Le Diplomate

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)

European$$$4.6(7,667)Washington, D.C.

Old-fashioned restaurant with outdoor seating, serving familiar French fare, brunch staples, and drinks.

About Le Diplomate

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.

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Restaurant Analysis

Restaurant Characteristics

Formula-Based Analysis

This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.

💰Price Range
Upscale
🕐Meal Time
dinner
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
🎭Atmosphere
Outdoor
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Features & Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
+4 more

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Why Travelers Love Le Diplomate

Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.

4.6 / 5.0(7,667 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!!

Find the Restaurant

Where to Find Them

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Open Now
Monday11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday9:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday9:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Recent Reviews

Min J.

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.

Rich M.

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!

M

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!!

Virginia H.

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.

Noreen Q.

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.

What to Expect

Features and amenities that make Le Diplomate special

Outdoor Seating

Cocktails

Beer

Wine

Coffee

Family Friendly

Groups Welcome

Reservations

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you visit

Payment Options

Credit Cards
NFC/Contactless

Parking

Free Street Parking
Paid Street Parking
Valet Parking

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Wheelchair Accessible Parking

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