I was in town this weekend with Family and we initially were in the mood for Paul- the French pastry shop that has several locations in the area. Unfortunately, the location in DC has permanently closed and we were still very much in the mood for some pastries... my cousin who is French has previously sang the praises of this Lil French pastry shop, so of course I had to give it a try. I am so happy that I did because I truly believe that I have stumbled upon my new favorite pastry shop in the area! Upon walking in the smell of croissants and almonds and sweet, sweet delicacies filled my nostrils. I basically became the human version of Remy from ratatouille inhaling a delicious bouillabaisse simmering on the stove top for hours....seeing colors and flavors so bright and intoxicating I simply had to have it I walked in and my eyes were instantly attracted to so many delicious options from classics like Palmiers and Napoleons to some unique flavor combos I've never tried before combined like raspberry and pistachio. Of course, I decided to grab a little bit of everything to make an accurate assessment as a YELP Elite should!! My favorite hands-down was the Berry Millefuille. The way the pastry crumbled in my mouth with every bite, combined with the tart, fresh raspberries, and thick flavorful custard.... Was worth every penny. Honorable mentions go to the peach rosemary tart, which was so unique with the added botanical of rosemary with some fresh sweet peach slices on top and a very crunchy tart base. We all enjoyed everything we purchased! I also ordered one of their seasonal specialties, the rosemary latte with skim milk and iced. The flavors were so uniquely crafted to where you could taste everything but everything combined together for the perfect sip. The ladies who greeted us at the cash register were so patient, so kind, and so understanding of my excitement and difficulty deciding and they even helped me add on a little chocolate happy birthday rectangle to the pastry I purchased for my husband! Without a doubt, this is only the first of the many times I will visit the establishment. It was so authentic, so delicious and passed all the vibe checks even from the French side of the family. I was told I have to return when they first open to have a fresh croissant and a fresh baguette that is on par with what you would have in Paris. Even the items in the fridge were made in France and were delicious fruit nectars that were very unique- we purchased a passionfruit nectar that didn't even make it past the doors before we had completely inhaled it and purchased a lychee nectar for later. I am so excited to have learned about this establishment and believe me when I say you must run, not walk, to experience it for yourself. Note- The dine in area inside the establishment is limited to a couple small tables. Definitely not equipped for large parties and a couple outdoor seatings right outside. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Rosemary latte iced with skim milk - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It was time for an overdue coffee catch up with one of my girlfriends - and what better place to hang out than Dupont Circle? It was a beautiful summer afternoon in the DMV area - the low-humidity and happy-sunshine type of day when your hair doesn't frizz, and you would be just as happy sitting indoors or outdoors because the weather was perfectly cooperative. We found ourselves at Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, which was teeming with people - line out of the door, small space, tiny tables, indoor and outdoor seating, first come first served. We snagged seating indoors and soaked in the laid back European vibes. We had our delicious coffees - mercifully served in proper ceramic cups and some sweet treats. Would definitely be back - perhaps in the morning because I hear that the croissants are supposed to be on point! read more

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This bakery may be the best in DC. The butter croissant could be crispier on the outside, but it is so fresh, light, and buttery on the inside that you feel like you can't stop eating. The butter croissant is really the highlight here. The pistachio croissant is very good as well. Seems like it is twice baked, so the outside is a little more crunchy. The pistachio flavor is sweet without being overwhelmingly sweet. The fougasse is a brioche dough with slight orange blossom flavor. Visually it looks like it could be a tough texture, but it's softer than you would think. I would say the texture is right in between brioche bread and foccacia. Very nice treat that also is not too sweet. Maybe the best bakery in DC. It's between this and Nino's. It's a must try. read more

Great place for breakfast with so much options for pasties and drinks! The decor is very much Parisian like! I love the pistachio croissant! The filling was so tasty and they warmed it up for me! I witnessed the owner helped someone located a missing phone and it turned out someone else grabbed it by accident. He was so calm. read more

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The stifling humidity combined with the usual 90+ degree temps of summer, make Spring the optimal time to enjoy DC. Was in town recently exploring the city and after perusing the Sunday Farmer's Market - https://www.yelp.com/biz/dupont-circle-freshfarm-market-washington-2?osq=farmer%27s+market - decided to visit Un Je Ne Sais Quoi for a much needed cafffeine hit. Located about 2-3 minutes from nearby DuPont Circle, Un Je Ne Sais Quoi is well regarded as evidenced by it's 1K plus reviews and solid 4.5 Yelp rating. The interior is "quaint" meaning it's tastefully decorated to evoke ethos of a French cafe, but also that it's small...like shoebox sized small. There are a few tables+chairs, bench/backless stool seating, and ONE very coveted comfy couch which is always in high demand. The warmer months also see the return of a few outdoor tables/chairs. Don't be discouraged if there's a line out the door, as service is usually pretty fast. I was feeling bougie so I opted for an Americano, while my friend ordered an iced latte. What also distinguishes this place is that all items are baked on premises (at least that's what we were told). The selection in the display case is EXTENSIVE. All manner of croissants, muffins, breads, etc. Since we had munched on some things during the stroll through the market, we just had the sugar croquettes. Coffee was intense without being bitter; A splash of 1/2+1/2 (no sugar!) helped to add extra creaminess. The croquettes had a nice bake with a semi-crisp exterior, while the sugar granules provided a sweet textural crunch. We had a lovely time enjoying good conversation paired with even better coffee. In a city full of many excellent coffee shops, Un Je Ne Sais Quoi might be one of the best. read more

