About the Place
Welcome to The Pembroke, a refined culinary haven nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C. This upscale dining establishment effortlessly blends a sophisticated atmosphere reminiscent of vibrant Parisian or London city vibes with the warm, welcoming essence of a neighborhood eatery. With an inviting selection of outdoor, booth, and traditional table seating, The Pembroke offers a dining experience as elegant as it is comfortable.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully designed space that sets the stage for a memorable meal. Whether you're seeking a casual brunch, an intimate dinner, or a special celebration, The Pembroke caters to every guest's needs with grace and professionalism. The service here is exceptional—each team member embodies warmth and attentiveness. Guests have noted how the staff maintains the lost art of service through engaging conversations and genuine care.
Now, let’s talk about the menu. As the chef’s creations dance across your palate, you will discover meticulously prepared dishes that not only taste delicious but are also a feast for the eyes. From the vodka pasta to the green circle chicken, each meal highlights the quality of the ingredients and showcases expert technique. Reviewers rave about the octopus, which has quickly become a celebrated dish among the patrons. The Pembroke takes pride in crafting dishes that could easily compete with Michelin-starred establishments, demonstrating that fine dining doesn’t have to be stuffy.
Those visiting for brunch can indulge in heavenly options like the boursin-laced French omelette, accompanied by perfectly piled avocado toast and freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s the little touches—like the freshly brewed coffee and beautifully plated breakfast potatoes—that complete the experience, even if some might find the coffee a tad on the weaker side.
The Pembroke is not just a place to eat; it is a destination that promises exceptional gastronomy and a truly delightful atmosphere. From entrées to desserts, every dish tells a story of culinary passion and artistry. Next time you find yourself near Dupont Circle, make sure you stop by The Pembroke. Your taste buds will thank you!
“ The Pembroke offers a beautifully designed, upscale atmosphere mixed with neighborhood city vibes of Paris or London with options for outdoor, booth, and traditional table seating. When we arrived a bit early for our reservation, we were promptly seated at a four-top which was unfortunately quite uncomfortable. We politely requested to move to one of the available booths—both unoccupied at the time—but were told by the hostess that they were reserved for parties of six. While I understand the policy, it felt inflexible, especially considering the restaurant was closing in under two hours and those booths remained empty until close. It would have been a nice gesture to accommodate guests who were already there, rather than holding space for possible walk-ins who never arrived. Our server was warm, professional, and patient as we took some time to place our order while catching up with friends. She even recommended the lamb chops cooked medium, which I ended up ordering—and they did not disappoint. The food was flavorful, well-prepared, and served hot, which we all appreciated despite the extended wait time between ordering and receiving our meals. After dinner, we lingered a bit to enjoy the space, took a few photos, and noted that the same booths we had inquired about remained unoccupied the entire evening. All in all, while the food and ambiance met expectations, the customer service around seating could use a more guest-centered approach. Rating: 4.5/5 Great food and ambiance, but a rigid seating policy took away from the overall hospitality. ”
“ My Mom and I needed this kind of re-set to cap our day yesterday. Everyone holds the highest standard of the lost art in service. Eye contact, warmth, engaging conversation, eloquence, attentiveness! Even over the phone their professionalism exudes. Tom the general manager shared memories of Ireland the locals would appreciate. We ordered and shared the vodka pasta and green circle chicken as well as butterscotch pudding and chocolate hazelnut ganache cake. This was another amazing memory in my notch of great dining experiences and couldn't wait to leave a great review for folks researching where to eat. We dined outside. It was absolutely lovely! 10/10! Thank you Chef!!! ”
“ We enjoyed a satisfying breakfast in a sophisticated atmosphere. The bagel with cream cheese and salmon was delicious and presented beautifully. The only note is in regard to the coffee and cappuccino, both were weak. The breakfast potatoes were crunchy and flavorful. Highly recommended. ”
“ Had a best dinner on the best restaurant in DC! Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully plated, and bursting with flavor. You can really tell the chefs put care into both the ingredients and the presentation. I had Octopus and Green Circle Chicken and it was truly unforgettable. Service was exceptional, warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly without being overbearing. The team made sure everything was perfect throughout the evening. Shout out to Arty, Abby, and Kyle for arranging this special night for me. If you’re in D.C. and looking for a refined yet comfortable spot for dinner, The Pembroke should be at the top of your list. I’ll definitely be back! ”
“ Exceptional dining experience — a true gem The Pembroke is an outstanding restaurant that delivers a top-tier experience on every level. From the moment we walked in, everything — from the atmosphere to the service — felt refined and thoughtful. The dishes served here could easily compete with Michelin-starred restaurants. Each plate is presented like a piece of art — compliments to the chef for such creativity and execution. What truly elevates this place is the team. Every staff member works in perfect sync, showing a level of training and coordination that’s rare to see. A special thank you to our server, Arty, who made the experience even more memorable with his professionalism and warm attitude. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a fine dining experience that goes beyond just good food. ”