I came here for brunch during the restaurant week. I wasn't impressed with the service. After being seated, we didn't get the menu for 15 minutes. There were significant gap periods between each meal course, and the dessert didn't taste good. My creme brulee was way too burnt on top. However, the appetizer and meal were mediocre. Parking wasn't hard to find. read more

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It was easy to make a reservation for an outdoors table a few days in advance and the covered patio is relatively spacious with some fans. It would be easy to stay cool here on a humid day. This restaurant has some of the best staff I've ever met - they were beyond welcoming but gave my friend and me plenty of time to talk. The service was just right. And the food came amazingly fast but was disappointing. The brunch dishes were smaller and much less appetizing than what I expected for the price. The hash browns were lukewarm and almost cold the minute the waiter put them on the table and I bit into them. The lobster omelet was also lukewarm and tasted treacle-y and mediocre. It may have been an off day, though. read more

It had been quite some time since we'd dined at Bistro Cacao. Before Covid, actually. So, when we found ourselves in DC later than planned on a Saturday evening, we decided to check out the restaurant again. I'm glad we did. Is the restaurant as good as it was when they were in the building next door? In some ways it's better. The drapes and furniture are new and, as such, clean. (I'm not saying the old location wasn't clean. I am saying the draperies used to "wall in" certain tables were often very dusty at the old place and more than a few of the chairs had ripped fabric.) The little rooms inside are quaint and cosy and lend themselves well to a romantic dinner. Yes, this is much more of a romantic spot than one you where want to meet friends for drinks. The atmosphere and decor is gorgeous. It's "that place" you want to go to impress that date, propose, celebrate a birthday or rekindle that romance. It's not nearly as good of a place for families and it wouldn't be on my list for a gals' night out. That said, I did see a table of lady friends there enjoying. Unfortunately, the layout is a lil wonky at the top of the stairs near the restroons. Not sure who designed the flow, but it's beyond poor. The waitstaff has to cross the path of patrons as they're doing in the opposite direction for opposite things. As there's really just a little enclave for everyone to do that, it's not nearly enough room and quite awkward. Parking outside is free and plentiful on the side streets. That's certainly a good thing for DC, right? Brownie points there. The service is good. Is it exceptional? No. But it's between good and exceptional. I have no complaints. Wine selection is excellent. Prices on par. Let's get to the food already. My better half ordred the lobster bisque and was quite pleased. It's a smaller bowl for sure. Just a little larger than a cup. But it had lobster meat in that soup - not always a sure thing for a bisque - was creamy, and balanced with flavor. I had the pate. Beautiful presentation. It is a little odd in that it's surrounded by bacon not easily cut. There's pistachios in the pate. Also odd. The onion jelly is delicious and the mustard is top quality. Overall would I order again? No. You might feel differently. For dinner, my better half had the salmon. He liked it. He didn't love it. It was cooked beautifully and beautifully presented but the flavor was bland. I had the lamb and, honestly, was not really pleased. The portion is just fine. It was also cooked to the right temperature. But there was absolutely zero seasoning. I think I paid over $40 for the plate and it had no taste? The other issue with the lamb is that the chops are not individually sliced and the awful, cheap steak knife wannabe they give you doesn't cut it well. Besides, who wants to try and cut between chops to separate them at a the table of a fine dining restaurant? C'mon, now. That's not cool. Cut the chops already. Plate them so that the customer can easily eat them. Both of us had the sorbet for the final course. Neither of us cared for the mango but both of us enjoyed the raspberry and lemon. You may ask for specific flavors if you like - double up on one, etc. I believe their flavors also change, so make sure to ask what's on the menu that night. Overall, this restaurant could be a five. The seasoning needs to be addressed on everything, food needs to be sliced so customers can easily eat their food like a person as opposed to an animal. With these small changes, I think they'd be gold. read more

Bistro Cacao is a fantastic, cozy little French restaurant near Union Station. My husband and I dined there for DC winter restaurant week and we were thoroughly impressed. From the excellent food to the attentive staff, we could not have had a better experience. They have a good variety of wine and spirits as well. We definitely recommend the duck, hanger steak, lobster bisque, pheasant pâté, trio of creme brulee and chocolate mousse. Thank you! read more

