LutèCe

I was visiting DC for a work conference a few weeks ago and found Lutece through a quick google search and made a reservation. It looked amazing so decided to come here as a solo diner on one of my free nights out. The food did not disappoint! I got the tasting menu and everything was lovely and SO delicious. However, I found the service to be a little lacking to the point where it was distracting from how good the food is. First of all, I came in as a solo diner at 5pm - the place was pretty empty except a few couples already seated at tables, so I got sat at the bar (5 seats, completely empty at this point). I got sat closest to the door, and it was so chilly everytime someone came in and out of the place (which was often). I asked the hostess if I could change seats because it was so cold, like move me to literally ANYWHERE ELSE at the bar, like move a few seats down away from the draft since it was empty, and she acted like it was the most difficult request I could have asked. She said "no" because the other seats had reservations (was I not also a reservation?). I thought I could deal with it but with the constant in and out of everyone at the door, I was so close to leaving because it was that distracting. I asked the Bartender if she could ask again if I could just move a few seats away from the door and FINALLY it took like 4 people calculating the 5 seats to just move me to the other side of the bar while the other 4 seats accommodated 2 couples. It was just weird how long that request took to just move me down a few seats over an empty bar and honestly was super annoying as a solo diner sitting at the bar to feel like SUCH an inconvenience for a small request at an empty restaurant. Anyways the food was truly wonderful, the bartender on shift was so lovely (I think her name was Ava or Eva?) and I ended up enjoying myself after that. 5 stars for that. The tasting menu was phenomenal and I would absolutely consider coming back here. Maybe the weird glitch in service was a fluke. 2 stars for that.

This was our favorite dining experience in DC the last few years. Alot of restaurants are innovative, inventive, fun and an experience but I’m not sure if I would want to eat the dishes again. This food is not only all of the above, but absolutely delicious. I wanted to eat every dish over and over again. My wife and I came for her birthday and got the chefs tasting menu. Shout-out to Bruno and especially the Sous Chef James for making us feel special and providing a truly intimate, memorable, if not unforgettable experience. We will be back!

What a treat this restaurant is! We did the Chef 5 course menu, everything was truly delicious. My favorite was the Parisian gnocchi. But the duck and vol-au-vent was also outstanding. Service strikes the perfect balance of relax, helpful and informative. We took a cab there and back because parking is almost impossible. Make a reservation from their website or your chances of getting a table are slim. Though not cheap, it was well worth the price. We are super happy with our evening.

Had a wonderful experiences booking the chef’s table. It’s a set menu with a table side view of the kitchen production. You are narrated through each course by either the chef or a member of staff. I highly recommend booking for a special night out with one other person. The staff is clearly dedicated to their jobs and everyone is passionate and knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu and food in general. The chef is present and very caring about your experience. I am not big on taking pictures while I’m eating, but I did snap one.