Le Diplomate on 14th Street: A Delightful French Dining Experience

Le Diplomate, a frequent sight during my strolls near Logan Circle, is nestled between Q and Corcoran on 14th Street – a prime location that once housed a laundromat before transforming into this French gem in the '90s. 🏙️ Though initially skeptical about its authenticity due to the popular American burger mentioned in reviews, the constant stream of patrons piqued my curiosity. 🤔 Ordered a cheese platter, mushroom tart, onion soup, steak frites, and almond-crusted trout. The pre-meal bread was delightful (perhaps because there aren't many soft European-style breads around, lowering my standards a bit 😳). The cranberry loaf is worth getting half a loaf of on its own. The cheese selection offers 3, 5, or 7 varieties. I opted for the 3-cheese platter, sampling lightly aged, milder cheeses with a beautiful presentation. The mushroom tart was twice the size I expected, topped generously with cheese. The pastry was perfectly baked and buttery, leaving me half-full after just this appetizer. The onion soup was satisfying but might be better paired with a lighter dish like a shrimp salad to balance the saltiness. No surprise, I ate most of the cheese crust. 😱 By the time the steak frites and trout amandine arrived, we were already thinking of taking them to go. Haha! The steak, likely a short-aged cut, was dry but well-seasoned and still delicious after reheating at home. The thin-cut fries were truly amazing – no wonder people come here for the burger! The trout was all about the quality of the ingredients, accompanied by white beans, making it a filling dish. Looking forward to trying the escargot and beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes next time. 🥩 Overall, pacing yourself is key here, as each dish from the appetizers onward can be a standout. 🌳 The ambiance and service are major pluses. The decor was lovely around Christmas and New Year, and on sunny days, the skylights open after lunch. With spring around the corner, it’s time to enjoy the patio and people-watch again. 📍 Le Diplomate #WashingtonDCFood #DMVFoodie #FrenchCuisine #Cheese #Steak #Fries #GlobalEatingSquad #Food #DateNightRestaurant #HiddenGemRestaurant