Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the spacious 6,800-square-foot straw- and cream-colored restaurant has eight dining spaces that stretch around the northeast corner of L and 23rd Streets, on the ground level of the upmarket Ritz-Carlton Residences. Design elements include floor-to-ceiling windows, slate floors, and fabric accents in the ceiling panels. Works by noted artists are on display.
Just inside the door is the informal café area with a wall of kitchen doors that, when parted, givve a view of Lacoste’s stainless steel headquarters. Guests pass through a bar and lounge to the two main dining areas: first, the casual Living Room, furnished with tables and booths, and on to the more formal dining room, which has a retractable glass dividing wall and separate entrance. For private dining, Ris offers the 10-seat State Room, which is draped with a jacquard tapestry by Donald and Era Farnsworth, and the 40-seat Federal Room, decorated with original art by Sam Gilliam and artisan pieces by local potters. An additional 60-seat alfresco dining area along 23rd Street is slated to open in spring. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
On the menu are Lacoste classics such as rabbit stew, as well as grilled octopus and sardines. Everyday specials include her 1789 signature, rack of lamb, each Thursday.