After a change in ownership from Le Zinc to La Piquette it opened with minor changes. The steak - frites was tough and the fries were uneventful. The mussels were tasteless and the service was horrible. Would not go back! read more

We had lunch on a Friday afternoon at la Piquette recently. The food was was very well prepared and delicious, but the service was below average: had only been seated for less than five minutes when we were asked if we were ready to order, our wine forgotten until we reminded the waiter when our appetizers were served, and a wait of over twenty minutes to be served dessert and a coffee, and then only after the waiter was reminded. We enjoy leisurely lunches, but an hour and a half at the table after traveling from Annapolis through DC traffic was a bit much considering we felt almost ignored once our main course was in front of us. We left the smallest tip we've given in years. Not sure we'd go back a second time. read more

I love the food at La Piquette. I have been there twice this week. The fish is perfectly cooked, the bread crusty and the dessert not too sweet. I want to go back every week from now on! The only reason why I did not give it five stars is the noise level: very energetic unless you go early or late (they close at 10pm most days, 10h30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 9h30pm on Sundays.. read more

I love this place. Straight out of Paris. Frisee salad- perfect. Steak Frites. Wonderful. Escargot- delightful. Great !

I had been 2 times and been impressed with the food--to die for, no matter what I had. I took a friend from out town as a treat. I had a waiter I had never had. The fish skate wing looked intriguing. Because I have wheat allergy, I told the waiter, and he said this dish was fine. When it came it had a spinach sauce with some lumps in it. I called the waiter over, asked him what was in the sauce "any wheat"? He said not, it was rice, specifically risotto. I tasted it, and it was not rice. The waiter ignored my attempt to get him over. I asked the bus boy who I knew from previous meals. He said it was wheat grains. The waiter continued to ignore my beckon, so I told the bus boy I was allergic, and he immediately took the plate, and returned with something I could eat. Waiter continued avoiding my table for an hour. At one point he actually left the restaurant to walk down the sidewalk slowly as if he had not a care in the world. I will NEVER recommend this restaurant again to my Cleveland Park neighbors, nor return. A waiter who does not know the menu, wheat vs rice, and has no clue how dangerous wheat is to those allergic should take up another profession. I told a neighbor and she said La Piquette has a reputation in the hood for poor service. I wish I knew before. read more

We had a lovely dinner here. The Garbure Soup as the Post promised was delicious, but everything about the meal was pleasant. The service. The generous taste of wine I received when I wasn't sure which one. The salmon tartare was very good too. Everyone agreed that the gateau a l'orange was one of the best desserts they'd ever had. It is a little noisy, but it feels like celebration, not din. read more

La Piquette is better than most of the bistros on the Rive Gauche. Delicious, subtle, and with that indefinably great feel of a neighborhood restaurant....cozy, clubby, home away from home. It is worth a trip just for the baguettes, but as you swoon over the bread, order the saffron mussel soup, if it is on offer, or the pate, or the duck, or, well, you get the picture. Really great authentically French food, in an atmosphere tres sympathique. read more

La piquette deserves it's name, as piquette means crappy wine. So my wife and I ordered Champagne and it was not Champagne. Akin to 7 up with big bubbles, already there was something fishy. The taste was worse than Korbell. The waiter assured us it was Champagne. I didn't say anything until two women around us made a face at the same "Champagne", complained and then were made fun of by the wait stuff. I went to see the Maitre D, and told him it was not Champagne. He assured me it was. Too bad for him, I happen to be French, from the Champagne area and had a heated discussion with him. I did pay the $15 per glass but assured him I would never come back. The food was good, but not worth the bad vibes. read more

Dropped in for a quick lunch and we were charmed! Small bistro with a nice menu, including two or three course lunch specials. My wife had goat cheese and yellow beet appetizer and salmon, I had Calamari Provincial and skate. Both were great! read more

