The Occidental — Restaurant in Washington

We visited for Sunday brunch after church and chose to sit outside in what can only be described as an idyllic setting. The backdrop of The Willard Hotel, Pershing Park, and The Washington Monument creates a stunning vista, while the courtyard's gorgeous granite fountain and lush plantings provide an intimate contrast to the grand surroundings.

The Starr Group has always excelled at restaurants, but the reimagined Occidental is truly exceptional. It feels as though they've taken the best elements from each of their establishments and perfected them—at least for brunch service.

We began with the Buttermilk Biscuits served with honey butter and strawberry jam. I'm not sure how they've managed to surpass St. Anselm's version, but these are notably lighter and fluffier, with perfect portion sizing and beautifully even baking from bottom to top.

The Caesar Salad that followed was both tasty and reminiscent of my go-to at Pastis. Our server convinced me to try the buckwheat waffle, which proved light, crisp, and delicious. My only disappointment was the cold maple syrup—warm syrup would have better melted the butter and elevated each bite.

The Steak & Eggs were absolutely perfect. The recommended rare to medium-rare preparation delivered a lukewarm pink center topped with impeccably soft scrambled eggs. While eggs seem simple, I've frequently had to send them back at Le Dip, Pastis, and especially St. Anselm, where the line struggles with proper French-style soft scrambling. These "Happy Eggs," however, were flawless.

We concluded with Bananas Foster. Though we missed the tableside theatrics (they don't flambé outdoors for obvious safety reasons), the dish was no less spectacular. Decadent yet balanced, with a hint of salt from the nuts, it provided the perfect ending to our meal and would likely pair beautifully with their French Toast, which I have yet to try.

The service was remarkable, as was the Serge Gallois blanc de blancs. I savored three glasses of this delicious, dry yet creamy champagne, with the most beautiful bubbles that danced on the palate.

I cannot say enough about how enchanting the new Occidental has become. The thoughtful preservation of archived presidential photographs that once graced the old entrance (now the bar area) and the retention of the original marble bathroom demonstrate a masterful balance between honoring the restaurant's storied past while embracing a much-improved future.

I will undoubtedly return...

I was aiming for 4 stars but not even sure about the two. I went there around 5pm. Half of the patio was empty. Yet, took 20 min to order one drink and another 15 to get it. I specifically asked the waiter which one is the most beautiful drink -cosmopolitan -he said. I thought fine, maybe the presentation is different. But no, absolutely basic cosmopolitan, nothing extraordinary or nice. Tasted goos though. Let me add that the atmosphere is divine, staff uniform fits perfectly and go along with the old money vibe of the place. I asked for a receipt. Multiple people checked on me within 25 min time frame. The waiters and the rest of the staff seem to not know what’s going on or where to go. Very chaotic. To each and everyone I reminded that I’m ready to pay. Finally after 25 min the manager shows up, grabs my card and a minute later I get a notification that my 150$ purchase was approved. ONE COSMOPOLITAN. I immediately went to the host desk, where the very same manager said “yeah, Im sorry, I charged you for the wrong order”. After that he said that since he didn’t see me standing behind him he declined the receipt to be printed. After what he wanted to confirm that it was just one cosmopolitan. To what I said that it would be nice to have it waived due to not so pleasant customer service. He agreed but kept saying that there’s no way to get a receipt. Let me tell you: there’s always a way. No transaction goes unrecorded in any type of business. After pushing every button for another 20 min, the manager agreed to go to the back and check. Surely enough, found a record of the transaction. But to get this receipt I had to push every button and stand there saying that I won’t leave without a receipt. Which is ridiculous on its own and made me very uncomfortable.

This is how it should’ve gone: ma’am, I do apologize. We accidentally charged the card for the wrong amount. However, it’s been voided right away and here’s the receipt. Please consider the drink to be on us. I hope you will give us a chance to make this up to you another time.

Unless this was the manager’s very first day, this kind of service is not acceptable for a high-end restaurant.

Overall, not...

The Occidental is nothing short of exceptional, offering a dining experience that is both delicious and classy. Upon entering, I was immediately enveloped by the sophisticated ambiance, reminiscent of a traditional steakhouse. The décor, with its rich wood paneling and elegant furnishings, set the perfect tone for an indulgent meal.

The culinary offerings exceeded my expectations, particularly the crab meat stuffed avocado, which was a delightful starter. The freshness of the avocado paired perfectly with the rich, flavorful crab, creating a dish that was both refreshing and satisfying. The highlight of my meal, however, was the NY strip. Cooked to perfection, it was succulent and tender, showcasing the quality ingredients and expert preparation that The Occidental is known for.

For solo travelers, the restaurant offers an impressive selection of half bottles of wine. This thoughtful touch allows for a perfectly paired dining experience without any waste, enhancing the overall meal.

Dessert was a dream, with the pink champagne cake offering a sweet, delicate finish. Light and fluffy, it provided a perfect balance to the meal's savory courses. The Occidental is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a refined and memorable dining experience in the...