Bistro Francais - Permanently Closed

This is elevated, classic French food with subtle touches of innovation that elevate it to a whole different level compared to other French restaurants in DC. Porcini and shiitake risotto with black garlic, just perfectly bruleed oysters covered in bone marrow butter, tuna tartarre with tarragon aioli, a hearty cassoulet toulosain with that unbelievable armagnac duck sausage and white beans, it was all fantastic, not to mention the beautiful ambience and excellent service. Le Sel is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Dupont Circle.

I recently visited this restaurant with my family for a vacation and I cannot say enough good things about the food, service, atmosphere and especially the staff! Every aspect of the experience was a positive one. Overall it was 10/10!!! We stayed at the connected hotel and ate breakfast there every morning and the staff took great care of us and even learned our diet preferences. Ricardo took good care of us during our stay. We even got free champagne for my sister in laws birthday! It made our first time in DC a memorable and special one. 🤩

I have come past here once or twice before, for dinner and even the new years party! (They had all the new years gear and the roof top event was LIT ! Great way to bring in the new years or any event really!) I've always meant to leave a review because WOW ! From coming through the front doors, down to the host, service, demolishing different appetizers and entrees (bc I am a foodie, through and through) , and lastly the amazing engagement by management. It has been a breath taking experience each step, bite, care and conversation of the way ! My bartender Kirsten shook and stirred the best drinks I've had in a minute, and I'm a stickler for a good drink 🥴 and was very personable. The food was amazing ! From the steak tartare, the octopus, and a delicious ribeye steak ! ( Cooked to medium rare perfection). The manager (I forgot her name ... I believe it was Mariana) was attentive to everyone around (guest, staff, and the overall environment) which was refreshing to see! I love every minute I come here and will be coming back !

Ricardo is a fantastic server. I was there for my birthday and he gifted a birthday dessert and two champagne. Great experience and vibe, would recommend this place for special occasion.

Wosene was a great server! The staff was very friendly and accommodating. My favorite items were the Pain Perdu and blueberry smash! I would definitely come back with a group.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at LeSel, and I must say it exceeded all my expectations. Typically, my experiences with hotel-affiliated restaurants have been less than stellar, but LeSel is a fantastic exception. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance was inviting and elegant, creating a perfect setting for a memorable meal. The atmosphere combined with the beautifully presented dishes made for an exceptional dining experience. Our server, Malcolm, deserves special mention. He was incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that our every need was met with a smile. His warm demeanor and professionalism added a personal touch that truly enhanced our visit. As for the food, it was nothing short of amazing. We ordered the salmon and the American breakfast, and both dishes were a hit with everyone in our party. The salmon was cooked to perfection, and the breakfast was hearty and satisfying. Each bite was a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to quality. In conclusion, LeSel stands out as a shining example of what a hotel-affiliated restaurant can achieve. With its delightful ambiance, superb food, and outstanding service, it has set a new standard for my dining experiences. I highly recommend LeSel for anyone looking to enjoy a top-notch meal.

5/5 would recommend. Food was impeccable, service was great also. I would not miss it simply because it’s part of the hotel. They have indoor/outdoor combination French bistro style seating which was perfect for a dry, sunny summer night in DC. Would recommend les escargots, and chocolate tart - both phenomenal.

This restaurant is simply fantastic! The food is excellent, and our waiter (Mycalle) & Chef Laurent could not have done a better job. We sampled the prawn & escargot appetizers, the scallops & boneless chicken thigh entrees, and the crème brûlée. All five items exceeded expectations. We were also treated to a (Kimpton loyalists’ ‘Chefs Taste’ warm-up) Fresh Garden Tartine by M. Laurent personally. Can’t wait to return and try more!!! You’re going to love it!

The food was absolutely incredible and our server, Ricardo, was a gem. He kept us entertained throughout the evening with funny stories and wonderful drinks. Everything we ordered on the menu was delicious as well. Highly recommend!

I reserved a table at this resturant for our 9 year anniversary. My spouse loves a great French cuisine so this place was a no brainer but a new experience. If you are looking for an environment that is non bias, welcomes you with open arms, is very accommodating to the customer with a family and friendly atmosphere look no more. I celebrated my wedding aniversary here, made some new friends in one day and enjoyed the food, staff and atmosphere. This place is very nice. We were very fortunate to converse with the chef and general manager about the menu and history of the hotel and food. Great experience. Dont take my word for it or by reading this review. Go try it out yourself and go create your own wonderful experience like we did on our wedding anniversary! We will definitely return because of the family and friendly atmosphere and also the great.food created by the chef and the amazing atmosphere demanded by the general manager Abass. Please ask for him you will not regret it. You will regret if you do not meet him and the chef. What a great team and full showcase of commaraderie!

I had a fantastic experience at Le Sel. The desert was amazing. Our server, Ricardo, was outstanding—he even brought us bug spray when we needed it! He was funny, friendly, and made our evening even more enjoyable. I highly recommend Le Sel and can’t wait to go back!

Server Aaron was great! I enjoy seeing what the food looks like and he had photos on his phone of the dishes which was very helpful. Food came out quickly. Small portions yet very delicious!

