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Central Michel Richard

Central Michel Richard

American Restaurant and French Restaurant$$$$
Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown, Washington
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8.5/10
298
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Washington Post and Epicurious recommend this place
    • Washington Post
    • Epicurious
  • Tips
    Cheryl V L.
    "Try the Lobster Burger - Lobster with a scallop mousse."(18 Tips)
    Laren S.
    "Get the gougeres and the steak tartare."(4 Tips)
    Washington Post
    "lobster and tuna burgers in addition to the beef standard."(5 Tips)
    Samurai D.
    "I had the cheese plate, fried chicken, and the chocolate bar."(3 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon109 Tips and reviews
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  • Eater
    EaterMay 12, 2017
    Looking to move beyond red meat? Central Michel Richard offers ahi tuna burgers and shrimp burgers as well. (Its bacon cheeseburger, pictured, is also legendary.) Read more
  • TripExpert
    TripExpertMay 20, 2015
    "French powerhouse chef Michel Richard has set up camp Downtown with this semi-casual bistro offering up Franco-American spin-offs like fried chicken, bacon-and-onion tart." -Fodors on TripExpert Read more
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchMarch 23, 2016
    Basserie bites are available for $6-$12 in the bar from 5-7. Try the sliders or prosciutto tart. Taste the premium cocktails for $8 each, glasses of wine for $8, or draft beer for just $5 Read more
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchApril 29, 2015
    Situated right on Pennsylvania Avenue, across from Trump Tower, the patio at Michel Richard's Central is one you need to frequent. Plus the $27 bottomless prix fixe can’t be beat. Read more
  • Epicurious
    EpicuriousJanuary 27, 2015
    Look for hanger steak paired with possibly the best frites in town and salmon cooked to near-melting, served with lentils that are both creamy and tangy. Read more
  • Andrew
    AndrewFebruary 16, 2017
    Get the fried chicken, obviously. But save room for the chocolate bar!
  • Burger Days
    Burger DaysMay 7, 2012
    One of the umpteenth burgers deemed the best of D.C., the dry-aged Central beef burger is the definition of fancy-ass. It comes served with confit tomato, a house-made mayo and several potato wafers. Read more
  • Eric S.heart icon on user image
    Eric SanfordAugust 8, 2015
    The fried chicken was amazing. Definitely not what I thought when the waiter recommend "fried chicken". Best meal I've ever had in DC.
  • Peter B.heart icon on user image
    Peter BlumbergAugust 14, 2017
    Impressed with its longevity - gougeres and burgers (ahi tuna or lobster) are my go-tos. Great happy hour cocktails. Wine list is well curated.
  • Josephine L.heart icon on user image
    Josephine LeeFebruary 19, 2014
    Great service! Ordered the lobster burger and the fried chicken, both were amazingly delicious! Upscale place without feeling snooty. Down to earth decor and food!
  • Bob R.
    Bob RutledgeApril 30, 2017
    Excellent mimosas for Bottomless Brunch -- I always worry on a bottomless drink that the restaurant would skimp, but it was an excellent mimosa.
  • Montaha H.
    Montaha HidefiAugust 16, 2014
    The french fries are amazing... I havent had french fries for years, till i tasted this. The service is very good too...we would definitely come back..
  • Teresa R.
    Teresa RusinMarch 30, 2014
    The staff are amazing, they were very kind and thoughtful. The food was delicious and the birthday sparkler was fantastic!! Can't wait to go back
  • David K.heart icon on user image
    David KirschNovember 5, 2017
    Gougeres, frisée w lardons and egg, shrimp burger (replaced lobster burger), fries, chocolate mousse... Repeat. Only possible weakness is espresso.
  • Eater
    EaterJuly 28, 2011
    The most accessible in chef Michel Richard's local restaurant empire, Central offers the French chef's spin of classic American comfort food. [Eater 38 Member] Read more
  • Jon D.heart icon on user image
    Jon DarveauMay 2, 2015
    This place is great! The Central Meatloaf is an amazing twist on an American staple, everything was great though, can't go wrong.
  • Eric A.heart icon on user image
    Eric AndersenFebruary 16, 2017
    Cheese puffs are a fun appetizer!
  • Ian G.heart icon on user image
    Ian GrubmanJune 15, 2017
    The fried chicken was very good, but those mashed potatoes were incredible. Also recommend the cheese puffs to start.
  • Ardvaark
    ArdvaarkApril 30, 2016
    Order the Gougéres as soon as you sit down. They'll give you something delicious to snack on while you peruse the menu.
  • Washingtonian Magazine
    Washingtonian MagazineJanuary 9, 2012
    During the day, deals are made over bacon cheeseburgers and the best corned-beef sandwiches in town. Ties are loosened at night, and cocktails keep a crowd around the bar.
