Great food, drinks, and phenomenal service. I do recommend, as we would certainly go there again.

The newly renovated Occidental blends historic charm with modern style, creating an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. The architectural details pair beautifully with contemporary updates, and the refreshed spaces feel both inviting and functional. Service was excellent, with attentive staff who were genuinely enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The dining experience stood out as well, especially the amazing pork chop and the fresh, flavorful crab-stuffed avocado. Whether visiting for a meal, an event, or simply to enjoy a cocktail, you will find this a memorable choice. read more

The Occidental - The Pork Chop That Saved The World - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I really really wanted to love the new Occidental...but our experience unfortunately didn't live up to expectations- The restaurant is stunning and service was professional - if a little cold and detached - the main issue, however, was the food. My husband had the prime rib and the tuna tartar - which he said was good - I had the vichyssoise which was refreshing and tasted primarily of fresh spring asparagus- but the crabcake I ordered was heavily - HEAVILY - salted (maybe an accident in the kitchen?) to the point of being almost inedible - I left most of it on my plate - and the wedge salad which lacked anything to balance its saltiness (usually there will be tomatoes and/or onion to offset the salinity of the lettuce, blue cheese, and bacon, but there was nothing to provide any balance this time, Finished with the champagne cake that was very tasty and surprisingly light. read more

KenScale: 7.75/10 Visit: May 2026 How many restaurants in America can you say embody timeless classics with its rich history and tradition? The Occidental, open since 1906, might have as a claim as any on that question. The restaurant, steps away from the White House, was revamped by the chef and restaurateur Stephen Starr last year. My wife and I had a chance to visit The Occidental earlier this year when one of our favorite California wine producers, Catherine Kistler of Occidental Wines (coincidentally the same name but no actual relationship to the restaurant), held a collaboration dinner there. Our focus then of course was on the magnificent Pinot Noirs from Catherine (paired with a four-course tasting menu from the restaurant), but I wanted to open The Occidental for a proper dinner from the full menu. We finally made it back to the restaurant earlier this month. Overall, it was a solid dinner but with mixed experiences with some of the dishes. The menu at The Occidental consists of American classics that would not be out of place for a power lunch of politicians and lobbyists. We started our dinner with a simple wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese (nothing particularly special), followed by seared foie gras that Jun remarked was one of the better ones she'd had recently thanks to the use of rhubarb sauce that paired quite well with the duck liver (although the $37 price tag for a relatively modest portion was a slight turn-off). For the main dishes, we skipped past different cuts of the steaks and other opulent-sounding dishes and went straight to the two dishes that had their own separate descriptions in the menu. According to the restaurant's version of history, The Occidental was a site where a Soviet diplomat and an American journalist sat down to defuse the Cuban Missile Crisis and averted a new World War; during that meal, the Soviet diplomat ordered the pork chop, hence the restaurant's playful label "The Pork Chop That Saved the World." It was a massive pork chop (at a whopping $56) and the texture of the meat was rather good, especially around the bone. We both slightly preferred the other main dish, a stunning presentation of pheasant under a glass cover with smoke coming out once our server opened it (for $68). It's not often you encounter pheasant meat at a restaurant, and The Occidental actually pulled this off quite nicely with delicious white and dark meat accompanied (again) by seared foie gras. The desserts were the part that left us a bit wanting for more. Despite the hype from other reviews of the restaurant, the pink champagne cake with vanilla custard was absolutely forgettable, and the banana foster that was flambéed tableside right in front of us by our server was more memorable for the presentation than the actual banana that came with brown sugar and vanilla ice cream. Getting a reservation at The Occidental is not too challenging but the dining room can get pretty crowded during the peak dinner hours so if you want to dine during that window, I would still suggest booking in advance. The luxurious vibe of the dark dining room, with portraits of leading social and political figures in American history, and the smartly dressed staff do their best impression of an old school DC dining. There is full bar with an expansive wine list at pricier price range (including full lineups from Occidental Wines); I was surprised that the classic martini and Old Fashioned cocktails that I tried during our meal didn't leave a stronger impression. While Jun and I concluded that we weren't sure if we would be back by ourselves in the near future based purely on food (the hefty price tags across the menu didn't help much, either)., The Occidental is a solid dinner option in the DC dining scene, especially if you are visiting from out of town or are a local who want to impress out of town visitors for the restaurant's faithful homage to the bygone days of DC. read more

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This was the best meal I have had in a long time! Everything was outstanding - the ambiance, the server and the food! We started with the biscuits, crab stuffed avocado, and oysters buerre blanc. The crab stuffed avocado is an avocado peeled, stuffed with crab and breaded with panko and deep fried - delicious and unique. The oysters buerre blanc are oysters served over hot rocks with buerre blanc and caviar - the best oysters!! Loved the biscuits and honey butter too! We shared the Chilean sea bass and filet (cooked perfectly) and whipped potatoes. The sommelier gave us an excellent wine recommendation. It was quite expensive but worth it to celebrate a special occasion!! read more

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The Occidental is back!! The restaurant reopened in March 2025 after closing during the pandemic. Reservations are accepted 28 days in advance. Valet is available at the Willard Hotel which is next door. From the moment we walked in I was impressed. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The interior reminded me of days of the super clubs in New York. The waiters were in white jackets and bow ties. The decor is dark wood and presidential portraits on the walls with jazz music playing throughout the restaurant. Now the best part....The food. Do not miss the biscuits. Warm and salted accompanied by the smoothest butter around. The filet was cooked and seasoned perfectly. One of the best steaks in the are. My wife really enjoyed the very large pork chop. The Caesar salad was good but I feel like I have had better ones. We heard that dessert was not to be missed. We ended the night with Baked Alaska and Champagne Cake. Hard to say which one was better because they both were outstanding. Granted this was a pricey dinner as we expected. The food, service, and atmosphere matched the feeling of being steps from the White House gates. A truly nostalgic DC experience. read more

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Classic DC steakhouse, exactly what I was looking for. We made a reservation for Sunday night at 6pm, and the main dining room two floors up was almost full, along with a lively bar on the floor just below, so reservations are a must, and well in advance. I was all ready to order, having excitedly studied the menu ahead of time: the signature 50/50 martini to start, the crab cake appetizer - not just any crab cake, this had huge pieces of crab and a more subtle Maryland Old Bay taste - and the massive, succulent prime rib, which came with au jus, horseradish cream, and fresh horseradish shaved on top. For dessert, the pink champagne cake was soft and irresistible - frankly, it was difficult to say no to any of the desserts on the list (I'm coming back for that Baked Alaska)! Service was very good - not intrusive, not neglectful. No doubt, this was a $$$$ pricey meal, but it was well worth it. I needed a celebratory treat, and The Occidental delivered. read more

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Back for the fifth or sixth visit - second mother's day in a row... had a slightly surly hostess who struggled with eye contact and was rather dismissive of us, and my mother mentioned it to the waiter... Guillermo was incredible and ON IT despite being on his second shift. He just was exceptional with his attention and disposition. The ny strip was fabulous, yet he Chinese chicken salad a treat, the biscuits apparently the best in the dmv, and my dirty martini perfection. The coconut cake is light as air and just needs a tad less sugar. The old world ambiance with white table clothes and super smartly dressed staff plus an impeccable interior design scheme keeps us coming back. read more

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Whether you choose to sit at the bar, a table inside, or the patio the Occidental delivers 5-star service every time... but I do recommend the patio. Everything I've tried has been delicious and they have some standout sides! Don't skip the biscuits, mac and cheese, and green beans. I'm not a big fan of the princess cake, but I do like the cupcake variation. They have great cocktails and an excellent wine selection. read more

The Occidental - Patio views - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The Occidental is a great date-night option in downtown DC. The food is fire, but honestly, the customer service is what wins me over every time. Let's start with the ribeye-- melt-in-your-mouth like butter. Our steaks initially came out overcooked, but the manager immediately came over, corrected the order without hesitation, and sent out a complimentary glass of Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon, which was excellent and elevated the entire meal. That's how you handle service recovery. Highly recommend adding the creamed spinach and loaded potato. Parking is terrible (DC doing DC things), though there are garages nearby (street parking is a lucky find). It's also walking distance to the monuments and the White House (if you are so inclined to visit that place these days). The outdoor patio at night is a vibe. Make a reservation -- we only got in because someone canceled their resy. read more

The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I would travel across the globe to savor this meal once more, as it offered exceptional service and a culinary experience unparalleled in my dining history, warranting a 5+ star rating. #CulinaryCompass #forkandglobe #tastytourist #washingtonDC The Rockwell's read more

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We came in expecting a great dining experience, especially given the price point, but unfortunately the service and management response completely ruined what was supposed to be a special evening. This was a highly anticipated meal that we had planned and booked for family who were traveling to visit us. The total bill was over $800, and we expected a level of service that matched that kind of experience. The steak came out cooked incorrectly, so we politely sent it back. Instead of proactively offering to remake it or addressing the issue with care, the manager reluctantly asked if we wanted a new steak. When it came back out, he approached the table and said, "Is this good enough for you?" which felt incredibly condescending and unprofessional. After that interaction, we were essentially ignored. We were never checked on again and were never offered a dessert menu. While we were waiting for the bill, our card was sitting on the table, and the manager took it, processed the payment, and charged it before we had even seen or reviewed the bill. We only realized it had gone through because we received a text notification. When we respectfully expressed how disappointed we were with the experience, instead of listening or trying to make the situation right, the manager argued that he had given us the bill. At that point, we chose to walk away to avoid any further conflict. Mistakes happen. a steak being cooked incorrectly is not the issue. The problem was the lack of professionalism, accountability, and hospitality afterward. For a restaurant charging premium prices, we expected much better treatment. read more

Best biscuits I've ever had. Wonderful service. Great cocktail and mocktail/NA list. Loved the vibe. Pretty good steak. Incredible heavy lobster bisque. read more

The Occidental - Lobster bisque - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've been here a few times mostly for drinks which was always fine. The bar seating isn't much so lucky to get. I have come here for dinner once and will not again. The sommelier was fast to take our drink order and bring us a bottle of wine which ended up being the only reason we didn't leave, cause we now had a bottle of wine to drink. It was literally 29 minutes before a waiter came to take our order. I know that because I was going to complain at the 30 minute mark. It was also not busy. So no excuse. Food was fine. Nothing special. My partner commented on how weird it was to have breaded scallops. We weren't expecting that, but probably on us. Their biscuits are the bomb. Only thing I'm giving two stars for. Get those. I also got the Chinese chicken salad, it's a pass. Don't get it. We also got the French dip. Also for the price and amount of meat to bread. Solid pass. The salmon was dry and whatever. For the price point and the poor service and mediocre food this is absolutely not a place I would come back to. I do acknowledge and appreciate management reached out to me about my experience but I have no interest in returning for more than a cocktail. PS the bomb biscuits I mentioned.... When we took to go what was left, they provided no butter which is the magic sauce and ultimately what really made me mad about being here. At this price point every customer deserves a great experience with great food. Not mediocre to poor everything read more

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Cannot get over this absolutely stunning restaurant and dining experience! The moment you step inside you feel transported to another age, with jazz music and dim lighting, velvet seats, and waiters clad in white tuxedos. The service is absolutely charming, from the caviar amuse-bouche to the complimentary fries our server gave us "because you can't do surf and turf without good fries", to the champagne cupcakes for a sweet treat. The food was excellent and the martini... probably one of the best I've had. Nothing beats a perfect martini. Absolute perfection from start to finish. read more

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The food is good, but the service is bad. I've been here twice and I had a bad experience both times. Both times, I sat on the patio, which is very nice, and the service was very slow. It took a long time for someone to come to my table with water. It took a long time for someone to bring me a menu. It took a long time to take my order. It took an extremely long time to bring out my drink (I'm talking 30 minutes). My server would disappear for long periods of time. This happened on both occasions. The last visit was the icing on the cake, however. A friend or relative of one of the managers was seated behind me shortly after I arrived, and the manager proceeded to stop by their table every few minutes and bumped into my chair, elbow, and head (yes, he hit me in the head) EVERY SINGLE TIME. No lie, he did this at least 10 times before I finally asked to move. And to make matters worse, he never apologized. Not even once. Instead, he acted like he was annoyed that I was sitting in his way. Then, other staff members came over to greet the table behind me and they proceeded to keep bumping into me too. When I finally asked the server if I could move because I kept getting bumped and was unable to enjoy myself, the manager came over and just stared at me as he was talking to the server, but he still did not say a word to me. At this point, I was annoyed, so I hurried up to finish my food (the breakfast sandwich, which was actually very good and filling) and ordered a slice of coconut cake to go. The cake was good. I also ordered a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz and a Daiquiri, which were both very good. For such an upscale ambiance and high price tag, I would expect much better service and at least an acknowledgement for continuously bumping into me. Guest comfort doesn't seem to be a priority. read more

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Wowowow! This place is incredible! Absolutely packed on a Saturday, huge inside and so beautiful. Service was the only downfall, it was soooo slow we were waiting to order forever. The food was AMAZING. Everything was perfect! I loved the tuna tartare app, dare I say the best I've had. My filet was cooked perfectly and the mashed potatoes were indulgent, creamy and perfectly whipped. I loved the au poivre sauce with the steak! So flavorful! The biscuits were flaky, buttery and were made fresh that very day. We finished with a decadent cup of chocolate mousse - more dense than I expected but totally delicious. I can't wait to come back and try more! read more

The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Easily one of the best places to grab a drink in DC. I recommend a kettle one dirty martini with blue cheese olives. It sounds wild, but they have the best olives in town! read more

Any Tim my family comes in town we always come here. The food is amazing, but the ambiance is truly unmatched in the city. The service is out of this world. It is steps from the White House, has so much rich history on its walls, and has the perfect view of Capitol Hill. 10/10 for sure!! read more

The Occidental - Avocado Toast, Occidental Breakfast Plate, Breakfast Sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Five of us came here for dinner after an event on a week night. A perfect five star evening! Our server, Carolin, was so efficient and professional. I started with the Caesar salad which was delicious. My friend had the crab stuffed avocado. I tasted it. OMG. Getting that next time!! I got the ribeye for my main. Sides included the Mac and cheese, potato and asparagus. Mac and cheese was delicious. Steak cooked exactly as ordered and huge! One friend got the beef stroganoff and she said it was the best she ever had. Desserts were also big and satisfying. Can't wait to return read more

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Wow! This place is extremely discriminatory. I have visited on several occasions but today, I decided to sit at the bar. I asked for my tab and was given a bill but later the charged was changed. The bartender said, My Manager told me to changed it. I also heard the same bartender giving 2 white females to the right the of us free items. He later apologized, but said it was because of their Manager. I will never return here. read more

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It's 9 pm and you and your scene after meetings in the West Wing or Ebbitt's want to ensconce in a historical niche by the White House? And get baked Alaska and coconut cake and maybe a little jar of melted chocolate for your ice cream with an apple brandy? They close at 10 pm upstairs at the bar here or might go on into the later hours depending on the jazz crowd and cocktails. Beautiful old school service... read more

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Prime rib was fire. Asparagus so good. Seevice was great!! Great wine, martini was soo good. read more

The Occidental - Prime rib mac n chz and asparagus - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We came here for our anniversary and this is an incredible spot. Buttermilk biscuits are the best I've ever had and were so flakey. The wedge salad and pigs in a blanket were so yummy. The highlight was the NY strip. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly seared and perfectly cooked. We love our steakhouses and tried many of the famous one in Chicago but wow this is better and the best. I had the twin lobster tails and wow sweet and delicious. The hash brown was massive! We ended up taking it to go. The ambiance was luxurious and the service was impeccable. Our server gave us complimentary champagne and mini pink champagne cupcakes for dessert. That was so kind. Overall this is a must eat restaurant in DC. read more

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My wife and I came here for our last night in DC date night. We LOVED it. The restaurant is gorgeous and elegant. We got an excellent bottle of white wine, shared the lobster bisque, Caesar salad and Kansas strip steak. My favorite was the lobster bisque but everything was delicious. We shared the banana foster that our waitress made in front of us and shared history about how banana foster came to be. I'd highly recommend dining here. I can't wait for the next trip to dc to come back. read more

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The Occidental is an historic American restaurant with old school glamour and classic dishes. The service was fantastic from start to finish and everyone was very pleasant and helpful. The menu has a great steak selection and accompaniments along with classics like chicken, salmon, pork chops etc. I had the New York strip Oscar style with the Caesar salad and everything was delicious and flavorful. I also did the tableside bananas foster and I really enjoyed that our server shared the history for the dessert as well. read more

The place is worth visiting just to see the absolutely stunning architecture of the building. They do a great job highlighting the historic atmosphere. Certainly a special occasion or date night destination, but also a cool bar pull-up for a quick bite and drink. read more

The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This quickly became one of my favorite dining experiences in DC. The Occidental is run by the same restaurant group as Le Diplomate and other higher end restaurants in the area. It did not disappoint. From the old time, Mad Men decor, the friendly staff and the amazing food, definitely add this to your list of places to try. We started with the biscuits, pigs in a blanket, and tuna tartare and all three items were perfect to split among our group of 5. The biscuits especially are worth the hype. After that, I ordered the Chinese Chicken Salad for my main dish, and it was so filling. For cocktails, I had the cosmopolitan and it was exactly how I imagine Carrie Bradshaw enjoys her own. Thank you for an amazing experience! We will definitely be back. read more

The Occidental - Chinese Chicken Salad - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This place is part of the Starr Restaurant Group. Our server at Le Diplomate, not shockingly, recommended this spot. It is one of the newer places in DC, opening recently after a long shutdown during the pandemic. The restaurant group dropped a ton of cash to restore this place and I have to admit, it's pretty fabulous. Located right across from the White House, you can tell that it's a spot for many of DC's political players. But the vibe of this place truly stands out, with it's nods to the art deco era and its historic roots. The restaurant is located inside the famed Willard Hotel. My partner and I were celebrating our 7 year wedding anniversary, and this place seemed like a great spot. I recommend getting a seat in the main floor dining room, with the cushioned booth seating that could easily seat 4-5 guests. It is private and feels like a special experience. The restaurant spans 3 floors. The first floor is the main dining room, or referred to the "Green Room." This is where I'd recommend a dinner date or special occasion as it's quieter and more intimate than the other floors. The second floor is a bar. It's a great set up and many of the tables had "reserved" signs as I could see this is a popular spot. Finally, the third floor is probably the liveliest areas with a large dining room, bright red colors and lighting. There are some cushioned seating areas but not quite like the first floor level. The food is pretty incredible. Think mostly a steakhouse fare with the usual sides of mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese and other dishes. I ordered "the pork chop that saved the world," that the menu description shares famously played a role in ending the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The story goes a Soviet ordered a pork chop and the American ordered crab cakes. The orders were switched, and whether the diners switched them back or not is a detail that's lost to history, as is the recipe of that particular pork dish. But the story remains and is honored by the dish's name. In the end, it was a tasty dish and loved the mini chef hat that was placed on the pork. The cocktail menu is extensive and dessert was tasty. We had a slice of cake though I do love a bananas flambe. My partner just wasn't feeling that though. This is a wonderful addition to the DC food scene. Highly recommended. read more

Hands down this place has been revived to its former political hotspot glory. Food is decent, but you really go here for the vibes and to see and be seen! Drinks are expensive but the interiors are amazing. While it's normally packed and I would recommend a reservation, there's generally enough space for you to walk in and sit down at the bar or a small table. For food, I love the crab Louie salad! read more

