Le Diplomate

Le Diplomate is a French bistro at 1601 14th St NW, on the corner of Logan Circle and the 14th Street corridor in Washington, D.C., United States. The restaurant is built as a Parisian-style brasserie, with a zinc bar, tiled floors, leather banquettes, a bakery counter and a sidewalk terrace that is one of the most sought-after outdoor seating areas in the neighbourhood. The cooking follows the classic brasserie repertoire. Steak frites is the dish most associated with the restaurant, and moules marinieres, duck confit and a daily selection of viennoiserie, including croissants, complete the signature dishes. Entrees run about $28 to $50 USD, placing it in the upscale-casual tier. The atmosphere is lively and loud, especially at dinner and during weekend brunch, when the room fills with locals and visitors. Dress is smart casual and there is no formal code. The beverage programme leans toward French wines by the glass and bottle, aperitifs, and classic cocktails, which suits the brasserie format. Reservation demand is high and tables, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings and at weekend brunch, can be hard to obtain. The restaurant takes bookings by phone at +1-202-332-3333 or through lediplomatedc.com rather than OpenTable, and booking several weeks ahead for prime times is prudent. Walk-in seating is generally available at the bar and on the terrace when space allows. Dinner is served daily from about 5pm, running to about 11pm Monday to Thursday and later on Friday and Saturday, and weekend brunch begins at 9:30am. The location is a short walk from the Logan Circle park and the shops and bars along 14th Street, and it works equally well for a leisurely dinner, a business meal or a brunch before exploring the nearby neighbourhoods. Visitors who miss out on a table can often find space at the bar.