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I can't rave enough about this place. We did our second themed tasting menu, this time's theme was Tolkien. It was our anniversary and I had a dietary restriction (no pork.) The staff was magic from the second we walked in the door. So kind, generous, on theme, and every single person knew about and catered to my no pork and our anniversary. I did the four course option with à la cart drinks. My husband did four courses and paired with the cocktail service. I did raw and wriggling, Sam's potatoes, stoor's last meal, and honey cake. Every single thing was delicious. I added caviar to my second course and did a couple speciality gin cocktails. I love this place and Apero, cannot recommend enough. They're great for a celebration, but also amazing for just a treat yourself moment.
La Bohème (co-located with Apero) is offering something really special with their Edgar Allan Poe dinner. I went last night and the theme was spot on -- from the atmosphere to the details of the menu, everything drew you into Poe's world. The music had the perfect ominous edge and set the tone for the evening. We did the four-course tasting menu with the wine pairing, and each course was cleverly tied to Poe's works like The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart. The dishes were thoughtful and delicious, and the pairings were well-matched. The cocktails deserve a mention too -- The Noble's Perish was fantastic. I've also done the Prince dinner here, and while this wasn't far and away better, it was certainly different -- and for me, better. La Bohème continues to impress with how immersive and creative they make these themed experiences. Highly recommend.
My friend saw on Instagram that La Boheme was doing a Studio Ghibli-themed prix-fixe menu for the next few months (4 courses for 99, 6 for 135). We were curious to see how the food -- so iconic in the films -- would translate in real life. We opted for the 6-course option, which included three starters, two entrees, and one dessert per person. While we waited for our first course, we were offered a complimentary half a glass of champagne. I don't drink a lot of alcoholic drinks, but I enjoyed the bubbly, fruity flavors of this drink. There was also a raspberry-flavored amuse-bouche that had sticky texture that we didn't really like. COLD STARTER: HAKU'S MAGIC ONIGIRI This is a spicy snow crab salad onigiri drizzled with soy gel. Unfortunately, the rice was a major letdown: it was cold, brittle, and clumpy, making it difficult to distinguish individual grains. The rice-to-crab ratio was too high, leaving the onigiri relatively flavorless. While the savory soy gel improved the taste, I'm shocked that they can't cook rice properly. COLD STARTER: POM POKO TANUKI ROCKS We weren't sure if this was a starter or dessert. There were juicy cherries, matcha "moss" cake, cacao-coated foie gras paté, and a sprinkle of sea salt. IThe mix of sweet, earthy, savory, and bitter flavors, along with varied textures, made it unique but unfocused. The bitterness of the cacao didn't work for me, and overall, this starter felt scattered. HOT STARTER: ASHITAKA'S CURSE This was our favorite dish of our entire meal. The venison carpaccio was tender and melt-in-your-mouth, enhanced by ponzu truffle oil for extra umami. The beet-jus enoki mushrooms added a nice crunch, and the other (not sure what they were) toppings were equally delicious. Well-executed all around. Between the starter and entree, we were served steamed buns with a side of red bean-infused butter. The bun lacked flavor, but it was soft and pillowy. The butter was really confusing -- mild sweetness from the red bean, but it was neither sweet nor savory, so we didn't really enjoy it. There was a 23 minute gap between our last starter and the steamed buns, followed by another 18 minute wait before our first entree, which made the pacing feel slow and disjointed. Also, the entrees aren't any larger than the starters. ENTREE: PONYO'S RAMEN This dish featured scallop shaped like noodles, topped with a quail egg, some greens, dashi broth, and togarashi. The scallops were perfectly cooked, tender, and fresh, while the crunchy greens added texture, and the quail egg was rich and delicious as always. The dashi broth was rich with umami with a strong spice from the togarashi, but it was too salty for my taste, so I couldn't finish it. ENTREE: THE BOY AND THE QUAIL We were excited for quail, which was coated in miso soy sauce, served with a pool of quail jus and a couple of pieces of eggplant. The flavors were delicious, and the texture of quail meat and eggplant complemented each other well. However, the quail was a bit dry. Overall, it was tasty but didn't feel unique or special. ENTREE: PORCO ROSSO I only had a couple bites, but the pork and herb sausage reminded me of flavors I'd find in a pasta, especially with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. They poured a foamy tomato water cloud on top, though I wasn't sure what effect it was meant to add in terms of flavor. DESSERT: TOTORO'S ACORN Lots of chocolate, with a delicious hazelnut ganache. I also really enjoyed the twig tuilles, which was crunchy and thin. The cacao hazelnut cake had a hard shell that was crispy. However, it was too sweet. DESSERT: LAPUTA CRYSTALS This was really sweet after we mixed all the components together. The blueberry compote was alright, though it tasted a bit like store-bought. The lemon sponge cake was fine but could've been a bigger piece to absorb more compote. The cotton candy felt excessive, adding little beyond extra sweetness. We ended our experience with three petits fours: glassy lychee jelly, lemon gummy, and a chocolate truffle. The lychee jelly was an enhanced and elevated version of the lychee jellies you can buy at an Asian grocery. The lemon gummy had a nice, chewy texture and strong citrus flavor. The chocolate truffle was dense and sweet. Overall, the food was mediocre, and our experience was kind of a flop. The dishes didn't replicate the food seen in Studio Ghibli movies, but they incorporated elements or symbols from the films. For example, ASHITAKA'S CURSE resembled the pattern of Prince Ashitaka's marked arm, and not an actual food item from the movie. While the Studio Ghibli decor was nice, we cared more about the food quality. The portions were small, leaving us hungry later. The 2.5 hour meal was dragged out with 20-30 minute gaps between dishes, and at nearly $180 per person (subtotal, 2.5% employee wellness fee, 10% tax, and 20% gratuity), it wasn't worth it.
