Dauphine's delivered. #1 we made our reservation through OpenTable about a week in advance, and being the holidays, the tables were pretty booked but managed to get a spot on a Sunday night. #2 in our reservation we noted that we'd like to request the Duck Jambalaya (half not expecting the restaurant would even read it). But upon being seated our waitress actually came over and told us that they held it just for us! We were super impressed. Duck Jambalaya: Honestly this was more of a "biryani"-like dish than a jambalaya. Each person gets their own plate of duck, sauerkraut, and Duck sausage. Then they serve you a bowl of the jambalaya which had pieces of duck and a Duck mousse or some sort. Once the waiter mixed it all I couldn't taste much of the mousse expect for pieces here and there, but what I did taste of it was delicious! Also for $90 there is a decent amount of duck in this dish. The jambalaya did get a little too spicy for me the more we kept eating, so if you can't handle spice like me then this may not be the dish for you. Was kind of upset because it was actually super tasty. Also not a big sauerkraut fan but I found Dauphine's sauerkraut to be a bit more mild and actually everything went well together. Fried Boudin Balls: Kind of like arancini balls but comes with sausage inside. Served with crackers, mustard, jalapeños, and sauerkraut. Again, everything worked well together. Didn't expect that a fried sausage ball on top of a pickle on a cracker with mustard was the combo I needed but I'm so glad I tried. Oysters Dauphine: This one was on me, but we ate the boudin balls before the oysters so by the time we had the oysters the cheese had congealed and the oysters were cold. So don't do that. The flavor was good and very cheesy. A super cute and cozy restaurant especially during the holidays! If you're thinking about coming here because you also havw the Chase credit, definitely recommend! We don't love coming to DC so honestly probably wouldn't come otherwise, but given how much we enjoyed it we'd consider coming back.
I really wanted to love this place. Dauphine's has all the makings of a standout dining experience before the food ever arrives. The interior is genuinely beautiful--dark wood paired with clean white subway tiles gives the space a polished, classic feel. The bar is warm and welcoming, and it immediately sets the expectation for something special. We came during Restaurant Week, and while I went in with realistic expectations, I still hoped for a solid representation of New Orleans-inspired cuisine. Unfortunately, like many other reviewers have noted, the food was bland across the board. It had the essence of New Orleans (not Nawlins) but none of the bold flavor, depth, or soul. The bread service was, without question, the best part of the meal. Warm, comforting, and the only thing we finished without hesitation. The mussels were confusing and disappointing. Sauerkraut and sour cream in the center was unexpected and not well thought out. The broth itself was boring, and because the mussels were wide open, beyond they way they open after cooking,none of the flavor had a chance to penetrate the meat. The portion was also very small. Later at the bar, we watched a couple seated next to us receive their oysters. They both took a visible double take, flipped one over to inspect whatever was sitting inside the shell, and then quietly pushed the plate away. The lobster fritters were not fritters at all. They were essentially fried mashed potato balls. Biting into a mushy, undercooked potato interior was surprising and off-putting. The blackened catfish was not blackened. It was lightly seared with a few spices, lacking the heat, crust, and complexity that define a blackened dish. The beef shank was the most decent entrée, thanks to the tomato-based component and barley. However, it was very fatty, and the tomato sauce made it impossible to see or avoid the fat. I found myself having to separate it in my mouth just to eat around it. The red beans and rice were abysmal and it should be removed from the menu. The king cake bread pudding tasted more like a dense butter cake and came with nothing more than a small dollop of vanilla ice cream. The one consistent bright spot was the bar. The Sazerac and Old Fashioned were excellent. As excited as I was going in, we only truly finished the bread and the drinks. After spending over $200, we went home and ate leftovers from Sunday dinner. Unfortunately, the food just misses the mark at every turn.
I wanted to organize a simple yet elegant (and ridiculously last-minute) birthday celebration with about 30 friends, many of whom I hadn't seen in years. Therefore the food and ambience were equally important. Dauphine's was the ideal place to host my gathering as everyone commuted from across the entire DMV. Located in the prime Midtown Center-which previously housed The Washington Post-the New Orleans-inspired restaurant is a stone's throw from the White House, National Mall, Capital One Arena and other numerous attractions that are naturally worth checking out. [FYI: The venue is metro accessible and metered street parking is available, albeit limited. For added convenience, there's a garage in the alley directly behind Dauphine's that I used (and thankfully so because I could barely move after eating so much.)] From the moment we stepped through the entrance, I felt like I was in the French Quarter. Arrive camera-ready, people, because the layout and decor are Insta-worthy. And the menu...my oh my the food and drinks were impeccably presented and mouthwateringly superb, boasting authentic Cajun and Creole touches served with a contemporary flair. Our orders were quickly delivered by a friendly, polished staff including our attentive bartender for the evening, Christian. Thank you! I had to turn my phone off the following day as my guests called and texted me virtually nonstop, raving about how much they enjoyed the NOLA vibe in such a luxurious setting. Our experience was nothing short of PERFECTION and because of that, we all plan on returning extremely soon...perhaps in a week or two but who's counting? (Raises both hands.) Check out Dauphine's for yourself, come hungry and try a bit of everything, including the beignets...honestly, they surpass the ones at Cafe Du Monde!
Dauphine's been on my list since 2022, but I forgot about it until last week. The interior has a beautiful ambiance with green accents which goes well with the holiday decor they currently have. My friend and I were sat at a table on the second floor, and the service was quick. We finished eating within an hour of arrival. Between the two of us, we shared a "small plate" and got our own "large plate." OYSTERS DAUPHINE (5) - 22 Each order comes with five oysters, and my friend was nice enough to let me eat three! The oysters were broiled, and topped generously with bits of spinach, horseradish, pecorino. It was quite savory and cheesy with a bit of a kick. Oysters themselves were pretty fresh. These were good, but nothing outstanding. BLACKENED CATFISH CREOLE - 28 In pictures, the catfish creole didn't appear the most appetizing, but I was feeling something seafood for my entree, so I took the risk. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the flavors. The sauce was very hearty and not heavy, the catfish was pan-seared perfectly, and the grits and sauteed vegetables were the perfect base and topping. I would highly recommend. SMOKED SIRLOIN STEAK - 37 My friend ordered this for himself, and we both thought the steak had the essence of Texas BBQ smokiness and flavor, but the texture of corned beef. Very interesting. It was easy to chew. Pretty good from the few bites I got to enjoy. The food was delicious, definitely better than I thought. However, the pricing is crazy. Just to share an appetizer and a "cheaper" entree (aka under $30), I paid over $50 after tax and tip. Definitely pricy!
I had high hopes about trying brunch at Dauphine's, but unfortunately my experience was extremely disappointing. I ordered the crab cake brunch entrée and when it arrived, the food was cold. I sent it back and waited about 15 minutes for a replacement. When the new dish came out, the server mentioned to be careful because the plate was very hot. After taking two bites, I noticed a large bug in the food, embedded in the sauce and spinach. It was honestly shocking and completely turned my stomach, especially considering I had already started eating it. The manager did apologize and removed the entrée from the bill, but by that point my appetite and overall experience were ruined. I was really looking forward to brunch here, but this situation made me uncomfortable and concerned about the kitchen standards. I left shortly after and will not be returning. I also wouldn't recommend this restaurant based on my experience. I'm sharing this so others are aware of what happened during my visit.
This place is beautiful inside. Large restaurant with lots of sitting areas. Cute bar seating area if you just want to grab a cocktail. Our server, Jeffrey, was EXTREMELY kind and knowledgeable. It was a Friday night so you know it was busy, but he did a great job tending to everything we needed. We ordered the boudin balls, shrimp gumbo appetizers, 2 orders of smoked steak, and blackened fish. 2 can sours and an aged French 75. I found the entrees to all be fairly bland. We asked for salt and pepper to add to both the steaks and the fish/rice underneath. The cocktails were all delicious and the boudin balls were a hit. I would love to come during happy hour during the day to check out the vibes and great drinks. Otherwise, I'm sure something else in the menu is worth getting hit I would be less interested in the food over the drinks and a select few appetizers.
insanely delicious meal from start to finish. i absolutely loved the vibe of this place. it's a large space and they've used it to full effect, fitting so much in nooks and crannies without it feeling tight. the service was perfect, and the place seemed to encourage warmth - i chatted with people at the tables on both sides of me! a lovely couple to my left recommended the fried artichokes as an appetizer, which i split with my friend. they were so good, crispy and flavorful. for a main, i got the baked stuffed shells, which were french onion flavored with soft caramelized onions and lots of gruyère. i bodied this dish lol, i practically licked the plate clean. for dessert, i got the gianduja semifreddo and my friend and i also split the bananas foster baked alaska. i got a chicory espresso martini to go with it too. the drink was strong but didn't taste like it - one of the best espresso martinis i've had, and paired so well with the semifreddo, which was otherworldly. the baked alaska was also excellent - the combination of the cinnamon and bananas was phenomenal. one of the best dining experiences i've had in a while - it so deserves its bib gourmand!
We came as a group to celebrate, during one of the live jazz brunches. I definitely recommend a reservation during brunch time. Once our entire party arrived we were seated and water quickly brought out. We did drinks and I got the a few plates for the table, the bread basket, pommes dauphine, and fried boudin balls. The bread basket and fried boudin were a hit. The pommes dauphine wasn't bad, but it was very mushy and the consensus was this wouldn't be something ordered again. For entrees there was a mix of the chicken and waffles, blackened catfish creole, crab cake, beef and sweet potato hash, and the traditional breakfast. There were no complaints in the house except for the beef and sweet potato hash. The hit dishes to definitely try are the chicken and waffles and blackened catfish creole. The waffle almost tasted like a funnel cake in waffle form. For dessert we did the bananas foster baked Alaska and that was strong! I don't think the alcohol burned off all the way so it was like a shot in a dessert. Overall, we had a really great time and majority of the dishes were really good. We will be back and definitely recommend trying out if you are in the area. read more
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thank you so much for celebrating with us during jazz brunch and for…
5 months ago
The vibes were really nice and fun, we sat at a bar table and had plenty of room to ourselves. The service was great and our server was super helpful with accommodating any allergens. The duck jambalaya was fantastic! It was so much food for the price and is definitely something I'd recommend for a different date night. The shrimp left much to be desired but the rest made up for it! read more
1 year ago
Highly recommend! My friends surprised me for dinner here to celebrate my birthday and I'm so glad they did! The food, service, ambience (decor + setup) and drinks were all so good! We shared the oysters and bread service -- both were delicious! Everyone who knows me know that I loveeee oysters! So I was pleased. For my entree, I ordered the Branzino Amandine, which comes with Louisiana rice, green beans, and satsuma! So fresh and so flavorful! The almonds set it off. I'm thinking about it now and wish I could have some. The menu has a lot of good options to from so I definitely plan on returning to try them. read more
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thanks LaKisha, I'm so glad we were able to make your birthday…
Dauphine's is a knockout of a restaurant, located just around the block from the Westin City Center where I was staying, so perfect walking distance. Being a fan of New Orleans-style cuisine, Dauphine's certainly fits the bill that I wasn't expecting during my stay in DC. I managed to grab a bar stool at the stylish open-area bar counter, which is surrounded by booth seating on one side and the lower-level dining area on the other. The ceilings are high but with acoustics that don't drown out the sound. The service at the bar was reasonably fast, given I arrived around 7:30 in the evening. For dinner, I took advantage of the three-course meal special for about $58. Out of the options for each of the courses, I went with the crab hush puppies, which were delightful, while the bacon-wrapped pork loin with creole mustard cream was delicious. Finishing with the chocolate and pears was an excellent conclusion to the meal that wasn't too heavy and had the right balance of sweetness and fruitiness. Cocktail-wise, I tried a wide range of selections, starting with the Dauphine's Martini, which was quite lovely with its anise aromas and full-bodied, navy-strength gin. Given my taste for NOLA-originated cocktails, I followed up the martini with the New Orleans Fire, which is a "fiery" blend of bourbon, amaro, ginger, and habanero. That cocktail certainly brought some nice heat but also some excellent sweetness. Given that I had enjoyed it at the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, I also enjoyed the Vieux Carré, one of the only rye-based cocktails I order again and again immensely. If you're staying in the City Center or further west in the Georgetown area, it's worth coming over to the Dauphine to enjoy their NOLA-styled fare and cocktails. read more
I love brunches that aren't super loud with music so this place was perfect. The service was on point and they were super accommodating. Not too many restaurants offer cucumbers for water (instead of lemon/lime) but a few will have them at the bar and will just grab some for me. Often times it's not available and I'll just get a "no, sorry", but here...they got a whole cucumber cut up for me which was so nice! I ordered the chicken and waffles and it was the BEST chicken and waffles I've ever had! I would come back literally just to order it again. My friends all loved their food as well. read more
6 months ago
