Washington Restaurant Guide

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.