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Visited on Restaurant week and very disappointed. Water options were given without informing the price. It took them forever to serve a course (each took 30-45min wait time) and the side salad (on every dish) was very bitter. Food portion was small. Desserts were bad. Server dropped the dirty ultensil on the back my blazer (I can even feel the wetness). Overall, I do not recommend and won't be back. Not worth the price and parking is also a minus. read more

Such a delicious meal for our anniversary. Everything was so good and ambiance was romantic. Would definitely come back read more

Bistro Cacao - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was excited to dine at Bistro Cacao but the quality of the food and service was disappointing. Maybe, it was a one off situation due to it being Restaurant Week but I do not feel inclined to go back. It took almost 20 mins to put my order in because of a miscommunication between the hostess and the waiter. They thought that I was waiting for somebody when I was dining alone. My bread came out with no butter. The butter didn't come out until my entrée of steak frites came out. The entree was aesthetically pleasing but that did not carry over to the taste. The dish was very mediocre. The steak lacked real flavor and even though it wasn't dry, it was hard to chew. The fries were good but could've been warmer. The crime brûlée was okay. Unfortunately, I don't see myself returning. read more

I went for their Sunday brunch, which is a fixed price for a 3 course meal. The restaurant itself was super charming. We stayed for awhile and I especially appreciated never feeling rushed by our waitress. The food was excellent! Our waitress, Bonnie, was great as well. read more

Fantastic food! The reason I had to give this place a 4 instead of a 5 was because of waitstaff. They were not very warm and inviting, and somewhat rude. My husband and I had a reservation, so we were seated quickly. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic. Neat artwork and decor! For dinner, my husband ordered the Carré d'Agneau aux Herbes. Aka Lamb. He raved that it was fantastic! I ordered New York Strip au Fois Gras. It was delicious and the steak was topped with melted Brie, which made it even more delicious! We split the Trio Crème Brûlée for dessert. There was a traditional vanilla, chocolate which tasted similar to a chocolate pudding/soufflée combo, and a passion fruit flavor. All three were great!! read more

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This place is amazing!! I first went there for restaurant week and I think it has one of the best restaurant week deals in DC. Everything from start to finish is great. This is a great place to go with friends for a nice dinner or on a date. I had their escargots and calamars grilles as an app. It was sooo good! I also tried their pan seared duck breast and rack of lambs as an entree and it was delicious! They have these as restaurant week option as well which is so good. I cant say better things about this restaurant because it was so amazing! I got the creme brulee and cheesecake as dessert and it was the best end to my meal :) Every time I went, i got seated in a two seater area with curtains and private space which was nice of them. I definitely recommend going on a regular day or during restaurant week. There is plenty of street parking read more

Bistro Cacao - Burrata appetizer - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Definitely recommend for dinner!! We ordered escargots, which were delicious. The duck was exquisite and the mushroom raviolis were absolutely amazing. Even the desserts were great! We ordered the chocolate molten and a pistachio dessert. Will definitely be back! read more

Bistro Cacao - Molten Chocolate Cake - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We've gone three times in 7 years and wish we've gone more! Come twice since we've taken a trip to France and truly comparable, if not better, meal to being back in France! Always fabulous meals, great service and excellent drinks. The lamb and duck are always a winner and tried their filet this past time and wow. By far my favorite espresso martini at the end of the meal with delicious desserts! read more

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Amazing. The atmosphere is quaint and charming. Private and cozy with comfortable seating. The lavender French cocktail is delicious. We ordered a charcuterie board and French onion soup to start. The flavor of everything was exceptional. The soup could have been a tiny bit hotter but it was not cold or anything. Absolutely delicious. We ordered the steak frites and mushroom ravioli. When I tell you how beyond fantastic those raviolis were, you can't imagine. Hands down the best. Steak cooked and cut to perfection. Dessert was scrumptious- lava cakes and profiteroles. Can't wait to to go back. Excellent service. Always fresh water, attentive and nice hot bread. Only minor inconvenience is they ran out of crème de cassis to make a kir royale. However definitely not a deal breaker. As usual I get right to eating and didn't take a pic. read more

Fabulous spot in DC for French cuisine. Beautiful, quaint, romantic decor. Loved it!!

