Montmartre

I was born and raised on Capitol Hill, and this is without a doubt its finest restaurant. Located just a block south of the landmark Eastern Market, Montmartre is undoubtedly the best restaurant in DC outside of the NW quadrant in fact (to be fair, almost all first rate Washington DC restaurants are located in or near Dupont Circle or Georgetown). I've been there about half-a-doze times now, usually with my family, and the hanger steak in particular is sublime in both texture and taste. It is a foodgasm. The pate plate and muscles are both excellent appetizers, although I'm no expert of gastronomy so I have no idea how they compare to elsewhere. As others have mentioned, it is quite crowded and loud, with tables placed very close together in a slender triangular dining room, so be aware of that (the architecture is a bit interesting). It may be quieter during lunch but I couldn't say. The decor is somewhat minimalist but very tasteful and heavy on unvarnished wood everything. The staff is very polite and efficient, and even eating outdoors in the winter time once was still comfortable due to the large, flaming patio heaters (it was actually something of a hoot, although the outdoors section isn't always open). Dressing up is not required but you'll probably feel more comfortable if you do. The restaurant also boasts a fine selection of scrumptious looking and smelling desserts that unfortunately my diet cannot accommodate (damn my pancreas). Finally the restaurant is by no means inexpensive but for truly excellent French cuisine it is still a good value.

I took my wife to Montmartre, I heard the food was good I said to myself lets try this. The food was incredibly good, the best Duck I've ever had and I've eaten at many good places Will go again and highly recommend it

Excellent food and good quality service. I'm french and this is the only restaurant where I can find true french food for a decent price. I highly recommend it.

Food & service is excellent after many times to this restaurant.

Montmatre didn't look like much when I first passed it, then several of us went in for a late lunch in an attempt to avoid the crowd. Because it is cramped that the wait staff can maneuver is a wonder unto itself. And it's noisey, nearly on the scale of Ray's the Steaks in Arlington. You can monitor and comment on the conversation held by the next table's party easily. But the food makes up for it. The hanger steak and calve's liver are excellent, the terrines exceptional. Montmatre used to have a creamed carrot and ginger soup that really got things going. Just remember, the tables are tiny. Timing is everything: try for weekday lunch. Also, they've got an escellent and reasonably priced wine list. And the dessert cart ain't bad.

The value at Montmartre is unbeatable for DC. Their signature mussels in a pastis broth is always spot-on. If they ever have oxtail in phyllo as a first course - get it! As for the entrees, the rabbit with linguine is always a reliable choice, as is the stuffed veal. The fish dishes are uniformely excellent. My quibbles are with the crampt, crowded, noisy interior and rushed service. The service, though always polite (and French - accented), is a bit wobbly: why can't just one person be in charge of your table instead of three? The interior is tight, and sometimes all the wine glasses, plates, and dishes barely fit... But as I said, the food makes all the difference. I'm convinced their chef is a genius. Best time to go: on warm evenings when you can sit outside on their patio. Lovely! Bonus - check out Montmartre's sister restaurant Montsouris on P Street in Dupont. It's also fantastic.

This is the most underrated place in D.C. The food is exemplary, classically French and done very well. The atmosphere couldn't be more low-key and quaint. Everything was perfect from beginning to end, including the French waitstaff who were extremely competent and efficient. I would heartily recommend it to anyone in D.C., even if you don't live anywhere near the Hill. We live in Georgetown, home to many other French restaurants, and schlep up to Eastern Market to go to Montmartre almost weekly. Try the confit of duck, you will not be sorry!