Best Bistros in Bethesda

16 restaurants available nearby

1. La Piquette

4.9

Exceptional(2918)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Cleveland Park

Booked 27 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.

2. District Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(44)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Kensington

Booked 6 times today

District Bistro in Kensington Silver Spring is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, where Chef Pedro Matamoros showcases his culinary prowess honed over 30 years. Known for sourcing high-quality, local ingredients from Pennsylvania farm co-ops and creameries, the restaurant specializes in dishes that celebrate the essence of American cooking with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the menu's creativity and quality, with reviews highlighting the "delicious lentil hummus," "perfectly cooked steak frites," and the "superb rockfish." The atmosphere is described as "pleasant" and "modern," ideal for enjoying "classic handcrafted cocktails" alongside freshly prepared meals. District Bistro not only promises a delightful dining experience but also a taste of the local community spirit and culinary innovation.

3. Et Voila

4.8

Exceptional(3847)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Palisades Northwest

Booked 61 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.

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose restaurant

4. Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose

4.5

Awesome(655)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • North Bethesda

Booked 52 times today

Caruso's Grocery in North Bethesda stands out as a beacon of bistro excellence, bringing an authentic slice of Italian-American nostalgia to the area. Patrons frequently rave about the "best Chicken Parm I’ve had" and the "delicious and filling" chicken parm sliders. The atmosphere is described as cozy and reminiscent of classic red sauce joints, complete with Sinatra tunes and vintage decor that charms every visitor. Diners consistently celebrate the quality of the meals, with one noting the food was "EXTREMELY DELICIOUS," while the service is highlighted as both fun and professional. It’s clear Caruso’s Grocery is a must-visit for those seeking a top-notch bistro experience with a delightful Italian twist.

5. Claudio's Table

4.7

Exceptional(261)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Palisades Northwest

Booked 34 times today

Claudio's Table is a gem nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Palisades Northwest, Washington, where Chef Claudio Pirollo's passion for blending Italian and Belgian influences shines through each dish. This restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional Bistro cuisine, offering a cozy yet sophisticated vibe that mirrors a traditional Italian trattoria with a French twist. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with reviews highlighting the "best tiramisu" and "pasta cooked to perfection." The Bistecca special and thoughtfully curated wine selection are just a glimpse of the culinary excellence found here. Claudio's Table remains a vibrant neighborhood favorite, where each meal is a testament to Chef Pirollo's dedication to fresh, local ingredients and delectable family specialties. Perfect for those seeking a spectacular dining experience, it’s no wonder guests are quick to plan their next visit.

A photo of Pinstripes - Bethesda restaurant

6. Pinstripes - Bethesda

4.4

Awesome(224)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • North Bethesda

Booked 2 times today

At Pinstripes in North Bethesda, the essence of a classic Bistro is elevated with an Italian-American twist, creating a vibrant dining scene that's both sophisticated and fun. Known for its scratch-made cuisine, Pinstripes serves up a tantalizing array of dishes that blend traditional bistro flair with modern culinary creativity. Guests rave about the "delicious food and many different options on the menu," highlighting the quality and variety that set this bistro apart. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner to a lively celebration, making every visit memorable. With glowing reviews about the "phenomenal experience" and "attentive service," Pinstripes truly stands out as a top choice for bistro lovers looking for authenticity and excellence in North Bethesda.

A photo of Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar restaurant

7. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

4.9

Exceptional(2616)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • 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.

8. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2933)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Georgetown

Booked 71 times today

Chez Billy Sud, nestled in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington, D.C., is renowned for its authentic Wine Bar, Bar à Vin. This charming spot stands out for its "great wine selection" and has been hailed for its "great advice re what to order," ensuring a perfectly paired wine experience with every meal. Visitors frequently rave about the ambiance and the exceptional food, but it is the wine that completes the dining experience, offering "good value propositions in terms of wine" that beautifully complement the classic French fare. Whether you are a wine aficionado or a casual drinker, Chez Billy Sud’s Wine Bar offers a cozy getaway to indulge in a meticulously curated wine list that promises to enhance your meal and elevate your evening.

9. Maison Cheryl

4.4

Awesome(485)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Arlington

Booked 18 times 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. Cafe Colline

4.8

Exceptional(830)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Arlington

Booked 38 times today

Cafe Colline in Arlington, VA, is a delightful treasure for Bistro cuisine enthusiasts. Cheered for its "excellent food and impeccable service" by patrons, this cozy French-inspired cafe offers a culinary experience that transports diners straight to Paris without leaving Virginia. The authenticity of dishes like the seared sea bass and the classic duck confit is frequently highlighted in glowing reviews. Diners rave about the "fresh from the pan" entrees and the "not overly heavy" desserts like pot de creme, making every meal a sumptuous feast. With ingredients always "perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection," Cafe Colline stands out as a gem in Arlington's dining scene, promising a consistently delightful dining experience that keeps guests returning.

‘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

R
Richard
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food and service was very good, I would have rated higher but I don’t like having my tip determined for me, also feel they can do better than tap water and canned soda.
More info
Caruso's Grocery - Pike & RosePrice: Expensive• Italian• North Bethesda
•
4.5
A
Amyvip
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was great and food was wonderful . Love the neighborhood feeling
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La PiquettePrice: Expensive• French• Cleveland Park
•
4.9
P
Pamvip
Washington, D.C. Area •91 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A group of 4 wanted to split a lot of our lunch choices...plus the checks. No problem. Not only were they accommodating of all of that, our choices came to us already split. Not all restaurants would do that. Staff is charming and knowledgeable. Prices are good. Et Viola is one of my go-to restaurants for good reason. We had mussels, salads and French Onion soup by the way.
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Et VoilaPrice: Expensive• French• Palisades Northwest
•
4.8
C
Christine
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Clean and comfortable. Delicious, fresh pasta. Welcoming staff that are very attentive.
More info
Claudio's TablePrice: Moderate• Italian• Palisades Northwest
•
4.7
J
Joelvip
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This was such an unexpected win for us. We usually have to travel to Pike and Rose for fine dining options near us. The restaurant is beautiful and the service was amazing. Family-friendly.
More info
District BistroPrice: Moderate• Bistro• Kensington
•
4.7

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Best Bistros in Bethesda

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. La Piquette

2. District Bistro

3. Et Voila

4. Caruso's Grocery - Pike & Rose

5. Claudio's Table

6. Pinstripes - Bethesda

7. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

8. Chez Billy Sud

9. Maison Cheryl

10. Cafe Colline

See what locals rave about

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