Bistro Cacao

My boyfriend and I visited DC this past weekend and I’m so happy we ate here! Right off the bat, the service is fantastic. We were warmly greeted by staff and immediately taken to a table on the second level. We sat along the wall in comfy chairs in a very intimate setting. Our server had a french accent and she was lovely. I ordered the Lavender French 75 and I’ve never had anything like it! To start, we were given warm bread rolls & butter, and then we shared the mozzarella salad and it was delicious. I decided on the mushroom ravioli and bf got the filet. Both were spectacular! Aside from the amazing display, each dish was rich in flavor and the filet just melted in our mouths. The ravioli could potentially be a bit heavy for some, but they are huge in size and are so tasty! To finish we decided on the creme brûlée trio and WOW, it was delicious! We couldn’t ask for a better meal during our short weekend away. Overall, the price is high but it’s entirely worth it. It’s authentic cuisine backed by exceptional service!

My wife and I went to Bistro Cacao for date night recently and we were pretty impressed. Without a doubt this was one of the most romantic venues we’ve ever eaten in before. From the music to the decor to the rose petals on the table, we loved the detail. I ordered the Salad Cacao and Magret de Canard while my wife ordered the Soupe à l'Oignon and Bœuf Bourguignon. The dishes were fantastic. I haven’t had duck in so long so this was a great reminder of how amazing duck is. Parking was not too bad we got lucky. This gem is definitely on the top of our list. Our host/server was extremely attentive and made our experience great.

Every now and again I come up on a restaurant whose ambiance, customer service, & food are equally yoked. This French Bistro provided excellence in all 3 areas. I can’t say I’ve ever had authentic French cuisine before, AND this is a great date spot!! . Where I am: @bistrocacao . Location Reviewed: 316 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington D.C. . Menu Includes: Soups, Salads, Escargot, Calamari, Beef Tartare Petite Plates, Charcuterie Plates, Grilled Salmon, Grilled Blackened Striped Bass, Roasted Lamb, Pan seared Duck, Craft Desserts, Wine, Cocktails, & MORE!! . Items Reviewed: Their Soupe à l ‘Oignon (French Onion Soup topped with Gruyère cheese, with a toasted baguette, & butter $15). STAMP!! Rich, not overbearing, smooth, the cheese flavor packed this soup. Their Crevettes Flambees (sautéed shrimp, heirloom tomatoes, a lemon, pickled shallots, tomato sauce, & cognac $16). STAMP!! Delectable, a tangy but savory sauce , & fresh!! GET THIS!! Their Steak Frites (a Filet Mignon cut medium well topped with herb butter, with Pommes Frites $42). STAMP!! I should’ve got the Filet medium, but juicy, tender, & well seasoned nonetheless!! The Fries…STAMP!! These were the BEST shoestring fries I’ve EVER had!! Well salted, extra crispy, no dip needed!! Their Trio Crème Brûlée (vanilla, chocolate, & coconut cream topped with caramelized sugar $11). STAMP all 3!! Truly rich, silky, & decadent!! Their Pearfect Drink (with Pear vodka, lemon juice pear nectar, shaken on the rocks $15). . Customer Service: On Point . Online Navigation: Easy . Parking: Rough . Recommendations: Everything I got!! Music: YouTube-Backyard Band Pockets & Sockets 1997 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=STAMP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➕=LIKE THAT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=DELICIOUS ⭐️⭐️⭐️=DECENT ⭐️⭐️=PASS ⭐️=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews

Classic French Elegance at Bistro Cacao Bistro Cacao in Washington, D.C., delivers a refined French dining experience with a warm, intimate ambiance perfect for business lunches or special occasions. During my visit, I enjoyed the Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter and Frites—a perfectly cooked, tender steak topped with rich truffle butter, accompanied by crisp, well-seasoned fries. The balance of flavors was exceptional, making every bite satisfying. At our table, other standout dishes included a buttery pan-seared trout served with fresh green beans and toasted almonds, adding a delightful crunch and depth to the dish. Another excellent choice was the salmon with roasted potatoes and sautéed greens, offering a hearty yet refined option. To complement our meal, we sipped on Diet Cokes in classic glass bottles, a nice touch that elevated the experience. The service was attentive and professional, enhancing the overall experience. Bistro Cacao’s commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation makes it a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic French cuisine in the heart of D.C. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

The $$$ status drops to $$ during restaurant week, so I came here for a $25 weekend brunch and had a wonderful time. The ambiance is magical with the red curtains, private enclosures, and soft french music. I ordered the goat cheese salad for my appetizer, eggs benedict for my entree, and french toast for my dessert. All are 10/10.

