Grab a Bite at The Crème De La Crème of French Dining in Washington D.C.

Yes! Many of us dream of taking a trip to France once in our lifetime. The history! The food! The historic landmarks! The art! Did we mention the wine! Sadly, some of us may never get a chance to cross the Atlantic to experience the culture and popular cuisines of this part of the world. However, all hope is not lost. Washington D.C. has a couple of restaurants that will take you all the way to France and dine like the French just like you have wanted to.

From casual neighborhood spots that serve honest brasserie favorites to upscale joints that prepared more refined, special, and occasional cuisine, D.C. has something to offer French cuisine lovers. Here are the best French restaurants in Washington.

When you visit the nation’s capital, ensure your friend enjoys an unforgettable meal at one of these French spots. You can ensure they have as much fun as possible by surprising them with a virtual GiftYa card. In a matter of seconds, you can send your friend the gift card to visit their favorite restaurant. With all these great restaurants to explore in D.C., we really think that a GiftYa electronic card would be a perfect gift for your trip to a French restaurant in the nation’s capital today!

Le Diplomate

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 lediplomatedc.com

Bustling brasserie popular for serving French cuisine and great wine pairings!

Indulging in some French fare sounds like a great plan and there’s no better place to enjoy that and more than at Le Diplomate. This bistro pays sincere homage to a French-themed café culture that provides a cozy, versatile gathering spot that has become one of the favorites for Washingtonians.

Le Diplomate recreates the beautiful experience of the typical Parisian café offering not just its delicious food but also the extremely unique décor and ambiance. But you will find far more than flaky croissants and café au lait. Their incredibly extensive menu for brunch, weekday lunch, and dinner, has made it a go-to spot for most locals and visitors here.

Try some classics like the steak frites, onion soup gratinee, and escargots, or go for daily plates like cassoulet or bouillabaisse. Still on the menu, you can also enjoy other delicious takes such as roasted sea scallops, mushroom tart, ricotta ravioli, including savory desserts and sides to enjoy with your meal. A thoughtfully curated and selected wine list and specialty cocktails are also available to complete the dining experience.

Bistrot Du Coin

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 bistrotducoin.com

Try some slow-cooked mussels by the bucket and other French and Belgian classics at this French eatery!

Most of us aren’t going to be visiting Paris anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find something delicious to enjoy in D.C. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy French cuisine, then you should head down to Bistrot Du Coin.

The noisy French eatery located in the DuPont circle serves authentic fare prepared by French native chefs, in a no-frills setting with checkered table cloths and an attentive service.

The menu is quite extensive with typical French dishes such as Blanquette de Veau (veal stew in a light creamy sauce with mushrooms, onions, and rice), Moules Marinieres (steamed mussels in white wine onions, garlic, shallots, and parsley), Boeuf Bourguignon, and more. Chef’s special, such as seared shrimp and asparagus veloute with trout are available to enjoy. You will also find tasteful appetizers such as French onion soup, Foie Gras, escargots, or homemade savory French desserts such as Mousse au Chocolat, Foundant au Chocolat, and Crème Brulee.

While you’re there, don’t forget to try out their glass or bottle from the extensive wine list to enjoy along with your meal.

Primrose

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017 primrosedc.com

Charming Parisian-themed restaurant offering French fare and garlic classics!

If you want to enjoy a tasty French meal in a cool environment with amazingly beautiful ostrich-feathered chandeliers, a patterned ceiling, and weathered teal walls, then you should visit Primrose. Located in Brookland, this French-inspired restaurant offers everything from casual brunch to delicious dinners options as well as wines to make a great dining experience.

With the excitement that comes with trying a new French restaurant, you should be familiar with some of the dishes served. On the menu, you will find brunch options such as French toast, chicken hash, smoked salmon eggs benny, veggie omelets as well as shrimps and grits. Dinner options include slow-cooked chicken, crispy goat, bistro steak, seared scallops, mushroom, gnocchi, and Primrose burgers and frites.

Primrose also serves a lot of wine options by glasses and bottles, so make sure you try them out today!

Convivial

801 O St NW, Washington, DC 20001 convivialdc.com

Neighborhood bistro known for creative French-American dishes and craft cocktails!

