Guestbook
Please tell us about your experience in our guest book.
- Joseph Treimel
I was visiting my daughter, who lives in town, that we might attend one of the Embassy Series concerts. She took me to the Occidental for dinner, and it was Restaurant Week. I cannot recall that I have ever had a better dining experience in my life. Not only was the food superb (Endive Salad, Duck Breast & Bread Pudding), but the wait service was excellent. I will surely dine here again when I visit Washington, DC.
- January 14, 2012, 9:32 PM
- Jenny
First visit and I've lived here since 1984! Birthday Celebration dinner with my other half. We cabbed in from Arlington and had a delightful dinner, exceptional service and delish dessert. The french pressed decaf topped off our evening. The best restaurant and company to boot. Classy and elegant to say the least. Highly recommend for a fine dining experience -- classic "Hill" crowd and ambiance.
- September 19, 2011, 5:54 PM
- Steve S.
The Sautéed Jumbo Lump Crab Cake was so good, we split another.
Sitting outside, at the sidewalk, reminded me of dinner on South Beach
Excellent dining experience.
- July 13, 2011, 2:54 PM
- Jerry
Quite possiably the best overall dining experence I have had in the D.C. area. Or anywhere for that matter. The next time I'm in town, I will be sure to stop in for dinner. The drinks were well presented and delicious!
- June 16, 2011, 2:53 PM
- Jennifer Dyer
My husband and I just spent the last week in DC with our two sons, 10 and 7, and another family. It was Spring Break and we wanted the boys to experience DC in the Spring. It is such a beautiful and historic place.
We had a great time but I have to tell you that our Brunch on Sunday was the most memorable event of the trip. We had the pleasure of dining at The Occidental and my boys, CJ and Noah were treated like royalty.
When two children this age can feel like this it makes a Mom and Dad enjoy their experience SOOOOO much more.
Thank you for the wonderful meal and Thank you for treating our sons like the little Kings they are!!! We will always remember the experience.
- May 5, 2011, 10:10 AM
- John
Best. Manhattan. I have EVER had. Seriously. I stopped in at the Occidental one afternoon after hitting up the American History Museum with my fiancee, and the bartender suggested I try their special aged Manhatten, which is a mix of Maker's, various bitters, and a few other things, which they age themselves in a small oak cask for 30 days and server over homemade Maraschino cherries, and it was amazing. The Occidental is a wonderful mix of old DC --- classic and classy interior, a storied history, famous guests --- and some great local innovation, including not just that Manhattan, but also a seasonal cocktail menu and various special events. I haven't tried the food yet, though my fiancee has and said it was excellent. I come to DC regularly and I plan on stopping in whenever I can. And if you go to the bar look for Frank, who makes a mean Old Fashioned, or Mike, who can tell you all the great stories about the place.
- February 13, 2011, 9:05 AM
- Stephanie Ireland
I'll never forget Sundays at the Occidental. My Dad would take us out for dinner and my favorite on the menu was the lobster thermador. The black and white pictures on the walls added to the ambiance, but my Dad was my star--the architect of the first high-rise buildings in Rosslyn. I'll be in NOVA in July and will take my grown children (owner of Ad Store in the same place where we owned Brass Tacks in Georgetown) to the Occidental once again. Such a wonderful heritage. I'm so proud to be a part of the Occidental!
- December 29, 2010, 10:34 PM
- Mary Leary
I will never forget lunch at the occidental many years ago - I was a child, we were in D.C. for museums and the cherry blossoms - and, oh, that chocolate mousse!
- October 21, 2010, 5:28 PM
- Robert D. Hatchett, Jr.
Last evening was my first experience at Occidental. I must say, it was exceptional. We were greeted by a very personable and accomplished maitre d', Raasikh Muhammad. His recommendation for my meal was excellent. The wait staff were attentive and responsive to every request. The Stuffed Trout was phenomenal.
I will definitely add the Occidental to my list of venues for special events and recommendations for fine dining.
Kudos!
- September 15, 2010, 11:28 AM
- Lara
I was in DC over July 4th and had the pleasure of dining with my friends at the Occidental. It was a super evening and the fillet, mojitos and service was excellent!
- July 7, 2010, 3:15 PM
- Kurt. H
Though this entry is long over due, I felt compelled to make it heard...I must admit that this restaurant has very rapidly become my favorite place to find a great meal with fantastic service day in and day out. Every outlet from the bar, to the dining room to, - what's in my opinion, - the best al fresco dining area in the Capital has managed to transform this local restaurant GM into a believer that great eateries still exist without having to refinance your home to enjoy an outstanding meal. I would like to thank each and everyone responsible for the display of enthusiasm and dedication especially the director of operations (Dusant - sp???) Thanks for everything, I appreciate you!!!
- June 10, 2010, 9:19 AM
- K'jerrel Smith PhD
During an executive meeting for clinical psychologist, I was afforded the pleasure to experience your establishment My dining experience here was absolutely awesome. The crab cakes were extremely tastey just needed a little more sauce in my opinion. I look forward to returning during my next visit.
- May 24, 2010, 6:32 AM
- John R.
Excellent outdoor dining
My wife and I went for lunch last Saturday and it turned out to be the first day Occidental opened up the patio. It was fantastic! Especially love the duck sausage and the crab soup. Chef Rodney is a true talent and we are lucky to have him in DC!
- March 23, 2010, 3:37 PM




