Lutèce has been my favorite “casual” fine dining experience in DC for a couple of years now, and I’m happy to report that they are still operating at a high level of service.
We didn’t have time for the chef’s tasting menu, so ordered a few a la carte dishes to make our own. The oysters, which are consistent offering on the menu, were as great as ever.
They change the menu weekly and, as a result, I’ve seen many tartare preparations. This particular one was delightful – steak tartare with anchovies, marinated peppers, and mango (I think).
I wasn’t going to order the caviar… but when I saw a plate of it delivered to our neighboring table, I changed my mind! The pommes paillason was fresh out of the fryer and a littleeeeeee bit greasy, but it was still very good!
Only miss for this visit was the cod. For me, it was a bit salty. I almost want to blame myself, because I remember thinking that cod is almost always salty at every restaurant I’ve ever had it… but I wasn’t in the mood for any of the heavier entrees, so I wanted to give it a try. If I could go back in time, I would’ve ordered the duck 😅 which is consistently good.
(It also annoys me that Lutèce does not serve their burger for dinner.. it’s one of my favorite things from there)
We skipped dessert because we ran out of time! Not a bummer though – I usually find the desserts here to be underwhelming and instead opt to walk a couple blocks down the street to Van Leeuwen.
by priyarainelle
3 Comments
How are the oysters dressed?
Looks like an amazing “casual” meal—I’d be stoked to try it!
One of my favorites in DC – have gone probably a dozen times now. I don’t know why Michelin keeps sleeping on them but the food is incredible and the service has been warm and kind (one time I couldn’t decide between desserts and their old manager Elizabeth brought me both desserts at the end of the meal). I wish the caviar dish was more affordable. When I tried it, it was $42 and now it’s in the $70s. Has caviar really gone up in value that much over the past couple of years? Anyways, hands down the best French bistro in DC and a criminally underrated restaurant.
Timely to see this as we’re going next week for the first time! Doing the chefs table and tasting menu