This is a super cool restaurant and they have an awesome outdoor space! I love a spot that also has the cool European style outdoor seating with chairs only on one side. The food is incredible and they bring fresh bread to your table to start the meal! The drinks were also incredible! Our waiter was very friendly and helped us to decide on a few things as well. Definitely worth checking out! read more

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So far, all I've experienced is the burger. But I can say, it's a damn great burger! Classic upscale smash burger. It gets all the basics right that no fancy toppings are necessary. We opted for pick-up. Placing our pick-up order was super easy and we were able to include special requests (like add bacon). Everything was ready on time. The packaging was perfect. Transported super well and kept everything looking nice. And the sauce that comes on the burger is served on the side. Looking forward to having a dine-in experience here. read more

Finally I took a visit to the DC staple, Le Diplomate. Immediately upon arrival I was greeted by wait staff and shown to my table, but unfortunately it then took another 10 minutes or so to receive my menu. That being said, the wait staff was incredibly kind and accommodating, and the outdoor seating was a very pleasant vibe. There's something about the burgers at French restaurants that are better than the rest, and this burger at Le Dip was no exception. This popular DC spot is definitely worth the hype! read more

Le Diplomate - Burger Amrican - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Totally forgot to take pics....I was too busy enjoying every bite! I had the Steak Frites and Fries, and my lunch date ordered the salmon. Both dishes were beautifully presented and cooked to absolute perfection. The flavors were spot-on. The service was beyond excellent; a seamless partnership between two attentive servers who made us feel genuinely cared for. The environment was calm and inviting, with a peaceful energy that made it easy to relax and enjoy the meal. Even though it was 2 p.m., the space wasn't too crowded and the noise level was pleasantly low. Everything was terrific from the food to the service to the ambiance. A truly satisfying experience all around! read more

Enjoyed everything here. The burger reminded me of a fancy Big Mac and the fries reminded me of McDonald's fries. They were basically an elevated version. The breakfast pastries were good read more

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I found myself in DC for work and relied on Yelp to steer me in the right direction for lunch. Which led me to Le Diplomate. And what a treat. The space is quant and charming on the inside. Offering indoor and outdoor (covered) seating. I snagged a seat at their bar area which is first come first serve and took in the European like ambiance. I felt like I was on set of an episode of Emily in Paris. I almost wish I visited with some friends to really try the menu but since it was just me, I started with their French onion soup. A must order. The broth was flavorful and packed with the most tender onions. Not to mention the cheese pull. I finished with their cheeseburger which also did not disappoint. It is a bit pricey otherwise worth the visit. read more

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Amazing food, lovely vibe, pretty loud so don't expect to have any deep convos, but the electric vibe is a breath in itself, take it in. Get the steak and fries, get it alll!!!! Most importantly, the vanilla crème broulee. Service is spectacular! read more

Le Diplomate sets the standard for fine dining in DC. Even at their busiest, the service and food are consistently of the highest quality. The packed restaurant oozes energy and brings a real European vibe to 14th street. It's a thing of beauty to watch Rockstar servers like Chakib (over a decade at Le Dip) gracefully side through the crowds supported by solid managers like Peter, Charlie, and Ben (and maybe others) while Chef Greg makes magic in the kitchen. Like everyone else, I highly recommend. read more

Good food and service. Very beautiful baroque appearance if you want a fancy, classy ambiance. - Celery soup - rich, creamy, and tasty - Escargots - very garlicky and buttery and rich. Yummm. - Warm shrimp salad - shrimp was slightly overcooked but portions were large. Good flavors. read more

The service, food, ambience of this restaurant was top tier. No complaints, we were walk ins early morning when they opened. The bread and butter were amazing, the entrees and mains were so delicious. Very much worth the visit! read more

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Came here for a late lunch with the kids after walking the mall in the morning. Ordered the chicken milanese, american burger, and the roast beef sandwich. The chicken milanese was a little dry so not sure if it was overcooked slightly or there simply wasn't enough sauce. I feel we would have like the roast beef sandwich better if the baguette was plain vs all the seeds on it. The burger was quite tasty and moist, and the fries were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The service of our waiter and other staff was excellent. Never had to ask for refills, and always available for questions or if we needed something. read more

