Best Bistros in Bethesda

16 restaurants available nearby

1. La Piquette

4.8

Exceptional(2950)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Cleveland Park

Booked 35 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.

2. District Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(47)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Kensington

Booked 2 times today

District Bistro in Kensington Silver Spring is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, where Chef Pedro Matamoros showcases his culinary prowess honed over 30 years. Known for sourcing high-quality, local ingredients from Pennsylvania farm co-ops and creameries, the restaurant specializes in dishes that celebrate the essence of American cooking with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the menu's creativity and quality, with reviews highlighting the "delicious lentil hummus," "perfectly cooked steak frites," and the "superb rockfish." The atmosphere is described as "pleasant" and "modern," ideal for enjoying "classic handcrafted cocktails" alongside freshly prepared meals. District Bistro not only promises a delightful dining experience but also a taste of the local community spirit and culinary innovation.

3. Et Voila

4.8

Exceptional(3907)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Palisades Northwest

Booked 55 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.

4. Claudio's Table

4.7

Exceptional(299)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Palisades Northwest

Booked 42 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.

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose restaurant

5. Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose

4.5

Awesome(674)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • North Bethesda

Booked 47 times today

Caruso's Grocery in North Bethesda stands out as a beacon of bistro excellence, bringing an authentic slice of Italian-American nostalgia to the area. Patrons frequently rave about the "best Chicken Parm I’ve had" and the "delicious and filling" chicken parm sliders. The atmosphere is described as cozy and reminiscent of classic red sauce joints, complete with Sinatra tunes and vintage decor that charms every visitor. Diners consistently celebrate the quality of the meals, with one noting the food was "EXTREMELY DELICIOUS," while the service is highlighted as both fun and professional. It’s clear Caruso’s Grocery is a must-visit for those seeking a top-notch bistro experience with a delightful Italian twist.

A photo of Pinstripes - Bethesda restaurant

6. Pinstripes - Bethesda

4.4

Awesome(224)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • North Bethesda

Booked 3 times today

At Pinstripes in North Bethesda, the essence of a classic Bistro is elevated with an Italian-American twist, creating a vibrant dining scene that's both sophisticated and fun. Known for its scratch-made cuisine, Pinstripes serves up a tantalizing array of dishes that blend traditional bistro flair with modern culinary creativity. Guests rave about the "delicious food and many different options on the menu," highlighting the quality and variety that set this bistro apart. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner to a lively celebration, making every visit memorable. With glowing reviews about the "phenomenal experience" and "attentive service," Pinstripes truly stands out as a top choice for bistro lovers looking for authenticity and excellence in North Bethesda.

A photo of Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar restaurant

7. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

4.9

Exceptional(2638)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Georgetown

Booked 25 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.

8. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2964)

Price: Very Expensive

• Bistro • Georgetown

Booked 52 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.

9. Cynthia

4.5

Awesome(7)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • H Street Corridor

Booked 6 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.

10. Maison Cheryl

4.4

Awesome(491)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Arlington

Booked 18 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.

‘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

G
GiuliaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We went early before heading downtown to the theater. It was nice and quiet at that hour. The food was very good. I need to remember next time to order my meat Medium instead of medium rare which was more on the rare side. The frites are the best in the city. My husband had the braised rib and it was “smashing!” We love this place!
More info
La PiquettePrice: Expensive• French• Cleveland Park
•
4.8
B
Barbara
Washington, D.C. Area •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food and service were great. (Thanks Chef and Gena!) Nice ambience. Glad to have discovered this gem in Wheatom. Will definitely be back!
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District BistroPrice: Moderate• Bistro• Kensington
•
4.8
G
GaryVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Perfect night over the holidays…..Everything is what you would expect from a true dining experience…..As good as being in Italy……
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Caruso's Grocery - Pike & RosePrice: Expensive• Italian• North Bethesda
•
4.5
J
Jim
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
For a treat to yourself go to Claudio's Table, a little pricey as everything down to the bread is a la carte...however, it is excellent! My short ribs were perfect and my mom's branzino was grilled to a moist and delectable turn....be ready to spend >$100 for two and save room for dessert.
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Claudio's TablePrice: Moderate• Italian• Palisades Northwest
•
4.7
J
jenniferVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •115 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Et Voila continues to be a welcoming restaurant with quality food and wine/bar choices. I appreciate a restaurant with a good chateauneuf-du-pape by the glass! The carbonnade and our other main course selections were excellent, with the fries always outstanding. My mom loved her baked escargots. The floating island and chocolate mousse are our constant go-tos that never disappoint. The interior room was a bit hectic for an early seating but we put that down to it being Christmas Eve.
More info
Et VoilaPrice: Expensive• French• Palisades Northwest
•
4.8

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Best Bistros in Bethesda

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. La Piquette

2. District Bistro

3. Et Voila

4. Claudio's Table

5. Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose

6. Pinstripes - Bethesda

7. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

8. Chez Billy Sud

9. Cynthia

10. Maison Cheryl

See what locals rave about

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