Le Diplomate

Le Diplomate is a French brasserie on the corner of 14th Street NW, run by Starr Restaurants, and it has become one of the most popular dining rooms in the city. It is a big, busy space in the style of a classic Paris brasserie, with indoor tables, an enclosed terrace and outdoor seating on the street.

The menu sticks to brasserie classics. Onion soup gratinée, steak frites, escargots in garlic butter and beef bourguignon are all regular choices, and bouillabaisse is the daily special on Friday. For a celebration there are fruits de mer platters, with caviar as an option. At brunch, the pastry selection of croissants, pain au chocolat and kouign amann is a good reason to come early, and bread is baked fresh.

Lunch runs from 11:30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and brunch from 9:30am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, with a midday menu from 3pm to 5pm at weekends. Dinner is served from 5pm until 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The late finish makes it useful after a show or a drink nearby.

Reservations are taken through Resy and are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend brunch and dinner, when the restaurant is often fully booked well in advance. If you are flexible, a late weekday lunch is usually easier. For groups, the restaurant has a private room called L'Orangerie for up to 40 guests, and the enclosed terrace can take up to 60.

It suits couples, groups of friends and anyone who wants a lively atmosphere rather than a quiet meal. It is not the place for a hushed conversation, but service is quick and the menu is easy to navigate. Allow 90 minutes for dinner and a little longer for a leisurely brunch. It also offers delivery for those staying nearby.

The restaurant is on 14th Street in the Logan Circle area, a busy strip of restaurants, bars and shops. It is a walkable distance from Dupont Circle and the U Street corridor, and there are several hotels within a few blocks, which makes it an easy choice for an evening out without needing transport.