Le Diplomate looks the part of a Parisian brasserie, right down to the red banquettes, large mirrors, zinc-topped bar, little lace curtains, and windows opening to the sidewalk. And it tastes the part, too, with its menu of Gallic staples, from escargots and steak frites to trout amandine and crème brûlée. And the bread! Le Dip’s house-made baguettes, cranberry walnut boules, multigrain boules, and brioches are said to be the best breads in the city. Le Diplomate is big and loud and fun, and though I wouldn’t call it romantic myself, others obviously do; it's frequented by couples, including May-December types, and there's lots of hand-holding going on.