My first time actually having dinner here and not just stopping by for drinks was really good! My friends and I went in December and the restaurant was decorated so nicely for the holidays. Loved the whole vibe of the restaurant. It would be great for a date night too! Our server was attentive but not overly so. I got the steak au poivre and it was delicious! I left my leftovers at the next bar and was so sad when I realized. Another friend got the steak frites which she said was really good. And then there was the warm shrimp salad which I tasted and am definitely ordering next time. read more

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Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Every single thing that we had was beyond incredible. Coming from NYC, quality French food is at my fingertips on a daily basis so it is tough to impress me, but Le diplomat definitely did. From the appetizers to our entrées to the absolutely delicious dessert, every single thing we ate at Le diplomat was without complaint. The service was impeccable and the ambience exactly what we were looking for - the perfect blend of lively, but able to have conversation. If you're in DC I 100% recommend Le diplomat for your next French meal. read more

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Nice restaurant with a great vibe inside. Unfortunately, the vibe dwindles quickly by a very unwelcoming environment created by the waiters and hosts. It feels like you're being rushed while looking to order and eating your food. The food itself was good, but not amazing enough for the price you pay. The steak frites was a good dish, meanwhile the truffle pasta was extremely heavy on the cream. Hopefully in the future, the environment becomes more welcoming. read more

Le Diplomate - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Le dip is absolutely wonderful! I've been here a few times before but it's been a while. I came here for brunch. I got the escargots and mushroom tart. They offer a free bread service and my friends and I shared the pastry basket. Everything was wonderful! The service this time was a little slow. The server didn't get my order right although I received some free fries from a manager when they realized the mistake. The ambiance is wonderful also! I definitely would go back again. It's not my favorite French food in the area but I see why it is a dc staple. read more

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Short trip to DC and looked up spots and knew I had to pop over. I made a reservation, less than a week out and it wasn't too bad and got a table. I arrived a bit early and was seated immediately. The spot is cut and dim inside but lots more seating outside which a great vibe during the summer I suspect. The menu is pretty expansive but decided on a side salad of bibb lettuce and a vinaigrette. It was fine. I then got the steak frite. The highlight here were the shoestring fries. It mean the steak was solid but felt a bit tough and didn't have the grill marks but that said, it was a decent steak but the fries were the highlight. With a side of bread and a glass of wine, it was a solid meal and while it is hyped up, and touristy, I still feel it's a good place to visit! read more

Le Diplomate - Salad Verte - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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WHO: Me, a chick who just needed to get out the house WHAT: A French brunch? Tell me more WHERE: Le Diplomate on 14th St. WHY: Girls/Networking brunch. I've heard really great things about Le Diplomate so when I heard there was a group brunch happening, I knew I had to be there. AMBIANCE: The restaurant is pretty big, beautifully decorated and a little noisy. SERVICE: The staff was friendly and accommodating. FOOD: I kept it simple which is a rarity for me and got a yogurt parfait and eggs benedict. YOGURT PARFAIT I did not enjoy this at all. But I feel it was more so for personal preference. I'm not a fan of Greek yogurt and was really hoping the sweetness of the jam would help counter that sour cream taste but it didn't. I love the granola but I was pretty much done when I ran out of it. EGGS BENEDICT The eggs benedict was nothing to write home about. It came with a side of potatoes which I enjoyed but there's nothing about it that was unique. OVERALL I'm not sure if I would return. Probably wouldn't go out of my way. There were things on the menu I really wanted to check out but I wasn't entirely sold on the dishes I had. read more

Le Diplomate - Yogurt Parfait - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

True staple of Washington DC. I think it is worth the hype as a "special occasion" restaurant. I've sat inside for dinner and outside for lunch when they had their outdoor section during Covid. Both were great, but I especially love the dimly-lit vibes of the interior for dinner--it really feels like you're somewhere else. I've always gotten the steak frites which are amazing. The steak is juicy and the sauce is so good. The fries are also perfect. Overall, I recommend this spot-- especially if you're looking to celebrate or are in search for a quality, high-end meal. read more

