Washington Restaurant Guide

Café Lombardy
3.8 stars (1 ratings)

(202) 828-2600

2019 Pennslyvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20001

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Dining Specials

Paper Moon
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5|We look forward to returning to this quiet gem! Selected for its proximity to the National Zoo, we...

Italian Food & Culture History

Restaurant Description

Gourmet Dining And European-Style Service At Our Washington DC Restaurant
Located on the lobby level of the historic Hotel Lombardy, Café Lombardy is celebrated as a European-style bistro on Pennsylvania Avenue. Relax amid a soothing and informal ambiance. Savor the cuisine of our delectable menus, whose offerings perfectly reflect the elegance of our hotel. Enjoy dinner or evening cocktails while marveling at the beauty of James Monroe Park. For lighter fare, visit the Venetian Bar & Lounge, which serves innovative cocktails, world-class wines and small-plate appetizers.
4  out of 5 stars
a diner from Adams Morgan, Washington DC
I found the Cafe Lombardy by chance as I was walking past when they had the windows open on Pennsylvania Avenue on a nice spring day. The inside of the restaurant is a throwback to another era, but i couldnt really tell you which! I have now been dining there for almost 4 years since my work relocated here and will say that it has been a pleasure to watch this beautiful dining room grow in popularity over the last few years. I was almost heartbroken when I saw that the Washington Post restaurant critic had been there - the Lombardy has been one of my favorite hideaways for the past few years, but I suppose that now the secret is well and truly out. The food is pleasant mix that started out Italian (Lombardy is the name of the Hotel in which the restaurant resides - I think that they do breakfast as well) but is now showing a Southernish influence that has added a good spice to the menu. All of the staff are pleasant, most of them have been there since 1921 or whenever the restaurant opened, but it is the sort of place where once you have been there once or twice they will remember you for life. Daytimes are a busy Lunch crowd from various downtown sources from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to GW University, taking in a few thousand lawyers in between. Good things on the menu include a strong selection of appetizers, some of which change seasonally, very good entree salads, especially at lunch (I have it on good authority that half of their restaurant business revolves around one Grilled Chicken Salad). Entrees are moderately priced for DC ranging from $12 up to the low twenties, and there is a suitable selection of wines that are available by the glass so that you can match a new grape variety if you are bored of Californian Chardonnay. You will be hard pushed to find a bottle over $40 on the list, and the waiters all attempt to push you towards whatever is selling well that week.

However, the real jewel for those that look for it is the Venetian Room, one of the most intimate and secluded places in the city. Once you sink into one of the deep booths by the fireplace, I dare anyone to leave before the very knowledgeable bartender calls the last orders.

Enjoy the Lombardy and what it represents - Old fashioned dining experience in a cosy neighborhood restaurant. They are very small (about 16 tables) so book up for lunch and the Venetian Room. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading.

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Reviews of Similar Restaurants

American, Caribbean, Bar, Catering
Love it! I pass at least 5 Popeyes to get to this one just because of the costumer service. There is one thing though if you do have a complaint the best way to take care of it is being nice. Don't get angry because you will get whatever you need cha ...
American, Caribbean, Bar, Catering
I believe that this is the best place to get some down home cooking....greatest soul food in the DMV.....keep doing your thang Ms.Peaches
American, Caribbean, Bar, Catering
We look forward to returning to this quiet gem! Selected for its proximity to the National Zoo, we would return simply to enjoy the food and atmosphere. All this at a reasonable price -- a rare combination in D.C.
American, Caribbean, Bar, Catering
20K Chinses Gourmet moved. new address: 1320 Colborne St. East Brantford, Ontario N3T 5L4 Canada 1-519-752-6389 new name: China King Restaurant
American, Caribbean, Bar, Catering
Very fun place with a great people

Read More: Washington Restaurant Reviews

Avg Rating: 4  out of 5 stars

Number of Reviews: 1

4  out of 5 stars
a diner from Adams Morgan, Washington DC
I found the Cafe Lombardy by chance as I was walking past when they had the windows open on Pennsylvania Avenue on a nice spring day. The inside of the restaurant is a throwback to another era, but i couldnt really tell you which! I have now been dining there for almost 4 years since my work relocated here and will say that it has been a pleasure to watch this beautiful dining room grow in popularity over the last few years. I was almost heartbroken when I saw that the Washington Post restaurant critic had been there - the Lombardy has been one of my favorite hideaways for the past few years, but I suppose that now the secret is well and truly out. The food is pleasant mix that started out Italian (Lombardy is the name of the Hotel in which the restaurant resides - I think that they do breakfast as well) but is now showing a Southernish influence that has added a good spice to the menu. All of the staff are pleasant, most of them have been there since 1921 or whenever the restaurant opened, but it is the sort of place where once you have been there once or twice they will remember you for life. Daytimes are a busy Lunch crowd from various downtown sources from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to GW University, taking in a few thousand lawyers in between. Good things on the menu include a strong selection of appetizers, some of which change seasonally, very good entree salads, especially at lunch (I have it on good authority that half of their restaurant business revolves around one Grilled Chicken Salad). Entrees are moderately priced for DC ranging from $12 up to the low twenties, and there is a suitable selection of wines that are available by the glass so that you can match a new grape variety if you are bored of Californian Chardonnay. You will be hard pushed to find a bottle over $40 on the list, and the waiters all attempt to push you towards whatever is selling well that week.

However, the real jewel for those that look for it is the Venetian Room, one of the most intimate and secluded places in the city. Once you sink into one of the deep booths by the fireplace, I dare anyone to leave before the very knowledgeable bartender calls the last orders.

Enjoy the Lombardy and what it represents - Old fashioned dining experience in a cosy neighborhood restaurant. They are very small (about 16 tables) so book up for lunch and the Venetian Room. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading.
Read More Washington Restaurant Reviews

Café Lombardy Map

Recent Café Lombardy Reviews

4  out of 5 stars
a diner from Adams Morgan, Washington DC
I found the Cafe Lombardy by chance as I was walking past when they had the windows open on Pennsylvania Avenue on a nice spring day. The inside of the restaurant is a throwback to another era, but i couldnt really tell you which! I have now been dining there for almost 4 years since my work relocated here and will say that it has been a pleasure to watch this beautiful dining room grow in popularity over the last few years. I was almost heartbroken when I saw that the Washington Post restaurant critic had been there - the Lombardy has been one of my favorite hideaways for the past few years, but I suppose that now the secret is well and truly out. The food is pleasant mix that started out Italian (Lombardy is the name of the Hotel in which the restaurant resides - I think that they do breakfast as well) but is now showing a Southernish influence that has added a good spice to the menu. All of the staff are pleasant, most of them have been there since 1921 or whenever the restaurant opened, but it is the sort of place where once you have been there once or twice they will remember you for life. Daytimes are a busy Lunch crowd from various downtown sources from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to GW University, taking in a few thousand lawyers in between. Good things on the menu include a strong selection of appetizers, some of which change seasonally, very good entree salads, especially at lunch (I have it on good authority that half of their restaurant business revolves around one Grilled Chicken Salad). Entrees are moderately priced for DC ranging from $12 up to the low twenties, and there is a suitable selection of wines that are available by the glass so that you can match a new grape variety if you are bored of Californian Chardonnay. You will be hard pushed to find a bottle over $40 on the list, and the waiters all attempt to push you towards whatever is selling well that week.

However, the real jewel for those that look for it is the Venetian Room, one of the most intimate and secluded places in the city. Once you sink into one of the deep booths by the fireplace, I dare anyone to leave before the very knowledgeable bartender calls the last orders.

Enjoy the Lombardy and what it represents - Old fashioned dining experience in a cosy neighborhood restaurant. They are very small (about 16 tables) so book up for lunch and the Venetian Room. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading.