Dine at a highly-rated French bistro in Washington, D.C. Experience exceptional service and delicious classic dishes. Reserve your table today! (4.6/5)
Old-fashioned restaurant with outdoor seating, serving familiar French fare, brunch staples, and drinks.
This popular 14th Street establishment offers a vibrant Parisian brasserie experience, consistently earning a 4.6-star rating from nearly 8,000 diners. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it a favored spot for both lively brunches and sophisticated evening meals. Diners frequently praise the attentive and knowledgeable service, highlighting staff who enhance the overall dining experience with excellent recommendations. The menu features expertly prepared French classics, with dishes like steak frites and onion soup often cited as standouts. With its inviting ambiance and consistently high praise, it's a destination for those seeking authentic flavors and a memorable meal.
Restaurant Analysis
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Price Range (Upscale)
Upscale dining ($$$) - Fine dining with premium prices
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
The whole experience was stellar. Pablo was our server, and it was truly the best service we’ve had in Washington. He was knowledgeable about the menu, offered fantastic recommendations, and made our dining experience feel really special. He was attentive and quick to take care of anything we needed. We ordered the steak frites, onion soup, and steak tartare, and every dish was absolutely delicious. I would definitely come back here the next time I’m in Washington. Le Diplomate is an incredible spot for date night. It’s right on 14th Street and perfectly captures that classic European brasserie atmosphere. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it for a special evening. I highly recommend the steak frites, escargot, and duck. The duck, in particular, has a subtle orangey note that’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted — rich, balanced, and memorable. We’ve also tried the artichokes before, which weren’t really my favorite, but everything else has been consistently excellent. The indoor dining room is elegant, but we’ve only ever sat outdoors, where the ambiance is just as lovely. We love this place and will definitely be back! My experience at this restaurant was excellent with the food and the service. The decor of the place was very pretty. The food was delicious. The coffee was super delicious, with an intense and tasty flavor. I loved it. The waiter who served us, I have to say this. We had a small incident with the coffee, but he resolved it super quickly. He was very attentive from the beginning, very kind and respectful. We were super happy with the attention from Mr. Amaya. I have to mention him because he gave us excellent service. I highly recommend this restaurant. Everything was excellent: the food, the service, the atmosphere, everything was a very nice experience! Highly recommended!!
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November 18, 2025
The whole experience was stellar. Pablo was our server, and it was truly the best service we’ve had in Washington. He was knowledgeable about the menu, offered fantastic recommendations, and made our dining experience feel really special. He was attentive and quick to take care of anything we needed. We ordered the steak frites, onion soup, and steak tartare, and every dish was absolutely delicious. I would definitely come back here the next time I’m in Washington.
October 12, 2025
Le Diplomate is an incredible spot for date night. It’s right on 14th Street and perfectly captures that classic European brasserie atmosphere. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it for a special evening. I highly recommend the steak frites, escargot, and duck. The duck, in particular, has a subtle orangey note that’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted — rich, balanced, and memorable. We’ve also tried the artichokes before, which weren’t really my favorite, but everything else has been consistently excellent. The indoor dining room is elegant, but we’ve only ever sat outdoors, where the ambiance is just as lovely. We love this place and will definitely be back!
October 11, 2025
My experience at this restaurant was excellent with the food and the service. The decor of the place was very pretty. The food was delicious. The coffee was super delicious, with an intense and tasty flavor. I loved it. The waiter who served us, I have to say this. We had a small incident with the coffee, but he resolved it super quickly. He was very attentive from the beginning, very kind and respectful. We were super happy with the attention from Mr. Amaya. I have to mention him because he gave us excellent service. I highly recommend this restaurant. Everything was excellent: the food, the service, the atmosphere, everything was a very nice experience! Highly recommended!!
October 1, 2025
My lunch at Le Diplomate in D.C. was truly exquisite. The atmosphere is authentically French and wonderfully charming. It is full of energy, conversation, and a fun vibe. Since it was a gorgeous day in the 70s, I was especially grateful to sit outside on the covered patio and enjoy the afternoon. The French onion soup was a highlight — one of the best I’ve had, it rivals Balthazar in New York City. The champagne was excellent, and the crème brûlée was the perfect finish to the meal. The service was also very good. I highly recommend this wonderful and vibrant French restaurant in the heart of D.C.
November 7, 2025
Midnight in Paris, but Make It D.C. There’s something about Le Diplomate that makes you believe in romance again — even if it’s just between you and your glass of Bordeaux. The lights shimmer like a Parisian dream, the chatter hums like a love song, and every bite feels like it’s flirting with you. The duck ragu? Intoxicating. The steak frites? A perfect affair of flavor and nostalgia. And the chocolate torte? Dangerous — the kind of sweet you shouldn’t trust but can’t resist anyway. Come here on a Friday night when the city feels alive. Order the wine, toss your hair, and let the night do what it does best — remind you that love isn’t gone, it’s just evolving. 💋 Pro tip: Don’t wait for someone to take you here. Go for yourself — Paris is more fun when you’re the main character.
Features and amenities that make Le Diplomate special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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Excellent public transportation with Metro rail and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the National Mall, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
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