The Studio Ghibli theme was a great way to market the restaurant and catch my attention online, only to be disappointed by the food itself. The decor initially seems cute with the food names, but the aesthetic and relatedness to Studio Ghibli quickly faded once I tried the dishes (Got the four course menu). Complimentary champagne was nice. Started off with a complimentary mochi ball that honestly reminded me of detergent taste wise. I got Jiji's Black Cat Express drink which I really liked actually--a good mix of ube and pineapple flavours with a nice sesame crunch on top! I think it was my favourite part of my meal! The Pom poko tanuki rocks was... interesting. The pâté was way too salty for me but I did like the cherries and matcha moss together, although the dish was strange with the blunt saltiness of the pâté with chocolate and sugar next to it. Ashitaka's curse was good meat with enoki mushrooms! I liked the truffle oil on it too, but nothing jaw dropping. Did not like the complimentary bun and red bean butter; both things were bland and the red bean tasted watery to me! Rather just have the complimentary butter and bread from a typical French restaurant. The Boy and the Quail was average, and tasted dry. The sauces helped add some flavour to it. Totoro's acorn is sweet and full of chocolate flavour but tasted dry at one point. Personally was too sweet to my liking. Also there was a random taste of saltiness in the middle which I didn't like. The last complimentary sweets that came out were okay. I did not like the bitter chocolate, but the jelly and yuzu gummies were fine! Overall, I did not think this experience was worth the price especially with how disappointed I was with the food quality. The food also seemed to be warm/felt like they were not fresh when served even if they were just cooked/baked. Service was nice though explaining the dishes' inspiration to the relative film, and putting away my jacket and bag. They were attentive too. The experience took quite a long time with long breaks in between each dish. I will admit I did get full from the menu, but not sure if everyone may say the same thing, as I can't eat as much anymore.
This is my favorite place to eat in the National Capital Area. The service is amazing, the theme decor of the restaurant, the thoughtful touches and little surprises all combined to make the entire thing delightful. We first went in 2024, for the Tarantino tasting menu. Phenomenal. They brought a free starter with caviar - my first taste of caviar. It was so good. I'm sure I'm ruined for "normal" caviar now. The house champagne is delicious. The "Stuck in the Middle with You" heirloom tomato salad haunts us in the best way. It was so good. The "Big Kahuna Burger" is the measure all hamburgers are held to now. How was it so so good?! The ($11) "Five-Dollar Shake" was very generously spiked. The Death Proof- inspired chartreuse gummies were another first taste for me. So so good! The bill came in a custom Red Apple cigarette box! We went back this past summer- for the Miyazaki menu! They integrated us into the meal appropriately with a magical dumpling to ground us and keep us from becoming spirits ourselves! So cute! I followed with "Haku's Magic Onigiri" (which I could eat every single day and never get sick of!) for an entree I went with the incredibly "Nausicaä Terrarium." Our bill came in a Howl's Moving Castle dvd case! Thank you for feeding us, entertaining us, delighting us. Can't wait for our next trip! (And sorry for the delay on posting a review!)
So being a big Lord of the Rings fan, when pictures starting popping up on social media that it was La Boheme's current theme for their tasting menu I knew I had to grab a spot. The decor itself was ok, just some posters propped up of all the various locations of Tolkien verse. Before each course the servers do a quick little recount of how the named item related to the story point in Lord of the Rings. We did the 4 course tasting without the drink pairing and it does cost a fair bit. It was 251 for 2 people all said and done. My favorite of the courses were the potatoes and the lamb. But being honest even for a tasting menu I felt the portion sizes were pretty small. Not sure if I would do another themed tasting menu again. But worth it just once I suppose if there is a theme that really speaks to you.
TLDR: Good -- food was amazing and the theming was on-point; Bad -- one of the courses was gritty and the loud cocktail shaker ruined the vibe sometimes. I came with my partner for their 4-course J. R. R. Tolkien-themed dinner. The room was upstairs from the Apéro restaurant. We were led upstairs from Apéro by a server. The service throughout the night was attentive. The only gripe we had was the cocktail shaker was very loud in the tiny room, so our conversation was often interrupted by it. I would suggest that cocktails be made in Apéro downstairs to help keep the excellent atmosphere. The stairwell and room were very nicely decorated to match the Tolkien theme. There were posters of famous places in the LOTR universe on the walls. Garlands of flowers hung from the ceiling. The servers had plenty of LOTR and Hobbit lines that they gave throughout the experience. After being seated we were offered complimentary champagne; they even had a non-alcoholic champagne which I happily partook. For First Breakfast I had the "give it to us raw and wriggling" which was hamachi sashimi. It was delicious and the salt they sprinkled on top really brought out the flavor of the fish. The garnishes added nice crunch. For Second Breakfast I had the Chrysophylax's Tail, which was eel and millet porridge. It was alright -- I've had better eel in Japan, but that's to be expected. For Supper I had Of Herbs & Stewed Rabbit, which was a rabbit leg pressé. The rabbit itself was great, and I loved the sauce that the waiter poured into the bowl for me. The carrots however were gritty, as if they hadn't been washed properly. Very unfortunate. For Second Supper I had Mount Doom, a lava cake with orange glaze as the "lava." The cake was pretty good, and the crunchy "rocks" that surrounded it were very delicious. An excellent dessert. Outside of the four courses, we were surprised by a few other additions. To start, before First Breakfast, we were given a cone with cauliflower cream and tobiko. It was meant to resemble the eye of Sauron and was very delicious. Between Second Breakfast and Supper we were given a scone acting as Lembas bread. It was wrapped in bamboo leaf to resemble how the fellowship received them! And finally after Second Supper we received a plate of a few treats: cookies, dark chocolate wizard hats, and a black currant jelly gold ring. The surprises were amazing and really added to the experience. Overall, it was a great experience for the LOTR or Hobbit lover. Be aware that they charge a 22.5% service fee automatically, so you don't need to tip. Personally this made me a bit uncomfortable, because you can't really tip less if you had a terrible experience. Luckily with this place we had an amazing time. We will be back for their next themed dinner, which will be Ghibli-themed!
