Opaline Bar & Brasserie

If you’re searching for one of the most refined dining spots in Washington DC, Opaline is truly worth discovering. This elegant French restaurant pairs beautifully executed cuisine with a charming terrace offering comfortable seating and a relaxed street view — perfect for unhurried evenings. We explored a variety of dishes, each prepared with precision and care. The Pappardelle Bolognese, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Cacio e Pepe fettuccini stood out in particular — their freshly made, house-prepared pasta elevates every bite. The Mediterranean Branzino (risotto style) was delicate and refined, while the Steak Frites (NY Strip with Diane sauce) was a standout — the sauce was simply exceptional. We also thoroughly enjoyed the charred octopus, onion soup, and the Opaline Smash Burger with classic fries (with truffle fries ordered separately — highly recommended). To finish, the Blueberry Peach Cobbler was the perfect ending — easily the highlight dessert of the evening. 🤍 Opaline also impresses with a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, including elegant non-alcoholic creations such as Rouge Royal and Mango Mojito — making it just as appealing for a refined drink as for a full dining experience. What truly sets this place apart is the service. Under the attentive management of Mr. Chandan Kumar, with the warm and professional care of Ms. Martha and expertly crafted drinks by Mr. Marlos, every detail feels effortless. We felt so at ease here that we returned throughout the entire week during our stay at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square (more on the hotel in our next review). An elegant address in the heart of Washington — ideal for those who appreciate fine dining, understated luxury, and memorable experiences. More on @larmarluxury.

PREDATORY BILLING BEWARE. If you are considering Opaline Brasserie Washington DC catering for your event, do yourself a favor and run in the opposite direction. The numerous other 1-star reviews were correct. Our recent experience with this establishment was nothing short of a nightmare. We forecasted a total F&B cost at their Opaline restaurant of approximately $6,000 for our event, yet we were hit with an astronomical charge of $11,178. That is a staggering 100% markup over the expected total, and we are certain the consumption did not come anywhere near those figures. We closely monitored the food and beverage service throughout the night, and the numbers they reported are, frankly, a work of fiction. We presented our discrepancy to Opaline & Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square Director of Catering, Sherry Mostaghim, but no refund was provided or a discussion of our evidence. We escalated to the General Manager, Karla Erales, but were unable to secure any refund an audit of the bill. Their billing math does not add up to reality: Alcohol Consumption: The invoice claims 28 bottles of wine were served to just 19 guests in 90 minutes. The 28 wine bottles equates to 8 glasses per person, per hour—a physical impossibility. Even over three hours, the total volume of wine and liquor billed would average 12 drinks per person. Given the demographic of our guests, this volume is not just impossible; it is an egregious fabrication. If this bill were accurate, the staff would have needed to call ambulances, not present an invoice. Charcuterie Boards: We authorized $42 in charges for boards; we were billed $375. Sodas: We were charged for 57 sodas despite there being only four children present. We had read other negative reviews before booking and were specifically assured by management that we would have no issues. We felt that our invoice was significantly padded, and it seemed they assumed we would not scrutinize the charges. When confronted with clear evidence that the billed consumption was physically impossible, they chose to hide behind rigid, dismissive policy rather than correct their mistake. Do not trust the management at Oplaine Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square. They are unwilling to engage with reality, let alone provide honest service. Save your money and your sanity—find a venue that actually respects its customers.

Lovely place for breakfast, very cute with many delicious options. We were staying at the hotel so got to try almost entire breakfast menu and pretty much everything was good. Pastrami Hash and Vegetable skillet are quite filling whie crab cake Benedict is really delicious but on a lighter side. Coffee comes in French press. Place gets quite busy around 9 am.

Probably a fluke because the good reviews mostly centered for dinner time. We went for Mother’s Day brunch. It didn’t appear to be busy, but service was super slow. The food was average. Not bad, but nothing worth returning for. We had the croque madame, Opaline burger, and Nutella French toast. The bacon jam that came with the burgers was probably the hit of the day. It’s a shame because the decor and ambiance were really nice.

I don’t even know where to begin - my dinner at Opaline was nothing short of breathtaking. Chef Kevin Llali has truly outdone himself, crafting a menu that feels both beautifully thoughtful and wildly indulgent. The French onion soup set the tone for the evening , hands down the best I’ve ever had. The depth of the broth, the slow, perfect caramelization of the onions… it was comforting, elegant, and honestly beyond anything I could’ve imagined. I’m still thinking about it. The beet salad was a work of art, both visually and in flavor. Creamy goat cheese (I’m almost certain), tender beets, and a bright citrus lift that tied everything together, refreshing yet decadent at the same time. Then came the caviar dish, which was exceptional in every sense. Balanced, lush, and presented with such finesse that it felt almost too beautiful to eat. But the dish that absolutely stopped me in my tracks was the Wellington. I don’t even know where to begin - flawlessly executed, perfectly cooked, wrapped in delicate pastry with layers of flavor that unfolded with every bite. Truly unforgettable. And the legendary 40-layer short rib lasagna? Rich, decadent, and deeply satisfying, just like the ultra-creamy cacio e pepe. Dessert was another triumph. The crème brûlée was to die for - silky, fragrant, with that perfect glassy top that shatters just right. Every plate was stunningly presented, every bite memorable. Chef Kevin Llali has created something truly special at Opaline, and it shows in the passion, craft, and artistry of each dish. If you haven’t been - go. This is a dining experience you won’t forget. Ps. The cocktails were also exceptional! I unfortunately didn't take photos of every dish because I simply couldn't wait! But I can say, I have been back about 4x already.