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Best French Restaurants in Bethesda

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Et Voila restaurant
1. Et Voila
4.8
Exceptional(3895)
Price: Expensive
• French • Palisades Northwest
Booked 50 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.
A photo of Matisse restaurant
2. Matisse
4.8
Exceptional(1719)
Price: Expensive
• French • Tenleytown
Booked 4 times today
At Matisse in Tenleytown, Washington, the essence of Contemporary French cuisine is captured beautifully through innovative dishes and impeccable service. Patrons consistently rave about the "exquisite" three-course meals and the "delicious" seasonal specialties like soft shell crab and Branzino. The restaurant's dedication to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish, from the Asian gazpacho to the perfectly plated peach arugula salad. With glowing reviews like "every dish was a winner" and "service is consistently good," Matisse stands out as a pinnacle of culinary excellence. It's a place where the food not only satisfies the palate but also delights the senses, making each visit a memorable French dining experience.
A photo of Julii restaurant
3. Julii
4.7
Exceptional(2409)
Price: Expensive
• French • North Bethesda
Booked 46 times today
At Julii in North Bethesda, the essence of French cuisine is brought to life with a Mediterranean twist, creating a delightful dining experience that consistently impresses. Patrons rave about the "BEST crème brûlée in N Bethesda" and the "amazing" lobster gnocchi, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to both quality and creativity. The ambiance is described as "modern and pleasant," perfectly complementing the beautifully presented dishes. Whether it's the crispy trout with a perfectly balanced meunière sauce or the flavorful lamb tajine, Julii's menu is curated to offer unique and delicious dishes, making every visit memorable. With top-notch service and a vibrant setting, Julii is a gem for French cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of La Piquette restaurant
4. La Piquette
4.8
Exceptional(2939)
Price: Expensive
• French • Cleveland Park
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Rosemary Bistro Cafe restaurant
5. Rosemary Bistro Cafe
4.6
Exceptional(519)
Price: Moderate
• French • Friendship Heights
Booked 9 times today
Step into the charming ambiance of Rosemary Bistro Cafe in Friendship Heights, Washington, D.C., where the essence of French cuisine is celebrated with flair and authenticity. Praised as "the closest thing to a Parisian bistro in the area," Rosemary Bistro Cafe delights diners with its classic French dishes, often served with an inventive twist. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked" halibut and the "terrific and authentic" Steak au Poivre. The floating island dessert comes highly recommended, encapsulating the meticulous attention to detail in both flavor and presentation. Whether it's a cozy lunch outdoors or a vibrant dinner experience, Rosemary Bistro Cafe consistently impresses with its superb service and "deliciously fresh ingredients," making every meal a memorable feast of French culinary excellence.
A photo of Medium Rare - Cleveland Park restaurant
6. Medium Rare - Cleveland Park
4.6
Exceptional(2113)
Price: Moderate
• French • Cleveland Park
Booked 32 times today
At Medium Rare in Cleveland Park, Washington, the essence of American cuisine is celebrated with unparalleled flair and a commitment to quality that has consistently earned it the Diner's Choice Award for 12 consecutive years. Known for its exceptional $28.95 prix fixe dining experience, Medium Rare serves up a feast of prime, dry-aged steak and hand-cut fries that leave diners raving about the "perfectly cooked" meat and "delicious" sauce. The glowing reviews highlight not just the food, but the "fun, upbeat atmosphere" and "attentive" service, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the bottomless brunch or the meticulously prepared dinners, Medium Rare is a testament to authentic American dining at its best.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
7. La Grande Boucherie - DC
4.4
Awesome(1256)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 188 times today
Nestled just a block away from the White House at 699 14th Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is a beacon of Steakhouse excellence in Washington D.C. Celebrated for its impeccably cooked steaks, the restaurant offers an exquisite meat program that shines through dishes like the "perfectly cooked and seasoned" steak frites. Patrons often rave about the "amazing" filet mignon au poivre and the Australian ribeye, noting them as "cooked to perfection." The grand Art Nouveau style venue enhances the dining experience, making every meal feel special and elevated. Reviews consistently highlight the stellar service and vibrant atmosphere, making La Grande Boucherie a must-visit for steak lovers in the heart of D.C.
A photo of Chez Billy Sud restaurant
8. Chez Billy Sud
4.8
Exceptional(2961)
Price: Moderate
• French • Georgetown
Booked 28 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 Bresca restaurant
9. Bresca
4.7
Exceptional(869)
