Best Bistros in Washington

16 restaurants available nearby

1. Cafe Du Parc

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Downtown

Booked 37 times today

Café du Parc, a Parisian-inspired gem in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers an authentic café experience reminiscent of a sidewalk café in Europe. Nestled steps from the National Mall, this café provides not only a prime location but also serves top-notch coffee and pastries that transport you straight to France. Patrons rave about the "perfectly flaky delicious almond croissant and ham and cheese croissant," which are both splendid highlights of their dining experience. The café's atmosphere is praised as "welcoming and cozy," making it a preferred spot for both locals and visitors. It's the attention to traditional French culinary details and the bustling, yet inviting ambiance that makes Café du Parc a standout destination for café cuisine lovers looking for quality and authenticity in the capital city.

2. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2962)

Price: Very Expensive

• Bistro • Georgetown

Booked 64 times today

Chez Billy Sud, nestled in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington, D.C., is renowned for its authentic Wine Bar, Bar à Vin. This charming spot stands out for its "great wine selection" and has been hailed for its "great advice re what to order," ensuring a perfectly paired wine experience with every meal. Visitors frequently rave about the ambiance and the exceptional food, but it is the wine that completes the dining experience, offering "good value propositions in terms of wine" that beautifully complement the classic French fare. Whether you are a wine aficionado or a casual drinker, Chez Billy Sud’s Wine Bar offers a cozy getaway to indulge in a meticulously curated wine list that promises to enhance your meal and elevate your evening.

A photo of Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar restaurant

3. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

4.9

Exceptional(2637)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Georgetown

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, Washington, Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar shines as a beacon of exquisite French bistro cuisine. Celebrating over 29 years, this charming establishment boasts a menu that dazzles with "classic, regional, and contemporary French cuisine." Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of dishes such as the "best Cassoulet" and "perfectly prepared soft shell crabs," highlighting the chef's skill in elevating traditional flavors. The ambiance, enhanced by live Jazz performances, encapsulates the essence of a cozy Parisian bistro, making every dining experience special. Reviewers consistently praise its "excellent food and attentive service," affirming Bistrot Lepic as a true gem in Washington's culinary landscape.

4. Cynthia

4.5

Awesome(7)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • H Street Corridor

Booked 5 times today

Cynthia is a neighborhood bar and bistro featuring beautiful pasta, creative burgers, shareable starters, while always offering vegan and vegetarian options. Our beverage program showcases reimagined timeless classic cocktails with creative and modern twists, and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful wine from both regional vineyards and renowned global producers. We look forward to reintroducing Cynthia to our friends and neighbors, and welcoming new faces to our neighborhood bar and bistro.

5. La Piquette

4.8

Exceptional(2946)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Cleveland Park

Booked 27 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Cleveland Park, Washington, La Piquette is celebrated for its authentic French cuisine that transports diners straight to France with every bite. Executive Chef Francis Layrle's commitment to farm-raised, seasonal ingredients ensures a menu that's as fresh as it is delightful. Patrons rave about the "superb" short ribs and the "best duck confit" over a bed of lentils, praising dishes for their perfection and authenticity. The ambiance of this neighborhood bistrot is consistently described as "fun, simple, and delicious," making every visit memorable. With accolades like "the food is always WONDERFUL" and service that is "gracious and efficient," La Piquette stands out as a gem for those seeking genuine French fare in D.C.

6. Et Voila

4.8

Exceptional(3905)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Palisades Northwest

Booked 53 times today

Nestled in the charming Palisades neighborhood of Northwest Washington, Et Voila stands out as a beacon of authentic Belgian cuisine. Under the expert helm of Chef Claudio Pirollo, this cozy bistro has been a favorite for 15 years, blending contemporary Belgian and French flavors that delight diners. Guests rave about the "always great" food, highlighting dishes like mussels in three broths, steak tartare, and the decadent chocolate mousse. The praise extends to the ambiance and service, with one guest noting, "We had a fantastic birthday celebration! Top notch service and excellent food and wine." Et Voila continues to provide an extraordinary dining experience, promising a warm welcome and a menu that's both innovative and true to its Belgian roots, making every visit memorable.

7. Maison Cheryl

4.4

Awesome(491)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Arlington

Booked 9 times today

At Maison Cheryl in Arlington, you can savor the essence of French New-American Bistro cuisine in a vibrant, modern setting. Chef Robert Maher has infused the menu with the spirit of Cheryl Glaessner, creating dishes that are both heartfelt and exquisitely crafted. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality of the food, with one noting, "The duck was absolutely amazing!" and another recommending, "You have to order the madeleines!" This spot is celebrated not just for its food but also for its outstanding service and inviting atmosphere, making every dining experience memorable. Whether for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion, Maison Cheryl stands out as a gem in Arlington, consistently providing a "phenomenal atmosphere, service, and food," making it a must-visit destination for lovers of genuine Bistro cuisine.

8. La Tomate

4.8

Exceptional(1390)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Dupont Circle

Booked 9 times today

La Tomate, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., has been a beloved bistro since 1987, enchanting diners with its authentic Italian cuisine and cozy ambiance. Known for its home-cooked meals that transport patrons straight to Italy, La Tomate offers an array of dishes from homemade pastas to exquisite desserts, praised as "amazing" and "the best in DC." Guests love the "beautiful ambiance" whether dining al fresco on the lush patio or inside the charming, window-clad dining room. With consistent accolades for both food and service, such as "always a lovely dining experience" and "exceptionally caring service team," it's clear that La Tomate holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors, making it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of Italy in the heart of D.C.

9. Cafe Colline

4.8

Exceptional(842)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Arlington

Booked 22 times today

Cafe Colline in Arlington, VA, is a delightful treasure for Bistro cuisine enthusiasts. Cheered for its "excellent food and impeccable service" by patrons, this cozy French-inspired cafe offers a culinary experience that transports diners straight to Paris without leaving Virginia. The authenticity of dishes like the seared sea bass and the classic duck confit is frequently highlighted in glowing reviews. Diners rave about the "fresh from the pan" entrees and the "not overly heavy" desserts like pot de creme, making every meal a sumptuous feast. With ingredients always "perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection," Cafe Colline stands out as a gem in Arlington's dining scene, promising a consistently delightful dining experience that keeps guests returning.

10. Claudio's Table

4.7

Exceptional(296)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Palisades Northwest

Booked 34 times today

Claudio's Table is a gem nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Palisades Northwest, Washington, where Chef Claudio Pirollo's passion for blending Italian and Belgian influences shines through each dish. This restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional Bistro cuisine, offering a cozy yet sophisticated vibe that mirrors a traditional Italian trattoria with a French twist. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with reviews highlighting the "best tiramisu" and "pasta cooked to perfection." The Bistecca special and thoughtfully curated wine selection are just a glimpse of the culinary excellence found here. Claudio's Table remains a vibrant neighborhood favorite, where each meal is a testament to Chef Pirollo's dedication to fresh, local ingredients and delectable family specialties. Perfect for those seeking a spectacular dining experience, it’s no wonder guests are quick to plan their next visit.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Heather
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
5 of us went for the prix fixe on Christmas Day. No one got a dish that was anything but amazing including the beef tartare, salmon tartare, calamari a la Provence, duck confit, veal chop…. The vibe is very low key French bistro but the service is outstanding. And they didn’t rush you through the courses. It was fantastic
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La PiquettePrice: Expensive• French• Cleveland Park
•
4.8
C
Catharin
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My family has dined at Bistrot Lepic since it opened more than 20 years ago and it is oir culinary home aqay from home. It is a cut above most French restaurants ih the DC area and has a warm and welcoming ambience.
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Bistrot Lepic & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• French• Georgetown
•
4.9
S
Sandy
Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
So glad we made a reservation. Service was outstanding. One of the best coffees I have had in a restaurant in this country.
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Cafe Du ParcPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown
•
4.4
J
Jennifer
Tampa / Central Florida West •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely loved the entire experience. Wonderful ambience, outstanding wine, escargot to die for, the salmon…light and flaky, with a potato crust and lemon beurre blanc sauce that was utterly out of this world. Cannot wait to return!
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Chez Billy SudPrice: Very Expensive• French• Georgetown
•
4.8
S
Sarah
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
We had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Cynthia last night! From the moment we walked in, the people working there were so kind, even offering us a free class of sparkling wine for our anniversary. We tried several cocktails and enjoyed all of them very much. We ate the bruschetta, steak frittes, and both desserts. Everything was great, and the red chimichurri sauce on the steak really caught our attention! We had a lovely meal, and we would definitely return again.
More info
CynthiaPrice: Expensive• Bistro• H Street Corridor
•
4.5

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Best Bistros in Washington

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Cafe Du Parc

2. Chez Billy Sud

3. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

4. Cynthia

5. La Piquette

6. Et Voila

7. Maison Cheryl

8. La Tomate

9. Cafe Colline

10. Claudio's Table

See what locals rave about

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