CityZen

CityZen Restaurant

1330 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

T: (202) 554 8588

Service: 12
Atmosphere: 10
Price: $$$$
Well, we finally got a reservation here! It seems almost impossible to get a reservation on the weekend, so we went on a Tuesday. Inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, close to the SW Waterfront, this restaurant will not disappoint. I can't say the atmosphere inside the restaurant was anything extraordinary, though it was very nice, but the service and food were great. We went at 6:30 and the restaurant was pretty empty, but by 7:30, it was full. Pretty impressive for a Tuesday night! The dining room is not large, probably seats around 100.

One thing we liked about CityZen was that the food was wonderful, but there was not too much of it. We left full, but not stuffed, which was great. The menu is impressive, but not overwhelming. Each menu is signed by the Chef, Eric Ziebold. There is an option for a 3 or 6-course prix-fixe menu ($75 and $110). We chose the 3-course menu and were very pleased. We enjoyed a wonderful sauteed asparagus in butter sauce and tempura softshell crab for our first courses. For our main courses, we had halibut and red snapper. A nice little extra was the box of tiny (1 inch) scrumptious, buttery, bread rolls! For dessert, we had the Boston Creme Pie Souffle and the Applewood Bacon Waffle with Huckleberries. Fabulous. Of note was the Cheese Trolley, probably 15 types of cheese selections brought to the table to choose from. That will be on the list for next time.

We really loved the personal touches at CityZen. It was Juan's birthday, which we told them ahead of time. Our waitress brought a card signed by the entire staff, as well as a complimentary dessert wine and some delicious petit-fours surrounding "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate script!

The kitchen at CityZen is impressive. It's interesting to see all the chefs lined up next to one another working diligently at their respective tasks.

All in all, this was a very memorable experience. Not only is CityZen a treat, but the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is beautiful as well. Do not miss the chance to walk around the lobby. It has a 'zen' feeling, with rocks and running water and a nice spa! Also, the staff is very nice and welcoming.

If you're looking for exquisite food, impeccable service, and a memorable experience, add this restaurant to your list!