Pas mal. Had the Pan Seared "Foie Gras" -- which I thought would be paté. Mas non! It was literally grilled duck fat. Was it worth $18? Not really since my friend had the roasted duck breast which had some fat which he trimmed. I literally could have taken that home and grilled it myself. But would it have the yummy toasted bread, roasted apples, and port reduction? Absolument pas. So, maybe worth $11.38. read more

This charming and cozy bistro is a breathe of fresh Provencal air in a neighborhood of staid, uninspiring restaurants. The chef is not afraid to let the flavours of the ingredients speak out, yet balances them artfully to create harmony in each dish. Even the salads had their own distinctive voice; from my caesar with a clear anchovy flavor that highlighted, but did not overwhelm, the creamy dressing and sweet romaine, to my wife's salade maissone with its peppery chicory overtones. The garbure soup was a complex ensemble of duck, cabbage, beans and greens in a comforting stock that infused me with a sense of home and hearth on this bitterly cold day. The entrees did not disappoint, and continued the concert of bold, clear flavor tones. My beef daube had a rich savory sauce sweetened and fortified by red wine, and graced with young mushroom caps. The beef was tender and moist. My wife's natural chicken Americain was seasoned simply and cooked to a perfect golden brown: this bird didn't squawk, its taste sang. We finished with the warm apple tarte ala mode, which came out more apple than tarte (huzzah!), and was perfectly baked. The cinnamon and apples were equal partners in this confectionary marriage, and the dollop of ice cream surprised with its own unique flavor that turned the delightful duet into a tasty trio that was the perfect grace note to end our meal. read more

Great neighborhood bistro! Food fantastic, service superb! I especially like the steak frites!

I trained as a chef when I was a young man, and I am naturally a bit picky when I eat out. I had heard good things about La Piquette, so I made reservations to have my birthday brunch there. The food, ambience, and service all exceeded my expectations - this restaurant would be considered top notch even in Paris. The chef, Mr. Francis Layrle, is absolutely an artist. There were four of us today, and we all were blown away by the food. My daughter and I started with the soft shell crabs - excellent, delicate, perfectly crisp on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside. I also had sweetbreads - again, perfect. For our entrees my daughter ordered the bass, I had the Cod cheeks, and my friend and his wife had short ribs and the soft shell crabs. Sides of scallops, as well as French shaved ham also appeared - we spent most of the brunch talking about how incredible the food was. Desserts were just as good. This will be our new "go to" favorite French restaurant from now on. read more

The worst dinner I have ever had. Went there with my girlfriend...first the manager didn't pay any attention to our request of where we wanted to be seated as well as being very unwelcoming...We had the scallops and cod. I had to send the scallops back because they smelled bad, after they brought the "new-fresh" scallops they were no different. The cod was very tasteless and cold so we sent it back to be reheated. The chef didn't even come to apologize, very dismissive. Will not go there again. Stay away!!!! read more

Last Thursday friends of mine had reservations to celebrate their anniversary there; they like this restaurant very much. I stopped by earlier in the day and paid almost $60 for a surprise gift of a bottle of wine to be presented to them that evening. They called me during dessert and when I asked how they had liked the wine, they said they never received it. I was so disappointed so spoke with the hostess who felt it was enough just to say she had forgotten. I was furious because in a classy restaurant they would have given them a glass of champagne or some other token to express their regret. No such gesture was made; the food may be good, but an untrained or indifferent hostess convinced me never to eat there. read more

We have been here before but tonight the service was pretty bad. We waited at the bar cause our table wasn't ready. Bartender never looked up. Had to get the hostess to get the bartender to pay attention. Once we were seated it seemed to take forever for a waiter to come over. Finally one did. Then our appetizer took almost 20 minutes to arrive. The rest of the evening went pretty much the same. read more

We are so fortunate to have this wonderful restaurant in our neighborhood. I took a cousin of mine who lives six months of year in France to dinner there. He was astounded. It is real cuisine du terroir such as one often has to look for nowadays even in France itself. The place is a bit cramped--it was never designed to be a restaurant--but it is worth putting up with for the food and the service. Chapeau! read more

All the dishes we tried were very good - the steak tartare and the duck confit were excellent -but the service was way too slow for lunch hour. The clafoutis was a disappointment - more of a standard floury cake rather than the wonderful flan-like dessert. read more

This is one of my new favorite restaurants in the area! Very cute decor (with a nice patio), and amazing food. I went for brunch and they had just baked delicious croissants. Everything we ordered was delicious. I'll definitely be back! read more

What a fabulous meal! Every time I am visiting DC and in the area my family and I always enjoy a great dinner at this place.

Terrific surprise! Foie Gras was amazing and the Cassoulet was spectacular! We've been in Paris and this was one of the best French dinners we had outside in America. read more

Great spot with great french food. I had the rabbit and it was delicious. The server was very accommodating with my limited wine knowledge. The dining area was a little small and could be noisy at times. This would be a good place for a date. read more

My wedding reception was held at La Piquette in April 2016. It couldn't have been a more perfect experience. Amazing ambience, delicious food, attentive and kind staff. This night was as much if not more special to me than my Georgetown wedding the following day. I can't recommend La Piquette enough as a location for a special event. Thank you, La Piquette, for a memorable and special night! read more

Took the office here for a small dinner. Everybody thought it was terrific. I eat seafood and veggies, the waiter recommended a cod dish, I was skeptical as I usually find cod flat, but the fish was delicious and tender. Then my business partner and I had a kir royale nightcap at the bar there. Perfect! read more

Wow, what a great place for a casual dinner. I don't usually write reviews, but I feel compelled to do so because of the consistently good food I have enjoyed every time I have been there and the unforgettable desserts! This last time we had the scallops - cooked just right, very tasty, the salmon tartar with the avocado - amazing, the tartare au boeuf - my favorite - with a touch of hot, and the best seafood "soup", with an unforgettable aroma. We also had a sampling of desserts! the sorbets, so tasty, you could taste the fruit and the chocolate of course, the apple tart (also my favorite) and the orange cake. Can't wait for the next time ... read more

The ambiance, food, and service was perfect. My husband and I had a very nice, leisurely dinner here on a Friday night. We had a patio table and were able to remain there the entire evening without feeling rushed or hurried. Our waitress was awesome. She got that we wanted our coffee WITH our dessert (a warm tarte aux pommes perfectly cooked with a nice flaky crust). The salmon and spinach was perfect. Hats off to a great kitchen and wait staff and thanks for making our dining experience very similar to those we've had in Europe. read more

We ate there again on Friday with our out of town guests -- picky New Yorkers who are great foodies -- and it passed their high bar. One ordered the chicken, one friend had the mussels, my husband ordered the steak frite, and I had the salmon. All superb. Excellent wine list. It was a beautiful night and we ate the the threshold of the door -- almost both inside and outside. Excellent service. Only disappointment was that they didn't have their vegetable soup (I assume it's season) which is just out of this world. read more

La Piquette is a very good neighborhood restaurant and a nice addition to the area. They hit a few modest highs. Overall, food is consistently good but I have not yet had anything that is outstanding. read more

Simply Superb. My wife had cod, which was out of this world. I had scallops-delectable. Everything here is excellent. And the staff is friendly, attentive and incredibly accommodating. If we could, we would eat here every tonight. We can't wait to go back. read more

This place is excellent and a great neighborhood joint. The food never disappoints. We love the mussel and saffron soup, and the duck lorange. The creme brûlée is very nice too. We went for my husbands birthday and we will definitely be back. The food is better than some of the other hip French bistro places in town. I almost didn't want to write the review because I want to keep it a secret, but really, this place is a hidden gem in a neighborhood that is developing with new restaurants pretty quickly. read more

