2024-03-12
Feast on the flavors of France with our take on Washington DC's top five French restaurants, from bistros to patisseries, offering both culinary delight and occasional disappointment.
Le Bistro VA, nestled in Vienna, captures the essence of Paris with its undeniable French bistro charm. Patrons find themselves divided, with some praising the luscious mussels and exquisite baguettes, while others recount less impressive experiences with subpar steak frites and seafood dishes. However, the ambiance unfailingly wins over diners with its coziness and warmth, a testament to the same passion that fueled its Italian counterpart's success. A European escapade that might be a hit or miss, Le Bistro VA's beef bourguignon alone might make the gamble worthwhile.
Location: 111 Church St NW Suite 101, Vienna, VA 22180
Amidst Georgetown's cobblestone streets, Apéro & La Bohème transitions gracefully from a laid-back café to a sumptuous Champagne-and-caviar retreat as the sun sets. The four-course meal, a gastronomic ode to Puccini, dazzled with the likes of crispy potato waffles and divine cobia. Here, coffees are served with a side of charm, and the staff foster an incomparable sense of community. It's not a destination suited for children, but it is an adult's playground of refined tastes and personal attention, where indulgence comes with a certain price tag. For those who appreciate life's luxurious side, this joint is an absolute gem.
Location: 2622 P St NW, Washington, DC 20007
On a sojourn for authentic European cuisine, the Mannequin Pis Belgian Bistro greeted me with a warm hug of mussel heaven, especially with 'The Snob' specialty pot. Despite occasional criticism, such as a disappointing sea bass dish, the jubilant approval of their moules-frites paired with Belgian brews was overwhelming. Reasonably priced between $30-50 per person, this experience surpasses the value of a European getaway. Even vegetarians find solace here, escaping the dreaded side salad fate. While there's room for improvement, particularly with seafood options, a second visit is already on my agenda for another moules marathon that brings a slice of Brussels to Olney, MD.
Location: 18064 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD 20832
Secreted away on Wisconsin Ave, Matisse impresses with its fusion of French and Mediterranean elegance and a reputation as a go-to spot for DC's chic diners. While the restaurant exudes 90s charm and offers a stellar selection of wines, not every dish is consistently on point—your risotto might be playing hide and seek with its flavors on some nights. The environment on Fridays can become a demandingly busy affair, so planning is of the essence. The service roller-coasters between mediocre and exceptional, but when it's good, it's remarkable. Spending $100 per person allows you to soak in the atmosphere along with the culinary artistry offered. For those who don't mind a splurge, Matisse provides a dining escapade worth repeating.
Location: 4934 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, DC 20016
Patisserie Poupon serves as a Parisian nook in the heart of DC, tantalizing the connoisseurs and the curious alike, and sparking debate as lively as in a French salon. Those in the know celebrate the pastries, from the sinfully good spinach ricotta croissants to apricot danishes that perform arias of flavor. Even with occasional lapses in freshness and a staff sometimes less attentive than desired, the amiability and pastry adeptness shine through. It's a hit-or-miss atmosphere, clouded by an air of pastry elitism amongst patrons, but a resounding 'oui' for those irresistible almond croissants. If you seek a Francophile's sugar rush—be ready to sidestep the haughty and head straight for the heavenly.
Location: 1645 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