Le Diplomate - Steak Frites - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I finally got around to trying an absolute DC classic and I think it deserves all the hype it gets. I went for brunch and I'd love to go back to try their dinner menu. The free bread basket was superb and also such a big plus especially in DC. I can't remember the name of the drink I got, but all the drinks I tried are absolutely fabulous. For main courses, my friends and I got the eggs Benedict, french toast, and duck sarladaise. All of them were delicious. The duck sarladaise was definitely the star of the show, but almost too rich and heavy for me personally. We were sat in their enclosed terrace and the vibes were perfection. It took me straight back to sitting in a cafe in Paris. Such a stunning staple in the DC dining culture. read more

Le Diplomate - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Incredible experience that lives up to the hype. Very cute French interior with elegant design and the smell of fresh bread throughout. Service was on point with multiple serves waiting on us at all times. Food was perfect. The burger was like an extremely elevated Big Mac and the French Dip sandwich was the best I've ever had. Loved this place so much. read more

Le Diplomate - Roast Beef French Dip - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ended up getting the two dishes our waiter recommended (he did a great job selling them), and they did not disappoint! It was the perfect atmosphere for date night and we could see why it is a dc staple! read more

Le Diplomate - Warm Shrimp Salad - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This spot is a staple because it's reliable and a well-oiled machine. They do have valet parking if you're driving and it's not too expensive. This is a great spot for celebrations. It is loud so maybe not great for a huge group if you want to hear everyone or have intimate conversations. The food is good. Not like jaw dropping best ever but really good. Service is super quick. Had steak frites, duck confit, macaroni gratin and the profiterole dessert. Amazing bread basket, good food, good service. Docking a point for the picketing employees--because they work incredibly hard to make the restaurant what it is and you should support them fairly! Restaurant is nothing without the staff, it'll benefit you, your team and your customers. read more

If you'd like to contract a foodborne illness, this is your place! On Saturday evening , Jan. 24th, I dined with friends at Le Diplomat (which I have done several times in the past). Food was okay (would recommend La Chaumiere in Georgetown or L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls if you want great French food); Service was good for how busy it was. While I was in the restroom, washing my hands, I saw an employee exit a stall and leave. I spoke up and asked her to please wash her hands, and she told me she didn't need to wash her hands. I asked her again to please wash her hands, and she subsequently wet her hands but didn't use any soap. I left the restroom to talk to the Manager, Justin, who dismissed the employee's actions, because he said that she is the employee who generally cleans the restaurant, which made me more uncomfortable since an employee who cleans should understand the value of washing hands. Employees who fail to wash hands present a clear risk to the health of their patrons. Poor hand hygiene by food employees is a major cause of foodborne illness so if you'd like your Duck à L'Orange with a side of E. Coli, this is your place! I will dine elsewhere... read more

We came here for Thanksgiving and were not disappointed. We opted just for their regular menu. We had to get a reservation one month in advance to get a seat here. The inside decor is beautiful. Our favorite dishes were the mushroom tarte, beef bourguignon, and the crème brule. Prices are on the higher end but for a special occasion we felt it was worth it. Overall great experience would come back! Would love to try their brunch! Accessibility: this restaurant is accessible with ramp to bathroom! read more

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Came here for lunch. Ordered the onion soup, a Gruyère omelette and the burger with fries. The service was prompt and professional, black pants and white shirt attire, fast and clean delivery. The decor is so pleasant, tiled floors, tall ceilings, wooden and wicker chairs and wood window frames and finishings. More than serving French cuisine, the restaurant feels French and there is a lovely escapism that comes with eating here. I was in. I rush to leave. The food was tasty but our selection was admittedly basic. Overall, highly recommend for location, ambiance and service and I would personally like to come back to experience more of the menu. read more

