Michel Richard Citronelle

Food critics continue to name Citronelle among D.C.'s best restaurants, and it's my personal favorite. If you care about creatively delicious French cuisine, do try to book a table there. You're in for a (very expensive) treat. The ebullient Richard produces masterpieces in every form: from appetizers like the fricassee of escargots, an eggshell filled with caviar, sweetbreads, porcinis, and crunchy pistachios, to entrees like the crispy lentil-coated salmon or squab leg confit with macaroni gratin and black truffles. Each presentation is a work of art. You may want to consider dining at the chef's table in the kitchen, so you can watch Richard at work. This will cost you approximately $350 per person; call for more information.

Citronelle's decor is also breathtaking and includes a wall that changes colors, a state-of-the-art wine cellar (a glass-enclosed room that encircles the dining room), and a Provençal color scheme of mellow yellow and raspberry red.

Michel Richard's richly layered chocolate "bar" with sauce noisette (hazelnut sauce) is a must for dessert. Citronelle's extensive wine list offers about 20 premium by-the-glass selections, but with all those bottles staring out at you from the wine cellar, you may want to spring for one. Also consider dining at Richard's French/American bistro, Central, which offers a less expensive, less elaborate, but every bit as delicious meal.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top