We dropped by this place for Sunday brunch and it was moderately busy. The restaurant has 2 floors and the picture-perfect rooms are on the second floor. We had to wait a bit for our table. The style is very European so the rooms and tables can feel a bit crowded and small. There are booths with red drapes on the second floor for couples so it's definitely a date place! We ordered: - Onion soup - Escargots - Smoked salmon w/ toast - Frittatas - Crepes w/ mushrooms - Quiche w/ spinach and mushrooms - French toast - Fruit bowl - Crème brûlée The food was as I expected and more! Delicious breakfast and egg dishes. My favorites were the escargots, the crepe, and the crème brûlée. Nothing tasted bland or off-putting. I have to take a star off for the incredibly slow service. After our first trio of orders arrived, we were waiting for a while with no clear explanation until the waiter finally came by and let us know he's asking the kitchen to expedite our orders. The upstairs interior is very cute and decorated with French paintings and posters. The furniture was a bit old and beaten up but added to the old world charm. The weekend brunch is a prix fixe menu at a price of $35 per person which is quite affordable! I would recommend this place for brunch but only if you're not very hungry and can wait for the food. read more

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We had a beautiful and romantic anniversary dinner at this perfect restaurant. This place is the definition of a gem. You're hesitating with making a reservation here? Don't. The ambiance, people, and food will make a visit an absolutely positive experience. You will want to come back. Most of the reviews have already touched on the atmosphere. My two cents? They're correct. And that it is the perfect place for couples, girls' days/nights, and intimate occasions. Such rosy-warm lighting with quaint curtains and decor to help you escape reality for a few hours of good food, company, and feelings. Yes.. this place really left an impression on me. We started with the Foie Gras Poele (not fancy enough to use those accents). It was veeery rich and fatty. Every sliver of duck melted on the tongue. It almost felt like it was too rich to be an appetizer! But good call that we also ordered a salmon salad to nibble on before our entrees (the name of the salad which is lost... because it may have been seasonal..)! Also delicious, by the way. The dressing, the flakes of cheese, the salmon, the sliced nuts...! The salad was light and fresh. Exactly what you'd want from a salad. I opted for the Magret de Canard, Sauce aux Oranges Gastrique as my main course. Translation: pan seared duck breast. It was quite good, but not exactly what I was expecting. I hadn't had good duck breast in a long time and was looking for a different kind of flavor, but, again, this one wasn't bad. Not my favorite, but not all bad. Truthfully... the lamb my significant other was having was.. spectacular.. I had quite a bit of his... It was just so darn good!! The smell was mouthwatering; the flavor irresistible. It was seasoned, tender, and cooked to perfection. The potato gratin from the duck breast main paired extremely well with the lamb chops (with the polenta from the lamb main complementing the duck breast better - I think it was), which got me eating more of the lamb. Luckily, he was willing to share. Dessert came around and I thought I was too full... but my significant other was playing the "we might not come back again.. this is a special night" card, so I told him to choose. Aaand he chose the last thing I wanted to try on the menu (but hey, l wasn't going to complain because I did say he could choose and I was close to bursting): Blueberry Crepes. I really wasn't looking forward to it, but my goodness.. was I proved wrong. The creme Chantilly was divine; delicately sweet with a hint of a chill. The crepes were light and far from doughy. I thought I wouldn't be able to do it, but my dessert stomach released its shackles upon tasting blueberry crepes and Chantilly cream. Ahhh, it was such a good night. 10 out of 10, I will do it again. read more

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Came here for restaurant week with Michael. We were not disappointed. The place is decorated to create a romantic ambiance - so great for a date night. I had the escargot for my starter and ordered the duck as my entree. And of course finished my meal with three flavors of creme brûlée. Everything was amazing. The food is savory and well flavored. Our server was attentive and polite. I recommend making reservations as the restaurant was packed. Will be back here for another dinner soon! read more

