Caitlin Ouano


Leisure

Another fussy French diplomat lands in Washington

Le Diplomate proves as pricey as its fancy name suggests. Tucked into the corner of 14th and Q, the restaurant mimics its French counterparts with high, open windows, rustic white and oak-paneled walls, and tiled floors. All this establishes the feeling of old Paris as you walk through a set of wooden doors. At 6:30 on a Monday night (that’s right, Monday), the restaurant was already filled, and I was cheerfully given a table on the sidewalk—nothing to complain about on such a beautiful day. That quiet, idyllic corner spot where expats scribble masterpieces is nowhere to be found at Le Dip. Instead, the patio bubbles with noise—the restaurant is quickly becoming a lively neighborhood spot.