Best Contemporary French American Restaurants in Washington

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Opaline Bar and Brasserie restaurant

1. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

4.3

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french american • Downtown

Booked 12 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 Willard Holiday Brunch restaurant

2. Willard Holiday Brunch

4.7

Exceptional(93)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french american • Downtown

Join us at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. for a special Thanksgiving Brunch on Thursday, November 28. You will be seated in the famed Willard and Crystal Ballrooms, the two most iconic rooms in the hotel. Seating will be offered at 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Enjoy this scrumptious presentation of epicurean delights created by Executive Chef Gyo Santa and Willard’s culinary team. This year’s highlights include a Fruit de Mer and Charcuterie & Cheese Displays, a carving station featuring Roasted Herb-Marinated Turkey, Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, and Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon for Thanksgiving, and Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, Baked Ham, and Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb for Christmas, plus all the holiday fixings. $195 per adult | Includes bottomless Mimosas, Bellinis, and Bloody Marys.$85 per child (5-12 years of age)All prices are subject to a 24% service charge and sales tax. Each seating will have a time limit of 2 hours.

3. Michele’s

4.3

Awesome(291)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french american • 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.

4. Bresca

4.7

Exceptional(873)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french american • 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.

5. Brasserie Liberté

4.4

Awesome(2305)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french american • Georgetown

Booked 74 times today

At Brasserie Liberté traditional French meets modern luxury in the heart of Georgetown. Our menu reflects the comfort food of the cuisine served in a cozy and laidback setting.Please note the Fabergé Egg seats 4 guests.

6. Cafe Riggs

4.5

Awesome(161)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french american • Penn Quarter

Booked 4 times today

In the grand tradition of French cuisine, Café Riggs presents a contemporary American brasserie that reimagines classic dishes within a vibrant setting.

7. Station 4

4.1

Excellent(3817)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french american • Waterfront

Booked 19 times today

Station 4 in Washington, DC's vibrant Waterfront neighborhood is a culinary haven for those seeking exceptional Contemporary American cuisine. Known for its creative and modern approach to American dishes, Station 4 consistently delights diners with its "refreshing spring menu" and "vibrant seasonal cocktails." Guests rave about "delicious food" and highlight the "cozy ambiance" that enhances every dining experience. Whether it's for a special celebration or a casual meal, the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence shines through. With accolades like being a "neighborhood gem," Station 4 is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy top-tier American dining in a swanky setting.

8. La Bise

4.7

Exceptional(927)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french american • Downtown

Booked 8 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.

9. Maison Cheryl

4.5

Awesome(491)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french american • Arlington

Booked 1 time 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.

10. Le DeSales

4.7

Exceptional(848)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french american • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

Le DeSales, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Washington, is a beacon for wine enthusiasts seeking an exceptional Wine Bar experience. This cozy and romantic spot boasts a specialized wine list that skillfully includes diverse appellations from Macedonia to Portugal, with a strong emphasis on France, Italy, and California. Patrons rave about the quality of their selection, with one delighted guest noting, "Reserve a table, then enjoy the service, cocktails, an excellent wine selection and menu!" Whether it's for a bustling happy hour or a serene dining experience, Le DeSales offers a sophisticated atmosphere where each wine is chosen with care and expertise, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate fine wines paired with exquisite French/Asian fusion 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

S
SabrinaVIP
New York City •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Outstanding experience in terms of food, service, and ambiance. Definitely to be repeated. However, one small disappointment was the message about a 20% extra to support the salaries of the workers. Why not just pay them a living wage? We can determine the tip. You have excellent service. We would be pleased to pay.
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Brasserie LibertéPrice: Moderate• Contemporary French / American• Georgetown
•
4.4
F
Farah
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a wonderful time at Christmas Brunch. The staff was so welcoming and attentive. We really enjoyed all of the food selections. Thank you for a lovely Christmas.
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Willard Holiday BrunchPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.7
K
Karla
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing. The taste was wonderful, every dish was very good. The wine also is so good. Cocktails are good, but not amazing, presentation of cocktails is quite normal. But the food, attention and wine was so good. I definitely recommend it. The taste the Christmas menu and was so good. And the pasta with cheese for my little one also wonderful
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BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
•
4.7
OT
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.
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Michele’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• West Loop
•
4.3
D
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

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

2. Willard Holiday Brunch

3. Michele’s

4. Bresca

5. Brasserie Liberté

6. Cafe Riggs

7. Station 4

8. La Bise

9. Maison Cheryl

10. Le DeSales

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable