Central Michel Richard

1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
$$$ French restaurant
(1088 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Situated in the heart of Washington, DC, Central Michel Richard is a culinary gem that showcases the exquisite flavors of French cuisine through a modern lens. Located at 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is both elegant and approachable, perfect for a casual lunch or a special dinner. With a phone number of +1 202-626-0015, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours.

The atmosphere at Central Michel Richard is vibrant and contemporary, featuring sleek decor that enhances the dining experience without overshadowing the culinary delights that await. Guests are greeted with a warm ambiance that complements the sophisticated yet relaxed dining environment, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings. As noted by customers, the restaurant is capable of accommodating large parties, as evidenced by one patron’s experience celebrating with a group of ten.

When it comes to the menu, prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey. The selections boast a variety of options that highlight the best of French-inspired dishes. The Fried Chicken Bucket Plus is a crowd-pleaser, featuring ten juicy nuggets paired with creamy mashed potatoes and a refreshing watercress salad for a delightful combination of flavors and textures—it's no wonder guests rave about its brilliance. For bougie brunch enthusiasts, the Chicken Schnitzel is lauded for its perfectly crisp exterior and succulent meat, satisfying even the most discerning palates. And don’t miss the Hanger Steak, which promises robust flavors and an unforgettable experience, paired excellently with one of their innovative cocktails.

As the meal approaches its sweet conclusion, guests are encouraged to indulge in desserts that are nothing short of heavenly. The Michel's Chocolate Bar, drizzled with a tangy raspberry sauce, and the classic Creme Brulee, with its crackling sugar crust, create an exquisite finale to your dining experience. Customer reviews emphasize that the Mango Passionfruit Cheesecake and Napoleon are also worthy of a spot on your dessert list, each offering a unique burst of flavor that lingers on your palate.

The dining experience at Central Michel Richard is further enhanced by the attentive and knowledgeable staff who strive to make each visit a memorable occasion. Whether indulging in expertly crafted cocktails during happy hour or savoring fine wines that effortlessly pair with your meal, every moment spent here feels like a cherished memory in the making.

With rave reviews for its stellar food quality and great atmosphere, particularly the famous Gruyère cheese puffs, Central Michel Richard confidently places itself as a must-visit on any DC dining itinerary. It’s a place where every dish is crafted with care, where flavors are amplified, and where patrons leave with their hearts—and stomachs—full. Whether you're a local or a traveler passing through the nation’s capital, this restaurant promises to deliver a dining experience that delights the senses and gratifies the soul.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

1088 Reviews
Rosie H

04 Sep 2025

My work team and I went here for lunch. I appreciated they were able to accommodate our big group of 10! It’s a very modern atmosphere which was nice. We ordered the cheese puffs, charcuterie board and oysters for appetizers. Everyone favorites were the cheese puffs, highly recommend! I got the onion soup. I wish it was more savory than sweet but I ate it all - super delicious! Others in my group got mussels, schnitzel, hanger steak. Everyone was very happy with their meals!

Nadia Shobnam

02 Sep 2025

Fantastic happy hour, highly recommend. The food was delicious and great quality. Chicken nuggets were fancy and so yummy as were the oysters and Gruyère cheese puffs. I would definitely come back.

JF Trading Inc.

13 Aug 2025

The food is very good. The chicken schnitzel was delicious. My daughter loved her spagetti bolognese. I was not a fan of the Faux Graux, but my daughter liked it which is surprising. Very good food.

Melissa M. Muir

06 Aug 2025

I've never been disappointed in this restaurant. Everything is always spot on perfect. My girlfriend said the chicken nuggets have now ruined her, as she will not be able to enjoy "normal" nuggets again. The risotto croquettes are tiny fried balls of truffled heaven.

Tasteful Travels

24 Jul 2025

I had a wonderful time dining on the outside terrace here on a warm early summer afternoon. The view of the Waldorf Astoria and people watching along with the great wine selections made for a very enjoyable experience. The service was perfect and the 3 hours I relaxed her melted away into a series of perfect moments. The Fried Chicken was amazing!!!

Mark Benitez

20 Jul 2025

Was on our hit list as it received great reviews. Stopped by for a quick lunch. We had the tarte Alsaciennene, beef tartare, and steak frites. Great flavors with the steak and tarte. The tarte reminded me of a smaller and thinner version of the German flammkuchen. Looks like an extensive wine and cocktail list. Conveniently located on Pennsylvania avenue—the heart of DC.

Jill Lamb Engstrom

18 Jun 2025

Pricey for no reason other than it's DC. Avoid the fries - they are overly crispy, dried out, no seasoning, with a hint of grease taste. Dessert was the best thing we had.

Jil H. Lesko

16 Jun 2025

Across the board the food was delicious. Fried chicken was second to none. Mashed potatoes were a dream. Hangar steak was phenomenal. Drinks were also top notch. Fig old fashioned and the Michel Cosmo... Yum!

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