Central Michel Richardstill good but has lost its edgeI've been to Central roughly once a year over the past 5/6 years, and the last two visits show the shine coming off the food. Everything used to be perfect, now it's fine.
This time i had the leek and bacon tart and the 48 hour short ribs. The topping on the tart was great, but the shell was a little burnt on the bottom but doughy on top. The ribs, which used to be sous vide, were cooked well done and were bland inside. Outside they had a strange glaze with a hint of Asian spice, and there wasn't the delicious sauce you'd expect if they had been conventionally braised.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect If Not for the NoiseMy mom and I don't come to DC without a dinner at Central. It's become a favorite destination and it never disappoints. We both wish it were a tad less noisy -- the Knicks on the tv at the bar didn't help matters -- but that would never deter us from coming. Keep up the delicious work!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved itIts pretty loud so maybe not the most romantic setting.
Other than that awesome! Service was spectacular, Food was superb!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, but too loudThe hanger steak was excellent, and my wife reported that the sea bass was exceptional. The wine list was extensive, and the restaurant was nicely decorated. All in all, I would say that this is a great place to have a special dinner - except for the noise level. It was impossible to have a quiet conversation. If you're looking for a fun "hopping" place, this is it. For a nice romantic dinner with your significant other - keep looking.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFood at a national meetingI am local but brought friends from Boston to Central. We all loved it.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMA+ on The Salad BenchmarkWhen restaurants make a perfect salad--greens all immaculately fresh and none sagging or wilted; just the right amount of dressing/vinaigrette; leaves perfectly dried and tossed so each piece presents the flavor of the dressing which itself is delicious-- then you know there is great care going into every dish. The gougeres are a great accompaniment to cocktails. Finally theirs is one of the best bearnaises you will find with intense flavor and thick enough to stay on the piece of meat as opposed to dissolving into the plate as so many others do. I just wish I had remembered that many entrees come with a bowl of salad, and I wouldn't have ordered a salad first course, but the 2 different types of salad were both wonderful.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMLove, Love, Love!I was lured by all the reviews and pictures of the food. My waitor was awesome and attentive. Explained everything to me and gave great suggestions. The food was lovely. Probably the best (American) restaurant I've had in a while. Definite go again!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful!We loved dining at Central. This was our first time and will be sure to return!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMTop NotchGreat Service and food with a very friendly and attentive staff.
Thank You!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely spectacularWe almost walked out because it was SO loud BUTstayed and were thrilled we did!
The food was spectacular from the warm perfectly crusty bread and soft butter to the best crab cake ever. The tuna carpaccio was perfect. The mushrooms on the sea bass were freshly sautéed, and the almonds on the trout crisp but not dry.
Save room for dessert, reverse profiteroles, don't ask just have it! Napoleon, Wow!
Service spot on!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMSweet!Outstanding service, great menu selections, and awesome desserts! Everything was great but I could have had dessert both before and after!5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMCentral won't disappoint!The food at Central is fantastic! So many wonderful selections that it's hard to decide. I've eaten here several times for both lunch and dinner and have not been disappointed. The fried chicken is irresistible. And the chocolate mousse is amazing. Great wine selection too.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMFoolproof destinationI hadn't been to Central in quite a while and wondered if it held its standards. Well, it surpassed them. A dish of rainbow trout with sauted almond slivers, salsify and sunchokes,plus bites of french green bean and a simple butter sauce was the definition of spring somehow. I always marvel at perfectly cooked fish, and this was that in spades.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a great mealI have been to Central at least 6 times and I always have a great meal. The food is always of great quality and the service is very helpful. The only flaw of this place is that it can get loud when the restaurant is full. I will continue to go back. This place is great for dates and group meals.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMInteresting and exciting menu;Interesting and exciting menu; knowledgeable staff; excited for our next visit.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous Foodie DestinationOur meal and experience at Central was top notch. Michel's version of Chicken Nuggets would put fast food places out of business. The 48 hour short ribs are stellar. The lobster burger was legendary. However the true highlight of the meal came at dessert. I ordered the lemon tart, which came out looking like a bird's next with three eggs in it. The eggs were made of a candy coating, and filled with cream (as the egg white) and lemon tart (as the yoke). The presentation was egg-cellent. It exceeded my egg-spectations. Although we were not celebrating anything, I left out saying "happy 17 year, 9 month and 5 day anniversary" to my wife. After that meal, we may start celebrating our yearly, 9 month, 5 day anniversaries!!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely amazing. The serviceAbsolutely amazing. The service was great and the food was amazing. Anyone looking for a great experience should come here.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMgood food.good service.excellentgood food.good service.excellent not my first time.keep coming back.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThey really paid attentionThey really paid attention to our seating request. We sat where we could both see the kitchen, a bit isolated from other tables so we could really hear each other, and not everyone else, when we spoke. Dining with a friend haven't seen in awhile and had a lot to discuss so this was important. The food was phenomenal! Service great! Everything we needed when we needed it and nothing else. Overall a phenomenal experience.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMThe bacon onion tart was soThe bacon onion tart was so good
Chicken lemon schnitzel was melt in your mouth. The bartender who served me was so good and attentive4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible. No fuss, justIncredible. No fuss, just wonderful. Am anxious to get back.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMMichel Richard's famous friedMichel Richard's famous fried chicken did not disappoint!4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMA Caesar salad like no other!The caesar salad with goat cheese is original unique and masterfully done.. only real kitchen genius can come up with a plate like that! Everything else was wonderful too..our server knew exactly what and how things were made...excellent guidance...4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulousAlways love eating at this wonderful restaurant. I go to DC every year and this is always on my list4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMMe bride had the lobster burger,Me bride had the lobster burger, I had scallops. Both wonderful. The french fries with my lady's burger were the best I've ever tasted.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMHave been here many timesHave been here many times and it never disappoints. The only difficulty I encounter is trying to decide what to order....burratta, pearl pasta risotto, fried chicken, any of the burgers...fantastic!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWish we lived closer!We (a party of 3 that included a chef) loved it here. Food was impeccable prepared to perfection. We sampled a pretty big selection for just 3 people but we could'nt help ourselves. And we returned a few days later for burgers.......don't miss them! Wish we lived closer4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my second time atThis was my second time at Central Michel Richard, and as the first time I was very satisfied with the service; and loved the fact that every dish we ordered was very hot.
I had stated that this was a birthday outing; and the waite staff surprised the birthday celebrant with a birthday dessert. We were very pleased.
One note: Perhaps this is being picky but I would suggest that the restaurant not seat guests of color towards the back when there are plenty of tables and space throughout the restaurant. We asked to be moved and our request was granted but it just seemed a little odd to me.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways very good, originalAlways very good, original slants to traditional cuisine, very well prepared and presented and worth the price.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMI love this favorite of mine!I love this favorite of mine! The kitchen was slow during this visit which caused the service to lag.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic food. The celebrationFantastic food. The celebration cake was the highlight of a trip to Washington for my 8 year old granddaughter! Not only spectacular to look at but sooo delicious!!!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time, but will definitelyFirst time, but will definitely be back. Had a table right by the kitchen which I didn't care for at first, but then could not stop watching the army of cooks and chefs preparing the food. It was dinner and a show. Great food with superior service.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSome of the food was spectacular,Some of the food was spectacular, and some was good. The restaurant was busy, and the service was a little slow. Overall very good, but it's not Cirtronelle.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat RestaurantCentral is one reason we returned to DC. We made two dinner reservations using opentable for our four night trip. The food is superb. Their bread is fantastic. I had the salmon with miso sauce and vegetables. The flavors were unbelievably delicious. My husband had to pasta boulanese which was also delicious. Then the next time I had the fried chicken - it was fabulous. We live in Ft. Lauderdale and are already thinking of coming back this year. We also want to try his other restaurant in Georgetown next time.