Dauphine's is what happens when Cajun comfort food meets a Prohibition-era costume party and somehow it mostly works. First off, the vibe: full-on speakeasy energy, dim lighting, and that "you better look like you belong here" atmosphere. And you kind of do. Dress decent. Not because it's fancy fancy, but because there are a lot of overdressed people walking around acting like they invented buttons. The place attracts a weird mix of "date night classy" and "professional a-hole in loafers," so do yourself a favor and show up looking put together. Food-wise, the Cajun menu delivers. Big flavors, solid execution, and the kind of richness you expect when a kitchen isn't afraid of butter, spice, or joy. The bar is the real star though. Every drink we had was a straight 10/10. No misses, no weak pours, no "bartender got distracted by their own personality." Speaking of the bartender: super nice, but also had the kind of street-smart energy that makes you feel safer crossing the street afterward. Like if anything went sideways outside, they'd handle it without spilling a drop. Only real heartbreak: no Mr. Pibb. I know it's a small thing, but some of us have standards and they're cola-shaped. Bonus win: we had $150 in credit card credit, so the whole night felt gloriously free. Drinks? Free. Food? Free. Judgmental overdressed crowd? Unfortunately still included at no extra cost. Bottom line: go for the cocktails, stay for the Cajun food, dress like you're trying (even if you aren't), and bring your own Mr. Pibb emotional support if you need one. read more
I can't say enough great things about this place! We stumbled into it our first night in DC! Jeffrey, our bartender was awesome! HH all day Sunday! Good drinks and GREAT burger, incredible oysters, the chicken liver mousse (trust me not my thing at all) with pickled veggies was INSANE!! The next night we went to two other places, one Jeffrey recommended and the service was so bad we both were like..."let's go back!" So we did and Jeffrey was there again and the food was even better! You won't be disappointed-sit at the bar! read more
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thank you Jen for your kind words. We're so glad that you liked our…
We had reservations for a Wednesday night at 6pm. It's in a fairly central location and very spacious with bar seating, lots of tables, and outdoor seating available. We weren't super hungry so we opted to split a couple of small plates and desserts. The Dauphine's Board was just fine and the shrimp and sausage gumbo was pretty good. The strawberry bread pudding was delightful. Our server was either confused or irritated or both that we didn't order a lot and it showed and she was a little attitude-y with us even though we were very polite, ate quickly, and vacated the table in less than an hour. read more
9 days ago
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you…
1 year ago
Dauphine's is amazing! It has such a chic and upscale vibe. It's the perfect place for happy hour on a Thursday or Friday. I would recommend making a reservation because it can get crowded. Even though there were a lot of people at the restaurant, it wasn't loud at all! The food on the happy hour menu was so delicious. There's a variety of food options and drink options as well. The HH margarita is a must try. I wasn't a fan of the HH red wine. It tasted like vinegar. The deviled eggs were so delicious. The po boy sliders had a spicy kick to it and were very filling. The prices were so amazing. I had 3 drinks and 3 appetizers, and the bill was only $60! read more
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thanks Diamond, we're glad you liked our happy hour, we're proud of…
5 months ago
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Hi Jessica,…
I recommend this spot for drinks, snacks, and dessert! My work came here for a large company dinner and the wait staff was very professional and efficient. Each person had a different plate design; I liked how the dishware is unique, on theme, and feels special. I was initially disappointed that there is only one vegetarian option - the ricotta cavatelli. The quality and size of the dish turned out to be good, but I would not come back just for that dish. Luckily the bread board, beignet, and drink were delicious! read more
I came to DC for a few days for work & my first night in town we had a dinner with the whole team at Dauphines. One of our coworkers lives in the Roslyn area & while she's never been it was highly recommended to her from others. We ordered appetizers for the table which included bread service, charred broccoli salad, & Brussels sprouts I don't really drink much but I do enjoy a good mock tail so I had the Anita Garibaldi which had Martini & Rossi Vibrante, grapefruit soda, citrus oil. It was very refreshing and tasty. For dinner I didn't have many options as there was only 1 vegetarian meal. While I was highly skeptical & disappointed with only having one option. I had the Ricotta cavatelli root vegetable ragu, stracciatella. I was pleasantly surprised as they did a good job with it as it was so good & just the right portion size. Every one enjoyed their dinner my coworkers the meat eaters had the quail, short ribs, pork loins, & yellow fin tuna. We tried various deserts on the menu Beignets, king cake bread pudding, strawberry shortcake, chocolate pears, & Vietnamese coffee cheesecake. All of the desserts were so good but the Vietnamese & strawberry shortcake cheesecakes were my favorite. This place is great I highly recommend. The ambience & decor was great very aesthetically pleasing great for a date or dinner with friends or family. I will definitely come back next time I'm in town for work.t read more