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I absolutely love this restaurant and am so glad I got to try during the Restaurant Week. The inside decor was absolutely beautiful and unique. It has a red color tone base and with all the drapes over each table, you get that semi-private feeling. The decor on the wall is also carefully chosen and different for each table. The lamp is also different too. I started with the mozzarella salad with beets. It was refreshing, small portion, and ok. The highlight was really the entree. I had the duck breast and it was really really good! It has been a long time since I had great duck and it did not taste like duck first. The outside was crispy and inside was very tender. It was easy to chew even it was medium (you can choose different levels). The mushroom and spinach came along very well and there was this layered potato thing which tasted like heaven. I ended the meal with trio creme brûlée. I loved the citrus flavor the best. The vanilla and chocolate flavor were also great! The portion was perfect! My husband started with the pate and had the lamb rack. The lamb was very fresh and the potatoes and asparagus was a nice match. He finished the meal with the chocolate cake and loved it! We both loved our entrees a lot, but both prefer the duck breast. It is a MUST if you come here. The service was great! Our waitress Yana was very nice and helpful. The service was prompt and nice. We will definitely come back to try more items on the main menu. I highly recommend this place! read more

Homme Johnny, S'il vous plaît & Je vous remercie! That sums up my amazing experience! From the moment we walked up the steps of the patio, Johnny greeted us. & before I could take another step up the stairs to the Hostess, he invited us to select a table & he would mentioned our arrival...well how about that? Let me touch on the highlights as this review could be my longest essay thus far. Pre-meal set up & service was a constant 10. I so very delighted to be able to consume the French bread, olive oil & garlic, very good. My food choice was actually 2 Appetizers. The Terrine de Légumes, which is Vegan, twith Brioche (I was able to switch out breads), Avocado, Olive/Oil, DELISH! I also ordered the Saumon Fumee, a Smoked Salmon with Roasted Bell Peppers, Pistachios (no shaved Parmesan) & some Lemon Herb Dressing. My Dinner Companion had the Saumon Grillé, a nice size Filet with Asparagus, Blue Cheese Polenta Cake & mustard cream. All the dishes were simply amazing. The atmosphere was amazing, the exterior decor emulated a French backdrop & again, the never ending table service was phenomenal. My phone died before the food came out, yet after a quick charged, I was able to get some awesome interior shots. This just gives me the perfect excuse to return & take pictures of my delicious Salmon dishes...& to try the Tasting Table service. Tres Bon! read more

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A beautiful Sunday means brunch bedlam will ensue- and I wasn't in to mood to fight the crowds... I remembered a little sleepier part of Cap Hill, and looked up this gem to see if they had survived, lo and behold and yes! I got the salmon salad with perfectly tender fresh salmon that I asked to be crisped on the outside, and my mom got the steak frites. DELISH shoe string fries, and the steak was tender and juicy ! We also go the pate which was bursting the flavor and the house mustard they have is the REAL DEAL- gets you right in the nasal passage with its spiciness ! We also did the buckwheat crepes with Nutella and SO worth it ! Fresh whipped cream speckled with vanilla and fresh banana and strawberries. Also- their bloody's are made with Titos (THANK YOU!)- and their mix is AWESOME, spicy and full flavored ! So glad they are back on our radar ! read more

Went here with a friend after work. The ambiance was nice and the escargot was lovely. The complaint I have is about the main course. The steak and chicken was cold, not even slightly warm which was slightly disturbing. It was disappointing since I had higher expectations of this restaurant. read more

Bistro Cacao - Escargots - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We had a nice time trying out the chef's tasting menu! This was a five course experience for $90 and had a sorbet break in the middle to clear the palettes before the main entree. Each course was light, so I left thinking, hmm I want a bit more food, but also flavor. Our waiter shared that the menu items changed based on the chef's selection. If I'd have to choose my two favorites from what we had... I'd say the ricotta cheesecake and the lamb chops. The outdoor patio dining option was lovely. read more

So cute! Apparently they just moved into a bigger space next door, renovated the space and it is very tastefully done. Went for brunch and had the lobster omelet, escargot and a hamburger - all devine. Eggs cooked perfectly soft and burger to temperature. I will definitely be back. And I will definitely try the outdoor patio! read more