Bistro Cacao is tied with another local restaurant as my absolute favorite place to get dinner in Washington, DC. The service is great, the ambiance is lovely both inside and outside, and the food is delicious. Everything I’ve had on the menu has been delicious, but I especially recommend the french onion soup and the mushroom ravioli. For cocktails, both the lavender french 75 and the hazy old fashioned are spectacular. They also have an extensive wine list. This is a perfect place for a business lunch or a romantic date night.

Came here for a private brunch and it was excellent! Great decor, food was great and the selection had perfect options.

Excellent service and a wonderfully prepared meal. From the cheese board and salad with roasted pumpkin and cranberry to our main dishes - Bouillabaisse and Steak Frittes...all of it was extremely tasty. The steak was a perfect medium rare and tender. Great wine list and our pre-dinner cocktails were also very tasty. All around a great experience.

From the moment we stepped into Bistro Cacao, we were transported into a quaint, yet sophisticated environment that promised a savory adventure. The staff greeted us warmly and escorted us to our table, setting the stage for a memorable evening. The highlight of our culinary journey was undoubtedly the duck, which was cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat that melted in the mouth. The seabass I ordered was equally commendable; its delicate flakiness and fresh, oceanic flavors mingled harmoniously with the subtle, yet zesty sauce it was adorned with. The ambiance was a blend of romantic and relaxed, making it a perfect spot for both intimate dates and casual dinner outings. The subtle lighting and soft music in the background enhanced our dining experience, wrapping us in a cocoon of comfort as we indulged in our meal. Our taste buds were taken on a delightful journey through the well-curated menu, and each bite was a testament to the chef’s expertise and the fresh, high-quality ingredients used. The impeccable service, the attentiveness of the staff, and the overall serene yet elegant environment left a lasting impression on us. We left Bistro Cacao with a parade of pleasant memories and a resolve to return to explore more of what this gem has to offer. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a splendid meal in a warm and inviting setting.

I was lucky enough to happen across this gem of a French restaurant on Capitol Hill. The service and the food were equally delightful, from the bubbly champagne to the trio of crème brûlées. It’s a little pricey for a salad and some dessert but it’s also a case of you get what you pay for. My favorite part? The dressing on my Nicoise. I can never get mine quite right at home, and the dressing complemented the perfectly cooked egg, silky, potatoes, and salty tuna. It’s a tiny place, with adorable little touches.

Came here for my birthday. The restaurant is really nice with an intimate setting. I ordered steak from & it was really good! I also had the mango sangria & a lavender cocktail which was also amazing. I wish I could have taken photos of the food but I was too hungry to wait. Even the sparkling water was good! Cesar was our waiter and he did a fantastic job and gave us great customer service!

We found this place recently. Hidden gem, if it is hidden anymore that is. The ambience is nice. Charming. The service is very good. And the food is exceptional. The steak with the peppercorn based sauce is awesome. Has a kick, but man it is good. The stuffed quail is excellent as well. The desserts are special. The Lava cake and the freshly prepared apple tarts are amazing.

This was fine dining as advertised. Service was impeccable and very friendly. Water glass never half empty, which is my litmus test for attentive waitstaff. The food was extremely well-prepared with skill, arrived very hot. The best French onion soup I’ve ever had. In particular, the cheese did not glop up in the throat like some, and you know what I mean. Very tasty. The setting was refined and romantic. This was our 17th anniversary and we were very pleased. Would definitely return.

It is the perfect place for an amazing date night Been there at the restaurant week and as how it was such a busy day at the restaurant, but still the setting was so good, food was amazing. Ordered the snails which were perfectly cooked in an amazing sauce, shrimps were nice and sweet then ordered two types of steak medium rare cooked perfectly to the point and the sauces that came on them were amazing and the sides, then ordered the vanilla creme brulee which was nice, but also ordered their hazelnut chocolate cake and that was out of this world to describe as far as I can say that this is one of the best chocolate cakes I had in my life that I would want this cake in my life at any cost Forgot to take a picture for the appetiser as were so hungry 🤣 and they smelled and looked amazingly good 👍🏽 👌🏽

A wonderful restaurant and dining experience! Did the Chefs Tasting with wine pairing for our Anniversary, superb. A delicious range of dishes, perfectly portioned, lovely sorbet interlude between the duck and the filet, and excellent wines. Maitre’d Anthony was a delight, the staff attentive, and the ambiance memorable. We will be returning, with friends : ) Merci pour une merveilleuse soir, et à bien tôt j’espère !

