Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Penn Quarter

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Michele’s

4.1

Excellent(289)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • West Loop

Booked 1 time 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.

2. Bresca

4.6

Exceptional(855)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • U Street Corridor

Booked 20 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.

3. Cafe Du Parc

4.5

Awesome(2531)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Downtown

Booked 39 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.

4. La Bise

4.7

Exceptional(913)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Downtown

Booked 10 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 Opaline Bar and Brasserie restaurant

5. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

4.4

Awesome(294)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Downtown

Booked 10 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.

6. La Chaumiere

4.9

Exceptional(4796)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Georgetown

Booked 23 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.

7. Et Voila

4.8

Exceptional(3851)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Palisades Northwest

Booked 48 times today

Nestled in the charming Palisades neighborhood of Northwest Washington, Et Voila stands out as a beacon of authentic Belgian cuisine. Under the expert helm of Chef Claudio Pirollo, this cozy bistro has been a favorite for 15 years, blending contemporary Belgian and French flavors that delight diners. Guests rave about the "always great" food, highlighting dishes like mussels in three broths, steak tartare, and the decadent chocolate mousse. The praise extends to the ambiance and service, with one guest noting, "We had a fantastic birthday celebration! Top notch service and excellent food and wine." Et Voila continues to provide an extraordinary dining experience, promising a warm welcome and a menu that's both innovative and true to its Belgian roots, making every visit memorable.

8. Jackie

4.6

Exceptional(159)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Navy Yard

Booked 4 times today

Jackie American Bistro in Navy Yard, Washington, provides a delightful twist on Italian cuisine that leaves diners raving about its "thoughtful and flavorful food" and "impeccable service." The restaurant’s modern American menu, with nods to classic Italian flavors, is crafted using fresh, sustainably-harvested ingredients. Highlights include the short rigatoni, which has been described as fantastic. The ambiance, described as "fancy retro/60s feel," perfectly complements the dining experience. Patrons consistently praise the innovative cocktails and the professional, attentive staff, making Jackie a must-visit for those seeking a unique and exquisite Italian dining experience in the heart of DC.

A photo of Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar restaurant

9. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

4.9

Exceptional(2617)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Georgetown

Booked 15 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.

A photo of Rosemary Bistro Cafe restaurant

10. Rosemary Bistro Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(515)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Friendship Heights

Booked 8 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
debbyvip
Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was really delicious as always. And the owner/ host was very gracious. It was Saturday evening- which was very busy. The server tried his best- but he definitely could have used another staff member to lighten his load. I think it’s very difficult to get enough staff in DC at restaurants now. We enjoyed our meal and plan to return. Highly recommend.
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MatissePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Tenleytown
•
4.8
C
Connor
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had an amazing experience here! We came to celebrate my mom’s birthday and the staff went above and beyond for us! I wish I could remember the servers name because he was amazing! I would definitely come back again!
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Michele’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• West Loop
•
4.1
D
Danavip
Minneapolis - St. Paul •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A consistent stop when we’re in DC, La Chaumiere never fails to please. We dined there two nights in a row since the quality and variety are virtually unmatched in the city. Our waiter Tony was extremely knowledgeable and unfailing gracious as was the entire staff. Watching the choreography of this experienced and expert staff on a busy night brought back memories of how service once was provided in fine restaurants. The food…always excellent. We ate our fill of soufflés and splurged on caviar and champaign in honor of our anniversary. You can’t go wrong with any choice. The prices..very fair for the quality you receive. Thank you for two wonderful nights of memories.
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La ChaumierePrice: Expensive• French• Georgetown
•
4.9
S
Sandra
Washington, D.C. Area •62 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The restaurant has a limited menu but still offers a range of choices. I had the mussels and my friend had the hamburger. Both were quite good. The chocolate/orange mousse we shared for dessert was excellent. There is a nice selection of wines by the glass, which I appreciated. The place is within easy walking distance of the National Theater, and we ate there before the show -- a perfect spot to do so.
More info
Cafe Du ParcPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown
•
4.5

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Penn Quarter

Contemporary french

Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. Michele’s

2. Bresca

3. Cafe Du Parc

4. La Bise

5. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

6. La Chaumiere

7. Et Voila

8. Jackie

9. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

10. Rosemary Bistro Cafe

See what locals rave about

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