latke · celery root · dry cured lamb
pickled rockfish
squash vadouvan
While some dishes here are meant to be shared, others are more suited to one person. This includes fried chicken coq au vin, which captivates me like no other. The chicken has a thick outer crust, sinfully succulent meat, and is coated with a smooth, tangy red wine glaze. It’s one of those instances when waitstaff repeatedly tries to clear my plate and I swat them away until there are no remaining crumbs. I imagine this dish taking a spot on multiple year-end lists citing favorite dishes of 2015. It is certainly on mine.
fried chicken coq au vin
scallop boudin blanc
passion fruit cheesecake
key lime pie
Chef Maupillier takes time away from the kitchen to circulate throughout the dining room, chatting amiably with guests. Also shmoozing the crowds is partner Saied Azali. The staff are equally eager to solicit feedback and engender satisfaction. Judging from the growing chorus of approval circulating online and in print, diners are embracing the delicious and delightfully convivial Convivial.
Convivial, 801 O Street, NW, Washington, DC
Washington Post review by Tom Sietsema, “The buzzy Convivial in Shaw lives up to its name”
Washingtonian 100 Very Best Restaurants 2016, #4
DC Eater post: “The Early Word on Cedric Maupillier’s Convivial in Shaw”
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Great meal and company
I went into Convivial expecting wonderful. We did not get that. The bread was ploped on our table and the olive oil was an afterthought. This happened to many tables. Buss people were attentive. Wine was reasonable and good. The cheese balls were tasteless, escargot tastey, rock fish ok, fried chicken forgettable and salty, scallop mouse interesting,, casulett so salty we did not eat it, bulibase was super salty, veal liver well done but the accompanying vegetables were dreadful and so salty that did not eat them. The desert was fine. There was no dish that was over the moon. The reviewer that wrote a glowing review should be shot. It was not a wonderful eating experience and this follows suite to Mintwood. This restaurant is not a hot mess just BAD. Lapis is far better, Bad Saint is far better, Bristro LePic is far better……….
I’m sorry that you didn’t enjoy Convivial. Obviously I disagree. I’ve talked to many, many people who have dined here and loved it and Washingtonian Magazine just ranked it #4 in their Top 100 issue. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and yours is valid. However saying that I should be shot for a glowing review is just disturbing.
We have wanted to try Convivial ever since you posted your write up on your blog. Our son lives in walking distance so we thought it would be a perfect place to meet for brunch (we were not able to get a reservation for dinner). The food was delicious and the preparation and presentation were beautiful! The waitress suggested we try their fried chicken and waffle with sausage gravy and a sunny side egg. I know it sounds heavy but trust me, it wasn’t! We shared the key lime and speculoos pie.and it was delectable! The staff was solicitous and friendly. We can’t wait to go back for dinner!