Petits Plats - Washington, D.C.

Nice, cute place we loved, but cooking has slipped a little. No real complaints, but nothing woke us up. A good place to dine if you are looking for a quiet, unscrupulous atmosphere.

Disappointed. The bread was the best part of the meal, but late. Don't think we're back.

Excellent food. Authentic French, with a charming atmosphere.

These days, I'm always suspect of reviews on any site. Looking at all the reviews on this site and others, I am going to be objective in my speculation. First, based on all the awards hanging on the entrance wall, all several years old, I think there was a change in ownership, but not sure when. The alternative is there are two sets of cooks and staff. One that is excellent, another set locked them in the freezer while they took over. We got the latter. We only tried a few appetizers and two drinks. My drink, house chardonnay, was not chardonnay, but I couldn't get anyone's attention to fix it I expect it was a rough tasting sav. blanc ,the only other white by the glass. My glass was dirty also. Bread arrived but was toasted, which was odd. My wife ordered a kir royal, one of their recommendations by the glass, it was completely flat and way too much creme de casis tasted like a melted italian ice. Point being whomever was handling the drinks had no idea what they were doing. I ordered the soup of the day, tomato, and should have realized that tomatoes are not in season. Tasted like Campbell's. And cold. Service was earnest but unorganized. Not sure why, it was not that busy. We decided to cut our losses and not order dinner, so your experience may vary. I can usually spot a fake review (several exclamation points are the first give away) but other relatively recent reviews seem genuine, so I am confused. Price? Two bowls of soup and two drinks cost $50. Ambiance? It is a converted old row house. Some say quaint, some say worn. I have no opinion. When I rate a restaurant overall, I give one when I am angry, two when I am just sad. I am giving two stars here. Couple of small changes could make it better.

Elegant, yet comfortable environment with delicious food. The onion soup was fabulous and the warm French bread delivered to the table tasted as if you were in Paris. Whole table loved their food: escargot and Muscles for one, fennel salad and beef bourguigonon for another. For the third at our table Calamari and cassoulet and for me onion soup and steak frites. Everything was delicious!