The Occidental

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 good 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 worth the time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 1

Jeffery H is a stellar waiter! Best we have had; super attentive, kind, friendly, and generous. 3rd time going this week as avid foodies due to the insanely high quality service and food! 100/10, would recommend to all.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Staff is incredibly personable and attentive. 10/10 service, best I have had in the city yet. Food, dessert, and drink incredible as well. Would recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely LOVE this place. Have now been twice and both times were phenomenal. Most recently kicked off my wedding weekend with my (now) husband and family and it was just perfection. The atmosphere, the food, the service, it's all 5 stars.

Food, everything is good, but I would say the star of the show are the biscuits. They say they are the best, but its for a reason. Because they are. The steaks are delicious and so are the sides.

The space is beautiful, and every level has its own charm, but I would say my personal preference is for the top floor. And the service is amazing. If you have the opportunity to go, I highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came here to celebrate my birthday, and the only reason the night wasn’t a complete disappointment was because of our server — she was phenomenal. Her professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail were the highlight of the entire experience. She deserves recognition.

Everything else, especially the behavior of the General Manager, was shockingly poor.

What I witnessed from the front-of-house was not just unprofessional — it was openly preferential and dismissive. The host stand set the tone, but the real issue is that the General Manager not only allowed this behavior… they modeled it. It was obvious, and it was bitter. Watching a GM engage with guests in such an inconsistent and selective way was genuinely uncomfortable.

It’s one thing for a restaurant to fall short; it’s another for leadership to create an environment where certain guests are treated as an inconvenience while others receive special treatment. That kind of energy starts at the top, and the GM’s conduct was the clearest example of that.

This place has potential — the server proved that. But the General Manager is single-handedly dragging down the entire guest experience.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

We visited The Occidental on a busy night and immediately felt welcomed. The host kindly offered us seats at the bar, and shortly after, Mounira, the manager, approached us. She was professional, warm, and incredibly knowledgeable. To our surprise, she speaks Arabic as well, which made us feel instantly at home.

She guided us through the menu and gave excellent recommendations. We had the biscuits and filet steak. Honestly, the best we’ve ever had! Our server, Phelix, was attentive, kind, and made the experience even better.

From start to finish, the service and food were top notch. Mounira’s hospitality made our evening truly special. We will definitely be back and highly recommend The Occidental!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had high expectations for The Occidental, but the service fell far short. Our server disappeared once the dining room filled, and we spent 30–45 minutes trying to get her attention. When I finally said “excuse me,” she mouthed “oh my god,” which made me feel completely dismissed. The steaks were also poorly prepared — one extremely charred and one very undercooked despite clear guidance.

I reached out to the manager, Bruno, that same night to give him the chance to address this privately, but he never followed up.

Beautiful atmosphere, but the customer service needs real improvement. Unfortunately, this experience left a lasting impression, and I won’t be returning.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 2

The ambiance and decor is very welcoming and a little on the upscale side most of the guests we’re a little bit more formal than casual. The oysters were great. The crabcake was a little bit on the salty side and the steak was delicious. I added the au pouvoir sauce which was actually not necessary at all and the brussels sprouts were nothing spectacular. Overall, the price range liens on the higher side even though it was lunch I paid over US$120. Service was lacking as there was only one waitress for all the section near the bar that I was at so I didn’t feel anything personal from her, although she was quite polite.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Really cool place to eat. Yes this is fine dining! Food is delicious and very simple menu. The atmosphere is very warming and charming. Wait staff is very professional and experienced.

Pork chop dinner I highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Perfect in every way

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Current DC favorite. Ignore reviews prior to March when Starr group took over.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had brunch here for our Anniversary. The food was amazing, my favorite being the french toast. Just melted in my mouth, the omelet was fantastic as well.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the most unforgettable dining experience at The Occidental, just steps from the White House! This place absolutely blew my mind from start to finish.

My server, Diego C., was the perfect blend of attentive and tactful ~ always available but never intrusive. His recommendations were spot-on, and I went with the filet mignon with Brussels sprouts with apricots and onions ~ perfectly prepared. Probably the best fillet I’ve had!

My cocktail, the Ms. Fitzgerald, was creative, refreshing, and unlike anything I’ve had before. For dessert, I chose the coconut cake, and it was heavenly! The layers were dipped in coconut extract, giving it the most luscious, aromatic flavor unforgettable. Definitely a shareable size.

The restaurant itself is gorgeous ~ a two-story establishment with warm, sophisticated energy. Even the restroom was a highlight ~ it smelled incredible and looked like something out of a luxury hotel!

In the middle of my dinner, the manager, Munira, stopped by to see how everything was going, and she was so pleasant and gracious. She genuinely cared to hear about my experience and made me feel truly valued as a guest. Her warmth and professionalism perfectly matched the restaurant’s elegant atmosphere and exceptional service.

I found out that after being closed for over a year and a half, The Occidental reopened in March 2025 under Stephen Starr’s ownership, and the results are spectacular.

Highly, highly recommend ~ 11/10! I’ll definitely be back again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had dinner at Occidental with a party of two, dining indoors, and the experience delivered that classic high-end American steakhouse feel—elegant without being pretentious.

The menu leans into elevated steakhouse fare. The pheasant was surprisingly well executed—tender with a clean, game-forward flavor that wasn’t overpowering. The prime rib was also solid: perfectly cooked, well-seasoned, and generous in portion. What really stood out was the Bananas Foster, prepared tableside. The presentation alone is worth ordering—flambé theatrics, rich caramel sauce, and a perfect finish with ice cream. A great, memorable touch.

Service was a highlight. Our server, Michael, was attentive without hovering—genuinely thoughtful about pacing and suggestions. On the second floor, Khairee, the sommelier, guided us through the wine list with confidence and nailed the pairing recommendations. Both made the evening feel elevated and personal.

Overall: a refined, old-school DC dining experience with impressive service and standout dessert moments. Ideal for a special night out, business dinner, or when you want a classic steakhouse—but with a bit more personality.

Would return for the Bananas Foster alone.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Host team, Lead Host younger female and Jen EXTREMELY RUDE. Not pleasant and won’t even give certain guest a smile not appropriate at all. Very off putting highly recommend the Occidental otherwise

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5