Marcels melds elegant French-Belgian dining with standout service and bold flavors, delivering a timeless gourmet experience perfect for special occasions.
"Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s posh European standby that turns 25 this month continues to impress Foggy Bottom diners across 5-course tasting menus ($148) with macarons to finish. Seasonal highlights include lacquered squab breast dressed with floral honey and pan-seared scallops adorned with leeks and a sunchoke puree." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff
"Construct an upscale gingerbread house at Marcel’s thanks to pastry chef Zarmina Khan. The gingerbread is already baked and comes with instructions how to assemble and decorate the merry huts. While there, sip on cocktails like holiday punch, champagne, and hot chocolate for the kids. The “Sip n’ Build” soiree is Saturday, December 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and $90 per person includes the gingerbread house and beverages. Children under 6 are free." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Kalina Newman
"Construct an upscale gingerbread house at Marcel’s thanks to pastry chef Zarmina Khan. The gingerbread is already baked and comes with instructions how to assemble and decorate the merry huts. While there, sip on cocktails like holiday punch, champagne, and hot chocolate for the kids. The “Sip n’ Build” soiree is Saturday, December 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and $90 per person includes the gingerbread house and beverages. Children under 6 are free." - Vinciane Ngomsi
"Marcel’s may lure a who’s who crowd to its elegantly understated dining room, but there’s nothing uppity about the amiable and genuine staff, who expertly walk the tightrope between attentive and fussy. Patrons come to linger over French-influenced meals enjoyed over multiple courses.Pan-seared foie gras atop duck confit and paired with eau de vie-soaked cherries, or grilled quail over a warm artichoke salad are certainly French inspired. Curried butternut squash soup with apple, black sesame and toasted cashew or enoki mushroom-topped halibut over parsnip purée speak to an entirely different influence. The almond financier with sunflower ice cream might be overdressed with too many flourishes, but with its buttery goodness, nobody is complaining." - Michelin Inspector
"Restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier’s longstanding flagship near the Kennedy Center continues to impress locals with fixed-price menus celebrating French-Belgian cuisine. Highlights include filet mignon tartare, ricotta and artichoke tortellini, and goat cheese mousse studded with beets. The fine-dining standby is also home to one of the widest Champagne-and-caviar selections in the city. A new patio happy hour offers discounts on wines by the glass, cocktails, and bites." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb