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A friend highly recommended and she definitely didn't disappoint. After driving 4-5 hours from NJ, we were HUNGRY. We came here as a group of 10 and they were extremely accommodating during the busy hour (around 430-5pm). I can see why this is the place to be...vibes were great and staff was amazing. The bar was lively and people were friendly enough. It definitely looked like a great place to relieve some work stress. We were seated right in front of the bar and with 4 kids, it was good enough. We all placed our orders and the escargot was heavenly. Cooked in this butter garlic sauce, the escargot was a good size, wasn't very chewy, and enough meat that'll keep you satisfied. We dipped the bread in the garlic butter sauce (chefs kiss). I ordered the salmon which was cooked to perfection (medium rare) but since I'm 6 months pregnant I couldn't eat it that rare...the waiter came by and insisted on bringing the dish back to cook it well done and another 15 minutes later, a fresh piece of salmon came out- cooked well done with the crispiest skin I've ever tasted. I apologized profusely since I didn't realize they cook the salmon medium rare, otherwise I would've asked for it to be cooked well done without having to send the dish back! The rest of the party ordered steak, fries, lamb, scallops, and duck and no one had complaints about their food! Their truffle spaghetti was also delicious! There was just something about the atmosphere of the place that just make it such a nice dinner setting to hang out for a date or just to hang at the bar! Food was good, vibe was good, and service was good- what more can you ask for? read more

Has it really been over 10 years since it opened? In that case: I officially deem it a DC institution. Le Diplomate truly was THE restaurant to help solidify 14th Street's return to life. I should know, I rented a basement apartment at 13th and Corcoran Streets NW for several years, in the late 80's, long before Le Diplomate was birthed. 14th Street was not terribly safe after dark in those days. I can't add much to all the reviews that have been written about this place. My suggestion: Go see for yourself. Here's what I find worthy: onion soup gratinee, escargots, steak frites, steak au poivre, salade verte, beef bouguiganon, lamb tangine, creme brulee, any coffee. The bread that accompanies is fab. The gougeres are to die for. The wine selection is tremendous. read more

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Was taken here for a belated Mother's day brunch with my daughters. We tried several things and you can tell they value quality from the Foie Gras to the Hamburger American - everything was great. My favorite was their French Onion Soup and their Vietnamese Coffee! Very busy spot - highly recommend making RESERVATIONS. read more

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Had an awesome time at "Le Dip" as the locals say. It was a gorgeously designed restaurant with custom matchboxes for you to take on your way out. Love these small touches like this. The tables are close to one another but not in an unbearable way, makes you feel like you are really in France. Our server was fantastic and helped us talk through the wine options. He suggested a wine that went perfectly with our meal. Would absolutely go back! read more

Le Diplomate - Cheeseburger and fries - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I don't eat French food that much so I never know what to expect. It was extremely busy here! We had a reservation though so we didn't have to wait for a table. It's another tourist trap but one to try. It's large with an open air, European style vibe. From the outdoor seating to the indoor natural light, plants hanging from the ceiling, and the words Laundry Room written in French on green tiles. I started off with white wine, while my table mates got espresso martinis, red wine, or beer. We did the prix fixe. I got escargot while some of my table mates opted for the butter lettuce salad or French onion soup. Delicious! Ive had escargot before but never in this generous amount. I've only had much smaller snails. We also had bread on the side and asked for oil to dip it in and season. So yummm! For our entrees, I got the pasta, while my table mates either had the branzino, chicken, or steak. My pasta wasn't anything spectacular. Pretty normal to me. I didn't eat much of it since I normally can't eat much pasta in the first place, but the other dishes on the menu didn't interest me. For dessert, most of us got crème brûlée, as did I. Exceptional! It's one of the best I've had, but I've never had great creme brûlée before anyway. A couple of my table mates opted for the sorbet. Overall, a great experience. Staff was really attentive to ask if you want more drinks, filling water glasses, taking away plates almost immediately after you finish your food, etc. Of the restaurants I tried in DC, this is one I would definitely come back to visit. It's worth the hype! read more

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Le Diplomate in DC is part of a broader constellation of "French" bistros designed more for the American imagination than any Parisian reality. Think Balthazar and Café Luxembourg in NYC--stylized, theatrical, and meant to evoke a version of France that's heavy on charm and butter, light on actual Frenchness. The menu checks every expected box: escargots, bouillabaisse, French onion soup, and names that roll off the tongue like you're doing your best Duolingo impression. There's cheese, there's cream, and a frankly reckless use of butter--exactly what you want when indulging in the fantasy of a French meal, American-style. And to be fair, everything is delicious. The kitchen hits the mark, and the service is impeccable--professional, friendly, and fast without feeling rushed. The space itself is stunning, with a grand, turn-of-the-century train station vibe that's all about transporting you (in spirit, at least) to another place and time. Le Diplomate is visually lush and acoustically alive--don't expect a quiet meal, but do expect atmosphere. That said, the real world crept in during my visit: outside, a demonstration by hospitality workers protesting the restaurant's alleged anti-union hiring practices. Claims were made that Le Diplomate avoids employing unionized staff--a dissonant note in an otherwise polished operation. It gave the whole evening a layer of ethical ambiguity. Ultimately, Le Diplomate is a great place for a self-indulgent dinner where calories and complexities are both meant to be ignored. It's the most American kind of French restaurant--more about performance than provenance--but sometimes, that's exactly what you're in the mood for. read more

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"Service by Rudy" was on point. Food and vibe was classic French brassiere! This restaurant is timeless and never disappoints! read more

Le Diplomate - A few apps! Warm Shrimp Salad, tuna carpaccio, oysters and pate of course! - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We walked in around 3 PM on Monday and were promptly seated, even though our reservation was for 3:30. The restaurant exudes French flair, with Tour de France memorabilia and tasteful décor that creates a charming atmosphere. Pablo came over right away, asked if it was our first visit, and gave us a great overview of the menu. He was knowledgeable, passionate, and answered all our questions with genuine enthusiasm. We ordered a variety of dishes including the Onion Soup Gratinée, Foie Gras Parfait, Beef Bourguignon, Steak Frites, Half Roasted Chicken, and Crème Brûlée. The onion soup was flavorful but a bit salty for my preference. The Foie Gras Parfait was the standout of the hors d'oeuvres--rich, smooth, and unforgettable. My brother, who is an extremely picky eater, finished every bite of his Beef Bourguignon. The red wine sauce tied the dish together beautifully, and everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. The mashed potatoes were creamy, buttery, and seriously addictive. The Steak Frites featured perfectly golden, well-seasoned fries and a juicy medium-rare steak with just the right amount of fat. The Half Roasted Chicken was full of flavor, with a hint of rosemary in every bite, crispy skin, and moist, tender meat. The Crème Brûlée was the perfect finish, light custard with a perfectly caramelized top. I'm still kicking myself for not ordering a second one. As my brother put it best to his friends, "this place is fire and we have to go." read more

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I am OBSESSED. This place was so great. The moment you walk in the door this place is buzzing with energy. They have a bread station just inside where they are cutting fresh sourdough and french bread for the table and a giant bar area for guests to grab a drink while you wait for a table. Their large indoor and outdoor patio setting makes for a short wait time overall, even as a walk in. Everything we had here was amazing. The french onion soup was deliciious and so large, you could split it between a few people as a started. The salmon tartar was so refreshing and smooth, I could have had 10. For main courses the warm shrimp salad had the most amazing vinaigrette and the peppercorn steak gravy was the perfect combo for the main course. Attentive service and even the Somalia was helpful with wine pairings. Overall a fantastic experience and great french food! read more

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My good friend and former Miami CM Diandra named Le Diplómate as a must try spot in DC. I was lucky to grab a reservation within in an hour and enjoyed a very yummy & filling dinner. Service was casually pleasant but on point. The facade had nice oak doors and neon lighting reminiscent of classic bistros. You can take the man out of Miami, but I will always find a well blended mojito even at a French restaurant. It was well blended with fresh mint. The only thing that was missing was the sugar cane stick. A Steven Starr concept, my dessert was a favorite from Pastis: their Baba Armagnac. This fluffy cake on base of prune compote (much better than what we had as kids) and topped with a sweet crème chantilly was a sweet closing to a very hearty dinner. But I am getting ahead of myself.. Although it is a French concept, I started with a yummy plate of ravioli with a hearty marinara sauce, fresh plum tomatoes and ethereal shredded ricotta. This was tasty enough that between it and leaving room for dessert, I was couldn't finish an otherwise excellent and juice half roast chicken. Soaked in its natural juices, this bird was juicy and sizeable. It had plenty of meat for my taste buds to enjoy. In true tourist fashion :) I substituted their crispy yummy fries. read more

