Le DeSales

4.6

679 Reviews

$30 and under

French / Japanese

Top Tags:

Le DeSales, a restaurant located in South Dupont, across the street from the historic Mayflower Hotel. Upon reopening in December, Michelin-starred Chef Raphael François has brought back his most popular dishes while teaming with award winning Sushi Master Noriaki Yasutake (formally SEI Restaurant) presenting French/Asian cuisine, including a full sushi menu (signature Fish and Chips Roll) in an informal, cozy, and romantic setting. The specialized wine list includes diversified appellations encompassing regions as unexpected as Macedonia and Portugal, with a concise focus on France, Italy, and California. Also offering a sake menu and selections of Japanese Whiskeys. Le DeSales is available for large parties, semi-private events, and buyouts. Outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
No reservation is needed for Happy Hour. Please walk in and one of our friendly staff will find you a spot.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
French / Japanese, Sushi, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–10:30 pm Happy Hour Mon 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Fri 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Dinner Mon 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(202) 318-4066
Website
http://www.ledesales.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Raphael Francois & Noriaki Yasutake
Catering
Please call us directly at 202-450-3998 or Text AVVII at 202-318-4066
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate event, Le DeSales can accommodate all of your special event needs. Please email your inquiries to billy@ledesales.com
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (866) 602-7822

Location
1725 Desales St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
Conneticut Ave
Parking details
Parking: Le DeSales is located between 2 parking garages with easy access to Le DeSales. Street parking is also an option.
Public transit
Le DeSales is located by the historic Mayflower hotel at 1725 DeSales Street, NW. We're two blocks from Farragut North Metro accessible on the red line and four blocks from the Farragut West Metro accessible on the orange, blue and silver lines. <br />If you are coming for Happy hour, no need to make reservation. The Bar area operates on first come first serve basis and our staff will do our best to find you a seat.
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

French Onion Soup$10.00
chicken stock, caramelized onions , gruyere toast
Little Gem Salad$13.00
poppy seed, red onion, pomegranate, french radish, champagne ranch
Garden Salad$15.00
avocado, green dressing, pinenuts, radish, raddichio & kale, crispy quinoa, dill
Beef Tartare$17.00
aioli, capers, chips
Squash Blossom Tempura$13.00
whipped ricotta, lemon, chili
Kale Pistachio Salad$13.00
pomegranate, red onion, carrot, radish, sesame dressing
Shishito Peppers$8.00
Buratta$16.00
heirloom tomato, basil, aged balsamic, olive oil
Deviled Eggs$15.00
caviar, watercress, mayonnaise
Hamachi Crudo$18.00
red onion, soy vinaigrette, olive oil, orange
Salmon Tartare$16.00
cucumber, watermelon, pine nuts, cilantro
Shrimp Cocktail$17.00
6 pieces on ice, lemon, cocktail sauce, Armagnac
Duck Pate$16.00
smoked bourbon, walnuts

Sea & Land

Roasted Salmon 7oz$16.00
lemon, watercress
Whole Branzino$34.00
persillade, baby tomatoes
Fish and Frites$26.00
tartare sauce, panko crusted beer batter, french fries
Pasture Raised Chicken$18.00
roasted breast, tarragon, mushroom, poulette sauce
Rabbit Parpardelle$28.00
rabbit hind leg, chicken jus, dried currant, fresh pasta
Bavette Steak 7oz$24.00
watercress, jus, fresh thyme
Ledesales Cheeseburger$16.00
cabot clothbound cheddar, prosciutto
New York Strip 14oz, Dry Aged$48.00
pistou, arugula, parmesan
T-Bone 32oz, Dry Aged$115.00
peppercorn sauce

Specialty Nigiri

Hamachi Teriyaki
fried ginger
- 2 Pieces$12.00
Scallop Aburi
uni butter, nikiri
- 2 Pieces$13.00
Miso Camembert
- 2 Pieces$12.00
Beef Tartare Nigiri
truffle aioli, nori paste
- 2 Pieces$13.00
Salmon Aburi
miso paste
- 2 Pieces$12.00
Choco Unagi
sansho, chocolate unagi sauce
- 2 Pieces$12.00

