Best Traditional French Restaurants in Downtown

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Opaline Bar and Brasserie restaurant

1. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

4.3

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Downtown

Booked 11 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.

2. Cafe Du Parc

4.4

Awesome(2562)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Downtown

Booked 32 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.

3. La Piquette

4.8

Exceptional(2941)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Cleveland Park

Booked 12 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. La Chaumiere

4.8

Exceptional(4829)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Georgetown

Booked 21 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 Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar restaurant

5. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

4.9

Exceptional(2636)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Georgetown

Booked 18 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 Bistro Du Jour District Wharf restaurant

6. Bistro Du Jour District Wharf

4.5

Awesome(564)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 18 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 Rosemary Bistro Cafe restaurant

7. Rosemary Bistro Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(519)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Friendship Heights

Booked 10 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.

8. La Cote D'Or

4.7

Exceptional(1905)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Arlington

Booked 2 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.

‘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 Downtown

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

2. Cafe Du Parc

3. La Piquette

4. La Chaumiere

5. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

6. Bistro Du Jour District Wharf

7. Rosemary Bistro Cafe

8. La Cote D'Or

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