The Mandarin Hotel's rarefied dining room has fast become a destination for those serious about food. In a glowing space with soaring ceilings, chef Eric Zeibold, formerly of Napa Valley's famed French Laundry, creates luxe fixed-price meals from the finest ingredients. Unexpected little treasures abound, such as scrambled eggs with white truffles shaved at the table and buttery miniature Parker House rolls. Main courses could include black bass over caramelized cauliflower and braised veal shank with potato gnocchi, and desserts such as Meyer lemon soufflé seem spun out of air. A three-course meal is $75, and the tasting menus run $90-$105.
Reviewed by anne1975 from Washington, D.C. on 6/17/09
Went to CityZen for dinner with my husband last night. Since both of us are vegetarian, we had the vegetarian tasting menu. We were in for a treat. The food was creative, tasty, and beautifully presented (it's a seven course tasting menu for $90 per person--beverages not included), and the ambiance was terrific (the decor is very trendy and chic). How about the service? Outstanding. It's as if you were in the middle of a very well choreographed ballet offered by the restaurant staff.
Other than the bill, an outstanding experience all around.
Reviewed by bourbonst from Virginia on 8/4/07
I tried to entertain 3 business colleagues and we were met at the door with aloof arrogance. Then the waiter was over the top. Rude and if we didnt exactly follow his lead, was brusk and arrogant. With as many wonderful restaurants as there are in DC, I could not recommend CityZen.
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