Le Diplomate, web site, 1601 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-332-3333 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [WaPo | Washingtonian | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Yelp]
Washington finally has an excellent French restaurant. The menu here is almost a parody of what you would expect to find in a real Brasserie in France, but I kid you not this place is better than what you are likely to stumble upon in Paris.
The skate was one of the best fish entries I’ve had in this area in many years. Everything was remarkably consistent and high quality. I do wonder how they will keep up standards, given the size of the place. And, circa 2013, it is very difficult to get in the door. I recommend showing up at 5 pm and sitting at the bar, unless you are well-connected in this town. In a way it is pathetic that we should be so happy to have this place, but kudos to the people in charge, this is a real winner.
By the way, just in case you think I am crazy, everyone else loves it too.
Been twice and agree that it’s pathetic that we should be so happy about the quality. Hope it shames the competition and raises the bar.