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Best French Restaurants in Downtown

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Opaline Bar and Brasserie restaurant
4.3
Awesome(297)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Washington DC, Opaline Bar and Brasserie offers a slice of French culinary excellence that embodies the unhurried and quality-focused dining experiences France is celebrated for. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with one review highlighting, "the French toast was excellent" and another praising the "amazing Cherry Blossom Tea and incredible First Lady inspired cocktails!" Opaline's atmosphere is consistently described as "calm, peaceful, and quiet," perfect for those seeking a delightful escape with a French twist. The restaurant's commitment to accommodating dietary needs and its superb service further enhance the dining experience, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.
A photo of Michele’s restaurant
4.3
Awesome(291)
Price: Expensive
• French • West Loop
Booked 2 times today
Michele's, located in the vibrant West Loop of Washington, offers a delightful take on Contemporary French cuisine, crafted by MICHELIN-starred Chef Matt Baker. This restaurant stands out for its commitment to seasonal and high-quality ingredients, presented in a manner that's both sophisticated and accessible. Guests rave about the innovative dishes, like the "beef tartare and the potato truffle tarte … WOW," highlighting the unique blend of flavors that Chef Baker brings to the table. The atmosphere is described as perfect for any occasion, from a casual burger night to a special date, with live music and prime steaks enhancing the experience. Michele's not only promises but delivers a "delightful dining experience" with each visit, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of fine Contemporary French dining in Washington D.C.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1257)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 226 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 Petite Cerise restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(137)
Price: Expensive
• French • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 21 times today
Part neighborhood café, part energetic bistro, Petite Cerise is located in a bright and lively historic corner space in Shaw/Mount Vernon Triangle. Petite Cerise features separate à la carte menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition, Petite Cerise has a Coffee Counter open Tuesday - Friday opening at 8am serving classic coffee and espresso preparations, housemade pastries, and other breakfast items to go or sit down.Dinner offers both an à la carte menu along with a Prix Fixe option. The focus in the evening is to craft unique and innovative dishes utilizing the very best ingredients within the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond skillfully prepared through a French lens.If you decide to join us for a morning coffee, quick mid-day bite, stretch out your lunch over a glass of wine, or gather with friends for an indulgent and creative dinner, we invite you here to celebrate and enjoy.
A photo of Cafe Du Parc restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2558)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown
Booked 52 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.
A photo of Chez Billy Sud restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2961)
Price: Moderate
• French • Georgetown
Booked 29 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 La Bise restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(923)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Washington, DC, La Bise is a gem for Contemporary French / American cuisine. Celebrated for its “delicious, modern French cooking,” this restaurant offers a sophisticated yet approachable menu that impresses with its authenticity and creativity. One diner raved about the “exquisite attention to detail, harmonious marriage of flavors and textures, and beautifully plated” dishes, particularly highlighting the foie gras as “velvety and luscious.” The ambiance is “elegantly playful,” perfect for both casual and dressed-up outings. With its proximity to the White House, La Bise not only promises but delivers an exceptional dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more. Whether you're a local or visiting, La Bise's blend of top-notch service, vibrant setting, and culinary excellence makes it a must-visit destination.
A photo of La Chaumiere restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4826)
Price: Expensive
• French • Georgetown
Booked 25 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.
A photo of Bresca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(869)
Price: Expensive
• French • U Street Corridor
Booked 22 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 FIG & OLIVE DC restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2696)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
FIG & OLIVE DC in the bustling heart of Washington, DC, offers a taste of the Mediterranean that is as authentic as it is delightful. Nestled in CityCenter, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, praised for its "excellent Mediterranean cuisine" and an ambiance that transports you straight to the French Riviera. Guests rave about the "fresh ingredients" and the masterful way in which "the authentic flavors of each dish" are brought out. From the highly recommended wild mushroom croquettes to the beautifully balanced salade nicoise, every dish is a testament to Mediterranean culinary traditions. The consistent mentions of attentive service and a "lovely atmosphere" only enhance the dining experience, making FIG & OLIVE DC a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Mediterranean cuisine in the capital city.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Liliana