Tolkien Experience for the win I don't know where I found the ad but I am so glad I did! I loved that the staff could speak to the Tolkien influence and references in each dish and that your tasting menu came with a few extras - amuse bouche and lembas bread (which was far superior than what was in the movies) and the small sweets that come at the end of any upscale tasting menu. We did the four course tasting menu and just added on the cheese plate at the end - well worth it - they have some funky, original cheeses that we absolutely delicious and they have some good wines to go with them ***skip the caviar add-ons and get the cheese, you won't regret it*** I enjoyed every dish, but I have to take a moment to rave about the Radagast the Brown which was just sheer perfection in a glass. I was curious because there just seems to be way too much going on in that drink, but as a carrot lover (sweet, crunchy, but of earthiness) - all of that was encompassed in the glass (well not the crunchiness) - but savory umami with a hint of sweetness from the carrot and tartness from the lemon and a wonderful bouquet from the herbs - it's a darn good cocktail! Highlights, because I can't write about everything - the pickle relish with the meat pie, the honey cake and that braised rabbit - the jus on that was magical Apparently they experiment with various themes through out the year - but nerdom runs strong in DC so they have extended the Tolkien experience - get in while you can!
When you see the menu trust that they have worked to precisely combine flavors and textures expertly'; I was originally apprehensive but I am so glad that I put my fears aside. My partner made a reservation here in celebration of my birthday; being that it is in fact spooky season and I love to read this was a perfect marriage of two evils. It was a tough choice between the cocktail pairings and the wine pairings, we both went with the wine and were really impressed by the servers knowledge and careful curation of this aspect, in every case it really complimented the food so to not take this option would be like missing out on the full experience. Next with each dish you ordered there was a story accompanied from Edgar Allen Poe including the beets for the beating heart with a water with a wood grain floor board texture for the story of the victims heart beating under her killers flooring. From the mushroom soup served smoked in a small potion vial. it was an exquisite experience. I can't wait to return for another theme. We were told they will open up voting for the next theme in the coming weeks. All were amazing including the staff and the breakdown of each wine. Will for sure return and looking forward to it.
You Never Can Tell what you'll get at La Bohème but you can absolutely guarantee it will be so creative and unlike anything else the city offers. We were lucky enough to visit during the Quentin Tarantino menu and loved our experience. You can choose whether to have four courses ($95) or six courses ($125) and you'll make selections from each part of the menu for each course. We were honestly blown away by the creativity and artistry that went into each dish, which was evident as soon as the plates were put down. Some of our favorites were the holy water and crosses (watermelon gazpacho with garlic bread crosses), the savory blueberry pancakes (probably the best dish on the menu), and the Big Kahuna burger (delicious and fun take on the famous royale with cheese). There were a few surprises in between the courses too, one of which was an incredibly fun Tarantino Easter egg that we both loved. One of us had the wine pairing and one of us had the cocktail pairing- both were excellent and just as fun and creative. The service at La Bohème was also truly impressive and exactly what you hope for in a fine dining experience. Our servers were friendly but unobtrusive, attentive but never annoying, and genuinely seemed to love sharing information about the menu and the wines- it really added to the experience for us. You might be wondering if it's worth visiting if you aren't a fan of whichever theme the menu is focused on, and to that I would say absolutely yes. The food also spoke for itself- it would be just as enjoyable if you aren't going specifically for the theme. However, if you are a fan, you will probably have one of the most memorable dining experiences possible. There were so many fun Tarantino Easter eggs and every bit of decor was themed, from the newspapers on the wall to the pillows on the couches- even the servers we had were quoting and referencing the movies. There are so many restaurants constantly opening in DC or offering new fine dining experiences that it can be tough to decide which to try out. We had more fun and enjoyed our food more at La Bohème than many Michelin-starred experiences recently and cannot wait to come back for more creative menus in the future.
This place was really nice and fancy! I think because it is so upscale you feel forced to think it is good but it was not all that great. Regardless, I am thankful I got to have this experience! I visited during the Hayao Miyazaki themed tasting menu and it was so cool. I am a big fan so I was very excited. My boyfriend and I tried the entire menu! My favorite was the Kiki's Third Delivery which was a toasted pumpkin milk bread with a pumpkin tulie. It was delicious and the textures complimented each other so well. I also loved the Haku's Onigiri! It looked beautiful and I loved all the colors. It was a comforting bite and loved the creamy snow crab salad. My least favorite was Pom Poko Tanuki Rocks. It was gross lol. The dish consisted of cherries and matcha cake but with cacao-coated foie gras pate? It was inedible and ruined the rest of the dishes to be honest. For the price, it was just a miss for me. Otherwise, the service was great and everyone was very friendly. I overheard a comment from the table next to me, "If I didn't know it was fancy I wouldn't have liked it." I agree with this statement and the food was mid.
I took my partner here for their birthday. He really enjoys lord of the rings, the author. So to say the least he was quite happy with this themed dining experience. We each got the six course option without the cocktail and wine pairing. We both aren't too big on drinking, so we didn't feel like this took away from the experience. Overall, the dishes were small and delicious. A few were a bit less flavorful, but as I said overall quite good. I believe the six course meal was the right choice for us as we could try everything and share with each other. I could see myself coming back here for another themed dinner if the opportunity presented itself. The ambiance was nice, they tried to make the ambiance match the themed dinner, which I was thought was cute. Their service was nice and they explained every dish to us, but we were also given the offer to not hear about it too.
For one of Washington, D.C.'s most unique dining experiences, go to La Boheme, a woman-owned and woman-led restaurant in an intimate space above Apero DC in Georgetown. Creating a themed tasting menu with wine and cocktail pairings honoring game changing artists, the menu changes quarterly. We dined on Day One of the Quentin Tarantino menu to celebrate our 13th anniversary. Here's our experience. 1) Food: For $95, you can pick four dishes from a menu of 13 organized in four parts (appetizers, main, dessert, etc.) or six for $125. Wine and cocktail pairings add more to the bill. Since we were celebrating, my wife ordered the four-course option with wine and I the six course one with the cocktail pairing. Truly, every dish was innovative with a clear tie into a Quentin Tarantino film, but the stand outs were the Holy Water & Crosses, The Bride's Revenge, I Want Blueberry Pancakes, The Big Kahuna (among the best burgers I've ever had), and the Cheese Chef's Daily Selection. 2) Drinks: Every single pour of wine and every cocktail was uniquely curated to enhance the accompanying dish. The cocktail glasses even got lower and lower to the table as the dinner progressed. 3) Service: It's high end- attentive, informative, and kind from start to finish. Tip generously. 4) Space: It's a small space with a small bar and a few tables in the upstairs space of a Georgetown rowhouse. There are candles throughout and movie posters of Quentin Tarantino's films. 5) Area: It's in the northern end of Georgetown with deep Black history. Street parking is easy to find.
1 month ago
I love La Boheme!! They are one of the few restaurants in the city that creates these super special themed dinners. And they really deliver with the food, the ambiance and experience. The first time we went was for their Tolkien themed dinner. My husband is a huge Lord of the Rings fan, so he was really geeking out. They decorated the restaurant perfectly for the theme with posters, pillows and music. Every dish was named for the theme like a "raw and wriggling" crudo and Samwise's "po-tay-toes". They were served with a story from the staff as well explaining the relevance of the dish to the movies. So much fun!! And the food?! DELICIOUS!! They throw in a few surprises like Elvish bread wrapped in a banana leaf and a precious chocolate ring of power for dessert. We came back for a Queen themed dinner that was just as fun and delicious! I can't wait to see what they do next. We'll definitely be there. read more
22 days ago
First of all I gotta shoutout the team including the chef for accommodating my food sensitivities. Never fun to be left out of experiences and they went above and beyond to include me. Thank you so much. I think the Lord of the Rings theme is such a creative idea and this review is not meant to be a bash at all. I am not a restaurant owner. It's only feedback to encourage/empower! As a fellow creative, I just want everyone's cool ideas to thrive. So I have lower back and neck problems. The seating felt old. It was very uncomfortable for me. The booth seating tilts a little forward and the chair sinks a little too much in. Might not matter to some but it was painful until my boyfriend swapped with me. Like I said they were super accommodating with food. But I think what I felt was that they're stretched a little thin/over booked. The food I've seen in the awesome Instagram ads or from last year, wasn't exactly what we saw last night. Some dishes were good, others missed the mark/were not warm (when supposed to be) or were a little under seasoned probably due to being rushed. The decor also appeared rushed. Again, I'm not a restaurant owner I can't imagine the amount of work it must be to think of all the little details. But those little details go a long way for a fellow creative like me . Like the decorations, I encourage the creative behind it to brainstorm further. Like an entire wall of fake moss instead of the plastic tarp looking tapestry with "Lord If Rings" on it instead of Lord of The Rings. Or even taking inspiration from Bilbo's birthday from the first movie might help the decor. You got this or even pulling inspo from those trending dark green/forest themed weddings and using more of the dark evergreen colors. Fairy lights in little jars rather than on the white hanging fence. The theatrical storytelling. Maybe have an option in the beginning or when people book reservations, to select whether they want that or not. Or include a little note card that looks worn and old, with a little story written on it with each dish. Because the thinking behind this idea is smart, it just needs to be accommodating to maybe those hard of hearing, neurodivergent, or just uncomfortable. Some people are socially awkward, like myself and won't say "ok no more story time, I'm ready to eat." Lol I really hope this helps and is not interpreted as negative. Just wanting your creative idea to thrive. read more
2 months ago
I can't rave enough about this place. We did our second themed tasting menu, this time's theme was Tolkien. It was our anniversary and I had a dietary restriction (no pork.) The staff was magic from the second we walked in the door. So kind, generous, on theme, and every single person knew about and catered to my no pork and our anniversary. I did the four course option with à la cart drinks. My husband did four courses and paired with the cocktail service. I did raw and wriggling, Sam's potatoes, stoor's last meal, and honey cake. Every single thing was delicious. I added caviar to my second course and did a couple speciality gin cocktails. I love this place and Apero, cannot recommend enough. They're great for a celebration, but also amazing for just a treat yourself moment. read more
La Bohème (co-located with Apero) is offering something really special with their Edgar Allan Poe dinner. I went last night and the theme was spot on -- from the atmosphere to the details of the menu, everything drew you into Poe's world. The music had the perfect ominous edge and set the tone for the evening. We did the four-course tasting menu with the wine pairing, and each course was cleverly tied to Poe's works like The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart. The dishes were thoughtful and delicious, and the pairings were well-matched. The cocktails deserve a mention too -- The Noble's Perish was fantastic. I've also done the Prince dinner here, and while this wasn't far and away better, it was certainly different -- and for me, better. La Bohème continues to impress with how immersive and creative they make these themed experiences. Highly recommend. read more
My friend saw on Instagram that La Boheme was doing a Studio Ghibli-themed prix-fixe menu for the next few months (4 courses for 99, 6 for 135). We were curious to see how the food -- so iconic in the films -- would translate in real life. We opted for the 6-course option, which included three starters, two entrees, and one dessert per person. While we waited for our first course, we were offered a complimentary half a glass of champagne. I don't drink a lot of alcoholic drinks, but I enjoyed the bubbly, fruity flavors of this drink. There was also a raspberry-flavored amuse-bouche that had sticky texture that we didn't really like. COLD STARTER: HAKU'S MAGIC ONIGIRI This is a spicy snow crab salad onigiri drizzled with soy gel. Unfortunately, the rice was a major letdown: it was cold, brittle, and clumpy, making it difficult to distinguish individual grains. The rice-to-crab ratio was too high, leaving the onigiri relatively flavorless. While the savory soy gel improved the taste, I'm shocked that they can't cook rice properly. COLD STARTER: POM POKO TANUKI ROCKS We weren't sure if this was a starter or dessert. There were juicy cherries, matcha "moss" cake, cacao-coated foie gras paté, and a sprinkle of sea salt. IThe mix of sweet, earthy, savory, and bitter flavors, along with varied textures, made it unique but unfocused. The bitterness of the cacao didn't work for me, and overall, this starter felt scattered. HOT STARTER: ASHITAKA'S CURSE This was our favorite dish of our entire meal. The venison carpaccio was tender and melt-in-your-mouth, enhanced by ponzu truffle oil for extra umami. The beet-jus enoki mushrooms added a nice crunch, and the other (not sure what they were) toppings were equally delicious. Well-executed all around. Between the starter and entree, we were served steamed buns with a side of red bean-infused butter. The bun lacked flavor, but it was soft and pillowy. The butter was really confusing -- mild sweetness from the red bean, but it was neither sweet nor savory, so we didn't really enjoy it. There was a 23 minute gap between our last starter and the steamed buns, followed by another 18 minute wait before our first entree, which made the pacing feel slow and disjointed. Also, the entrees aren't any larger than the starters. ENTREE: PONYO'S RAMEN This dish featured scallop shaped like noodles, topped with a quail egg, some greens, dashi broth, and togarashi. The scallops were perfectly cooked, tender, and fresh, while the crunchy greens added texture, and the quail egg was rich and delicious as always. The dashi broth was rich with umami with a strong spice from the togarashi, but it was too salty for my taste, so I couldn't finish it. ENTREE: THE BOY AND THE QUAIL We were excited for quail, which was coated in miso soy sauce, served with a pool of quail jus and a couple of pieces of eggplant. The flavors were delicious, and the texture of quail meat and eggplant complemented each other well. However, the quail was a bit dry. Overall, it was tasty but didn't feel unique or special. ENTREE: PORCO ROSSO I only had a couple bites, but the pork and herb sausage reminded me of flavors I'd find in a pasta, especially with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. They poured a foamy tomato water cloud on top, though I wasn't sure what effect it was meant to add in terms of flavor. DESSERT: TOTORO'S ACORN Lots of chocolate, with a delicious hazelnut ganache. I also really enjoyed the twig tuilles, which was crunchy and thin. The cacao hazelnut cake had a hard shell that was crispy. However, it was too sweet. DESSERT: LAPUTA CRYSTALS This was really sweet after we mixed all the components together. The blueberry compote was alright, though it tasted a bit like store-bought. The lemon sponge cake was fine but could've been a bigger piece to absorb more compote. The cotton candy felt excessive, adding little beyond extra sweetness. We ended our experience with three petits fours: glassy lychee jelly, lemon gummy, and a chocolate truffle. The lychee jelly was an enhanced and elevated version of the lychee jellies you can buy at an Asian grocery. The lemon gummy had a nice, chewy texture and strong citrus flavor. The chocolate truffle was dense and sweet. Overall, the food was mediocre, and our experience was kind of a flop. The dishes didn't replicate the food seen in Studio Ghibli movies, but they incorporated elements or symbols from the films. For example, ASHITAKA'S CURSE resembled the pattern of Prince Ashitaka's marked arm, and not an actual food item from the movie. While the Studio Ghibli decor was nice, we cared more about the food quality. The portions were small, leaving us hungry later. The 2.5 hour meal was dragged out with 20-30 minute gaps between dishes, and at nearly $180 per person (subtotal, 2.5% employee wellness fee, 10% tax, and 20% gratuity), it wasn't worth it. read more
Business owner information
Elli B.
