Best Traditional French Restaurants in McLean

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Parc de Ville

4.2

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Fairfax

Parc de Ville, nestled in the vibrant Mosaic District of Fairfax, Virginia, is a gem for those seeking authentic French culinary delights. With Chef/Owner Brendan L'Etoile at the helm, the restaurant offers a masterful blend of classic French bistro fare and innovative, less-globalized dishes. Patrons rave about the traditional French onion soup and the succulent duck confit, with one enthusiast noting the food is "extraordinary and on another level of deliciousness." The atmospheric two-tiered dining space and bustling rooftop bar set the scene for a delightful dining experience that brings metropolitan France right to Northern Virginia. Whether it's for the praised Happy Hour or a special dinner, Parc de Ville stands out as a beacon of French cuisine excellence.

2. La Cote D'Or

4.7

Exceptional(1898)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Arlington

Booked 21 times today

This cozy French Restaurant serves only the finest and freshest ingredients each time it prepares an unforgettable meal. This charming spot is tucked away in Arlington East Falls Church. LCD - La Cote d'Or is fitting for a quiet, romantic evening or a casual weeknight meal. The new owner and previous owner of Mediterranee Restaurant, Chef Jacques Imperato, will take care of you to ensure that your dining experience is a great one.

3. La Piquette

4.9

Exceptional(2918)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Cleveland Park

Booked 31 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.

4. Cafe Du Parc

4.5

Awesome(2531)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Downtown

Booked 31 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 Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar restaurant

5. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

4.9

Exceptional(2615)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Georgetown

Booked 21 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.

6. La Chaumiere

4.9

Exceptional(4793)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Georgetown

Booked 38 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 L'Auberge Chez Francois restaurant

7. L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

Exceptional(9215)

Price: Very Expensive

• Traditional french • Great Falls

Booked 56 times today

Welcome to L'Auberge Chez François, our French country inn a short distance from the nation's capital that has captivated visitors for over 66 years. L'Auberge Chez François is the ideal spot to celebrate special moments, private parties, luncheons, weddings, and cooking demonstrations. Our menu is extensive and full of the flavors of Alsace and traditional French cuisine. Excellent food and service, attention to detail, and a casually elegant atmosphere are hallmarks that have made L'Auberge Chez François a Washington favorite! We hope that you will enjoy your visit with us. Should you not see your preferred time to dine with us, please call us at 703-759-3800.

A photo of Bistro Du Jour District Wharf restaurant

8. Bistro Du Jour District Wharf

4.5

Awesome(553)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 27 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)

A photo of Opaline Bar and Brasserie restaurant

9. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

4.4

Awesome(294)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Downtown

Booked 8 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 Rosemary Bistro Cafe restaurant

10. Rosemary Bistro Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(515)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Friendship Heights

Booked 19 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.

‘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.

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Best Traditional French Restaurants in McLean

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Parc de Ville

2. La Cote D'Or

3. La Piquette

4. Cafe Du Parc

5. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

6. La Chaumiere

7. L'Auberge Chez Francois

8. Bistro Du Jour District Wharf

9. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

10. Rosemary Bistro Cafe

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