Ricardo took the best care of me :) this place is super mellow and good vibes with really delicious food. Cozy and warm lit. one of the best steak frites I've had in a while. Would recommend it for a hot date if you live in the city but also amazing if you’re traveling through dc with a canine as you can have dinner outside just steps from your room without compromising a lovely city restaurant experience. 10/10.

Genuinely one of the best meals I’ve had after 2 years living in DC. Juan was an excellent server who helped with my allergy needs. The cassoulet was an instant favorite, as was the baked Brie. We came to celebrate and were glad we did!

The mezcal negroni was incredible and oysters fresh and delicious. Service was impeccable, friendly, and engaged. Juan was wonderful and highly recommend getting a table served by him!

What a quaint little gem newr DuPont circle! Inside of the Kimpton Bannekar, I had an delectable coq au vin, a little wine tasting so I might know what would pair best with my dish, and an incredible creme brulee with strawberry granite and matcha powder. Having a gluten intolerance, the staff was so attentive in answering my questions and making sure the kitchen knew of my restrictions. Aside from that, the staff is kind and energetic, and the ambience a little sweet. You feel tucked away into your own little French bistro.

Great restaurant and especially the service by Juan. Very friendly, always made sure I was taken care of. Exactly what I needed after a long flight from California. The food and ambiance is spectacular as well. .

I had such a great time at Le Sel! I ordered drinks with Lex and she was amazing. Service was great. Would absolutely recommend coming back for a nice dinner or drinks with friends before going out.

Hubby & I stopped here for a quick night cap on a late Friday night & we enjoyed the quiet lounge vibes & excellent service. The bartender (also our server) made our drinks custom to our respective taste preferences, which were superbly made.

Came for breakfast/ brunch , everything was great from the start. Malcom was more than welcoming and catering. Great service, vibe and food. Definitely would come back

The food was outstanding and Warren was an awesome server! He was incredibly courteous, responsive to our needs, and creative when presented with some unanticipated situations. We were celebrating birthdays and when they would not let us serve the cake we brought, management was kind enough to provide some free desserts. Overall, a great experience!

Delicious food! Great burguer and steak &frites! Excellent service and ambience. Ricardo is a great host! Thanks! We will be back!

We visited Kimpton and Le Sel today. The bartender Oscar is truly amazing! Will definitely come back again!

Amazing dinner made even better with service from Helen. She went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our meal and that all needs were met despite walking in around closing. Not once did my dad or I feel rushed her service made the amazing food taste even better, looking forward to coming again!

Had an awesome dinner at Le Sel this week. Everything from the escargot to the steak frites to the onion soup and hamburger was top quality. The branzino was especially appetizing. Helen provided excellent service. Highly recommend!

Enjoyed dinner with Helen as our server. Escargot was lovely (needed to ask for a little folk to get the buggers out!) my husband enjoyed the mussels. They came in a rich smoky/masculine broth. Both came with bread. French onion 🧅soup was yummy. Through your base was excellent but a little smaller than he expected. Love the comfortable and spacious seating. Would definitely recommend and return.

We ordered the French Onion soup, and it was the very best we ever had. Ricardo was superb and very helpful. He explained everything and was very attentive to our order. We also had the escargot and the branzini, and both were outstanding. The escargot was done to perfection, and the spinach added a nice touch of flavor. The branzini was scrumptious, especially since I had never had this fish before. An extra added touch was there were no bones. I hate having to deal with bones! So, that was a huge added plus to the meal. It is well worth the price for the meal and they look after your every need. For dessert, we had creme brulee, which was the crowning touch for our 50th anniversary. By far, it is the best restaurant we have gone to. Wish I had found this place sooner.

The whole place was very beautiful with great atmosphere! The trout was good but slightly too salty for the duck breast, everything else was great! Specifically the escargot and drinks~dessert was perfect!

This is one of the better DC food experiences I have had but I am a bit confused with the ambiance of the place in general. Find out why?! From the looks of it Le Sel gives of old bougie American Diner vibe but the food tells a different story. The food doesn’t really go with the ambiance of this place but the chef @ Le Sel definitely know what they are doing. The ousters appetizer was remarkable. So much added flavor brought that slurp *clears throat* to life. Yes it is a slurp sound, stop complaining. Grilled Octopus was perfect and just giving you so many flavor profiles. I would like to give the chef 10/10 just for how well this was cooked. My last dish was duck over lentils and this was amazing. I could not imagine masoor lentils tasting so well with the duck. 10/10 for creativity. Portions were small though. A big boy like me has a big stomach and that stomach wasn’t half full. Service was top notch. The servers also get 10/10 Over all a really good food experience. Confused ambiance. 4.4 out of 5 I had to stop at Taco Bell after this…

Food was absolutely delicious. The pork belly is a must, as it is the creme brûlée. The staff is really friendly and helpful. They have a good selection of wines and cocktails. They prepared an amazing good non-alcoholic cocktail for my boyfriend. The reason why I don't give 5 stars is because the ambiance was not the best. There was one table with very noisy and loud people that made it almost impossible to listen to each other and enjoy a nice conversation. I guess we just had bad luck that night with the neighbors we had. Hopefully the ambiance will be much nicer next time we go.