A fan favorite located in the Shaw neighborhood, Convivial is an exquisite French restaurant that excels in all areas, especially in its food and drinks. Since it opened its door in 2015, Chef Cedric has been serving only the best of French-American dishes that have made Washingtonians fall in love with this place.

Apart from his buttery escargot, the whole menu is something to explore. Get your taste buds in check and explore favorites such as French onion soup gratinee, fried chicken sandwiches, cheese served with fig jam, almonds, and baguette, as well as the Duck Paella a la Francaise - a special dish for two that include pan-seared foie gras, Muscovy duck, roasted breast aiguillettes, baby turnips, and confit duck leg.

If you’re craving something lighter, go ahead and try their savory desserts especially the peach melba panna cotta with poached peach, chocolate crumble, and raspberry coulis. Although the eatery is distinctly French at dinner, diners can enjoy “Brunch Americaine” on weekends. Come in during happy hour and enjoy delicious snacks and signature cocktails, wines, and craft beers!

La Piquette

3714 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016 lapiquettedc.com

Enjoy delicious French classics and wines on the chalkboard menu at this convivial Gallic-themed bistro!

Exploring a new restaurant especially in the nation’s capital is hard work. But you should find a perfect place to relax and try amazing French cuisine at La Piquette. This bistro presents an authentic atmosphere just the way you want it to be – simple, fun, and delicious.

Here, executive Chef Francis Layrle presents an extensive menu of simple, but excellent French bistro fare. They offer plenty of options for brunch, lunch, dinner, and an extensive selection and house cocktails to enjoy. The escargots are sheer perfection, as is the steak tartare. The beef tartar and frites are also excellent, but the prime sirloin steak and grilled Norwegian salmon are also incredibly done and really show off the actual prowess of the team here.

If you’re around, be sure to come here regularly and enjoy steak frites, Duck Confit, and Canale. Don’t forget to grab a drink to enjoy with your main meal.

Bistro Cacao

316 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 bistrocacao.com

Upscale French bistro popular for serving authentic French cuisines that make up a romantic destination for Washingtonians!

Want to enjoy a hidden gem restaurant know for serving authentic French dishes? Then we think Bistro Cacao is your favorite spot.  This townhouse that rocks an antique décor and curtained booths have been serving modern French dishes to locals since 2009.

Before you start the day, stop by and savor the selections on their brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Offering an extensive French indulgence with a contemporary flair, diners are sure to find something delicious here to keep coming back for another visit.

Curious to know what’s on the menu? Well, there is plenty to enjoy with options such as egg benedict, mushroom ravioli, steak eggs, sandwiches, and sweets for brunch. If you want something a little heavy, go ahead and try steak tartare, pan-seared tuna, grilled salmon with red pearl onion confit, or the steak frites with caramelized shallots, Pommes frits, and red wine jus.  

Signature cocktails, crafted beer, wine by the glass, and champagnes are also available during happy hour to enjoy. Be sure to try them out!

Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

1736 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 bistrotlepic.com

Rustic spot offering traditional French cuisine downstairs and an extensive wine selection upstairs!

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a date night, then Bistrot Lepic located in Georgetown is the perfect place to go. This neighborhood spot is known for its fine food, relaxing surroundings, and ebullient service which has captured the attention of locals and tourists across the world.

The restaurant is cozy and a little bit old school but not stuffy. That said, you can expect to find lots of interesting classics on the menu with options such as soups, terrines, foie gras, a delicious onion tart, salads, and some excellent entrees that you may not find in other restaurants. Still on the menu, you will find spectacular beef medallions, veal kidneys, vegetarian risotto, duck leg confit, calf with capers, and much more.

The wine selection is truly swoon-worthy with over 100 bottles to choose from. There are also wines by the glass to enjoy with friends. Don’t leave without trying out their savory desserts.

There’s something about French dishes that make them unique and a favorite to many. If you’re in D.C., you don’t have to fly all the way to France to enjoy these delicious cuisines. These popular French spots will surely cater to your needs and ensure you enjoy tons of French cuisines and drinks too. So, which French restaurant do you plan on touring next? Let us know in the comments!