Under the Radar Series: French / Asian Fusion at Le DeSales (Dupont)

NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS
Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members.
→ Learn how DC Metro Dining works
→ Ensure Group Notifications are Setup (Announcements + In on Waitlist/Attending List)

RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)
→ RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Saturday 10a, 7/11. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)

We're bringing back the Under the Radar series, where we explore restaurants that may not generate the same buzz as DC's headline destinations but have built loyal followings and offer something genuinely distinctive.

This event takes us to Le DeSales near Dupont Circle, where French chef Raphael François and sushi chef Noriaki Yasutake bring together two culinary traditions under one roof. The result is a menu that combines contemporary French cuisine with a full sushi program, including several rolls and seafood dishes that incorporate French ingredients and techniques in ways that are uncommon in the DC dining scene.

FOOD: Le DeSales offers a menu that comfortably spans contemporary French cuisine and sushi. Recent diners frequently highlight the Fish & Chips Roll, Kobe Beef Roll, Hamachi Serrano, seafood dishes, steak frites, and French-inspired starters.

One of the more interesting aspects of the menu is how French ingredients and techniques appear throughout the sushi program, creating combinations that feel distinctive without being overly experimental. Guests can build a meal around sushi and shareable plates, lean toward French classics, or mix both styles at the same table.

The cocktail program and wine list are also well regarded and pair naturally with both sides of the menu.

-> SPENDING EXPECTATIONS <-
Most members should expect to spend between 45 and 95 dollars for dinner and drinks after tax and tip, depending on ordering style and alcohol. Members focusing on sushi and shared plates may spend somewhat less, while multiple courses, cocktails, or premium seafood selections can increase the total.

→ Explore Le DeSales' menu: https://www.ledesales.com/dinner-menu

SPACE: Street parking is limited in this area, especially on weekends. Several commercial garages are within a few blocks. Members may also check apps like SpotHero or Parking Panda for garage reservations and discounted options nearby.

→ Visit the restaurant site: https://www.ledesales.com/

• Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details)
• Limited to 10 slots

See you there
Joe

CLOSEST METRO

• Farragut North (Red) is the closest stop. Exit toward Connecticut Avenue NW and walk west toward 17th Street NW and DeSales Street NW. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
• Farragut West (Blue, Orange, Silver) is also nearby. Walk east along I Street NW and then north toward DeSales Street NW. The walk is approximately 8–10 minutes.(Blue, Orange, Silver) is the closest stop.
• For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website (click on your preferred Metro station then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip"

PARKING: Street parking is limited in this area, especially on weekends. Several commercial garages are within a few blocks. Members may also check apps like SpotHero or Parking Panda for garage reservations and discounted options nearby. Plan accordingly

*** Attendance Notes***

• If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up*. With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.*
• New Members / 1st Timers: Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (often open up on the morning of the event). You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox.
• Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total. This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant

Looking forward to dining with you
Joe