Very average food, or I was unlucky. French onion soup was below average - over-salted, bread was dry inside, and cheese was all white, melted, but not tanned, I doubt they heated it up in the oven. Looked more like a microwave, or really undercooked in the oven. Duck breast confit: I was not asked how I want it cooked. On the plate it was random, mainly well done. Plate also contained foie gras, which was noted in the description, however, also pieces of other parts of duck, which were definitely not freshly cooked and re-heated, and not mentioned in the plate description in the menu. Disappointing. The only really nice plate was the creme brûlée. Very recommended. However, I wouldn’t go again.

This was really a disappointing meal and experience But the location is nice with outdoor seating

We went here to try the food out of curiosity of the hight rating. We book a table at 7:00pm, when I arrived have to wait 10’ standing at their entrance without anyone to put me on a seat ( the restaurant is almost empty) Then We ordered the cassoulet as many recommended on the reviews, steak & salad. The cassoulets is too salty that give me headache, it doesnt worth the price for the food and the services. Would not recomended.

Small portions that were expensive but not offset by markedly higher quality. The seasonal cocktail was nice. The cheese platter had three very small slices of cheese. The baguette was only six thin slices with a bit of butter, although the selection of salts was nice. The desserts were good, but not great, and only two were offered . The signature cassoulet that is so prominently displayed in their advertising wasn’t on the menu. We had hoped to get a Parisian style meal, but this wasn’t it.

This place needs some serious work in all departments. I went for dinner here despite the multiple negative reviews. The service was pretty bad and so slow. I got up twice to ask them to clear. We had a reservation for 7 pm and left at 9:30. We were not trying to wine and dine this long but everything took forever. The dishes they just changed on the menu are winter dishes but served in the summer? The muscles had absolutely no flavor and were very cold. The manager tried to save the meal and he was super nice. However he can’t fix the whole restaurant. As it is, I would not recommend dining here.

We came on a Saturday night. The restaurant was pretty dead, very few people seated. It took 40 minutes to get bread and butter for the table, then about 10-15 minutes before our onion soup came out after that. Ordered medium steak, came out as rare. Then sat for 15-20 minutes without seeing wait staff before we could ask to have the steak sent back. Probably one of the worst espresso martinis I’ve ever had as well. Overall, the food was good, but this was far overshadowed by abysmal service. Wouldn’t recommend this restaurant to anyone I liked.

Visited on a Sunday evening for dinner. Overall, too expensive for what you get in terms of service and food. From the start the service was very cold and unwelcoming. We ordered a cheese plate that was served with 5 slices of bread for a table of three - barely enough for the cheese. We ordered a wine bottle that was dated 2016. When the bottle was brought to the table it was a 2022. No price adjustment - same price. Food was okay with some of the dishes having a high probability of not being prepared at the restaurant. Save your money and go elsewhere.

Booked a reservation for bar seating. Upon arrival, several staff members were standing around, yet it still took 10 minutes to seat us—even though the restaurant had fewer than 15 people inside. When the hostess finally brought us to our table, we were told there was no bar seating available. Instead, we were placed in a booth, where we waited another 5 minutes without anyone acknowledging us. At that point, we decided to leave. I can’t comment on the food since we never got that far, but if the service we experienced is any indication, it doesn’t inspire confidence. Not impressed.

Rude and unprofessional staff. I asked staff for directions and left for the bathroom briefly. Came back to my food and drinks gone. I then inquired to which staff responded with an attitude “You’ll need to let bar tender know next time” (as if they are my manager). Then waiter ignored my eye contact for so long that I had to raise my hand and explicitly call them for the check. Although there is a 15% discount for hotel guests, they said it doesn’t apply for Valentine’s day, which later admitted that it is still available for a la carte, only after I inquired further. Customers sitting nearby were very upset looking at what happened to me. I relayed this feedback to the manager, which responded politely but didn’t offer any additional discounts.

Walked into the restaurant and there was no host. Had to stand in the middle of the restaurant for a few minutes for a waiter to come up and finally ask me if I would like a table. The place was had maybe 3 or 4 tables going and 20 tables open. He wouldn’t sit me at a table with a couch back in case a big group came in. There were 5 tables like the one I wanted available. He sits me instead at another table, brings me water and utensils but no menu. Eventually after 10 minutes I had to ask for the menu. I decided what I wanted right away, put the menu to the side and waited another 10 minutes for someone to take my order. Eventually some staff member walks by and I asked if there was service. She looked confused and said yes but didn’t stop by the table or take my order. Waited another 5 minutes and gave up. As I was leaving and had already gotten up and put on my jacket and was walking out the original waiter comes by and asks me if I would like to order. Went down the street to Mallard. Excellent service. Incredible food. 10/10. Go there instead. Think this restaurant just gets a trapped audience because of the hotel so they don’t have to bother about basics like seating guests, giving them a menu, and taking their order.