Best Cozy Restaurants in Potomac

As always, the food is terrific. The decor and rooms are beautiful. The service is outstanding.

A Perfect 40th Birthday Celebration at L’Auberge Chez François!! Our family gathered last night in the Garden Room at L’Auberge Chez François in Great Falls, VA, to celebrate the 40th birthday of our youngest son, Peter Mark Grange. What unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary—a dining experience that rivaled even The Inn at Little Washington, with an atmosphere of warmth, impeccable service, and culinary artistry that made it even more memorable. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with gracious hospitality. The evening began with a delightful Amuse-bouche, an unexpected and delicious aperitif that set the stage for the creative and refined cuisine we were about to enjoy. Each course was beautifully crafted, and the palate-cleansing citrus sorbet between dishes was a refreshing and elegant touch, heightening our anticipation for what came next. Our server, Samy, was among the finest we’ve ever encountered at any top-tier restaurant. His deep knowledge of the kitchen’s culinary expertise and the restaurant’s extensive menu was matched only by his remarkable emotional intelligence—his engagement with each member of our party was warm, intuitive, and effortless. Likewise, the sommelier was a master of his craft, guiding us through the extensive wine selection with expertise and charm, enhancing the evening with his humor and genuine hospitality. Every dish was a masterpiece, from presentation to taste—each bite reflecting the dedication and skill of Chef Jacques Haeringer and his outstanding team. The attention to detail, the exquisite flavors, and the seamless service made for an unforgettable evening. We left with full hearts and a deep appreciation for the magic that happens at L’Auberge Chez François. Our heartfelt thanks to Chef Jacques, his incredible staff, and the entire team for making this a night we will cherish forever. Bravo!

Our experience here was amazing. Shoutout to our great server Connor. If he isn’t a lead server make him one TODAY ! So cool, so understanding & honestly great energy. I came for Valentine’s Day with my girlfriend. He told us the specials & even gave some recommendations. We both had steak with mash & green beans. If you are thinking about getting the peartini definitely grab you one. It didn’t disappoint. We will be back !

This is the fifth or sixth time we've visited from Baltimore, MD and Et Voila just keeps getting better. We always order mussels, which are consistently sweet and well-sized. Love the onion soup and my husband is a huge fan of the goat cheese salad. Excellent service. The only quibble is the small tables! Merci for a lovely Valentine's Day lunch.

A friend and I had dinner at Nordstrom Market Place at Montgomery Mall (Bethesda, MD) on Saturday, 1/18/2025. The dinner was exceptional. From the Chef’s Selection menu, I chose the braised beef ragu served with cheese tortellini, and it was outstanding. I swear the tortellini tasted like it was made fresh just for me - it literally melted in my mouth. The braised beef was cooked to perfection. The ragu sauce, with chunks of tomato and spinach, was delicious. My friend had the tomato basil soup and a beautiful salad and said both were delicious. We had a 6 pm reservation but it wasn’t needed as the restaurant was not crowded. On a scale of 1-5 (5 belong difficult to converse with others at your table), I give this restaurant a 0.5 - the room was peacefully quiet. We had no problem conversing with each other and there was no background music coming through the speakers. Staff were attentive and pleasant. I highly recommend this cozy restaurant and plan to return very soon.