I kind of think you missed the entire point of an “inspired” menu and…
1 year ago
The Studio Ghibli theme was a great way to market the restaurant and catch my attention online, only to be disappointed by the food itself. The decor initially seems cute with the food names, but the aesthetic and relatedness to Studio Ghibli quickly faded once I tried the dishes (Got the four course menu). Complimentary champagne was nice. Started off with a complimentary mochi ball that honestly reminded me of detergent taste wise. I got Jiji's Black Cat Express drink which I really liked actually--a good mix of ube and pineapple flavours with a nice sesame crunch on top! I think it was my favourite part of my meal! The Pom poko tanuki rocks was... interesting. The pâté was way too salty for me but I did like the cherries and matcha moss together, although the dish was strange with the blunt saltiness of the pâté with chocolate and sugar next to it. Ashitaka's curse was good meat with enoki mushrooms! I liked the truffle oil on it too, but nothing jaw dropping. Did not like the complimentary bun and red bean butter; both things were bland and the red bean tasted watery to me! Rather just have the complimentary butter and bread from a typical French restaurant. The Boy and the Quail was average, and tasted dry. The sauces helped add some flavour to it. Totoro's acorn is sweet and full of chocolate flavour but tasted dry at one point. Personally was too sweet to my liking. Also there was a random taste of saltiness in the middle which I didn't like. The last complimentary sweets that came out were okay. I did not like the bitter chocolate, but the jelly and yuzu gummies were fine! Overall, I did not think this experience was worth the price especially with how disappointed I was with the food quality. The food also seemed to be warm/felt like they were not fresh when served even if they were just cooked/baked. Service was nice though explaining the dishes' inspiration to the relative film, and putting away my jacket and bag. They were attentive too. The experience took quite a long time with long breaks in between each dish. I will admit I did get full from the menu, but not sure if everyone may say the same thing, as I can't eat as much anymore. read more
Business owner information
Elli B.
What a strange mixed review, but thank you for giving us a shot!…
8 months ago
This is my favorite place to eat in the National Capital Area. The service is amazing, the theme decor of the restaurant, the thoughtful touches and little surprises all combined to make the entire thing delightful. We first went in 2024, for the Tarantino tasting menu. Phenomenal. They brought a free starter with caviar - my first taste of caviar. It was so good. I'm sure I'm ruined for "normal" caviar now. The house champagne is delicious. The "Stuck in the Middle with You" heirloom tomato salad haunts us in the best way. It was so good. The "Big Kahuna Burger" is the measure all hamburgers are held to now. How was it so so good?! The ($11) "Five-Dollar Shake" was very generously spiked. The Death Proof- inspired chartreuse gummies were another first taste for me. So so good! The bill came in a custom Red Apple cigarette box! We went back this past summer- for the Miyazaki menu! They integrated us into the meal appropriately with a magical dumpling to ground us and keep us from becoming spirits ourselves! So cute! I followed with "Haku's Magic Onigiri" (which I could eat every single day and never get sick of!) for an entree I went with the incredibly "Nausicaä Terrarium." Our bill came in a Howl's Moving Castle dvd case! Thank you for feeding us, entertaining us, delighting us. Can't wait for our next trip! (And sorry for the delay on posting a review!) read more
So being a big Lord of the Rings fan, when pictures starting popping up on social media that it was La Boheme's current theme for their tasting menu I knew I had to grab a spot. The decor itself was ok, just some posters propped up of all the various locations of Tolkien verse. Before each course the servers do a quick little recount of how the named item related to the story point in Lord of the Rings. We did the 4 course tasting without the drink pairing and it does cost a fair bit. It was 251 for 2 people all said and done. My favorite of the courses were the potatoes and the lamb. But being honest even for a tasting menu I felt the portion sizes were pretty small. Not sure if I would do another themed tasting menu again. But worth it just once I suppose if there is a theme that really speaks to you. read more
Business owner information
Elli B.
Thank you for taking the time, I’m not sure where you can get a…
TLDR: Good -- food was amazing and the theming was on-point; Bad -- one of the courses was gritty and the loud cocktail shaker ruined the vibe sometimes. I came with my partner for their 4-course J. R. R. Tolkien-themed dinner. The room was upstairs from the Apéro restaurant. We were led upstairs from Apéro by a server. The service throughout the night was attentive. The only gripe we had was the cocktail shaker was very loud in the tiny room, so our conversation was often interrupted by it. I would suggest that cocktails be made in Apéro downstairs to help keep the excellent atmosphere. The stairwell and room were very nicely decorated to match the Tolkien theme. There were posters of famous places in the LOTR universe on the walls. Garlands of flowers hung from the ceiling. The servers had plenty of LOTR and Hobbit lines that they gave throughout the experience. After being seated we were offered complimentary champagne; they even had a non-alcoholic champagne which I happily partook. For First Breakfast I had the "give it to us raw and wriggling" which was hamachi sashimi. It was delicious and the salt they sprinkled on top really brought out the flavor of the fish. The garnishes added nice crunch. For Second Breakfast I had the Chrysophylax's Tail, which was eel and millet porridge. It was alright -- I've had better eel in Japan, but that's to be expected. For Supper I had Of Herbs & Stewed Rabbit, which was a rabbit leg pressé. The rabbit itself was great, and I loved the sauce that the waiter poured into the bowl for me. The carrots however were gritty, as if they hadn't been washed properly. Very unfortunate. For Second Supper I had Mount Doom, a lava cake with orange glaze as the "lava." The cake was pretty good, and the crunchy "rocks" that surrounded it were very delicious. An excellent dessert. Outside of the four courses, we were surprised by a few other additions. To start, before First Breakfast, we were given a cone with cauliflower cream and tobiko. It was meant to resemble the eye of Sauron and was very delicious. Between Second Breakfast and Supper we were given a scone acting as Lembas bread. It was wrapped in bamboo leaf to resemble how the fellowship received them! And finally after Second Supper we received a plate of a few treats: cookies, dark chocolate wizard hats, and a black currant jelly gold ring. The surprises were amazing and really added to the experience. Overall, it was a great experience for the LOTR or Hobbit lover. Be aware that they charge a 22.5% service fee automatically, so you don't need to tip. Personally this made me a bit uncomfortable, because you can't really tip less if you had a terrible experience. Luckily with this place we had an amazing time. We will be back for their next themed dinner, which will be Ghibli-themed! read more