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thanks Kam for your review.…
2 months ago
Service was terrible, it took forever to order and then we got our food our sever was nowhere to be found. We had an amazing time our first time out so we came back. Either it's an off night or they were way better during restaurant week. The steak was tender but very dry. The boudin balls laked any real flavor outside of the pickled jalapeños and mustard. The soufflé is really just inflated fries and the beef po boy is okay. The star of our meal was our New Orleans Buck drink. Nobody really cared we were even there and our bill for 2 was $169. I'd hope at that price we'd get some decent service. But no. I'd stay away from Dauphines. read more
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thanks Benjamin,…
5 months ago
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thanks Alex,…
Came here for Sunday brunch and can I say, yum?! Everything here was super delicious. From the drinks, the New Orleans Buck was our favorite! To the fresh food, we ordered the crab cake for brunch, it was super crispy, covered with an egg. We also tried the blackened catfish creole which was also delicious. The only thing was I wished our biscuits came out warm but they were delicious super buttery, flaky and the strawberry jelly was amazing! I loved the live jazz on Sunday afternoons, it brought the vibe of New Orleans to the restaurant. I will definitely be dining here again, I can't wait to try their dinner menu. read more
2 years ago
Southern food is the best food let me tell you! Stayed at the Le Meridien across the street and didn't know I was so close to such an amazing restaurant. I've heard things about Daphines but never been so it was a good time to try it. The inside is gorgeous, I like having to walk down the stairs to get to my table and seeing all of the beautiful decor. Didn't really have to wait long & the service really gave me that southern hospitality feel if you know what I mean. Food was 10 out of 10 especially the Daphine Oysters and Gumbo but the Catfish was my absolute favorite, I could order that for lunch every single day lolol. What through me off was how good the Pommes Souffle. They are essentially extremely light French fries but elevated to a level you can't imagine. Loved Daphines and I'll be back soon read more
5 months ago
Little bit of a wait even with a reservation but the heated patio was comfortable. If your group love duck, the duck jambalaya was incredible. The smoky red pepper sauce on the Tasso stuffed chicken was very savory read more
3 months ago
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to…
6 months ago
I made a reservation to Dauphine's to celebrate my partner's birthday. We were especially excited because the restaurant is influenced by New Orleans food, and that's where he was raised. The food itself was good, but the experience and service could have been a bit better, considering this is an elevated restaurant. Though the restaurant interior was beautiful, they put us at the very corner in the upstairs seating, which was comparatively less impressive than their main dining area. Our waitress also kept on rushing us to finish our plates. Granted, we love to order a lot for the entire table, and I would expect communication or a warning about how plates would come out. Instead, she was pushy and kept coming back which made it difficult to enjoy our food thoroughly. Here's what I ordered: Half dozen oysters (9/10) - they had 3 types with different levels of salinity. Every bite was appetizing and fresh! Shrimp and sausage gumbo (4/10) - the dish was lacking seasoning and could've opted for some hot sauce in the dish. there was an option for potato salad or rice on the side. i just didn't expect that choosing potato salad would mean it was right inside of the gumbo! how strange Fries boudin balls (8.5/10) - there was a good rice to meat ratio and had a very even and crunchy coating. i liked the condiments and assortment of pickled veggies it came with. Oysters dauphine (8.5/10) - broiled oysters with spinach and cheese. my partner loved it but i found it just a bit saltier than preferred Duck jambalaya (9/10) - the menu says it's for 2 people but I would argue that it feeds 4 people, just on the rice portion alone. The dish came with a perfectly cooked duck breast, a pile sauerkraut, and duck sausage. They serve the jambalaya rice tableside with it. The rice was by far my favorite part of the meal. It was rich and had some crunch from duck crackling. Highly recommend to anyone going with multiple people. read more
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thank you for your review Stephanie, we're glad you liked your…
6 months ago
I had high hopes for Dauphine's, but overall the food was pretty mediocre. The steak was very chewy and difficult to enjoy, and the duck was overly fatty without much balance. The baked shells were fine, but nothing special or memorable. For the price and reputation, I expected more. Unfortunately, this wasn't a meal I'd be eager to repeat. read more
