The Occidental

A nice, quiet place to have lunch and a challenge to remember the names of the famous people whose portraits are hanging everywhere. The short rib grilled cheese sandwich had lots of tender meat and was oozing with cheddar and Bel paese cheese. What made it unique and special was the radicchio-citrus marmalade. Reasonably priced with great service thanks to Chanel.

We took advantage of restaurant week to revisit an old friend, the Occidental. The food is still great. The seating arrangement does not crowd the room and allows for conversation. We enjoyed all the dishes we had as they were interesting and well done. Will definitely put the Occidental back on the list for lunch rotations given our pleasant dining experience. If the ice cream cookie sandwich is on the menu, get it! the cookie was fab! (My fantastic Grilled Point Judith Calamari Salad is pictured: Beet Yogurt, Barley Chips, Apricot -Harissa Coulis, Summer Mixed Greens, Shaved Daikon Radish)

My team visited for lunch during DC Restaurant Week, the food at the Occidental was really good and we all had something different. The best part of our visit was the service, hands down Ashley is one of the best servers in the area!! Her knowledge of wines (and their appropriate glasses) really scored big with me. She was patient answering our many questions about the menu items and remained kind even when overwhelmed by the group's excitement and enthusiasm. The entire team of servers were professional and etiquette and they all helped to create a wonderful team outing. I look forward to another opportunity to dine here soon. 🍴

We had a wonderful evening at this restaurant for our BAYADA Ambassador’s Awards Dinner. Space - both inside and outside - is elegant. The staff were very attentive to our every need. They were friendly and cordial. We had appetizers and drinks on the second floor at the bar, and then retired to one of the dining rooms upstairs. All of the food was exceptional, fresh, and delightfully layered in its flavor structure. If you have a chance to join here, not to miss it.

Food was good. Pleasantly surprised by the cornbread. I was expecting the usual starter bread. The cornbread was served in an iron skillet so it stayed warm longer! I had the pasta special which was pasta made on site with lobster and clams. It was not heavy at all! I also had the Occidental salad which was also light and good. Normally with a meal this size I walk out of the restaurant feeling like I had a ton of bricks in my stomach because I was so full but not here. Decor is interesting. Many pictures on the walls of influential people in Washington. Waiter was attentive!

Came here for lunch with some coworkers. We had some oysters, angus burger, crab cake sandwich and the fried green tomato BLT. Everything here was delicious. Oysters were so good we had to order another dozen. The burgers and sandwiches are a must order. The crunch from the thick cut bacon and fried tomato in the BLT was definitely the highlight. The crab sandwich was cooked perfectly and the added water crest added some great texture. This is a great place to people watch. The outside patio is perfect when the sun is out. Food and ambience here is great. If you want seafood and American food this is one of the best spots around the mall.