Specialty Sushi Roll

Salmon Cilantro
cilantro, spicy miso, baguette crisps
- 6 Pieces$14.00
Hamachi Serrano
chive, jalapeno aioli
- 6 Pieces$14.00
Fish & Chips Roll
red onion, white fish, olive oil, malt vinegar wasabi tartare, potato crisps
- 6 Pieces$15.00
Sos
salmon, strawberry, cucumber, avocado, orange miso
- 6 Pieces$15.00
Spicy Tuna
spicy miso, chive caper
- 6 Pieces$11.00
Salmon Ceviche
corn, cucumber, cilantro, onion, lemon
- 6 Pieces$15.00
Shrimp Beignet
orange curry tartar, asparagus, soy sheet
- 6 Pieces$14.00
Beets Tartare
miso, orange, ginger, garlic
- 6 Pieces$14.00
Smoked Salmon
avocado, arugula, yuzu hollandaise
- 6 Pieces$13.00

Sides

Onion Frites$9.00
beer batter, tartare sauce, parmesan
Green Salad$8.00
Xeres vinegar, shallots
Charred Broccolini$10.00
pinenut, ricotta
French Fries$8.00
grated old parmesan
Wild Rice$8.00
garlic, parsley, chili
Roasted Cauliflower$9.00
green goddes, za'atar
Edamame$7.00
sea salt
Roasted Medley Potatoes$9.00
shiitake mushroom
Roasted Corn$9.00
coconut cream, wild rice, lemongrass