11 months ago
LOVE LOVE LOVE. Everything started off great with the buttermilk biscuits-buttery and flaky (we also really really love bread). The entrees we ordered were the dirty rice & duck stuffed quail and the bavette steak. I was a bit wary of the quail but it was...spectacular, give me 14 of them. We finished off with the beignets, which made us want to learn how to bake them (still haven't and are depressed about it). We also ate a trio of ice cream but I cannot remember what flavor they were. In love. read more
24 days ago
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thank you so much for this incredible review! We’re honored by your…
Beautifully decorated restaurant with classic New Orleans flare. The hostess were amazing!! Kudos to them for knowing their customers and also messaging to change to indoor tables when the weather is chilly. We were celebrating an early birthday dinner and they both greeted me so warmly. On to the food!! We tried the bbq shrimp, oyster dauphine's, creole catfish, yellowtail tuna Au poivre, and birthday beignets! The oysters were my favorite a play on oysters Rockefeller essentially. They were well balanced. The bbq shrimp lacked flavor and ours unfortunately were a tad overdone and chewy. The catfish was light with well balanced acidity of the sauce. The yellowtail tuna was unfortunately lukewarm but the flavor made up for it. Possibly the dish was sitting and waiting for the catfish to be done. Another issue with the tuna was the cut, with stringy texture on one side. The birthday beignets were delicious and surprisingly light and airy. I loved that you could control the amount of powdered sugar. A few more notes, we were seated upstairs next to 3 large parties and it got quite loud and in terms of service we were sometimes forgotten about. The cocktails/mocktails aren't the greatest mine was incredibly sweet and I only took one sip and they took it back. But overall I give this place a four because there were more hits than misses. Check it out! read more
Food - creole food and we wanted to try it. A slight disappointment that they didn't have some kind of andouille inspired rice dish or even gumbo. Had the andouille and pimento board and pig ear salad. I wanted to try a fish dish but somehow the two orders filled me up. So next time. We also had oysters and wifey said it was good! Service - i forgot the waitress' name, maybe Lucy, but she was so warm and welcoming darling. She's a keeper and perfect example of awesomeness. Ambiance - place was nice and fancy but rockin' place! Verdict - definitely a must try at least once if you are in the DC area! read more
If you're an oyster lover, this place is an absolute must during happy hour! The happy hour oysters here are the best I've had--fresh, briny, and impeccably shucked. Each one was served chilled on a bed of ice with classic accompaniments like mignonette, lemon wedges, and cocktail sauce, letting the natural flavor of the oysters shine. At such a great price, it's the perfect excuse to indulge. Pair them with a crisp glass of white wine or a craft cocktail from the bar, and you've got the ideal start to your evening. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, and the service is consistently attentive without being overbearing. A true hidden gem for oyster lovers--I'll be back again and again. read more
1 month ago
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you stopped…
In a hall way does not face the street and the driver couldn't see it and drove in circles. There are stairs to get to the dining room. Waitress seemed to be wearing a speaker or something like that around her neck? No spoon for soup. Ribeye was thin and overcooked. They don't do anything special for special events. Bbq shrimp are usually buttery Worcestershire sauce forward but their sauce is sweet. No one liked any of the desserts all 3 were mostly left. No going back. Great coffee and skim milk. read more
3 months ago
Very good food. Great Hurricanes and good service. The oysters were amazing. We tried all varieties available. We also had the fried frog legs which were very nicely seasoned thus very tasty. Also tried fried artichokes (very good), the gumbo (was a little more watery than I like but tasty), the stuffed shells were good but not amazing. The Brussels salad was yummy. Bread service was so good. Finally the beignets were ok. Needed more powdered sugar and needed to be fluffier. Overall very good dinner. Dinner was 350 (3 people). One ANNOYING thing: restaurant charged a 4% added rest. fee to the bill which does not go to the servers. I find that distasteful And one reason I would prob not return. read more
Business owner information
Inigo O.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review! We’re…
1 year ago
I've wanted to try this restaurant for years and finally made it for brunch. We got the Brunch Basket which included buttermilk biscuits, banana bread, scone du jour, seasonal jam, and salted butter. I could have done without this but my friend enjoyed. Next we enjoyed the blackened catfish spread, and for my entree I had Blackened Catfish Creole. I did not know if the catfish would be fried or blackened. I really liked that it was blackened. It had great flavor and not heavy. The actual restaurant had a jazz band and was bright and inviting. Our waitress was great and was able to provide great suggestions. read more
