This has been a helpful thread as I plan an upcoming jaunt to DC. However, I have a "would you rather" question. I have reservations already at Central but am now thinking Oceanaire. Bearing in mind I come from Boston and love seafood, have ready access to really good seafood all the time (and I see Oceanaire has a location here?), should I just keep things the way they are?

amyb, They both have their strengths and are very differnet experiences.

Central is very, very high end bistrot and worth a visit. The OP's "disappointment" (maybe just too noisy and she was expecting a more formal experience?) was the first and only time I have heard anyone voice any level of regret.

Oceanaire is a reliable seafood chain, more formal, and also very, very good.

I would say it's between a very good apple and a very good orange.

Thanks, Bardo. I'll leave the plan as is then!

amyb -- I say Central, hands down. I think Oceanaire is essentially a chain seafood place and its okay, but I have never had great food there. It is quieter by far than Central. The quality of seafood in DC rarely comes to the level of seafood I have in New England.

Wash DC isn't the place you go for great seafood -- it's not on the sea.

Central is an odd experience because the decoration and ambience is Californian but the food is classic French bistro/brasserie. It is absolutely correct for what it is,and correct is high praise in this context. It is nothing at all like classic French haute cuisine, but what you eat here is pretty much what you would eat in a similar place in Paris, probably a little less expensively.

We had excellent meals at Blue Duck Tavern and Plume @ the Jefferson Hotel. Plume was over the top amazing! ***kim***

I think you all are right. The atmosphere and noise at Central turned me off to a lot. Being packed right next to someone and then they are so busy they move you in and move you out. It was not my type of restaurant. I like dining experiences as well as good food. This experience was not for me, but I do believe I'm in the minority as I read about it. I still didn't think the food came up to the level of Cafe du Parc. We are heading to Hawaii in a week, I will have to start a new thread for advice!

If you go to Eastern Market, there is a very delicious & cheap El Salvadorian/Mexican place called Las Placitas, 517 8th St., SE, Washington, DC. Get the veggie quesadilla!

I also love Cafe Bonaparte in Georgetown, it's a French crepe place on Wisconsin. delicious.