What 679 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

T
Thomas
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Le Desales is an exceptional restaurant with a sophisticated ambiance, impeccable service, and a menu that showcases innovative menu from Two Chefs. From the perfectly cooked Bronzino to the tasty sushi and delectable desserts, every aspect of the dining experience is memorable and delightful.
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T
Thomas
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceptional dining experience! The restaurant offered a delightful ambiance, impeccable service, and a mouthwatering menu. Every dish was expertly prepared, bursting with flavors that left us craving for more. Highly recommended!
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CB
CynthiaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent and beautifully presented. Ambient music selection was obnoxious with hard, driving shrill voice, and pounding bass beat. However, as the evening progressed, management turn the volume down, which was very much appreciated!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came to Le Desales for date night and our experience was 10/10! The outdoor seating (quiet side street), delicious food/ drinks, and amazing service made for an ideal evening- we will be back!
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D
David
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The LeDesales Cheeseburger is a work of art! The best burger I've had in a long time. Delectable salad along with it!
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M
Mike
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff was outstanding. Atmosphere is really nice and it is open air so you do not feel cramped.
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CF
CharlesF
Washington DC
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the most delicious meal at Le DeSales! The service was excellent and friendly, and the ambiance was wonderful.
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c
cecfrench
New England
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
The food was fantastic and beautiful. Our waiter was great and very sweet . We had the best time !!!
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ML
MikeL
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience3
Excellent location, ambiance, service, wine and food.
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CS
CharlieS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience; would absolutely recommend this to anyone. The staff was helpful and the food was amazing. Great wine list too
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and perfect for a night out. I had the Hamachi Teriyaki which was amazing. Perfectly prepared. Crème Brûlée was a perfect finish!
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e
eilisem
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely exquisite. The menu was fresh with lots of options. Staff was friendly and efficient. One of the best spots in DC! Will definitely come again.
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IT
IleneT
Richmond
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The menu was eclectic and very fun. The food was incredible and everything paired with everything on the menu. The drinks were spot-on and very tasty. Our waiter was Vince and he was absolutely amazing and attentive without hovering. He made a couple of suggestions which were great. Thanks for a GREAT experience.
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T
Thomas
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious & service prompt and organized. Enjoyed the wait staff. Very nicely decorated and clean. Great experience before Improv show.
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SM
SweetMieks
Chicago
19 reviews
vip
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
The noise level made it impossible for our party of six to talk.
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T
Tammy
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing steak!! Love the casual vibe with the high quality food. The kitchen is very flexible to customizing the plate as requested by the patron!! Looking forward to going back!
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OT
OpenTableDiner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a surprisingly welcome change. Staff was great! The food was excellent.
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d
dining1968
Atlanta Metro
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our hotel recommended Le DeSales. The service was excellent EACH time we ate at he restaurant. The was freshly prepared . The menu offered multiple entrees. Food was cooked to perfection. (We did not have the sushi but we spoke with dinners who said it was excellent.) We dined at Le DeSales three times during a period of 7 days. We highly recommend this restaurant for offering very interesting dishes combining French and Japanese dishes.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday dinner for girlfriend! They made the experience really nice
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OT
OpenTableDiner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved everything here!! Great place to eat. Good food and friendly staff
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Columbus
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and cocktails were excellent. Will likely be one of my go to spots with friends both local and visiting.
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BW
BeaW
Washington DC
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We had a large group and everyone was very accommodating. Food was delicious, service was terrific. Thank you!!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Very cute place - that I had never heard of. Appetizers, sushi roll and dessert were all excellent. The entrees were simply ok.
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P
Phil
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have been to DC twice and both times this was hands-down my FAVORITE restaurant! The service IS amazing! The vibes are great! And the food is to die for!!!! Well, I wouldn't recommend dying for it, but it is crave-able. I would 10 our of 10 recommend!
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OT
OpenTableDiner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfection. Highly recommend. Food was excellent!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience5
I arrived after a long flight and was staying nearby. Got a reservation and walked in. I informed the server I would be dining alone. He seated me in a comfortable area. I ordered the onion soup, teriyaki nigiri and the dinner special of gnocchi with rabbit. The server brought all three items together, so by the time I got to the main it was cold. The food also arrived within 5 minutes of ordering making me wonder if it’s really fresh or just heated up. The onion soup had a lump of cheese that had not melted, photo attached. The pasta was okay, but the sauce lacked cohesion. I was done in 15 mins of arriving even though the restaurant was almost empty. For $60 this was a disappointment.
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M
Mike
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Noise level when full was really high. Make sure you go earlier so you can talk
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MC
MartinC
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great place for a nice semi casual and wait staff is super nice
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LY
LynY
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall3food1service5ambience1
Food was way too salty and overpriced; place was way too noisy. Sitting across from each other, we tried calling each other! Too much ambient noise to even hear that way. All staff were very attentive and pleasant and not intrusive.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Such considerate and caring service. Overall food was delicious. Kale salad light and good mix of textures. Bronzino was excellent. Good selection of wine by the glass. Orange bread pudding was exceptional. Only negative was the French fries which were average.
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T
Thomas
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was such a delightful meal! I was here for a conference and took a break and wanted to get out of the hotel. The service from our server was fabulous.
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G
Greg
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Good cocktails and service 👍🏻. Sushi was underwhelming
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JJ
JJWEsq
New York Area
62 reviews
vip
5.0
62 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Very creative and fun menu. Lively place to go. We enjoyed it and the food very much!
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NS
NikkiSta
Washington DC
58 reviews
vip
4.0
58 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
It was very loud in here. The drinks were good the food was underwhelming and i am not sure if I will not be back. The ambiance is nice but it’s less of a restaurant and the service is more focused on the bar. Overall I was disappointed. The food was not great, not memorable and seemed disjointed. There were some French items, some American items, some American - Japanese items on the menu, but the theme of French-Japanese was not there at all, seemed more eclectic and cosmopolitan than anything. Which is fine but not as advertised. Also salad on a steak is gross, who does that, why not tell us on the menu! Dressing on the steak ruins the meat! Awful!
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KF
KeithF
Phoenix
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome experience! Final dinner in DC before heading home
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SM
SanfordM
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service bout it would help to have some sound dampening. It was happy hour. My meal was great! Reminiscent of my years in Belgium eating great Belgian food! Merci!
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OT
OpenTableDiner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Desales is always a rock solid home run. Went for a light pre-Improv dinner. The wine list is amazing and innovative cocktails. Service is always present...responsive...but never hovering.And the clientele always makes for excellent people watching (although Le DeSales can get a bit loud...just be prepared, but it's a 'good loud'!). We have yet to ever have a bad experience there--it's always wonderfully satisfying! Thanks Le DEsales!
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P
Phil
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jose was our outstanding server. He ushered is through the menu and provided recommendations. The food was wonderful and the ambiance was upscale and relaxing. We were able to enjoy a late meal and great conversation with a visiting friend. All in all, a fantastic experience. We will be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience2
We got rushed throughout Main food was cold and brought to table while we barely started first course Bavette steak itself was stringy and lacked flavor
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HH
HidekiH
Hawaii
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Good food, high end pricing, nosier than usual, service not as attentive as in past
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FAQs

