What should I order at Le Diplomate?
Le Diplomate
Steak Frites
Mentioned multiple times as tender, flavorful, and a standout dish that exemplifies the restaurant's high-quality French cuisine.
Duck à L’Orange
Highly praised for its tender texture and unique orangey note that provides a bright, citrusy balance, making it rich, balanced, and memorable.
French Onion Soup
Consistently described as one of the best, rich, deeply flavorful with perfectly melted gruyère, rivaling renowned versions in New York City.
Crème Brûlée
Frequently recommended dessert with a perfect crackly sugar top and a delightful finish to the meal, often paired with a warm madeleine.
Mushroom Tart
Noted for its flaky, rich, and flavor-packed qualities, a unique item that diners highly recommend due to its distinct taste and texture.
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Described as incredible and decadent, this dish stands out as a comforting and flavorful choice among the appetizers.
Burger
Mentioned as one of the best burgers in the city, perfect with fries and a favorite for casual dining occasions.
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
A specific variation of crème brûlée highlighted for its delicate flavor and excellent presentation.
Profiteroles
Recommended house favorite dessert filled with praline, banana, and vanilla ice cream, topped with rich bittersweet chocolate sauce poured tableside.
Rabbit Pappardelle
Praised as hearty yet refined, with a delicious riesling and tomato sauce, offering a sophisticated pasta option.
Omelette with Gruyère Cheese
Favored for being light, fluffy, and rich with flavor, executed with classic French finesse, ideal for brunch.
Mussels
Highly recommended for being perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor, a great seafood option.
Chicken Paillard
Loved for its olive tapenade and perfectly paired salad, making it a light yet filling main course.
Croque Madame
Celebrated for its rich flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture, a classic French dish done exceptionally well.
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 12 AM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM to 12 AM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM to 11 PM |
About Le Diplomate
Old-fashioned restaurant with outdoor seating, serving familiar French fare, brunch staples, and drinks.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Lively
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Valet parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Le Diplomate known for?
Le Diplomate is best known for steak frites and french onion soup, with escargot and beef bourguignon also showing up often in reviews. People repeatedly mention the rich flavors, crisp fries, and polished French brasserie experience, and the restaurant is popular enough that reservations are recommended, especially at lunch and dinner.
What dishes are most recommended at Le Diplomate?
Reviewers most often recommend the steak frites, french onion soup, escargot, beef bourguignon, duck l'orange, and steak tartare. Other specific favorites include the American burger with crispy fries, oysters, and the one pot chocolate dessert, especially when paired with the wine list or cocktails.
What is the atmosphere like at Le Diplomate?
The vibe is described as classic Parisienne, lively, romantic, and upscale, with beautiful lighting and vibrant decor. It works well for date nights, groups, and special dinners, and reviewers also mention that the outdoor seating is especially pleasant on 14th Street in Washington, DC.
Is Le Diplomate good value, and what is the price range?
Le Diplomate is in the $50 to $100 range, and reviewers call it pricey but worth it for the quality of the food, service, and setting. The value is often tied to dishes like steak frites, beef bourguignon, and the wine and cocktail selection, which many guests feel justify the cost for a special meal.
Do you need a reservation at Le Diplomate?
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended because reviewers say it gets crowded quickly, even at a late lunch, and the listing notes that brunch, lunch, and dinner reservations are recommended. Guests also mention that there is usually a wait, so planning ahead matters if you want a smoother visit.
Is parking available at Le Diplomate?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid street parking, Valet parking is available.
Is Le Diplomate kid-friendly?
Yes, Le Diplomate is good for kids.
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