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMDefinitely one of the noisiestDefinitely one of the noisiest places I've been to as the tables are all very close together, however the meal was tasty (all 3 of my guests also thought so) and the waiter was great, so I would not be opposed to going back. Although won't be on the very top of the list.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently excellent andConsistently excellent and always a fun place to dine.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThe hostesses had a terribleThe hostesses had a terrible time seating people. I was shown to a table where others--not in my party were seated, and then once I was shown to my table, they tried to seat someone not in our party at our table. Lots of confusion about seating people with reservations. Otherwise, the food and service were excellent, and it was an easy place to discuss business without too much noise or unnecessary interruptions.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my first time havingThis was my first time having dinner at Central. I brought my mom, who tends to be very picky about food and wine, and she loved it. Our server was very accommodating and pleasant, and the host was likewise friendly and helpful. We had a great experience and will recommend to others.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSuper yumWhere to go when Citronelle is closed. Girls in cute attire, guys in suit jackets. There is quite a mix of folks here, and everyone seems loud, boisterous, and having a great time. Food is fantastic. I love the braised short ribs and cumin carrots the best. It's tender and the carrots remind me of frito chili pie, lol.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFABULOUS!!! I am a dessertFABULOUS!!! I am a dessert expert and Central Michel Richard had some of the best desserts I've ever had--ever!! The celebration cake is one of the most beautiful and delicious desserts I've ever had. Service was phenomenal, food exceptional. Can't wait for Mr. Richard's new restaurant to come to NYC. It's sure to be a hit!!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of few restaurants whereOne of few restaurants where the quality and creativity of the food far surpasses the menu descriptions. Good for foodies to bring non-foodies. Menu reads like upscale casual dining but the food is nuanced, and execution and service were top notch. Country needs more restaurants like this.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious food, noisy atmosphereOur experience at Central was memorable. The food was perfect in every way. We had striped bass, fried chicken, and scallops and a nice selection of appetizers. We found ourselves talking with our neighbors to the right and the left--unavoidable, since they were sitting so close to us it was like we were at the same table! We discussed menu selections and chose well. The restaurant was too noisy. I don't like shouting across the table unless I'm at a bar. It interferes with digestion, doesn't it?4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMI entertained friends fromI entertained friends from out of town at Central for lunch. Our table was ready when we arrived and were promptly seated. The wait staff was knowledgable and friendly. The lunch selection was varied and we each had different dishes and all of us enjoyed the food. The open kitchen is spotless and it's fun to watch the food preparation on your way to or from the rest rooms.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific chicken. LobsterTerrific chicken. Lobster burger strange consistency.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant never disappoints.This restaurant never disappoints. This is one of our go to places to eat...great food and service.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMTop ChefMichel Richard is a gem of a chef, and Washingtonians should not take him for granted.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMDeliciousPossibly the most tender, delicious piece of rotisserie chicken I've ever had! The portions are pretty good sized - my boyfriend and I shared an appetizer, entree, and dessert and had plenty of leftovers. The service was fantastic as well, never an empty glass!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was superb. FromEverything was superb. From salad to app to main course. Would come back every time I get to DC.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have eaten here severalWe have eaten here several times, a go to place for us when we come to DC. The menu as remained on changed over the years but is timeless. We sat right in front of the open kitchen, was great to watch the energetic kitchen staff at work. Had a nice chopped salad to start, made sans salami, since I am a vegetarian. There are a limited options for vegetarians, but i was happy with my choice, a mushroom cheese sandwich with fries. Had a wonderful dessert, I had the chocolate mousse. Michel Richards was sitting at the table next to us, every-time a waiter walked by him with a dessert he took a look at it. Great to see the owner of the restaurant keeping an eye on things.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were 10 minutes and theyWe were 10 minutes and they had give up our table but was able to give is a table in the lounge area. The waiter was pleasant and the food was excellent. I had the fried chicken with mashed potatoes. Best fried chicken I've ever had.I definitely would come back!3/28/2013 12:00:00 AM