Le Diplomate

One of the best dining experiences in Washington DC.
 
Stephen Starr takes on the nation’s capital with Le Diplomate, his pitch-perfect rendition of a Rive Gauche bistro. From the shiny and large brass windows to the zinc bar and the mosaic-tiled floor, it is all très Français. Bread lovers rejoice; there is a paean to the crusty stuff at the entrance, where ficelle-filled bags and assorted loaves and rounds are lovingly displayed. This is straightforward traditional bistro food at its best: steak tartare, croque monsieur, steak frites with sauce béarnaise and out-of-this-world moules frites. Steamed with Pernod and served marinière-style, the mussels would be succulent enough on their own, but toss in a handful of those crispy pommes frites as well as a basket of freshly sliced baguette and mon dieu!