Best French Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

33 restaurants available nearby

1. Fraiche

Price: Expensive

• French • Columbia Heights

Fraiche (French for Fresh) is a fresh take on culinary fusion with inspiration from multiple cultures (including French, Cajun/Southern American, and Caribbean). This is also a fresh take on the historic architecture of the venue, which was once a theater. Fraiche is designed to be a non-pretentious culinary destination with a nod to upscale dining without the stuffiness. The menu is constructed in a way that takes approachable and recognizable food and elevates it, with no flavor left behind! Since the beginning of time, food has brought people together and that is our ultimate goal with this concept.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

2. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.4

Awesome(1302)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 139 times today

Nestled just a block away from the White House at 699 14th Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is a beacon of Steakhouse excellence in Washington D.C. Celebrated for its impeccably cooked steaks, the restaurant offers an exquisite meat program that shines through dishes like the "perfectly cooked and seasoned" steak frites. Patrons often rave about the "amazing" filet mignon au poivre and the Australian ribeye, noting them as "cooked to perfection." The grand Art Nouveau style venue enhances the dining experience, making every meal feel special and elevated. Reviews consistently highlight the stellar service and vibrant atmosphere, making La Grande Boucherie a must-visit for steak lovers in the heart of D.C.

3. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2963)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Georgetown

Booked 58 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.

4. Bresca

4.7

Exceptional(874)

Price: Expensive

• French • U Street Corridor

Booked 31 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. Petite Cerise

4.7

Exceptional(140)

Price: Expensive

• French • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 73 times today

Part neighborhood café, part energetic bistro, Petite Cerise is located in a bright and lively historic corner space in Shaw/Mount Vernon Triangle. Petite Cerise features separate à la carte menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition, Petite Cerise has a Coffee Counter open Tuesday - Friday opening at 8am serving classic coffee and espresso preparations, housemade pastries, and other breakfast items to go or sit down.Dinner offers both an à la carte menu along with a Prix Fixe option. The focus in the evening is to craft unique and innovative dishes utilizing the very best ingredients within the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond skillfully prepared through a French lens.If you decide to join us for a morning coffee, quick mid-day bite, stretch out your lunch over a glass of wine, or gather with friends for an indulgent and creative dinner, we invite you here to celebrate and enjoy.

6. La Chaumiere

4.8

Exceptional(4833)

Price: Expensive

• French • Georgetown

Booked 27 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. La Piquette

4.8

Exceptional(2948)

Price: Expensive

• French • Cleveland Park

Booked 26 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.

8. Et Voila

4.8

Exceptional(3906)

Price: Expensive

• French • Palisades Northwest

Booked 59 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 Medium Rare - Cleveland Park restaurant

9. Medium Rare - Cleveland Park

4.6

Exceptional(2116)

Price: Moderate

• French • Cleveland Park

Booked 50 times today

At Medium Rare in Cleveland Park, Washington, the essence of American cuisine is celebrated with unparalleled flair and a commitment to quality that has consistently earned it the Diner's Choice Award for 12 consecutive years. Known for its exceptional $28.95 prix fixe dining experience, Medium Rare serves up a feast of prime, dry-aged steak and hand-cut fries that leave diners raving about the "perfectly cooked" meat and "delicious" sauce. The glowing reviews highlight not just the food, but the "fun, upbeat atmosphere" and "attentive" service, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the bottomless brunch or the meticulously prepared dinners, Medium Rare is a testament to authentic American dining at its best.

A photo of Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill restaurant

10. Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill

4.7

Exceptional(140)

Price: Moderate

• French • Washington

Booked 19 times today

Bistro du Jour is a Parisian bistro from KNEAD Hospitality + Design. Serving traditional fare like Macaron Au Foie, Croque Madame, Salade Niçoise, French Onion Soup and Steak Frites as well as an extensive selection of bubbly and an exciting list of cocktails and aperitifs.We are open for Breakfast, Weekend Brunch, Lunch, Dinner and Happy Hour.

‘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

C
Claudio
Baltimore / Maryland •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We didn’t know what to expect from Petite Cerise, it was our first time. Dinner was delicious, service was excellent and to be honest I can’t think of a negative thing to say. Prix Fixe menu is the best way to taste different options from the menu and don’t forget to try the Parisian Gnocchi, fantastic!
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Petite CerisePrice: Expensive• French• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Lovely place for lunch!! Food and service were great.
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Chez Billy SudPrice: Very Expensive• French• Georgetown
•
4.8
R
Rima
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We visited La Grande Boucherie during Christmas day. - restaurant looked very festive and cozy. - live music - food 4 stars out of 5. Oysters were amazing. french onion soup was ok, but nothing special. I ate FILET MIGNON and it was really good. My husband had STEAK FRITES and said it was nothing special, not going to eat it next time. For the desert we ordered PROFITEROLES it was tasty and alot! Overall experience was nice, we will come back!
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La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
•
4.4
K
Karla
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days 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

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Columbia Heights / Brightwood

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Best French Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

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33 restaurants available nearby

1. Fraiche

2. La Grande Boucherie - DC

3. Chez Billy Sud

4. Bresca

5. Petite Cerise

6. La Chaumiere

7. La Piquette

8. Et Voila

9. Medium Rare - Cleveland Park

10. Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill

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