Review #09: Le Diplomate

A Constantly Happening Parisian Brasserie That Never Disappoints

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In today’s review
 we’ll cover a constantly happening Parisian brasserie that never disappoints and always leaves you in the most delightful mood.

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The Ratings

Our simple & honest checklist covers a restaurant’s key ingredients:
Ambiance, Service, and Food.

AMBIANCE

9.5/10

Le Diplomate’s reputation precedes itself. When is this restaurant not the go-to eatery? It is busy, happening, and popping during all hours and you better make reservations in advance unless you’re OK with a 10PM meal. Le Diplomate is styled elegantly to represent a Parisian brasserie — loads of fresh bread, chic little tables, and it even has individual, semi-private outdoor “cabanas”. The restaurant is frequented by a classy clientele and the joyfulness and ebullience of the atmosphere is contagious. Come for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just some beverages — you’ll have a blast.

Ricotta Ravioli

SERVICE

9/10

Fantastic. The hosts and waiters do an amazing job to serve you with care. Need suggestions on the menu? Done. Would you like your dish split and portioned for everyone at the table? No problem. Le Diplomate has great staff.

Warm Shrimp Salad

FOOD

9.5/10

Incroyable! Le Diplomate serves you high quality ingredients cooked and served to you with perfection. Where do we begin?

No matter the time of day, you’ll be served the restaurant’s homemade fresh bread and butter. This could be a meal in and of itself — delish.

Brunch? The cafĂ©s are great — try the CafĂ© Vietnamese or the Cold Brewed Ice Coffee depending on the weather to kick off your day. Then, any of the viennoiserie will do. The Pain au Chocolat is a classic option.

Lunch or dinner? You may be in the mood for a burger, yet you fear that it’ll be too greasy and unhealthy. Nope. The Burger AmĂ©ricain is anything but that and it’s flavorful, juicy, and yummy. Nonetheless, you may actually want a cleaner option and in that case, we highly recommend a salad — especially the Warm Shrimp Salad — an absolute must have. Your taste buds will thank you for this selection and you may end up dreaming about the lemon beurre blanc shrimp.

Alternatively, you may be coming to Le Diplomate with an insatiable hunger. Fortunately, there are two excellent steak options: the Steak Frites or the Steak au Poivre. While the former is fabulous, the Steak Frites’ hanger steak sometimes can be a bit dry (however, this is only in comparison to the alternative option). The New York Strip Steak au Poivre is an absolute marvel. Cooked medium rare, this steak is tender, cuts effortlessly under the blade of your knife, and melts in your mouth. The unbelievable black pepper sauce and cognac demi-glace will have you wondering what it would take for you to eat this dish every day. Beware: you will find yourself at work salivating over this formidable meal.

Other great options to consider: the Ricotta Ravioli for an appetizer and the Beef Bourguignon as your entrée.

Lastly, when it comes to wrapping up your Parisian experience, the dessert options are up to par. We recommend the Vanilla Bean CrĂšme BrĂ»lĂ©e (the Profiteroles and the Milk Chocolate Pot De CrĂšme are decent too). Nevertheless, this is the one area we think the restaurant could improve upon by adding a few more goodies — perhaps a clafoutis, an assortment of soufflĂ©s, or maybe simply, some crĂȘpes?

Steak au Poivre

Reservation & Menu: