Central Michel Richard

Really nice sitting outside, across from the old post office, eating some of the best food and wine we've had in ages. Every course was excellent, thanks.

My friend and I had a wonderful dinner experience at Central Michel Richard. It's our go to restaurant because the food is fabulous. It feels special without being pretentious.

We got to the restaurant early enough for the early bird dinner, on a hot July Saturday, before 6:30. Two of us got the 3 course special and two got a la carte off the menu. I shared the kale salad with my husband and we took home half. It was delicious but a huge portion for one person, much less two. I also got the fried chicken which was a breast filet and a chicken leg with wonderful au jus and mashed potatoes...it also had a sizable portion of fresh watercress salad (which I brought home); and then the chocolate "Kit Kat" dessert (which I shared). My husband got the prime burger without the bun so it was served with thin, flat potato "latkes" instead of the bun. The other husband got the "caesar goat salad, the salmon and creme brûlée; the wife got salads nicoise. The presentation of the caesar salad was unique...a thick cross slice of romaine head. The restaurant's interior has been redesigned since I was last there pre-covid. Service was excellent; we were offered extra plates so we could share portions and we oldsters were able to hear across the table for conversation. Highly recommend Central, especially the three course pre-theatre offering (which basically gives one a complimentary dessert). We lucked out with street parking across the street but Central offers $10 off the regular price of parking in a nearby lot (I was told regular parking prices are $15-$20 depending on the day of the week and time of day...that would yield $5-$10 parking, not bad if you can't find street parking.

We had a very good server and average bartender. Overall, the food was good, although the appetizer was a bit overdone. We enjoy coming here because of the consistency. Food prices on this last visit were up a fair amount.

Well, this is the worst food I have ever had at an Open table reserved restaurant. The waiter was rude, the steak tough, macaroni and cheese tasted horrible loaded with garlic and onion. Never again. . .

Great experience. Our waitress was kind, attentive and courteous. I was skeptical about making a birthday dinner reservation, because my last visit was not memorable. However, i was impressed with the service and the food. I will be sure to return and taste more items on the menu.

The food was blah. I had the Michels fried chicken and it was basic at best. The service however was excellent better than the food.

Great restaurant within walking distance of the Warner. We had oysters..which were very fresh..Pate..and the salmon entre. Everything was really fresh, well prepared. Service was really attentive.

The music system was not working and the restaurant was very slow on a Saturday night due to the president's ridiculous parade. So the restaurant was quiet and the service and food were top notch.

I always love a trip to Central. I shared many delicious meals with a dear friend there over the years. Now that he's passed, it's a nice place to reflect on life & him. What would Chef think of this? He'd always critique with his Culinary artist hat on when dining out... but he'd make the home cook feel like a 3 Star Chef when they'd invite him over for a meal. So what might my Chef friend say about our visit during Pride? It was a beautiful day for sitting on the patio at Central. He would have commented that the chicken nuggets were a little tough, but they heard from friends that the Fried Chicken was amazing! I had no doubts... I was rather blatantly trying to poach my friends food at the table nearby. I'd go socialize and practically beg for a few bites, but not everyone was open to share. I respect that. Consent is essential for a good time. As I grazed I discovered that the fish sticks are the perfect size to enjoy in front of other people... all too often I've gotten fish and chips and struggled to not look like a barbaric human stuffing flaky fried cod in her face. One can be civilized and indulgent with Central's long crispy fish sticks! They are firm in structure, but absolutely a delight to eat. The dessert was a real highlight, as it always is... sometimes Chef and I would have every dessert on the table for just he and I! The two desserts that we selected were absolutely perfect together. The mango cheesecake was beyond my expectations! This is what ran through my mind with each bite: Mmm, it's fluffy, creamy, perfectly sweet... and the crust! Oh my! It looks like it will be thick and dense, but it was so light! My guess is that it's the wafers from the famous Michel's Chocolate Bar. Whatever it is, it's pure magic in my mouth! It's whimsical dishes like this that capture the spirit and artistry of Michel Richard. Bravo to the chef who made that divine dessert! It paired exceptionally well with the Celebration Cake. All in all, we had a great time. Always do!

Never a bad meal there. Consistent Bistro menu type of place. Exactly what you want in a wide variety of situations. From the Steak Tartare to the Moules Frites to the burgers to the Fried Chicken, you'll be happy.

Our visit to Central was like seeing an old friend. We used to go there often when we worked in the area, but that was years ago, before Covid and retirement. We went there before going to a show at National Theater. We were greeted in a welcoming way, and the host even mentioned that I'm a pescatarian, as listed on my Open Table profile. My partner had the Pre-Theater menu: chopped kale salad, Atlantic salmon and Michel's chocolate bar. She liked everything and took some of it home. I had the goat cheese caesar salad, grilled asparagus, and cheesecake for dessert. All very good. Our service was excellent, attentive without being obtrusive. The noise level made for easy conversation. It was nice to be back at Central.

The lobster burger was incredible! Perhaps the best thing we ate during our recent Summer vacation in the DC/Maryland area. Cocktails and wine list were outstanding. Highly recommend it. We will be back next time we are in DC. Excellent service.

The food is spectacular, as is the menu. Service is top notch, and the patio overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue and the Old Post Office is one of the best in the city.

Lovely ambiance and interesting to be able to see the chefs at work. Delicious food and quiet enough for conversation. Service was a little slow.