Tolkien Experience for the win I don't know where I found the ad but I am so glad I did! I loved that the staff could speak to the Tolkien influence and references in each dish and that your tasting menu came with a few extras - amuse bouche and lembas bread (which was far superior than what was in the movies) and the small sweets that come at the end of any upscale tasting menu. We did the four course tasting menu and just added on the cheese plate at the end - well worth it - they have some funky, original cheeses that we absolutely delicious and they have some good wines to go with them ***skip the caviar add-ons and get the cheese, you won't regret it*** I enjoyed every dish, but I have to take a moment to rave about the Radagast the Brown which was just sheer perfection in a glass. I was curious because there just seems to be way too much going on in that drink, but as a carrot lover (sweet, crunchy, but of earthiness) - all of that was encompassed in the glass (well not the crunchiness) - but savory umami with a hint of sweetness from the carrot and tartness from the lemon and a wonderful bouquet from the herbs - it's a darn good cocktail! Highlights, because I can't write about everything - the pickle relish with the meat pie, the honey cake and that braised rabbit - the jus on that was magical Apparently they experiment with various themes through out the year - but nerdom runs strong in DC so they have extended the Tolkien experience - get in while you can! read more
When you see the menu trust that they have worked to precisely combine flavors and textures expertly'; I was originally apprehensive but I am so glad that I put my fears aside. My partner made a reservation here in celebration of my birthday; being that it is in fact spooky season and I love to read this was a perfect marriage of two evils. It was a tough choice between the cocktail pairings and the wine pairings, we both went with the wine and were really impressed by the servers knowledge and careful curation of this aspect, in every case it really complimented the food so to not take this option would be like missing out on the full experience. Next with each dish you ordered there was a story accompanied from Edgar Allen Poe including the beets for the beating heart with a water with a wood grain floor board texture for the story of the victims heart beating under her killers flooring. From the mushroom soup served smoked in a small potion vial. it was an exquisite experience. I can't wait to return for another theme. We were told they will open up voting for the next theme in the coming weeks. All were amazing including the staff and the breakdown of each wine. Will for sure return and looking forward to it. read more
7 months ago
2 years ago
You Never Can Tell what you'll get at La Bohème but you can absolutely guarantee it will be so creative and unlike anything else the city offers. We were lucky enough to visit during the Quentin Tarantino menu and loved our experience. You can choose whether to have four courses ($95) or six courses ($125) and you'll make selections from each part of the menu for each course. We were honestly blown away by the creativity and artistry that went into each dish, which was evident as soon as the plates were put down. Some of our favorites were the holy water and crosses (watermelon gazpacho with garlic bread crosses), the savory blueberry pancakes (probably the best dish on the menu), and the Big Kahuna burger (delicious and fun take on the famous royale with cheese). There were a few surprises in between the courses too, one of which was an incredibly fun Tarantino Easter egg that we both loved. One of us had the wine pairing and one of us had the cocktail pairing- both were excellent and just as fun and creative. The service at La Bohème was also truly impressive and exactly what you hope for in a fine dining experience. Our servers were friendly but unobtrusive, attentive but never annoying, and genuinely seemed to love sharing information about the menu and the wines- it really added to the experience for us. You might be wondering if it's worth visiting if you aren't a fan of whichever theme the menu is focused on, and to that I would say absolutely yes. The food also spoke for itself- it would be just as enjoyable if you aren't going specifically for the theme. However, if you are a fan, you will probably have one of the most memorable dining experiences possible. There were so many fun Tarantino Easter eggs and every bit of decor was themed, from the newspapers on the wall to the pillows on the couches- even the servers we had were quoting and referencing the movies. There are so many restaurants constantly opening in DC or offering new fine dining experiences that it can be tough to decide which to try out. We had more fun and enjoyed our food more at La Bohème than many Michelin-starred experiences recently and cannot wait to come back for more creative menus in the future. read more
Business owner information
Elli B.
We are so blessed to have had you in, thank you so much for taking…
1 year ago
This place was really nice and fancy! I think because it is so upscale you feel forced to think it is good but it was not all that great. Regardless, I am thankful I got to have this experience! I visited during the Hayao Miyazaki themed tasting menu and it was so cool. I am a big fan so I was very excited. My boyfriend and I tried the entire menu! My favorite was the Kiki's Third Delivery which was a toasted pumpkin milk bread with a pumpkin tulie. It was delicious and the textures complimented each other so well. I also loved the Haku's Onigiri! It looked beautiful and I loved all the colors. It was a comforting bite and loved the creamy snow crab salad. My least favorite was Pom Poko Tanuki Rocks. It was gross lol. The dish consisted of cherries and matcha cake but with cacao-coated foie gras pate? It was inedible and ruined the rest of the dishes to be honest. For the price, it was just a miss for me. Otherwise, the service was great and everyone was very friendly. I overheard a comment from the table next to me, "If I didn't know it was fancy I wouldn't have liked it." I agree with this statement and the food was mid. read more
Business owner information
Elli B.
