Best French Restaurants in Penn Quarter

31 restaurants available nearby

1. FIG & OLIVE DC

4.4

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown

Booked 16 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.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

2. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.5

Awesome(1112)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 634 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.

3. Petite Cerise

4.7

Exceptional(124)

Price: Expensive

• French • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 57 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.

4. Cafe Du Parc

4.5

Awesome(2538)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown

Booked 64 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 Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill restaurant

5. Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill

4.7

Exceptional(129)

Price: Moderate

• French • Washington

Booked 28 times today

Bistro du Jour is a Parisian bistro from KNEAD Hospitality + Design. Serving traditional fare like Macaron Au Foie, Croque Madame, Salade Niçoise, French Onion Soup and Steak Frites as well as an extensive selection of bubbly and an exciting list of cocktails and aperitifs.We are open for Breakfast, Weekend Brunch, Lunch, Dinner and Happy Hour.

6. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2945)

Price: Moderate

• French • Georgetown

Booked 74 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.

7. Bresca

4.6

Exceptional(859)

Price: Expensive

• French • U Street Corridor

Booked 23 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.

8. La Bise

4.7

Exceptional(919)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown

Booked 19 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 Bistro Du Jour District Wharf restaurant

9. Bistro Du Jour District Wharf

4.5

Awesome(555)

Price: Moderate

• French • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 28 times today

The way we French ...Bistro Du Jour is an all-day Parisian bistro serving traditional fare like Coq Au Vin, Croque Madame, French Onion Soup, Steak Frites and Duck Confit, as well as an extensive selection of bubbly and an exciting list of cocktails and aperitifs. Open for Breakfast, Weekend Brunch, Lunch and Dinner.Note: We offer full serving dining during Dinner (Daily) and Weekend Brunch only. During Breakfast (Daily) & Lunch (Weekday)

10. La Chaumiere

4.9

Exceptional(4801)

Price: Expensive

• French • Georgetown

Booked 45 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.

‘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

P
Patricia
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Lovely French cafe serving good coffee, pastries, and typical small dishes like moules, rilettes, crepes, omelettes. Ambience is cozy
More info
Petite CerisePrice: Expensive• French• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
M
Marni
Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
First time — Burgers/frites were very good. Salad Verte had the best flavors. French onion soup — excellent. Service was even better. Will return.
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Chez Billy SudPrice: Moderate• French• Georgetown
•
4.8
E
Edward
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Few places exceed expectations set for a newer restaurant but this was my experience on my first dinner at La Grande Boucherie. Filled to capacity for Thanksgiving, the service didn't suffer, the wine list well matched to the menu, and the food was perfectly prepared. The steak melts in your mouth, the French onion soup better than Paris, and oysters fresh, plump, and perfectly chilled. Outstanding. But nothing prepares you for the breathtaking ambiance! The sweeping staircase, magnificent Beaux Arts interior- you might think you're in Paris!
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La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
•
4.5
F
frank
San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
They made our Thanksgiving dinner absolutely delicious and delightful. The prefix menu was paired amazing. The quantity was great. The whole experience was amazing. Our party decided that the experience here was what we wanted for future years.
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FIG & OLIVE DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.4
A
Amanda
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We were very pleasantly surprised with what a gem of a dining experience this was. We selected mostly on location which was very convenient to our hotel. The staff were all very attentive. We had a gluten allergy diner and they not only suggested already gluten free meals but modified a meal (mussels) to be gluten free. They even carry GF bread. All of our meals were quite good from the grilled octopus starter to the Vanilla Napoleon dessert.
More info
Cafe Du ParcPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown
•
4.5

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Best French Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. FIG & OLIVE DC

2. La Grande Boucherie - DC

3. Petite Cerise

4. Cafe Du Parc

5. Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill

6. Chez Billy Sud

7. Bresca

8. La Bise

9. Bistro Du Jour District Wharf

10. La Chaumiere

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