The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fantastic restaurant with great ambiance, elevated cuisine, and exceptional service. Located within blocks from the White House, this spot offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience. I brought a friend here to celebrate her birthday, and we had a truly memorable evening. We started with a variety of appetizers: the warm biscuits were buttery and comforting, the King Crab Roll was fresh and delicately seasoned, and the Chinese Chicken Salad offered a unique twist--light, crisp, and full of flavor. A great way to kick off the meal. For the entrée, I ordered the Surf & Turf. While it sounded promising, it ended up being the least exciting part of the night. The steak and lobster were fine, but lacked the bold flavor or seasoning that would have taken the dish to the next level. Fortunately, I tasted my friend's Chilean sea bass, and it was perfectly cooked, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good. That's what I'd recommend for sure. We also shared a side of Mac & Cheese, which was rich, creamy, and indulgent--definitely worth ordering. Service was top-notch throughout--attentive without being overbearing, and very accommodating with birthday touches. Overall, a great experience for a special night out. If you're visiting or local, this is a lovely spot for a celebration or an upscale dinner near downtown. Just a heads-up: parking in the area is a nightmare, so I'd suggest walking, rideshare, or taking the metro if you can. read more

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I came here to celebrate an anniversary. Steven Star does not disappoint. The attention was perfect, as were all the recommendations and accommodations for my gluten intolerance. They offered us a glass of champagne to start. Then we went for a cocktail. I got a delicious tequila cocktail, and my wife got a vodka martini that she enjoyed very much. We later learned that they are known for their martinis, so I will have to try one on a future visit. The foie gras was excellent as our appetizer, and then we went for the filet mignon with a Cesar salad (mine without the croutons). And my wife got some biscuits that she raved about. It was a great evening celebrating in a fantastic place. I'm definitely coming back. read more

The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

UPDATE: My favorite restaurant in all of DC. My fiance took me here after our engagement and they were wonderful to us. We sat on the second floor. The ambiance and lighting were incredible and the table was so beautiful and intimate. The server was wonderful and gave great recommendations. We started with oysters (amazing), I got a filet and side of mac and cheese. The Mac and cheese has tomato on top which I was very skeptical of but it ended up being the most delicious Mac and cheese I've ever had. My fiance got the surf and turf which he said was the best he's ever had. We ended things with a coconut pie which is seriously my favorite dessert ever. So fluffy and delicious. They gave us complimentary cupcakes and a hand written letter from their management thanking us for celebrating our precious moment with them. An incredible and historical place you need to stop by if you're in DC. read more

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The Occidental is over 100 years old, but its space is reimagined for today. Next to The White House, steps inside to a posh place with paintings of U.S. Presidents on the walls. Walk upstairs to find an even bigger space with murals on the walls transporting you back to the 1960s. Their drink menu is expansive and lead with their martini selection. For a more sweet and refreshing cocktail, order the A-Train. It's filled with ice, but the blackberry in it makes it pop. To eat, passed appetizers were part of our happy hour. Everything tasted good, especially the shrimp cocktail and the lobster rolls. read more

The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Absolutely fantastic, from the vibes to the service, I would come back here in a heartbeat. Each of the three floors had its own vibe - downstairs has the large round tables, the bar floor is mysterious and sexy, and the top floor reminds me of New York city. The staff and service was always fantastic and they did bring us complimentary champagne for our anniversary. We started with the biscuits and the crab stuffed avocado. The biscuits were perfectly fluffy and sweet and salty and the butter that came with them was great. The avocado stuffed crab was great, and the "skin" of the avocado was actually breadcrumbs which was a unique touch. We also split a lobster bisque and it was perfectly creamy and rich with a good amount of chunks of lobster. For our mains we got the prime rib ($100) and the surf and turf. The prime rib came with real shaved horseradish which was fantastic, and the surf and turf had a size of béarnaise. We also went with a side of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes - the mashed potatoes were some of the softest ones I have had in restaurant. Do not skip out on the sides- both were a perfect accompaniment to the mains. The lobster was delightful and the steak was such a great cut, I think one of the best steaks I've ever had. For our drinks we got the dirty martini and the manhattan. The dirty martini did not come out dirty at all but when I asked they did bring out a second shaker of the stuff that makes it dirty. The Manhattan was good but a bit acidic for our taste. For dessert we were so full but they did give us two mini champagne cupcakes which I thought were ok but hey, they were free. Service was 5/5, and so was food. The pricing was obviously up there but it was worth every penny. read more

The Occidental has long been on my list of must visit restaurants in DC and I finally got to experience it on this trip. The restaurant is beautiful and it definitely feels like a place to be seen. We were led up several sets of stairs to a small dining room in the back. Despite the restaurant being packed, the noise level wasn't obnoxious. Our service was very professional but not very friendly. I can't point to a single issue other than I felt like the server was simply going about his business and wasn't very into his job. We ordered a Caesar salad and steak tartare to start. While we made it very clear to our server we were sharing these items, he took our bread plates because we didn't want to order bread service. That may be technically correct, but a real jerk move in my book. For entrees we had the sole and sea bass. Both were delicious. The sea bass was one of the best pieces of fish I've enjoyed. It was incredibly rich and delicious. We also had the creamed spinach which lacked flavor. The cocktails and wine we enjoyed were wonderful. Overall, a very nice restaurant, but I was slightly disappointed in my experience. read more

Stephen Starr has definitely revived a classic. The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous with delicious food and outstanding service. Right when you walk in you feel like you're transported elsewhere and that was something our server noted was part of the experience they are going for at the Occidental. Our server, and all of the staff including the sommeliers, managers and attendants, were excellent. We were seated on the second floor in a large dining room. The restaurant is large with quite a few sections and they have a second bar space upstairs as well. The bar/lounge area downstairs looked cozy and a fun place to pop in for a few cocktails. My friend had a glass of rosé and I had a ice cold, extra dirty vodka martini with blue cheese olives that was simply perfect. When my second martini came out, it was heavy on the vermouth and our server brought me some extra olive juice on the side, which made a big difference. We had the following for our meal: Tuna Tartare Oysters Beurre Blanc Filet mignon with truffle butter NY Strip with point reyes blue Whipped Potatoes Green Beans Amandine Lemon Icebox Cake The Oysters were a definitely stand out and my filet was cooked absolutely perfectly. The vegetables were also incredible and the lemon icebox cake was essentially a key lime pie and the perfect way to end our meal. The decor is rich and plush, they were playing big band jazz and swing and the tables weren't crammed together so I felt like we had privacy. We were seated in a great booth that was comfortable and the perfect size for two. I asked for a toothpick and the attendant returned with branded ones in a little box -- such a nice touch. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Immaculate vibes and absolutely beautiful interior and patio. Martinis were delicious and service was great! read more

The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Had heard wonderful things about this place but never made it until last week. Opted on Sunday evening, dinging alone to sit at the lounge area. It is lavish, very 70s. So is the menu, a throwback to what is no longer served elsewhere and much welcomed. Had the Colorado lamb chomps, the creamed spinach and the banana foster. I do believe that out of my trip to DC this was my premiere dining experience even at the bar. The restaurant is set out beautifully, service is pristine and the food is perfect. It does cost more than most other restaurants in DC. So do take that into consideration before taking this enthusiastic endorsement into account. read more

Nice experience for an anniversary dinner, the food was great, the booth we were seated at was not super comfortable, and in hindsight, I wish I had asked for a table. The service staff was super professional and did an outstanding job. The steak I had was top shelf and cooked to perfection. They were kind to provide a pre-dinner and after-dinner treat in honor of our anniversary, and yet I was surprised to see that I was charged for water when we asked for regular, not sparkling water. In the big picture, that charge was insignificant, but an establishment should not charge you for regular water. I did not bring up as the dinner overall was a lovely experience for a special occasion. read more

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