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Service + Cleanliness: The patio was beautiful; they grown their own herbs here, and even feature some gorgeous plants and flowers. Comfortable chairs, simple black tables, and a table tent you scan to access the food and drink menus. Our server was very mild mannered, and kind. Food: They start you off with a small piece of bread and butter. The shape and fluffiness of the bread reminded me of a beignet, so good! - Burrata Salad: this felt like a side salad that they just added burrata to, was not very impressed. The burrata was not the best I have had. - Spicy Shrimps: very spicy, but reminded me of Asian cuisine but without the depth in flavor. Shrimp were also slightly over cooked. - Leg of Lamb: the polenta was so decadent and creamy, and the beets were roasted perfectly. The lamb was pretty tender but dry. There was even a moment that I had to drink water because I was choking on dry lamb. The fattier pieces were nice, especially with the jous, but the leaner pieces seemed over cooked. - Beef Bourguignon: great flavor, needed a little salt. Served with creamy mashed potato. The desserts saved this place for me. I knew as we were in a French establishment they would be delicious, but they did a great job with these! - Lemon Berry Tart: perfect crust, seemed like shortbread. Light, not to sweet, whipped cream topped with delicious lemon curd and fresh berries. The presentation and use of the drizzle brought it to the next level. - Apple Crisp: so simple and yet perfectly delicate. A buttery piece of puff pastry topped with thinly sliced apples, cooked perfectly. Served with a mini scoop of ice cream, featuring that same drizzle. Great end to the meal! I would return just for dessert and a cup of coffee. Pro-tip: Go after the sun sets, the patio was a little hot as we experienced direct sunlight at our table. read more

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Very Cute and intimate. We didn't get to go upstairs because it was full. Wish we had waited. Waitress was very friendly. Food was great!

Bistro Cacao is a stylish and elegant restaurant with extraordinary French cuisine. The cocktails are unique and the staff is kind and attentive. Thank you Bistro Cacao for a beautiful evening. read more

The food, service, and ambiance were absolutely amazing. However, I noticed there was a cockroach splatted to the wall where my table was which took us by surprise. To add to that, I had put in a note in my reservation that it was my girlfriend's birthday. Unfortunately, nothing was prepared nor were we given a seat that fits the mood. Instead, we got the seat with the cockroach and got charged $7 for tap water. Great meal but disappointed. read more

It's a trek out, but very much worth it. The moment you step into the restaurant, the French Bistro style decor hits you. Every part of the restaurant shouts quaint French restaurant from the artwork to the red curtains to the wine displays and fireplaces. The staff is very friendly and warm. We chose the scallops and escargot as appetizers to share, as well as each had soups. The escargot's pesto sauce was very good - not over the top, and the scallops sauce was delicious. Our entrees included the sea bass, bouillabaisse, pork chop special, lamb rack, and hanger steak. All dishes were well cooked, flavorful, and well displayed. We had coffee + creme brulee desserts to finish. One thing we did notice, was how much mango is in the menu - from appetizers to entrees to desserts - odd for a French restaurant! read more

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I was looking for a romantic setting for date night and this place was perfect. From the secluded curtained tables to the lighting, it set the mood. The food and service were perfection. We had never eaten French cuisine and wanted to try something new. Our favorite was the scallops with white bean ragout with strawberries. The flavors meld together perfectly. We will definitely be back. read more

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Got the Valentine's Day special and it did not disappoint. Everything was cooked to perfection and had big flavors. I don't normally like seafood, but the Mussels and Crab Fondue were amazing. The service was great too. It was the perfect date night. Can't wait to come back! read more

Bistro Cacao - Filet Mignon, Fondue de Crabe, Macaron Saveur Grenade and Moule - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My husband, sister and I enjoyed a wonderful Valentine's Day prefix dinner at bistro cacao. It was wonderful. All the food was great. We will definitely do the scan! Also, I appreciate in the careful COVID-19 precautions and safety followed by guests and the serving staff. read more

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When I have something to celebrate I love to come Bistro Cacao. The Moulin Rouge parisien atmosphere is gorgeous. The curtains like theatre style are so beautiful! The decor is so sophisticated. The food is always excellent. We love to do the chef tasting menu because we know it is going to be worth it and really exquisite. One of my favorite dishes was the filet mignon. Also it is so funny that we are always served for the same funny and cool French server that he remember us! I highly recommend this places! I am sure I will be back soon! read more

