Delicious food and very pleasant atmosphere and staff. An experience we'll always remember!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dimitry B
Amazing food and drink! And they carry Beluga vodka! My favorite!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
S
I had a strange experience a couple of weeks ago. My partner and I have dined at this establishment several times and most recent was last year. I always enjoyed the service and experience. A friend was in town and we went to Georgetown on the fly. It was a Thursday evening and I noted that there were available dining tables through the app. However, the doors were closed and locked, so we then accessed what appeared to be a bar area adjacent to the restaurant --as I wondered if the entrance had changed. A gentleman with an apron on mumbled something about the restaurant and then asked if we wanted to be seated at the bar. We declined and moved on. I did not see any notification on your website that there was an event or closure, and assume you operate on Thursdays after 5:30PM. So I am unclear if you're even still operating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
JON TOMLINSON
Food was served without much waiting. Everyone in our party of 4 was very pleased with their food. The soup was served as hotter than we've ever received in a restaurant. It was perfect and delicious. The filet mignon was cooked perfectly. Duck breast had a smoky seasoning on it that was excellent. 2 of us had the prix fixed meals. They had the soup, salad, lobster and creme brulee. We were very happy with the meals.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aline Lakis
I’ve been a repeat customer of L’Avant- Garde since before the change of chef and loved it both ways. In more recent menu, the highlights were the price fixe lobster menu, which was all around great, in addition to the generous and tasty salads featured à la carte - I highly recommend the lobster and green salad. The bread and butter service is exquisite and I could have it by itself all day if I didn’t worry about my figure. I do miss the chateaubriand and foie gras from the previous menu and found the new filet mignon did not live up to expectations. I would say though the new dessert menu is better than previous, however, it still lacks something chocolatey - more dark and less sweet, and not an opera or a mousse. I’ve recently noticed some staff change towards the positive side, some previous member of staff were not my favorite. The manager always visits the tables and made sure customers are satisfied. All in all, one of the best options for a luxurious night out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Douglas Farrar
The food was bad and over priced and there were fruit flies all over the restaurant. Servers were nice but better to spend this much money elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 4
Ulkar
I’ve been there twice and tried several dishes, each one was really good and full of flavor. I also love the quiet and romantic atmosphere; it makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. Definitely a place worth revisiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
line park
Great Restaurant!
Elena Constantino
Excellent on all levels, food, service and atmosphere. Quality all the way around. The best French restaurant in DC. I don't know why there are 1 star reviews. Plus , they do not serve foie gras.
M
I am blown away by the total experience I had here. Almost felt like a dream walking into such a chic sexy environment being greeted by the nicest staff. Everyone was dressed well and the place looked tip top, clean, and unique. Everyone from the hostess to the server was exceptionally friendly and warm, made me feel right at home. As for the food, you can see the pictures below, and I can attest it tastes as good as it looks. They take great care in quality control and presentation. I felt like I was dining at a high rated Michelin restaurant. It was the exact experience I felt when I dined at other Michelin restaurants.
The filet mignon was the best I’ve ever had. They cooked it perfectly, which is apparently rare for restaurants in DC to do these days. The sauce was heavenly. I can’t say enough good things about the whole dish. It just melts in your mouth and you taste the high quality sourcing of the meat which I’m highly particular in. It’s rare for me to actually enjoy most steaks I eat out, so when I say it’s top, it means something.
And the lobster salad was so good I was blown away. I’m addicted to that dressing and need to try and replicate it at home. I only wish I had more room to try more. I’ll definitely be coming back.
We had a fantastic meal here and were truly impressed—not just by the food, which was fresh, creative, and beautifully presented, but also by the restaurant's values. It's rare to find a place that combines ethical choices with such high-quality cuisine. We were surprised to see a protester outside, especially considering the restaurant does not serve foie gras and clearly operates with integrity and compassion. It’s disappointing to see misguided protests when the business is actually doing the right thing. We encourage others to come support this incredible team. The atmosphere is warm, the service was excellent, and the food speaks for itself. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe Kim
Hidden gem in Georgetown. Beautiful interior, excellent staff and loved the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel Wilcox
The service and food were superior. It's a beautiful setting with amazing food. We enjoyed the prix fixe menu which highlighted lobster, and the flavors were unbelievably delicious. I cannot recommend L'Avant-Garde enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Isabella
TDLR: save your money, go somewhere else. Disappointing food and poor service.
Cons: - horrible service (read below) - got the lobster which came covered in low quality cheese that would expect to be on French onion soup? How do you ruin lobster? - my mom got the branzino, which cost ~$50. It was about the size of the palm of her hand. Usually, and especially at that prize point, you’d expect more fish. - waiter dropped our silverware and spilled our wine, soup… at one point, waiter completely knocked over my wine glass and spilled my drink on the table. Didn’t bother cleaning it up. After a few minutes passed, we kindly asked them to clean up the table… - didn’t offer a clean glass, or anything complimentary. Honestly, I’d expect better service at my local diner.
Not coming back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Hilary Phelps
Hands down, one of the BEST restaurants in Washington, DC. We’ve been for both lunch and dinner and the atmosphere, food and service is incredible. A must have—the clarified butter French fries. Amazing! Already looking forward to my next visit!
Delicious food and very pleasant atmosphere and staff. An experience we'll always remember!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food and drink! And they carry Beluga vodka! My favorite!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had a strange experience a couple of weeks ago. My partner and I have dined at this establishment several times and most recent was last year. I always enjoyed the service and experience. A friend was in town and we went to Georgetown on the fly. It was a Thursday evening and I noted that there were available dining tables through the app. However, the doors were closed and locked, so we then accessed what appeared to be a bar area adjacent to the restaurant --as I wondered if the entrance had changed. A gentleman with an apron on mumbled something about the restaurant and then asked if we wanted to be seated at the bar. We declined and moved on. I did not see any notification on your website that there was an event or closure, and assume you operate on Thursdays after 5:30PM. So I am unclear if you're even still operating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Food was served without much waiting.
Everyone in our party of 4 was very pleased with their food.
The soup was served as hotter than we've ever received in a restaurant. It was perfect and delicious.
The filet mignon was cooked perfectly.
Duck breast had a smoky seasoning on it that was excellent.
2 of us had the prix fixed meals. They had the soup, salad, lobster and creme brulee. We were very happy with the meals.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve been a repeat customer of L’Avant- Garde since before the change of chef and loved it both ways. In more recent menu, the highlights were the price fixe lobster menu, which was all around great, in addition to the generous and tasty salads featured à la carte - I highly recommend the lobster and green salad. The bread and butter service is exquisite and I could have it by itself all day if I didn’t worry about my figure.
I do miss the chateaubriand and foie gras from the previous menu and found the new filet mignon did not live up to expectations. I would say though the new dessert menu is better than previous, however, it still lacks something chocolatey - more dark and less sweet, and not an opera or a mousse.
I’ve recently noticed some staff change towards the positive side, some previous member of staff were not my favorite. The manager always visits the tables and made sure customers are satisfied.
All in all, one of the best options for a luxurious night out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
The food was bad and over priced and there were fruit flies all over the restaurant. Servers were nice but better to spend this much money elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 4
I’ve been there twice and tried several dishes, each one was really good and full of flavor. I also love the quiet and romantic atmosphere; it makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. Definitely a place worth revisiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great Restaurant!
Excellent on all levels, food, service and atmosphere. Quality all the way around. The best French restaurant in DC. I don't know why there are 1 star reviews. Plus , they do not serve foie gras.
I am blown away by the total experience I had here. Almost felt like a dream walking into such a chic sexy environment being greeted by the nicest staff. Everyone was dressed well and the place looked tip top, clean, and unique. Everyone from the hostess to the server was exceptionally friendly and warm, made me feel right at home. As for the food, you can see the pictures below, and I can attest it tastes as good as it looks. They take great care in quality control and presentation. I felt like I was dining at a high rated Michelin restaurant. It was the exact experience I felt when I dined at other Michelin restaurants.
The filet mignon was the best I’ve ever had. They cooked it perfectly, which is apparently rare for restaurants in DC to do these days. The sauce was heavenly. I can’t say enough good things about the whole dish. It just melts in your mouth and you taste the high quality sourcing of the meat which I’m highly particular in. It’s rare for me to actually enjoy most steaks I eat out, so when I say it’s top, it means something.
And the lobster salad was so good I was blown away. I’m addicted to that dressing and need to try and replicate it at home. I only wish I had more room to try more. I’ll definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We had a fantastic meal here and were truly impressed—not just by the food, which was fresh, creative, and beautifully presented, but also by the restaurant's values. It's rare to find a place that combines ethical choices with such high-quality cuisine.
We were surprised to see a protester outside, especially considering the restaurant does not serve foie gras and clearly operates with integrity and compassion. It’s disappointing to see misguided protests when the business is actually doing the right thing.
We encourage others to come support this incredible team. The atmosphere is warm, the service was excellent, and the food speaks for itself. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hidden gem in Georgetown. Beautiful interior, excellent staff and loved the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service and food were superior. It's a beautiful setting with amazing food. We enjoyed the prix fixe menu which highlighted lobster, and the flavors were unbelievably delicious. I cannot recommend L'Avant-Garde enough!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TDLR: save your money, go somewhere else. Disappointing food and poor service.
Pros:
- pleasant ambiance
- delicious lobster salad
- fabulous crème brûlée
Cons:
- horrible service (read below)
- got the lobster which came covered in low quality cheese that would expect to be on French onion soup? How do you ruin lobster?
- my mom got the branzino, which cost ~$50. It was about the size of the palm of her hand. Usually, and especially at that prize point, you’d expect more fish.
- waiter dropped our silverware and spilled our wine, soup… at one point, waiter completely knocked over my wine glass and spilled my drink on the table. Didn’t bother cleaning it up. After a few minutes passed, we kindly asked them to clean up the table… - didn’t offer a clean glass, or anything complimentary. Honestly, I’d expect better service at my local diner.
Not coming back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Hands down, one of the BEST restaurants in Washington, DC. We’ve been for both lunch and dinner and the atmosphere, food and service is incredible. A must have—the clarified butter French fries. Amazing! Already looking forward to my next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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