Price: Expensive
• French • U Street Corridor
Booked 16 times today
Bresca, nestled in the vibrant U Street Corridor of Washington, DC, is a beacon of contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant has garnered glowing accolades for its innovative approach to French dining, skillfully blending Eastern and Western culinary traditions under the guidance of Chef Ryan Ratino. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the Potato Pierogi and Diver Scallop, highlighting the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients which "sing of summer." The atmosphere is described as a perfect mix of cozy bistro charm and refined elegance, making every visit memorable. With accolades like "best duck I’ve ever had" and experiences that exceed expectations, Bresca stands out as a pinnacle of culinary excellence and creativity.
A photo of La Chaumiere restaurant
10. La Chaumiere
4.9
Exceptional(4826)
Price: Expensive
• French • Georgetown
Booked 20 times today
La Chaumière in Georgetown, Washington, is a celebrated gem among Contemporary French cuisine enthusiasts, boasting 48 years of culinary excellence. Known for its enchanting ambiance reminiscent of a French country inn, the restaurant offers a delightful array of dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern creativity. From the acclaimed housemade Boudin Blanc to the classic Grand Marnier soufflé, each dish is crafted to perfection. La Chaumière has impressively scooped up the "100 Best Restaurants" award 29 times since 1978, underscoring its commitment to quality and authenticity. Reviewers rave about its "exquisite blend of traditional and innovative dishes" and consistently "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for an authentic Contemporary French dining experience right in the heart of Georgetown.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kathy
    Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great food, wonderful staff, and a guaranteed delicious meal every time! A real neighborhood gem!
    More info
    La PiquettePrice: Expensive• French• Cleveland Park
    •
    4.8
  • Megan
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This was our first trip to Julii and we had a wonderful experience. Service was quick, friendly and professional. We have the evil eye cocktail and a French 75 - both were delicious and well balanced. We had 4 food items and all were delicious but the Crispy Trout stole the show. The presentation was beautiful and it was one of the best dishes I’ve had at a restaurant, ever. I feel the portion sizes were generous and well worth the price tag. We can’t wait to go back!
    More info
    JuliiPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• North Bethesda
    •
    4.7
  • FrederickVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Delicious holiday brunch. Fresh French bread, excellent coffee, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and fantastic Croque Madame. Afterwards, free champagne samples and a slice of their amazing Buche de Noel. A bargain for about $40 for two. Service was attentive and pleasant.
    More info
    Et VoilaPrice: Expensive• French• Palisades Northwest
    •
    4.8
  • FVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •365 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were a group of six, and everybody was thrilled with the cuisine and the service. The Epoisse casserole, the frisée salad with duck confit, the pheasant, the duck, and the veal chop were sublime, and of course the Floating Island dessert was as magnificent as ever. Tim and Alina are wonderful servers! We totally love this place. Highly recommended!
    More info
    Rosemary Bistro CafePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Friendship Heights
    •
    4.6
  • TeresaVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •49 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had a wonderful meal, service was excellent; they allowed us ample time to chat and never rush us. Wonderful experience
    More info
    MatissePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Tenleytown
    •
    4.8

Discover best French restaurants in Bethesda

Discover the charm of French cuisine in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, where a selection of top-notch restaurants offers an authentic French dining experience. Nestled in the bustling Washington, D.C. suburbs, these eateries provide a diverse array of traditional French dishes, from perfectly baked breads to exquisite wines and finely crafted entrees. Each restaurant boasts a unique ambiance, ranging from the casual elegance of a Parisian café to the refined atmosphere of a formal dining room, ensuring an immersive cultural and culinary journey. Diners can expect high-quality service, with many establishments catering to special dietary needs, including gluten-free options. The dining scene in Bethesda is vibrant and diverse, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts looking to explore French gastronomy. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these French restaurants in Bethesda promise a memorable and satisfying dining experience.

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