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I wasn't aware that it was restaurant week the second time we came here. I hate going out during restaurant week because everything feels rushed and cheap. Waiters are usually inattentive and they're probably seasonal hires who are overworked or who don't care. We ordered steak twice at the table and he didn't ask what temperature we would like it cooked, I had to remind him. We ordered frog legs and they were barely edible. There were a number of minor things that slipped by but nothing obnoxious or anything that would ruin the night, just minor things that you can't help but notice and realize it's not normally like this. All that said, I don't believe Bistro Cacao deserves its rating knocked down for what amounts to a temporary blip in service. I just wanted to note that during restaurant week, you never seem to get a 100% wherever you go. read more

1. Ambiance: Antique decor throughout the entire restaurant. I am in love with the classic French decoration and the historic feel that it brings. This is a perfect location for a special romantic date. It's cozy, classy, with romantic curtains that drapes at each doorway. 2. Food: Our table ordered the hanger steak, escargots (snails), mahi mahi, and lamb dishes. The snails were the appetizers and it was perfection. It was not too chewy and immerse in garlic and parsley butter. I remember that it gave an umami taste. The hanger steak was fantastic as the meat was cooked with the outside being perfectly seared and the inside being moist, soft, and tender. The fries were crispy, which is how I prefer my fries to be. 3. Service: Keceli was our server and he was accommodating. I realize that it was very busy at the time, but he managed to assist accordingly. 4. Costs: The escargots was $12.95, the hanger steak, mahi mahi, and lamb were all $35 each. You're here for the experience and the food will not disappoint. It's pricey, but the food is worth trying. 5. Overall Experience: I had a great time at this restaurant and really enjoyed the company, food, and service. I had a great experience and will be back to try other items on the menu. Again, I am obsessed with the decoration so I would definitely recommend that it is a great restaurant for a date night. Side Notes: There are outdoor seatings as well so definitely look into dining outside since it's such a cute neighborhood. read more

This place is AWESOME! Went here for a birthday dinner and was blown away by the greeting by the front staff and hostess, the decor with the fireplace in the waiting area, the dining area, the table, the food, the service, just everything! My first time trying escargot and it was different...in a good way. Never once, was there an empty cup or dish on the table. The service was impeccable! I love that you are greeting from the door to your table in French. Wish I knew French, but I enjoyed it anyway. read more

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Omg this place is super cute! Such good food and great service as well. I really loved the interior it's such a cute little vibe.

I had dinner here with my girlfriend for her birthday. We were a bit late for our reservation yet we were quickly and politely seated when we arrived. First of all, this is a very romantic, cozy-feeling restaurant. They have big cozy chairs and booth like seating with curtains. Definitely a good spot for dates and special occasions. We had the shrimp appetizer and lobster bisque to start. They were both tasty, but a bit cold.I had the lamb chops and potatoes for my entree. The lamb chops were not individually sliced, making it a bit difficult to cut and eat - but very good. My girlfriend had the duck breast and enjoyed it. read more

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Dined here for restaurant week lunch and was satisfied with food and service. We got more than we expected in terms of quantity and quality of food. Three course meal and in addition, we also ordered snail and appetizers. All delicious! The ambiance is nice too. read more

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This has always been among my favorite French restaurants in D.C. The cuisine is superb and portion sizes even exceed the usual fine dining standards. The atmosphere and internal design are unique. The wine selection has room for improvement. The prices are lower than similar prices. I just drop one star since the place lacks that "touch" of an original high-cuisine French restaurant. read more

Bistro Cacao - Escargots - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Shhhhh...don't tell anyone that Bistro Cacao has moved one door down from their old location into a beautifully appointed and larger location...private dining available now. What a great spot for a celebration! My wife and I just enjoyed a Valentine Saturday lunch before seeing the Merry Wives of Windsor. Alas, no Falstaff today as the Folger just texted us and reported the matinee canceled due to a power outage. However, that only means that we will be back here for brunch before the rescheduled performance. This place is a jewel! Cuisine is simply exquisite! Imported beer on tap. The steak sandwich was simply the best I have ever had hands down. I asked for a side of mushrooms because that is de riguer for a steak sandwich - for a mere $5 I received a small foothill of field chantrelles - delicious. Our waiter, Samuel, was cordial, well informed, and very responsive - very professional and without pretense. All in all, Bistro Cacao has dramatically upped their game from what was a great place to start! Five read more