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My sister and I came here for dinner on Halloween. It was great because the employees were in costumes, which made my daughter really happy. One of the awesome staff members gave her Halloween candy which made her day. Now to the food...I ordered the Mac and cheese, which was really cheesy and absolutely delicious. I got the half chicken and my sister the steak fries with french fries. My toddler, who refused to eat inhaled the French fries, which was a win win for me. For dessert, I went isn't the creme brulee! We also had some drinks but the espresso martini was not great. The staff immediately offered a substitute. Overall, it was a great dining experience even with two littles. read more

Le Diplomate - Half Roast Chicken - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We stopped in around 12:30 on the Monday after World Pride. We sat at the bar and had great, prompt service. Our cocktails were perfect, the bread was delicious. The crispy artichokes were interesting but very good. Would definitely order again. The Macaroni au Gratin was also killer. This isn't my first time here and I've always had consistently great service, food and drinks. They're usually busy so I'd make a reservation for a table. read more

Le Diplomate - Macaroni au Gratin - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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What a wonderful place! Such a great vibe inside and out. There are a few distinct seating areas all with wonderful vibes. Eating here for lunch legitimately felt like sending me back to Paris (I wish given it's Nov 6, 2024 in the USA). Service was super attentive and friendly. Definitely at least a step or two above standard service. As a vegetarian I don't get to try French food very often, but I know Le Diplomate is a DC institution and I saw several items we could try so we just went for almost all of them! First, the bread basket and butter they give is sublime. I'd say European quality bread and butter quite honestly. We started with a 3 cheese selection and it was decent. Definitely quality cheeses just not my favorite flavors, but I won't hold that against them. It was all uphill from there though. My wife and I ordered a bunch of hors d'oeuvres to split starting with the crispy artichoke, which again as a vegetarian I've not had much French food and this was a super unique food item. Love trying new stuff and especially new stuff that hits! The ricotta ravioli was delicious. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. The gougères were amazing. They are like Belgian crème puffs except instead of being a full-on desert item, it's like a puff pastry meets a cheesy biscuit. So good. The pomme frites were excellent and served with mayo and ketchup. Last item was the mushroom tart, which was also simply amazing as well. All in all a very inspired meal in a wonderful setting. 100% will be back and bring other people here in the future. read more

Le Diplomate - A slew of hors d'oeuvres - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Took a party of 7 here for my birthday on a Saturday night. I booked my reservation exactly 1 months in advance the day they opened the reservations for my required date. We were sat about 5-10 minutes AFTER our reservation time despite being on time (and even a little early). It was SO LOUD the entire time, our table was not very big and you could not hear anything being said from one end to another. Speaking to someone two seats down was difficult. We sat in the main dining part that has the bar. People were allowed to stand around the bar I guess while waiting for their tables but it go so crowded that it felt basically like people were standing over us at our table... and again... LOUD. The food was good. I think everyone enjoyed it. I had the steak, the amount of black pepper does make it a bit spicy. We split a carafe of the wine and it was also good. At the end of our meal our server was nowhere to be found when we wanted to get the check and then she was very pushy and rude rushing us to pay. Our meal came out to about $400 I think. The "experience" of eating there is NOT worth the price even if the food is good. I did not have a good time and it was my BIRTHD read more

Le Diplomate - Steak - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Cool spot with some unique menu options. The scallops in the scallops provencal were delicious though I did find capers and potatoes to be an odd mix of flavors for the rest of the dish. Unfortunately the service wasn't great. I visited with a group of 4 people and admittedly we did take our time going over the menu but not too long, and we ordered a variety of dishes and (pricy) cocktails. Our server was very brusque with us and it was obvious she was annoyed the entire evening which was disappointing. read more

Le Diplomate - Scallops provencal - Brasseries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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