Amazing soft-shell crabs! Perfect: crispy, clean and fresh, not heavily coated or drenched in too much butter. Every time we return to La Piquette, we are happily surprised. Many perfectly executed classic French bistro dishes to please everyone. Yes, it is popular, so either make a reservation or go on a weeknight. read more

We have brought our family to La Piquette three times to celebrate special occasions - and it keeps getting better! The food, the ambience, and the service can't be beat - especially on a beautiful night when the garage door is open with a few bottles of wine. La Piquette is a dream for seafood lovers - some of our favorites are the oysters, the mussels with pappardelle (a nice--and unique touch!), the scallops, the salmon, and the jumbo lump crab citrus salad! We also really enjoy the steak frites - the portion is very generous and the fries are perfectly cooked. I highly recommend La Piquette for a special occasion or a relaxing evening with friends. read more

We stopped in for lunch. We thought we were ordering a $14 item but it turns out that a single sausage with french fries cost $21 here. Outrageous. read more

We have given this place several tries and although it is a cute place with decent food from what I've tried, the service and feeling we have gotten from the staff is so off-putting. I have never felt less welcomed in an establishment than I have when I've come here - and this is based on multiple experiences. Once we were even kicked out - not for being rowdy or not ordering anything - but because the table in the bar area at which we were sitting was apparently reserved at a certain time, yet nobody told us this. My colleagues and I like coming here for few glasses of wine and appetizers for happy hour occasionally after work. Every time we are made to feel not only unwelcome, but like our presence is an inconvenience. This evening we went and were actually told they were too busy for us to sit in the bar area and order happy hour....there was literally nobody in the entire restaurant. If you don't want people to just come to enjoy a low key happy hour, don't have a happy hour. Or, better yet, just have better customer service and don't be so uptight. read more

On a busy Saturday night I persuaded my husband to leave Chevy Chase to strike out for a Georgetown dining experience. He noted the crowds on Macomb Street and turned to check out the scene. Abracadabra we were seated at the bar in La Piquette being chatted up by a charming bartender. The salad maison was superb--fresh tangy greens in a lemon vinaigrette. The cauliflower soup was smooth and rich. The duck confit was cooked to perfection with French lentils at their best and the duck falling off the bone. The beet and leek salad is sensational in presentation and taste. Don't miss it. We shared the Clafoutis William--pastry with pear and cream--divine. The French bread is as it should be--crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside and served with a small dish of good olive oil. Prices are good for the quality of the cooking. The place needs a host or hostess as the overtaxed manager is forced to fill too many roles. Bon appetit! We will see you there. read more

We live in the neighborhood so thought we'd give it a try. Fri night, 7:00 pm. Food was good - vegetable appetizers and fish dishes were fine. Service was indifferent, if not outright cold. There was no host when we entered (why? Even IHOP and Dennie's greet you). After a min-two one of the waiters noticed us standing there so came over. I pointed out our name on their reservation list. He shrugged, looked around, and offered us a table at the door, which we declined for obvious reasons. He then put us in the "train" against the wall, crammed between another table for two and a table of four with their backs to us - the latter so close that the dandruff from the female customer's hair cascaded into my wife's water glass with every giggly look-around ("who's noticing me?") and head toss. (Side note: While this was not the restaurant's fault, from this table's loud, affected conversation, which we tried but failed to avoid overhearing, they seemed to be some type of status-whoring local media lefties ["Meet the Press"! "I still had my makeup on haha"!]; DC really is Hollywood for ugly people.) This place is very noisy (worsened for us by the MtP apparatchiks). The tables are too densely packed (fire hazard?) - You're sharing too much personal space - talk, fragrance, assumed intimacy - with those around you. The waiter (Juan) tried but seemed overworked and didn't offer any personalized service. The poor bread girl was just a zombie. Sum: decent food, prices avg for this type of place, indifferent service, invisible management, cramped, stuffed-up atmosphere, and rock-concert noise level. Cactus Cantina's looking better all the time. read more