Thank you so much for trying out fancy with us……
I took my partner here for their birthday. He really enjoys lord of the rings, the author. So to say the least he was quite happy with this themed dining experience. We each got the six course option without the cocktail and wine pairing. We both aren't too big on drinking, so we didn't feel like this took away from the experience. Overall, the dishes were small and delicious. A few were a bit less flavorful, but as I said overall quite good. I believe the six course meal was the right choice for us as we could try everything and share with each other. I could see myself coming back here for another themed dinner if the opportunity presented itself. The ambiance was nice, they tried to make the ambiance match the themed dinner, which I was thought was cute. Their service was nice and they explained every dish to us, but we were also given the offer to not hear about it too. read more
For one of Washington, D.C.'s most unique dining experiences, go to La Boheme, a woman-owned and woman-led restaurant in an intimate space above Apero DC in Georgetown. Creating a themed tasting menu with wine and cocktail pairings honoring game changing artists, the menu changes quarterly. We dined on Day One of the Quentin Tarantino menu to celebrate our 13th anniversary. Here's our experience. 1) Food: For $95, you can pick four dishes from a menu of 13 organized in four parts (appetizers, main, dessert, etc.) or six for $125. Wine and cocktail pairings add more to the bill. Since we were celebrating, my wife ordered the four-course option with wine and I the six course one with the cocktail pairing. Truly, every dish was innovative with a clear tie into a Quentin Tarantino film, but the stand outs were the Holy Water & Crosses, The Bride's Revenge, I Want Blueberry Pancakes, The Big Kahuna (among the best burgers I've ever had), and the Cheese Chef's Daily Selection. 2) Drinks: Every single pour of wine and every cocktail was uniquely curated to enhance the accompanying dish. The cocktail glasses even got lower and lower to the table as the dinner progressed. 3) Service: It's high end- attentive, informative, and kind from start to finish. Tip generously. 4) Space: It's a small space with a small bar and a few tables in the upstairs space of a Georgetown rowhouse. There are candles throughout and movie posters of Quentin Tarantino's films. 5) Area: It's in the northern end of Georgetown with deep Black history. Street parking is easy to find. read more
2 years ago
I went to La Boheme again and the theme this time is Prince. It was amazing. The food was amazing. The servers know lots of history such as Prince liked eating spaghetti with orange juice. I loved this entire experience. I highly recommend trying this place with this theme before it goes away. read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
Service and attention to detail with the presentation of the theme were excellent. Food was delicious and we thought we would be hungry with the four-course but completely the opposite, we were stuffed. Sound level inside the little space was a bit high, but not impossible. They were also able to accommodate non-alcohol/vegetarian/allergies fairly well. read more
11 months ago
2 years ago
Make a reservation! The entire space has 6 bar stools (also must reserve), and 6 tables of 2, and one table that fit 4- of course varies by evening and reservations. Only residential street parking so allot yourself time to circle around. We went for the Prince theme and it hit the vibe perfectly. For the 4 course meal it didn't feel like a lot of food but it built up and was full and satisfied by the end of the dinner. Beautifully crafted cocktails and dishes that all have great Price stories behind them. Highly recommend the Diamond and Pearls (oysters) as your cold app and Purple Rain-Deer as your entree- tender and super flavorful venison in a beat sauce. The Red Corvette is a buttery red snapper in a sauce that I wish the venison was in. Both superb entree options. Amazing experience, entertaining and attentive staff. Great gift for those who don't need anything and value quality time read more
1 year ago
Business owner information
Elli B.
Thank you so much! You have excellent taste!
1 year ago
Hands down the best restaurant in DC and the surrounding area. The rotating tasting menu themes are beyond creative, the service is professional but approachable, and the food is culinary perfection. Get the cocktail pairing and go back to try selections you miss, you'll never be disappointed! read more
Business owner information
Elli B.
Thank you!!!!!!
2 years ago
A hidden gem that revealed even more surprises once you enter. They have themes for the month that will influence their menu and the decoration. This month was the one and only, Prince! My lovely wife surprised me for a couple diner (no kids! ). I had no idea where we were going and as soon as I opened the door, I was transported into a purple world! Climbing the stairs has never been that much fun! Our table wasn't ready so we sat at the bar with complimentary champagne! Then we were taken to our table and the magical experience began. The menu was inspired by Prince and everything was delicious. From the appetizers to the main course and the additional little surprises here and there. It was quite an experience. I enjoyed everything I was served. The presentation, the added explanations and little stories about Prince and his quirky food taste. Loved it all! The background music was all Prince, of course, and the selection was great. Great experience and great attention to details. The staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. From the detail explanations on what we were served to the little stories on Prince, it was perfect! I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a different experience. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
Business owner information
Elli B.
I think you may have missed the point… but thanks for joining and…
2 years ago
This was an overall wonderful upscale experience! Let's start off with the theme "Prince"! The 4 course meal and the drinks all tied to Prince was a hit (wonderful job). The staff was amazing and I loved how they all worked together to make it a wonderful experience for my sister's birthday!!!! ALL of the food was fantastic. I will definitely be coming back in January for the next themed experience. Check out this location and leave a comment! read more
2 years ago
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