The Occidental

J Joyce Partamian 15 reviews · Local Guide 30 July 2026

This restaurant deserves far more than five stars. It’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever visited—if not the best. Every aspect of the experience was exceptional, from the warm, attentive service to the outstanding quality and flavor of the food. The biscuits and the avocado crab are absolutely to die for! And that’s without even mentioning the beautiful outdoor patio and the stunning interior design, both of which make the experience even more memorable. I can’t wait to be back in Washington to enjoy another meal here. A special thank you to Mounira for the wonderful welcome, fantastic recommendations, and genuine hospitality. Thank you as well to the entire team for making our visit so special. Highly recommended!

A Ashleigh Johnson 89 reviews · Local Guide 12 July 2026

Ludwin was hands down one of the best waiters I’ve ever had. He was attentive, thoughtful, and made sure my friend’s food allergies were taken seriously, which meant a lot to us. He also went above and beyond to make my birthday feel extra special. I truly can’t say enough great things about him. His service was outstanding from start to finish. As for the food, I would go back just for the avocado, the cake, and those incredible biscuits with butter. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. Every single thing was a 10/10. Between the amazing food and Ludwin’s exceptional service, this was an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this restaurant.

J Julia Мой лист 18 reviews · Local Guide 24 June 2026

The food at The Occidental is good and delivers solid flavors, but the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired.While the kitchen prepares an enjoyable meal, the service drags the evening down. The staff comes across as overly formal and a bit stuck-up, creating a stiff and unwelcoming atmosphere that makes it hard to relax.Ultimately, it feels overpriced for what you get. You are paying premium prices, but the rigid service and tense environment just don't justify the final bill. It is an okay option for the food, but there are better places nearby with far superior hospitality.

G Gina Strumpf (Wedding Artist) 71 reviews · Local Guide 9 June 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolute Perfection in D.C. — A Must-Visit Historic Gem! My husband and I just returned from a short wedding weekend trip to Washington, D.C., and we loved The Occidental so much that we ended up dining here three separate times! From breakfast to a late-night dinner after our wedding event, every single meal was absolutely flawless. We spent our meals out on the patio, which is just gorgeous, beautifully styled, and offers a perfect atmosphere for dining right in the heart of the city. Beyond the incredible food and ambiance, what truly made our experience unforgettable was the hospitality. We were introduced to the General Manager, John Grace who is exceptionally kind and professional. He went completely above and beyond, giving us a personal tour of the stunning interior rooms. The walls are steeped in history and lined with fascinating presidential portraits and photographs—it felt like stepping into a beautiful living museum. Between the rich history, the exceptional management, the gorgeous patio, and the top-tier service, The Occidental is a true D.C. treasure. We cannot recommend it highly enough and can’t wait to return on our next trip to the capital!

C Carmel McDonagh 31 reviews · Local Guide 5 June 2026

We sat at the bar for some wine and ordered multiple apps from the dinner menu. Sea Bream Ceviche - fantastic flavors. Avocado with crab meat with a charcoal crumb situation on the outside - delicious - don't miss it! Shrimp Louie salad - we split it and it was delectable. Always a great place to visit. (Bartender was also lovely - forgot her name!)