Métier — Restaurant in Washington

Métier was a massive disappointment, with no redeeming aspect of the experience. Recently, the restaurant has been review bombed by activists complaining about the presence of foie gras on the menu. They'll be happy to know that we were not served or offered foie gras with our meal. We arrived a little early (20 minutes) for our 7 pm reservation because the website states that guests have the option to "first relax and unwind in a private salon with hors d’oeuvres and glass of Champagne before entering the dining room." However, we were told we were too early and told to go wait in a side room. We were asked if we wanted to see a cocktail menu, and we said yes. That menu never arrived and there was never any acknowledgement of that. We waited with our coats for 15 before someone came over and offered to check them for us. The other group waiting to be escorted to the elevator were offered menus, had their coats checked promptly, and provided with water while they waited. Eventually, we made it to the private salon. The hors d'oeuvre was guacamole paired with piping hot yeast rolls. A lazy spin on avocado toast was an odd way to start the meal. Despite the implication that champagne is part of the welcome experience, guests are charged extra for a glass. The salon area was cute, although a little awkward to try to eat in. Next, we entered the main dining room, which is very small and quite lacking in personality. Our dishes were unimpressive and disjointed. Some elements tasted fine individually, but they did not form a cohesive bite when combined. Portions were small, and we ended up leaving hungry. Over the course of the evening, we were presented with 3 different bread courses - which is an indicator that know that aren't serving enough food. The dessert cart at the end presented us with an odd display of bite-sized treats to choose from to end the meal. These were very lackluster, and the caramel was aggressively burned. Throughout our meal, as our dishes were presented to us, there was very little explanation or discussion of what was in the plate (i.e., here is your squab with sauce). Next to no other interaction with the staff. We went to celebrate getting married shortly beforehand, and they didn't do anything to make it feel like a special night other than saying congrats. As we were leaving, we were presented with the parting gift - a bag of hot chocolate mix (with no preparation instructions and which tasted very bitter). Retrieving our coats was the final obstacle, because they somehow lost them after checking them in. All in all, this is probably the worst Michelin experience we've had. At $225 a person, we did not walk away chatting about our favorite dish like we normally would. Instead, we just left with regrets for choosing this to be the place we celebrated getting married. There are better places to go in DC if you're looking for a high quality meal or a place to celebrate...

The ambiance was wonderful. It is a quiet and intimate space that you can enjoy one another’s company without talking over the music or background noise.

For the special Valentine’s Day Experience you’re greeted with a photo at the lower entrance near the mantle of the fireplace.

Once seated at the table, we were given a drink, some version of a sparkling drink or version of champagne. The huge negative, which they don’t disclose is that they charge you for those at the end.

I also added on just one wine pairing that is $150 each. However, they poured us two separate glasses. I figured like some places I’ve been to, they pour half the amount, or simply just have one glass and share it. We don’t typically drink that much, plus, we don’t want to pay the extra $150 if we can help it, because we’re not big drinkers.

Luckily I booked this restaurant and got the very last reservation available for this select prefixed multi course menu. I booked using my Chase portal using Tock which gave me 10X points which is always a plus.

So, I paid for the reservation up front to include taxes & 23% tip.

Unfortunately, with the extra wine pairing and not so complimentary drink it came out to an additional $220 for a total of $1,100.

It was a good dinner and dessert with the wine. However, that ruined it a bit.

Although there are 6 courses on the menu there were actually 8. One before and one at the end that were off menu. I loved the bluefin toro, and the sturgeon were probably my favorites.

We still left painfully full. Some may be weary about the experience of prefixed menus and small portions. I like the variety, opposed to one large entree and calling it a day.

The quality of it all was great. But to charge an unforeseen $220, it just undid everything else, it seems for me. I don’t like when business do that. Some may argue, well, we drank it so we should get charged it. Well, we didn’t finish it all because we don’t drink that much, that’s why in the reservation it asks you explicitly whether you want to add a wine pairing, and if so for how many.

We now know to clarify. Because we had another dinner somewhere else with wine pairings and all 7 glasses were already on the table per seat. Giving us the perfect opportunity to remind them we only selected one and the table across did the same.

The food and ambience were good and the service. The major ding was the extra charge, which isn’t...

My wife and I are on “Mission Michelin” in DC which our mission to try every Michelin restaurant in DC. We’ve not tried Kinship/Metier, so they were up next. I originally booked kinship, but as we checked in to our reservation, we were told by the hostess that they are seating people downstairs at Metier for those who are dining for special occasions. Since it was our anniversary, I thought it would be a good choice. We get downstairs, and we are the only people there. Very quiet and weird ambiance, but whatever, we are social people and can have fun with just the 2 of us. Although, we kinda prefer a bit more action going on around us. Our server asked if we wanted anything to drink, and I thought that was weird because I had purchased champagne when I made my reservation, but there wasn’t any champagne brought to us. Was kinda hoping my “preparation in advance” would give my wife a smile. Instead, I had to leave the table and tell the server that I paid for champagne when I made my reservation. Not what I would expect from a Michelin star restaurant. When we were sat, we also weren’t told ANYTHING about the restaurant or the menu. Also weird. No “welcome to Kinship/Metier! Here’s how this works” etc. Instead, we were told we could do the tasting menu if we wanted. We chose the tasting menu. Food was just ok. Presentation was nice, but nothing was too impressive. When we got the bill, and the champagne that I purchased when I booked the reservation was on the bill again!! Cmon, Metier! Get it together. I, again, had to leave the table and tell the server that I’ve now been charged twice. I’m sorry, but this shouldn’t happen at a Michelin star restaurant. Restaurants work hard to earn a Michelin star and this is an embarrassment to the rating this restaurant gets. I find it embarrassing for them. The bill was like $950 less the deposit. So I paid $1,000 for a very “ok” dinner. Way too expensive for the food/service/ambiance. I’ve paid less at Zatinya, Roses, Blue Duck, Masseria, P&P, Komi, Tail Up Goat, and all over the place in DC and had a WAY better dining experience. This place is just not for us, or anybody in my opinion. Save your hard earned money and dine somewhere else that actually carries out the Michelin rating...