1 year ago
Food and drinks were decent. Experience overshadowed but poor service from our server Kia. She seemed inexperienced and uninterested in us. Left multiple times for extended periods of time. Id go back and just sit at the bar read more
I was looking for a place to get a king cake and Dauphines came up on a quick online search. I ordered the cake 2 days before I wanted to pick it up and paid online. When I went for pickup, the host just pulled it from a stack at the door and it was really easy (which was different from what I read in another review). I sat at the bar for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised by the beef tartare, it was literally the best I've have in DC! read more
I continue to be wowed by Dauphines. Still love the frozen bourbon milk punch!!! I tried a new dish, the cavatelli, and I was BLOWN AWAY. It was ridiculously delicious for a seemingly simple dish. They sold king cakes for Mardi Gras this year. I got to taste the plain/regular and the chocolate chip cookie dough. The cookie dough one was unique and very good, but for the plain cake, I found the one from Bayou Bakery to be better. The Dauphines one was rather dense while the Bayou one was flakier and better in the middle. Nevertheless, I recommend the flavored ones and the price was very fair. Pick up was a cinch! read more
Sunday Jazz Brunch is a must go. The music is a perfect addition to the morning. Not too loud so you can still enjoy conversation, but loud enough to fill moments of silence. I was with a group of 8 and service was great. I ordered the Creole Bloody Mary with vodka. It had a good kick but not too spicy. The creole spice rim was a nice touch. We split two orders of the brunch basket. Everything was great and baked with love. I had the fried catfish & grits as my entree. Was a little apprehensive about the brown butter, but was pleasantly surprised at how well all the flavors worked. The grits were creamy and the catfish fried to perfection. I don't get to DC too often but will absolutely be back for another jazz brunch! read more
More info about Dauphine’s
Ask the Community - Dauphine’s
Best parking near Dauphine's?
There's a parking garage directly across the street. Alternatively, there is street parking (parallel).
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
15 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
3 years ago
5 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
1 year ago
7 months ago
4 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
1 year ago
Dauphine’s - seafood - Updated June 2026
Best of Washington, DC
People found Dauphine’s by searching for…
Restaurants in Washington, District of Columbia
Dinner in Washington, District of Columbia
Bars in Washington, District of Columbia
Happy Hour in Washington, District of Columbia
Oysters in Washington, District of Columbia
King Cake in Washington, District of Columbia
Southern in Washington, District of Columbia
Soul Food in Washington, District of Columbia
Jazz Brunch in Washington, District of Columbia
Gumbo in Washington, District of Columbia
Brunch in Washington, District of Columbia
Charbroiled Oysters in Washington, District of Columbia
Date Night Restaurant in Washington, District of Columbia
Seafood Boil in Washington, District of Columbia
Mardi Gras King Cake in Washington, District of Columbia
Live Music Brunch in Washington, District of Columbia
Bananas Foster in Washington, District of Columbia
Louisiana Food in Washington, District of Columbia
Daiquiris in Washington, District of Columbia
Crab Claws in Washington, District of Columbia
Boudin Balls in Washington, District of Columbia
BBQ Shrimp in Washington, District of Columbia
Daiquiri Bars in Washington, District of Columbia
Restaurant With Jazz Music in Washington, District of Columbia
Browse Nearby
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Restaurants near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Coffee near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Desserts near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Things to Do near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Parking near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Sushi near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Cocktail Bars near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Dinner near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Shopping near Dauphine’s
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Wineries near Dauphine’s
Browse Brands
Browse Articles
People who viewed Dauphine’s also viewed
The Occidental
117 reviews
$$$
Fish Shop
66 reviews
$$$
Willowsong
45 reviews
Seven Reasons
588 reviews
$$$
Cordelia Fishbar
153 reviews
Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf
1152 reviews
$$
The Duck & The Peach
249 reviews
Capitol Hill
Balos Estiatorio
405 reviews
Dupont Circle, Downtown
$$$
Nina May
476 reviews
Shaw, Downtown
$$$
Pink Tiger
188 reviews
$$