Hands down AMAZING. Not one complaint at all. Food came out perfect for every course. As a Chef, I tend to be critical of dishes when dining out. I kept my mouth shut because I kept stuffing it with more food! The french onion soup is to die for bursting with robust flavors. The scallops were cooked to perfection, the pairings of sweet, savory and salty made for an awesome experience. Filet cooked to perfection..tender as ever. The desserts topped it off. The chef did not drop the ball throughout my experience. Excellent job. Front of house staff was attentive and responded positively and in a timely fashion with every request. THANK YOU! You earned 2 new customers for life.

Great food and an awesome vibe! The atmosphere is lively, and the dishes are top-notch. Only downside—they charge for tap filtered water, which feels unnecessary 👀

Cute little hidden gem! I think I've placed this place quite a bit, but never stopped in. So glad my good friend made us reservations for our annual Christmas gift exchange. The wait staff and hostess were wonderful and answered all our questions before and during our dining experience. The brunch was delicious and everything was cooked perfectly. We'll be back!

Spouse made reservations last minute for Valentine's Day and I'm so glad he did. It was such a treat. The champagne poached pear is probably one of the best desserts I've ever had.

I have just been looking for a perfect cozy romantic French rustic restaurant in Washington DC! And this is it! Very close to Union Station. I was worried I may have difficulty finding parking space but had the street parking right in front of the restaurant. They also have outside seating. The server was very polite and they were taking extra care to meet our dietary restrictions. But let me tell you this place has a magical and romantic ambiance. Hands down the place to spend a special event with your spouse. The light French ballads in the background just set the romantic mood. Make reservations early and enjoy a memorable night in DC😍

We had an excellent lunch! I began with a French coffee which was perfectly balanced. The escargot and croissant were the perfect start. My boyfriend had the quiche Lorraine and I had the ouefs Norwegian. Both were excellently prepared! The fries were crispy and warm. The salmon was fresh and provided just the right base for the runny poached egg. We’ll definitely be back to enjoy the dessert menu.

Went here for a ladies-only brunch and wasn’t disappointed! We all got the $35 brunch special and my goodness, everything we ordered was super tasty! We all enjoyed our food and time there throughly.

Make sure to sit upstairs, the ambience was fantastic. The appetizer left a little to be desired but very good entrees and delicious dessert. My girlfriend and I came here for our anniversary.

DC is mostly a casually dressed city even in it's fine dining. So I was a little surprised how dressed up everyone here was for lunch. It's probably a function of its proximity to Congress. I can't comment on the dinners but the lunch was good and reasonably priced. It wasn't cheap but the price was good for the food. The service was excellent atmosphere was good even if the decor was showing its age a bit. This is one of those places where I wish google had a more nuanced review scale because my biggest criticism was just that it wasn't great. Sometimes 5 stars means good, sometimes great. Bistro Cacao is good. I'd definitely go there again, but its not a place I'm dying to return to.

Such a cozy and authentic French spot in DC! I had the Beef Bourguignon and it was absolutely delicious - rich, tender, and full of flavor. The atmosphere felt very warm and romantic, and the service was lovely. Definitely a great place if you’re craving real French cuisine.

The food was mostly delicious. The steak frites were not as good as expected, the meat was not soft and needed more taste. But the 3-course meal for $35 is a good deal. The French coffee was not good, but it depends if you like the grand marnier.

We love this place! It is really romantic with old school vibe! Since their renovation they are bigger with more room for bigger parties. The background music really nice and gives you the French feeling. Their food is really tasty and delicious! They are well presented and theirs sides makes the food more delicious. The food portion is on smaller side but the when you go there you want to star with appetizers and finish with desert. All together it is more than enough and worth every penny. I only gave it 4 stars because our waitress wasn’t as friendly and had just a tiny bit of attitude which we didn’t care to ruin our night. Overall really great place!

It was my first time dining at a French restaurant. I ordered steak and eggs with a pastry basket, while my friend opted for the cheese omelet. The pastry basket was a little on the small side, as I had anticipated, but overall, everything was ok. If you're interested in French cuisine, I recommend giving it a try – you might even hear some French being spoken there!

This is a beautiful little French cafe near Union Station. The interior layout is a little unusual (looks like it used to be a residence at some point in the past) but it's much more spacious than you would imagine from the outside. Service is excellent. The food is good, though not particularly remarkable. Prices are a bit on the high side, but overall no complaints.

Fantastic food and beautiful ambience outside. Would love to go back in the cooler seasons to dine indoors as well. The only negative of our experience was the fact that we had to keep asking for water refills because they didn’t preemptively keep them topped off. Why can’t every restaurant just leave a pitcher of water at the table?

Pretty good experience but nothing exceptionally noteworthy. Maybe it’s because we ordered bœuf bourguignon in the summer. Maybe the restaurant was overhyped. Either way, I wish I would have ordered the champagne poached pear. The 3% “surcharge fee” is cowardice. Just add it to the menu prices and not be deceptive.

More like a 4.5. We came for Sunday brunch and so glad we did. Cute atmosphere, love the decor. The outdoor seating was lovely as well but since it was so humid, we opted to sit inside. Cocktails- *lavender French 75, my new favorite brunch drink. Went down so easy and it was sooo tasty! *ange blanc-tasty! Apps- Escargots-mmm so garlicky Main entree *NY Strip with sunny side egg- beef was a little chewy Desserts- *Crème brûlée just the perfect amount to finish a meal *Challah French toast-sounds heavier than it tastes. We would definitely return. Would like to try other options on the menu. Service was friendly and helpful.

Nice atmosphere and vibe, went for brunch. Food was okay, I thought the steak could have been more tender. Oddly enough, my favorite dish was the escargot appetizer. If you're doing brunch, go with the 3 course for $35, it's a good value.

I was extremely underwhelmed but four stars maybe closer to three, the scallops blew me away while the duck left soooooo much to be desired. Girlfriend approved of the mushroom ravioli and perfectly cooked asparagus side. Break down of the duck plate. Duck itself had no flavor the carrots had a strange initial flavor but everything else was perfect.

This is a great venue for Valentines Day! Not crowded - because we decided to go on a Thursday 3 days before Valentines Day - and plenty of space even if was a packed house. Servings were on point and cooked well. Restaurant is following all COVID guidelines and you can even pay online! Loss one star with the length of time for the dish, but maybe I'm impatient. Food was definitely worth the wait though so I think it might've made up for it.

Overall pretty good experience. Server was very attentive and nice. Only one thing that bothered me is that the seating by the window was reserved for those who takes a chef's tasting menu at $90 PP, and the seating remained vacant for the rest of the night.

We had a reservation for V-Day, arrived 5 min before our reservation and still waited over 15 min before we were seated. The service was slow and not all that warm. Food was good but definitely not excellent. The restaurant is cute and romantic. I will try coming back one more time when they have a normal full menu and hopefully they will wow me next time! 🤞🏽

A D.C. classic French restaurant sits inside an 1885 row house just off of Stanton park on Capitol Hill. Opened in 2009, it's a quaint restaurant with regal decorations spread throughout two floors and an outdoor patio. For an April lunch on a Thursday, my friend and I met at 11:30 a.m. to beat the lunch rush. Service was efficient and friendly. The steak sandwich was well flavored, but my French onion soup lacked salt so it hit more bland. The mango sangria was great! Overall, it's a nice spot with prices on par to slightly more expensive for D.C. Also note that street parking can be harder to find in this area.

Part of this rating is me. Ive been to France about 6 times. Maybe a dozen. A lot of drinking was involved in my youthful travels. But French food doesnt do it for me. Fusion of French food, meaning the French colonized and murdered their way thru an existing culture and from there the resiliency of that culture broke thru via food. French fusion is great. Creole, Haitian, Vietnamese all fabulous. This place though is just French. So if youre looking for a nice Fench French restaurant this is it. If you stumble into a French place cause the pizza shop across the street was closed due to a plumbing issue...eh. it's just an okay alternative. Ps - I went home and had some dieri colay and pol; which is creole rice and beans ans chicken. It was amazing. But again, it was Haitian food, not French. 🫣🤔🫡

I was very disappointed with my experience with this restaurant. I decided to book a 9:15 PM reservation on Valentine’s Day for two. We arrived at the restaurant around 9:10 PM. Immediately we were standing at the bottom of a staircase, cramped in a corner, where we were not acknowledged when we walked in. All the hosts seemed very busy with their backs to us. I get that it was Valentine’s Day. However, that could’ve been executed so much better. Eventually, one of the hosts turned around and looked as if she was about to walk off. My husband says to her excuse me we have a reservation and she asked for our name. It took a couple minutes to find my reservation because my last name was different on the reservation however they were able to locate my 9:15 PM reservation within a couple minutes using my phone number. Another couple minutes passed by and we were informed by another host that there wasn’t a table available. She apologized and stated that people just were slow to leave . She said once they left they would clean the table, then seat us. She then asked if we’d like to go to the bar to order a drink while we wait for a table to become available. At this point being crammed in that corner was getting unbearably hot. My husband let her know that we weren’t gonna wait, we were just gonna leave. I expected that the reservation would be canceled, but it wasn’t any error on my part. I was there on time. If I have a 9:15p reservation that’s what time I expected to be seated. Or at least shortly there after. Being asked to wait for uncertain amount of time was unacceptable. The day after, I was charged a $50 cancellation fee. When I noticed, I did give the restaurant a call. The person who answered the phone stated that she would put a note beside my name and they will refund the fee. I really genuinely wish I could’ve had a better experience. My husband was very excited to try this restaurant.