Best French Restaurants in Clinton

Just a short and scenic drive from DC, Bastille is an absolute must-visit for lovers of French cuisine and thoughtful hospitality. From the moment we arrived for dinner, it was clear that this is a restaurant where passion for food and wine is at the heart of everything they do. Our experience began with expertly crafted martinis and Aaron's "kitchen sink" whiskey sours, followed by a beautiful progression of drinks that perfectly complemented our meal. The food was just as impressive, with highlights like the beet salad, shrimp fritters, duck breast, and steak frites—each dish thoughtfully prepared and beautifully executed. We loved the soup du'jour and the french onion was perfect. We tried several desserts which were all wonderful, favorites being the pavlova aux agrées and profiteroles, which were beautiful and delicious. Service was exceptional. Aaron and Juan provided fantastic recommendations—not just for the restaurant, but also for the rest of our time in DC. Juan also took the time to speak with us about some dishes and wines, demonstrating a level of care and knowledge that elevated our entire experience. It was particularly special to hear about Bastille’s commitment to working with small producers and family-owned vineyards, a detail that made our meal feel even more intentional and meaningful. Regular events and a welcoming atmosphere make Bastille a place I wish I could visit more often. Unfortunately, I don’t live in the area—but every time I return, this will be at the top of my list. If you’re anywhere near DC or Alexandria, do yourself a favor and make a reservation. You won’t regret it!

Nice spot for a business lunch! Beautiful space and friendly staff. Food was delicious!

Service was great. Friendly, professional server and host. The food and drinks were wonderful but the dessert was not good at all. The cake was very dry and stale. Flavorless. Everything else was amazing though. We enjoyed ourselves, thank you!

Great servers and receptionist! We will be back soon.

Wonderful experience - best Tea we have ever been to - and we go to many each year for birthdays - ambience, food, service - top notch!! Excited to go back!!