Michel Richard Restaurant Washington DC isn’t just a place to grab a bite. It’s a destination where fine dining meets whimsy, where every plate tells a story, and where the spirit of French cuisine dances with American innovation. For food lovers in the capital, Citronelle—Michel Richard’s iconic restaurant—has long been a symbol of culinary excellence, blending Michelin-starred elegance with a touch of playfulness that made it a standout in DC’s vibrant dining scene.

If you've ever wandered through Georgetown and felt your stomach growl at the sight of a perfectly plated dish in a window, there's a good chance you were looking at Citronelle. This restaurant, helmed by the late, legendary chef Michel Richard, offered more than just food—it offered an experience. From its plush interiors to its inventive tasting menus, Citronelle was a place where locals celebrated milestones and tourists came for a taste of something truly special.

Even if you're not familiar with the name Michel Richard, if you've ever enjoyed a dish that looked like art and tasted like magic, you've felt his influence. The man behind Citronelle was a chef who believed food should make you smile. His restaurant in Washington DC became a culinary landmark, drawing foodies, critics, and celebrities alike. Let’s dive into what made it so unforgettable and explore why Citronelle still holds a cherished place in the hearts of DC diners.

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Table of Contents

• Who Was Michel Richard?
• Citronelle: The Heart of Michel Richard’s Legacy
• What Made Citronelle’s Menu Stand Out?
• Dining at Citronelle: More Than Just a Meal
• The End of an Era, The Legacy That Remains
• Frequently Asked Questions About Michel Richard Restaurant Washington DC

Who Was Michel Richard?

Michel Richard wasn’t your typical chef. He wasn’t the kind who barked orders in the kitchen or made headlines for bad behavior. Instead, he was known for his creativity, his childlike joy in the kitchen, and his ability to make even the most elegant dish feel approachable. Born in France in 1948, he started as a pastry chef before branching out into the broader culinary world.

He eventually made his way to the U.S., where he became a beloved figure in American fine dining. His restaurant Citronelle in Washington DC was just one of many ventures, but it was arguably his most celebrated. He passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on through the chefs he inspired and the restaurants that continue to carry his philosophy.

Citronelle: The Heart of Michel Richard’s Legacy

Citronelle was more than just a restaurant in Washington DC. It was a celebration of flavor, creativity, and hospitality. Located in the heart of Georgetown, this upscale spot was the go-to place for those who wanted a dining experience that went beyond the ordinary.

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Opened in 1993, Citronelle quickly became a staple in DC’s culinary landscape. With its elegant setting and innovative menu, it wasn’t just for special occasions—it was a place where food lovers could see what happened when a chef let his imagination run wild. Michel Richard’s approach was unique: he wanted to surprise and delight, not just impress.

While many fine dining spots take themselves very seriously, Citronelle had a sense of humor. Think foie gras that looked like a jelly doughnut or pasta shaped like a bird’s nest. It was playful, yes, but never gimmicky. Every dish was rooted in technique, with flavors that balanced perfectly.

What Made Citronelle’s Menu Stand Out?

At Citronelle, the menu was a love letter to French cuisine—with a twist. Michel Richard was known for taking classic dishes and giving them a modern, sometimes whimsical, update. Here’s what made the menu so special:

• Playful presentation – Dishes weren’t just delicious, they were fun to look at. A lobster salad might come in a glass that looked like a birdcage.
• Seasonal ingredients – The restaurant focused on fresh, local produce, often sourced from nearby farms.
• Surprise elements – Guests could expect unexpected pairings, like a dessert that looked savory or a cocktail that played with texture.
• Wine pairings – The sommelier team curated wine lists that elevated each course, making the meal feel like a curated experience.

For many diners, a meal at Citronelle wasn’t just about eating—it was about being taken on a journey. Each course told a story, and every bite was crafted with care.

Dining at Citronelle: More Than Just a Meal

Walking into Citronelle felt like stepping into another world. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and plush seating that made guests feel instantly at ease. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about food, which made the experience even more memorable.

Many people came for birthdays, anniversaries, or to celebrate a big win in DC. But others just came because they loved food—and wanted to see what Michel Richard would do next. The restaurant wasn’t just a place to eat; it was a place to experience the joy of cooking at its finest.

Even now, those who dined there still talk about it. Some remember the lobster in a birdcage. Others recall a dessert that looked like a flower but tasted like their favorite childhood treat. That’s the kind of impact Citronelle had—and still has in the memories of those who visited.

The End of an Era, The Legacy That Remains

Citronelle closed its doors in 2017, the year after Michel Richard’s passing. While the restaurant is no longer open, its legacy continues to live on in the hearts of diners and chefs alike. Many chefs who worked under Richard went on to open their own restaurants, carrying forward his philosophy of fun, creativity, and excellence.

The restaurant’s closure marked the end of a chapter, but not the end of its influence. Today, food lovers in Washington DC still talk about Citronelle as one of the city's most iconic dining spots. It’s a reminder that food isn’t just fuel—it’s an experience, a memory, and sometimes, a little bit of magic.

If you’re ever curious about what made Citronelle so special, take a look at some of the dishes that made headlines. You’ll see why it was more than just a restaurant in Washington DC—it was a piece of culinary history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michel Richard Restaurant Washington DC

Was Citronelle the only restaurant Michel Richard owned in Washington DC?

While Citronelle was his most famous fine dining establishment, Michel Richard also ran a more casual spot called Central Michel Richard, which was located near the White House. That restaurant was more accessible in both price and atmosphere, offering dishes like lobster rolls and playful takes on comfort food.

What happened to Citronelle?

Citronelle closed in 2017, a year after Michel Richard’s passing. The restaurant had been a staple in DC for over two decades, but with his absence and changes in the dining landscape, it eventually shut down. Its closure marked the end of an era for fine dining in the capital.

Can I still experience Michel Richard’s food today?

While Citronelle is gone, many chefs who trained under Richard still run their own restaurants in Washington DC and beyond. You can also find recipes and stories about his cooking in cookbooks and food media. His influence lives on in the chefs he mentored and the dishes that continue to inspire.

Want to explore more about the legacy of fine dining in Washington DC? Learn more about the city’s culinary history. Or, if you're curious about other iconic restaurants in the area, check out our guide to top fine dining spots in the capital.