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Central Michel Richard, Washington, DC

Central Michel Richard

4.3
4.3
7487 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Michel Richard's modern American brasserie and winner of the 2008 James Beard award for best new restaurant. Central is Michel's tribute to great American cuisine, both modern and classic, with a French accent known for our award winning fried chicken & decadent desserts. A vibrant happy hour with a great wine list, beer & cocktail menu, Central offers a lunch & dinner 3 course prix-fixe menu. Located on the corner of 11 St. & Pennsylvania Ave NW , walking distance to the White House, Theatres, Capitol One Arena, The National Mall & Monuments. Private dining for up to 16 guest, semi-private for 20 guest, & private events for up to 200.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    American, French, Contemporary French / American

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–8:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 11:30 am–8:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 3:00 pm–6:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (202) 626-0015

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    David Barigault

  • Catering

    Order online at Caviar.com or contact us at the restaurant at <br />pdr@centralmichelrichard.com

  • Private party facilities

    Join us at Central Michel Richard for your next business meeting or special occasion. Our private dining room can accommodate 16 seated guest and is available for lunch, brunch, and dinner and features a floor to ceiling glass wall that allows your group to see all the action of our open kitchen. In addition we have a semi-private dining area that can seat up to 22 guest. Accommodations available for up to 200 people for our entire restaurant, we look forward to hosting your event.

  • Private party contact

    pdr@centralmichelrichard.com: (202) 626-0015

  • Neighborhood

    Penn Quarter

  • Cross street

    11th Street &amp; Pennsylvania Ave NW

  • Parking details

    None

  • Public transit

    Walking distance from Archives/Navy Memorial, Federal Triangle, or Metro Center

  • Entertainment

    Join us @CentralMR for event and entertainment updates.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 7,487 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love going to Central for lunch before seeing A Christmas Carol. Food and service were wonderful and cocktails were delicious!
  2. MaryR

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an excellent experience at my favorite DC restaurant, Central! :)
  3. AmeryliaH

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Loud and very busy. Server was very good but we had to wait a bit for him to make his rounds. Food was delicious.
  4. Neighbor

    Washington DC

    96 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    96 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2022

    overall3food5service1ambience3
    Central is one of my favorite restaurants, but in this occasion it disappointed, largely because I had guests from out of town. I had requested a nice table when made reservations; instead, no table was reserved and we were seated right next to the kitchen counter where servers swarmed around us all evening and bumped me at least three times. Then one of the appetizers we ordered was never served, then I was given the wrong order and had to wait for 10-15 minutes for my food to be prepared while my guests had their dinner. I was given a lame excuse (chef didn’t think my steak was done well so they served me a Niçoise instead!). Then, I expected at least that my dinner will be comped but it was not. If I were alone, I would have been more forgiving, but because of my guests I was embarrassed.
  5. marysharon54

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The restaurant overall was enjoyable. There was a problem with our initial server but I think he was just having a bad day. Without us saying anything, the manager seemed to be aware of the issue and he came by to check that everything was okay. And it really was a great experience. I wanted to return the next day!
  6. SusanD

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service and food were exceptional as always! Great experience!
  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good. But loud.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent! Capers!
  9. HvnCnW8

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Solid menu and service. Everything was very good; good variety and food quality.
  10. ESUS

    Washington DC

    147 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    147 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    This restaurant has been around for a long time and seems to hold its high quality food and service which is really saying something considering the economic hardships of the last years on the restaurant sector. The starter gougeres were delicious. I had a hangar steak and fries, a menu staple, and the meat was tender and properly cooked, it a little oversauced for my taste. French fries were delicious. Guests all seemed happy with their meals. Our waiter was superb.
  11. JohnD

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, tasty unique cocktails, attentive and discreet service. Highly recommend for business or social events.
  12. nydcmad5

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Very good food and excellent Service every time I have been there.
  13. Elyssa

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    5 star experience. Flawless service and staff is consistently courteous and professional. I’ve been here several times and they always get it right. Every staff member is trained and the service is consistent.
  14. 2022

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and drink as well as good service. The noise level was loud but we had a quiet table in the back.
  15. BrianC

    Washington DC

    107 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    107 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service/wait staff. wonderful food.
  16. FrankR

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Whether a casual meal or drink on the patio this is the place to go. The menu is designed to accomodate every diners need. The staff led by "Boris" is warm and welcoming. Conveniently located near the The National Theater and The Warner Theater this place is perfect for before or after shows.
  17. ariana

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food was amazing and service was great. Able to get in and out within an hour and yet still enjoy appetizers and entrees - perfect since we were seeing a show at Warner Theater nearby. We will be back for sure - the fried chicken was soooo good!
  18. ROBERTD

    Richmond

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always good.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious. The staff was great. A little noisy die to the tables being placed closely together, but otherwise, wonderful.
  20. Jackson

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food was excellent, but not quite as creative as it was in the pre-pandemic world. Service was outstanding
  21. JCS2

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food is outstanding! I wish I could try more items on the menu but I'm faithful to my favorites like the chicken dishes, risotto balls, and chocolate bar.
  22. DCSteven

    Washington DC

    59 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2022

    overall2food1service1ambience3
    I'm a longtime fan of Central, especially for lunch. Had a speed-bump this last time in terms of so-so service and food. Hoping it's an anomaly. I've always loved the bistro-style service efficiency and smart food.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent restaurant. Great food options for all - including kids and vegetarians. Felt fancy but not too expensive. Service was superb!
  24. KingLouie

    Phoenix

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was great even though we walked in just before they were closing. And the FOOD… the crab cakes were served with a lobster bisque at the bottom… so much flavor. I had the mussels and frites… and the broth… I’d like to bathe in that is possible. Deep, savory, emotional. The “profiteroles” for dessert were slightly crispy and not too sweet… and the ice cream was perfect. Everyone at the table thought it was fantastic.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quick and delicious. Made it out in time to catch our show.
  26. TameraL

    Washington DC

    195 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    195 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal and service over lunch. Sitting outdoors was a true treat
  27. GailC

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a fantastic meal here. Very highly recommend.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good was fantastic and servers were very attentive!
  29. RomeoMike

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food at very reasonable prices. Decent wine list, too.
  30. ScottT

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Having been away for. While, I was excited to return to Central. My friend and I sat at the bar. My excitement was soon dashed. I ordered the fried chicken and the chicken was cold. Not room temp, but cold. I looked for rehab bartender to send the dish back, but he was no where to be found. There were two other patrons at the bar. By the time he returned, my friend had finished their meal. The waiter took my original plate and came back 7-10 min later with a fresh entree. This time the chicken was hit, but it was way over cooked. The bartender has disappeared again. I gave up. When the check came, they had charged me for the chicken I didn’t eat -twice. I ate the mashed potatoes for my lunch- the last time I will eat there. Time to find a new favorite restaurant.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The fried chicken was delicious! We were sat in a row of 2 seater tables in-between booths that made our experience feel like we were being crammed in the restaurant, even though it was full but not extremely busy. Other than the poor seating, everything else was great! Food and service was excellent!
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Very good overall .
  33. KarenO

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    My sister and I love to meet at Central Michel Richard. We always get the fried chicken. It is divine. For the first time, I did feel like chicken was a little bit tough. It was still delicious. My sister said the Crème Brûlée was one of the best desserts she had ever had! I had the profiteroles with a wonderful chocolate sauce. Really love this place!
  34. Milano

    Washington DC

    391 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    391 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Would be back - but overall was just adequate
  35. JonathanH

    Washington DC

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and delicious food. Highly recommended.
  36. chatnoir

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely evening with dinner outdoors on the terrace of this downtown restaurant. Delicious food and good service!
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience1
    The major problem was with service. We waited extraordinarily long for wine, to order, and had to wave wildly all evening long to get any attention from waitstaff. We were there from 6:30 - 9:30 - ( we each had 2 glasses of wine and an entree) - because long stretches of time existed between any attention or progress with our meal and - after finishing our entrees a check was not forthcoming until 30 minutes after we requested it. We were never offered a dessert menu. We were lucky we were happy to spend time with each other - because the neglect and inattention was really amazing.
  38. SteveF

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was recommended by a friend and well worth it. The pricing is great for the quality of the food served. Will definitely be on the list to dine at next time I’m in town.
  39. Carol

    Washington DC

    129 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    129 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely evening. The oyster selection was delicious. The best carpaccio was outstanding, but too much on the plate for an appetizer. I hated leaving so much. The bronzino and fried chicken entrees were great. And we loved the lemon dessert, with the "fried egg". The service was perfect. Will absolutely come again. Oh yes....the bartender had our favorite gin in stock, thus we had the perfect martini.
  40. AlysonR

    Washington DC

    129 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    129 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this restaurant

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Central Michel Richard offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 626-0015.

Central Michel Richard is rated 4.3 stars by 7487 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Central Michel Richard

1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004

Additional information

  • Cross street

    11th Street &amp; Pennsylvania Ave NW

  • Neighborhood

    Penn Quarter

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–8:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 11:30 am–8:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Fri 3:00 pm–6:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, French, Contemporary French / American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    None

  • Public transit

    Walking distance from Archives/Navy Memorial, Federal Triangle, or Metro Center

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    David Barigault

  • Entertainment

    Join us @CentralMR for event and entertainment updates.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (202) 626-0015

  • Catering

    Order online at Caviar.com or contact us at the restaurant at <br />pdr@centralmichelrichard.com

  • Private party facilities

    Join us at Central Michel Richard for your next business meeting or special occasion. Our private dining room can accommodate 16 seated guest and is available for lunch, brunch, and dinner and features a floor to ceiling glass wall that allows your group to see all the action of our open kitchen. In addition we have a semi-private dining area that can seat up to 22 guest. Accommodations available for up to 200 people for our entire restaurant, we look forward to hosting your event.

  • Private party contact

    pdr@centralmichelrichard.com: (202) 626-0015

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