Le DeSales is rated 4.6 stars by 679 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

1725 Desales St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Additional information

Cross street
Conneticut Ave
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–10:30 pm Happy Hour Mon 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Fri 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Dinner Mon 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
Cuisines
French / Japanese, Sushi, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Parking: Le DeSales is located between 2 parking garages with easy access to Le DeSales. Street parking is also an option.
Public transit
Le DeSales is located by the historic Mayflower hotel at 1725 DeSales Street, NW. We're two blocks from Farragut North Metro accessible on the red line and four blocks from the Farragut West Metro accessible on the orange, blue and silver lines. If you are coming for Happy hour, no need to make reservation. The Bar area operates on first come first serve basis and our staff will do our best to find you a seat.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Raphael Francois & Noriaki Yasutake
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.ledesales.com/
Phone number
(202) 318-4066
Catering
Please call us directly at 202-450-3998 or Text AVVII at 202-318-4066
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate event, Le DeSales can accommodate all of your special event needs. Please email your inquiries to billy@ledesales.com
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (866) 602-7822

Le DeSales

Make a reservation

Additional information

French Onion Soup

Shrimp Beignet

Fish and Frites

Charcuterie

Board of (3)$23.00

Board of (5)$32.00

Starters

French Onion Soup$10.00

Little Gem Salad$13.00

Garden Salad$15.00

Beef Tartare$17.00

Squash Blossom Tempura$13.00

Kale Pistachio Salad$13.00

Shishito Peppers$8.00

Buratta$16.00

Deviled Eggs$15.00

Hamachi Crudo$18.00

Salmon Tartare$16.00

Shrimp Cocktail$17.00

Duck Pate$16.00

Sea & Land

Roasted Salmon 7oz$16.00

Whole Branzino$34.00

Fish and Frites$26.00

Pasture Raised Chicken$18.00

Rabbit Parpardelle$28.00

Bavette Steak 7oz$24.00

Ledesales Cheeseburger$16.00

New York Strip 14oz, Dry Aged$48.00

T-Bone 32oz, Dry Aged$115.00

Specialty Nigiri

Hamachi Teriyaki

Scallop Aburi

Miso Camembert

Beef Tartare Nigiri

Salmon Aburi

Choco Unagi

Specialty Sushi Roll

Salmon Cilantro

Hamachi Serrano

Fish & Chips Roll

Sos

Spicy Tuna

Salmon Ceviche

Shrimp Beignet

Beets Tartare

Smoked Salmon

Sides

Onion Frites$9.00

Green Salad$8.00

Charred Broccolini$10.00

French Fries$8.00

Wild Rice$8.00

Roasted Cauliflower$9.00

Edamame$7.00

Roasted Medley Potatoes$9.00

Roasted Corn$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Le DeSales restaurant rated?

Is Le DeSales currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information