There are so many fantastic restaurants in Washington, DC, and Le Diplomate is one not to miss. This beautiful French restaurant’s interior was thoughtfully designed to mimic the spirit of a Parisian brasserie. Outdoor seating adds to its charm, making it a great spot to enjoy French cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
The menu features French classics like escargots, steak frites, onion soup, and an array of fresh seafood and handcrafted pastries. The restaurant’s ambiance is designed to evoke a Parisian café, making it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions. The curated wine list and craft cocktail program create perfect pairings to your delicious meal. A great way to start is the French cheese selection!
Le Diplomate is about one mile from our Washington DC Bed and Breakfast! Depending on your preference, it’s a quick drive or a leisurely walk. We always enjoy an evening stroll after an elegant meal, especially as the Nation’s Capitol comes alive at night. Our historic Inn will be a welcoming sight, as you can settle in our cozy guest rooms and refresh for the next day’s big adventure. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging today!
Le Diplomate, Paris on 14th Street, & More DC Dining
Sometimes, first-hand experiences are the best way to know whether or not you’d like to make a reservation at one of the local restaurants during your visit. Here is a lovely review of Le Diplomate from one of our past Innkeepers at American Guest House:
“Imagine yourself sitting inside a warm garden room. It’s past 8 pm. The lights are dimmed and there is the pleasant sound of dinner conversation gliding off the walls. You can look up and see the city lights through the slanted glass, along with a few hanging plants and glowing lanterns.
You reach into a basket on your table and take out a warm piece of bread with dried cranberries and walnuts–it smells like the interior of a quaint French bakery–and you spread creamy butter into its surface. The waiter, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black tie, places a steaming plate in front of you– Steak Au Poivre. True to its name, it’s crusted in black pepper and half glazed in a cognac broth, a perfectly shaped dollop of creamed garlic spinach spaced an inch away.
This was my dining experience at Le Diplomate, the French bistro on 14th Street in Washington DC, just a 10-minute drive from our Washington DC lodging.
How did Le Diplomate turn into one of DC’s most beloved restaurants? It all started when restaurant owner Stephen Starr saw an old laundromat on the corner of 14th and Q and thought, with the ample sidewalk and the bustling location, it was a great place to pay homage to the French bistros in Saint-Germain. In 2013, Starr’s dream became a reality.
Le Diplomate is open for brunch and mid-day meals on weekends, and from Tuesday to Sunday, it’s open late into the night–offering a true European dining experience. They serve everything from feathery breakfast pastries to beef bourguignon in red wine sauce and French Onion Soup Gratinee during the day to frog legs, Grilled Loup de Mer, and Milk-Chocolate Pots de Crème late into the night.
The restaurant is even known for having a seasonal ice cream cart outside the restaurants during the hot DC months with gourmet ice cream and sorbet. Celebrities, politicians, and locals alike are known to frequent the bistro, whether it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon or a dim-lit, starry Friday night. Either way, no matter who you are or what the reason is, it is safe to say that from the time you arrive until the moments you clutch to your chest after you leave, it feels like you have been transported to la façon française.”
~Innkeeper Natalie
Here are more fantastic French Restaurants in DC:
- Bistrot Du Coin: Opened in 2000, this lovely French bistro has been serving up fun food paired with friendly service in the Kalorama neighborhood for decades.
- Ellington Park Bistro: This ultra-chic French restaurant, named in honor of music legend Duke Ellington, is a lovely date night or business meeting spot. The bar is a focal point, located in the center of the space, and offers amazing cocktails.
- Le Sel: Located in the lobby of Dupont’s Kimpton Banneker Hotel, you’ll find casual French food with a twist in an intimate and vibrant atmosphere.
- Convivial: Classic French cuisine meets contemporary preparations at this local French restaurant in DC. The open dining space would be an excellent location for work dinner.
Book our Washington DC Bed and Breakfast
Staying at the American Guest House in Washington, DC, offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. Our historic bed and breakfast on the edge of the Dupont Circle neighborhood provides an intimate and personalized experience. Guests can enjoy cozy, well-appointed rooms with modern amenities while feeling home in this beautiful 19th-century property. Our location is perfect for exploring the capital’s cultural, business, and historic attractions, with easy access to the city’s metro system.
The Innkeepers at our Washington, DC, bed and breakfast pride themselves on delivering exceptional hospitality. You can start each day with a gourmet breakfast prepared in-house or help yourself to the light continental options. Whether you prefer a leisurely morning in the dining room or a quick bite before a busy day, the menu features freshly made dishes that cater to a variety of tastes.
The American Guest House provides a nice alternative to busy chain hotels for business travelers. We offer high-speed Wi-Fi, work-friendly spaces, and proximity to key business districts and embassies. After a long day of meetings or sightseeing, guests can relax in a peaceful environment that blends the charm of a historic property with the conveniences of modern hospitality. Book your DC lodging today!