  • Jewels K.heart icon on user image
    Jewels KApril 11, 2016
    Fried Chicken and Waffles are a must try! Maple Syrup emulsion is delicious!
  • Eric A.heart icon on user image
    Eric AndersenFebruary 16, 2017
    Wow, the fried chicken is amazing!
  • IS K.heart icon on user image
    IS KLEApril 6, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Everything here is good. Fish tacos. French onion soup. Chopped salad. Lobster burger. Ideal lunch choice.
  • Bryan D.heart icon on user image
    Bryan DeslogeJanuary 6, 2017
    Fried chicken was unbelievable!! Snowman dessert also amazing
  • Samurai D.
    Samurai DogJune 25, 2011
    I had the cheese plate, fried chicken, and the chocolate bar. All were delicious. The fried chicken was really moist and tasty. I definitely recommend it.
  • Washington Post
    Washington PostMarch 11, 2013
    Best bets: lobster and tuna burgers in addition to the beef standard. The fried chicken is also incredible. Read more
  • M. G. S.
    M. G. StellaJune 17, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    The memorable fried chicken. I got mine with brussel sprouts!
  • Ardvaark
    ArdvaarkApril 30, 2016
    The Lobster Burger is good to try once, but there are better dishes on the menu. The Grilled Loup de Mer, for example!
  • Jesse T.
    Jesse TorresApril 20, 2013
    Do yourself a favor and stuff your face with the fried chicken and chocolate bar. Then sing a song of deliciousness.
  • kelly m.
    kelly mcnamaraFebruary 22, 2012
    Get the short ribs. The oysters were some of the best I've ever had. Top it all off with vanilla ice cream.
  • Michael M.heart icon on user image
    Michael McMillanDecember 6, 2013
    FRIED CHICKEN IS AMAZING!!! Trust me I did not expect this, but one of the best I have ever had!
  • Peter R.heart icon on user image
    Peter RAugust 7, 2014
    The vegetarian risotto and steal tartar were both excellent. Just wish the place wasn't quite so casual
  • Erin P.
    Erin PApril 6, 2013
    Skip the 48 hour short rib (really tough, say that's how they should be...) Go with Steak Au Poivre or Tuna Burger. Desserts are unreal, especially sorbets.
  • Norman E.heart icon on user image
    Norman EllisJune 12, 2013
    Try the fried chicken - A refined, balanced and very tasty plate of Fried Chicken. #recommend
  • Stephanie L.
    Fried chicken all day long
  • Epicurious
    EpicuriousAugust 25, 2010
    Ask for a table near the bustling, open kitchen, and watch the expert French chefs create your luscious lobster burger or hanger steak with the city's best frites.
  • Adrienne M.heart icon on user image
    Adrienne MJanuary 25, 2015
    The fried chicken at brunch is AMAZING. Delicious Caesar salad too!
  • Serious Eats
    Serious EatsJune 6, 2014
    The fried chicken is an unexpected hit at this power lunch spot.
  • Grace S.
    Grace S.November 2, 2013
    Filet mignon tartar in cheese puffs make the best mini hamburger in the world!
  • Tim B.heart icon on user image
    Tim BackusMay 12, 2016
    Wonderful service, interesting food, and save room for dessert
  • Paul D.heart icon on user image
    Paul DelPonteFebruary 15, 2015
    The Valentine dessert was amazing
  • Michael S.
    Michael SingletaryAugust 22, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Eat the fried chicken. Get some cheese puffs to start. Great wine list.
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchJanuary 3, 2015
    Winner of the Bitches Who Brunch "Best Bang For Your Buck" award for 2014! Read more
  • Julie S.heart icon on user image
    Julie Smith DavidJuly 13, 2012
    Excellent pork belly and cheese puffs (among many other things - great fun!)!
  • FiOS 50
    FiOS 50November 28, 2011
    The lobster burger and the fried chicken are the two standout menu items here. So why not come back twice and try both?
  • HalaH A.heart icon on user image
    HalaH ANovember 24, 2018
    Creme brûlée French toast from the brunch menu👌🏻
  • Anita S.
    Anita SweeneyNovember 26, 2011
    The best burger that I have ever had! The fried chicken was enough for 2. Both delicious!
  • Shaggy N.
    Shaggy N.November 19, 2011
    The Cheese Puffs, Lobster Burger and Fried Chicken with Mashed Potato are a must have...so good!!!!!!
  • Allison K.heart icon on user image
    Allison KasicMay 15, 2016
    Solid burger and excellent cheese puffs.
  • Jaime C.heart icon on user image
    Jaime CookNovember 1, 2019
    Fried chicken is the way to go
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