Located close to American University, Chef Geoff offers diverse international food with their own twist and a medley of flavors, textures, and aromas. The kitchen uses the finest ingredients and produces a variety of choices to suit most palates. Chef Geoff’s is a favorite restaurant of a number of Bank families and the Tasting Team decided to go and see for itself. We chose to have lunch at Chef Geoff’s close to American University and we were not disappointed.

The atmosphere is very welcoming and the décor is modern with bright warm colors – yellow walls and burgundy upholstery. Noise level is low and the restaurant feels comfortable.

The menu offers a selection of appetizers, main courses and desserts. Some Team members did not venture beyond the appetizers which were very tasty and satisfying. In this category the Frito Misto served with chipotle (creole) and marinara sauces had a gentle spicy flavor which we found quite pleasant and blended well with the marinara. The Hummus sampler pleased a number in our party and the Calamari was crispy, not oily, and served with chili aioli had a had a very pleasant kick and was tasty, tartar and marinara and the flavors were well balanced. The Crab Cake was a hit - the portion was very generous and without obvious fillers. It was served with coconut chili sauce –superb, slightly sweet but flavorful.

We tried some of the main courses. The Vegetarian bisque had plenty of flavor but the potato strings that came were not impressive. Shrimp Grits was a tasty dish but a bit heavy on the green peppers. The shrimp was perfectly cooked but a bit more seasoning would have helped to jazz up the dish. The BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich with fried Okra and Cole Slaw salad was an unusual combination. The pork was flavorful and the sauce was delicious. Lamb Kofta with Pita and red onions, Tzatziki sauce (Greek origin) and Oregano fries was another dish that our team liked. The kofta was well seasoned and moist. One member of the team said that she would order this dish again but without an appetizer. The Pita was very fresh but the Oregano fries were a bit over salted.

We ordered a selection of desserts and shared them between us.

The Granny Smith apple tart had an excellent pastry and one could taste the apples. The Mascarpone Pumpkin Tart was good and the portion was huge. The Chocolate Soufflé Cake was moist and delicious. A portion of small home-made cookies was delicious and nobody felt guilty about the calories.

We had a very efficient server who remembered what all ten of us ordered. The coffee was good and the bread superb. Parking is available on the street or behind the restaurant.

Recommendation: The Team enjoyed the Chef Geoff experience and shares the view of those who are regulars that the restaurant offers variety, quality and value for money.

Vim Maguire

Chef Geoff
3201 New Mexico Ave. NW
Washington DC 20016
(5 blocks south of American University)
202-237-7800