    New York City •6 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This restaurant is inside a huge hotel, very lively and with a decent menu. The service was outstanding and our food was super. I fully recommend it
    More info
    Cafe Du ParcPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown
    4.4
  • NedraVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •161 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    One of our best dining experiences ever - and we go out alot. Just what you want from a restaurant. The food was outrageously good. Everything ! Presented beautifully. Not rushed. The service was outstanding. James was the ultimate grand server. There when needed. Explained everything. The physical space was interesting - could see the kitchen. And it was relatively quiet !! Justin - the manager - was super helpful with wine suggestions , and he generated a warm welcome when we entered. The concept of sharing enhanced the experience with our friends. And did I mention the food was super good. We will be raving about this place to everyone we know. A true grand dining experience ! Thanks to all that made that happen.
    More info
    Petite CerisePrice: Expensive• French• Mount Vernon Square
    4.7
  • ToriVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    From the moment I stepped into La Grande Boucherie I felt welcomed. The ambiance of the restaurant is so enchanting from the decor to the professionalism of the staff. I arrived alone waiting for the rest of my party to join and still felt attended to and was sat. Our server, Christopher immediately greeting me with water and recommendations of the menu. Once my friend joined me my experience really took off. I was guided through the menu with the best cocktails and appetizers to start. We went with the bottomless bubbles . After the first mimosa you could tell the juice was fresh and the champagne crisp. We followed with a lobster bisque that you could tell upon the first spoonful it was full of marinated seafood stock flavor. The bread that they brought to the table with salted butter complimented it so well as if it was necessary considering the soup came with a fresh croissant . I’ll probably be dreaming of the soup tomorrow. We enjoyed the Wagyu Carpaccio which was well balanced with the rich marble of the wagyu and the saltiness of the capers on the plate. I was reaching a point of fullness and then my entree came out. I opted for a classic, Eggs Benedict, not being a huge fan of eggs I appreciate a well crafted Hollandaise, and that is exactly what I got. The English muffin tasted fresh and the Canadian bacon thinly sliced with the perfect balance of saltiness to pair with the best poarched egg. We finished our meal with a Lemon Sorbet unable to fully commit to a big dessert but even the simplicity of the 3 scoops absolutely exceeded my expectations. A perfect finisher to a meal I’ll probably be talking about for the next few weeks. I am so excited to continue to recommend this restaurant to my friends and traveling family. A truly picturesque experience where I don’t have to worry about the service or the food matching the high standards of what is seen online. They truly deliver.
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
    4.4
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Dec 2024
    The food was excellent and better than I expected. The restaurant has a casual elegance. I will return.
    More info
    Michele’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• West Loop
    4.3
  • David
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 11 Dec 2024
    Opaline is a great choice if you want a lively after-work spot to meet. Tile floor and otherwise hard surfaces make the noise level pretty high. Bit of an own goal on my part for making a reservation to meet my sister and her husband for dinner here, as the restaurant wasn't really suited to a quiet evening of conversation. (It says "Bar" right there in the name, so I guess Reading is Fundamental.) We actually considered going somewhere else but glad we stayed because the food and service were both quite good. A fresh take on Caesar salad, a delicious just-right pappardelle perfect for a cold evening and a lovely dark chocolate cake for dessert.
    More info
    Opaline Bar and BrasseriePrice: Moderate• French• Downtown
    4.3

Discover best French restaurants in Downtown

Discover the essence of French cuisine in the bustling heart of Washington, D.C., Downtown District of Columbia. This area is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, offering a range of French dining experiences that cater to all palates, from classic dishes to contemporary interpretations. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering authentic French flavors, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that transports diners straight to the streets of Paris. Patrons can expect expertly crafted menus featuring specialties like foie gras, cassoulet, and exquisite seafood, highlighting the culinary expertise and innovation that these establishments bring to the table. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely meal on a quaint patio or indulging in a sophisticated indoor setting, the French restaurants in Downtown D.C. promise a memorable dining experience. Perfect for both casual outings and special occasions, these venues consistently receive high praise for both their food and ambiance, ensuring every visit is uniquely delightful. Join us downtown for a taste of France, where every meal is a celebration of rich flavors and culinary artistry.

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