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This bakery, now cafe has been a DC staple for years now and despite its small interior, I can definitely see why both locals and tourists stand in line to get freshly baked delights from here. I had the pistachio croissant which was divine. However, I definitely hope to be able to come back to indulge in their delicious meringue desserts. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Pastries part 2 - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Delicious baked goods! The line gets long depending on when you go but they have a nice selection of items. They also serve sandwiches at lunch. The ham & cheese baguettes sandwiches is a must try. read more

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I've heard only good things about Un Je Ne Sais Quoi from multiple people, about how they're a legit French bakery. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait too long in line a couple Sunday afternoons ago, and most things were still available for purchase. PEAR TART We thought this was a bit dry and grainy. It wasn't anything but ordinary. Both of were left pretty disappointed with the pear tart. LEMON MERINGUE TART My friend really enjoyed the sharp citrus bite of the lemon meringue. I found it impressive as well, but it was too sweet for my preference. I got another friend the mango? pavlova which was topped with pistachios for her birthday. She thoroughly enjoyed this and is wanting to check the bakery out herself. Maybe I just didn't get the right pastries for me, but I would be open to coming back to try other options. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Long line, but otherwise the pastries here are superb. I ordered the pistachio croissant and it was the perfect texture and crunchiness!! Loved it so much I want to go back. The staff was courteous and the interior somewhat crowded and noisy. read more

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What a fantastic little bakery that transported me to France upon my last visit to DC. I popped in for breakfast on a Friday and it was bustling. My coworker and I shared a bunch of sweet and savory pastries which were all divine. My fave were the savory tomato pastry and ham and cheese croissant. I also enjoyed a fabulous cappuccino. You can tell this spot is loved by locals because it was completely full the entire time we were there, with folks sitting for their treats or picking up things to go. There is some seating outside as well as indoors, but overall the spot is relatively small. The staff was really friendly and helpful when I couldn't decide between certain things, and definitely pointed me in the right direction. As a total Francophile, Un Je Ne Sais Quoi has gets a très bien from moi. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Ham and cheese croissant and tomato tarte - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We visited Un Je Ne Sais Quoi on a Saturday morning, and it was slammed. The clientele seemed like a mix of locals and tourists, and we were careful to keep the door closed to not let the chilly air in. I had a macchiato coffee drink and a spinach and feta croissant, while my husband had a cold brew and a ham and cheese croissant. We also grabbed a butter croissant for later, which was a great afternoon snack. My spinach and feta croissant was delicious, flakey, and buttery. The service was a little confusing, as the employee brought my husband's cold brew out to him, but for my hot coffee, they just call your name and you walk up and get it. It also took a while for my coffee to be ready, as one worker was making all of the hot drinks on a Saturday morning. If it's a nice day, you can take your coffee and pastries outside, which I recommend because inside doesn't have a ton of space. This shop is a little pricey, but they have some unique offerings so it is worth a stop if you're in the area. read more

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I arrived right before a line formed which was nice. I wasn't too sure about the chocolate tart, but I enjoyed it once I got to the caramel. The service was very friendly. There wasn't any seating available but I enjoyed it at Dupont Circle. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I love a plain croissant when I'm craving a pastry. I also know that it's tough to do something simply, so my visit was with bated breath. Verdict: Un Je Ne Sais Quoi's croissants delivered. It wouldn't be out of place in Paris. I tried the following: Croissant ($4): Buttery delight without feeling heavy in my stomach. The flakiness was fantastic, even at room temp (I tend to toaster oven mediocre croissants to mimic a flake). The croissant itself was just delicious. 1000% would buy again. I'd come back here just for this and nothing else. Tarte fine tomate ($8): Delicious tomato pastry, although I think the price for the portion would keep me thinking of this as a treat myself kind of pastry. The tomatoes were slightly sweet, yet the umami was noticeable. Apple turnover ($4.10): The only thing I wouldn't order again, only because I prefer a more American-style filling. The apple filling was like thickened applesauce, a puree rather than with chunks. It was good, but I was craving more of an apple pie in hand pie form. Stuffed pistachio croissant ($6.50): Fantastic if you like pistachios and croissant. I'd say the ratio of filling to croissant was 60:40. I was surprised that the pistachios filling wasn't baked (stuffed) in. The croissant was cut in half and spread with their pistachio paste/mix, then put back together. Parmesan leek savory ($4.15): Yummy cheese and onion pastry, essentially. Worth it. read more

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We made it here right before the line started! Definitely high in demand and worth it, everything we had was great. Coffee tasted delicious and smooth. The pistachio was amazing, and the tomato tart was exactly what I was wanted from a savory bite! If you catch the line I'm not sure I would wait, but once you're in the pastries are certainly worth it. read more

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Awesome place super good honestly great service very friendly and learned a little French also while I was here and the names of the patisseries. My hot drink was perfect and very good please come here for your self and try it. Cozy place as well. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Will always go to and love this place as they are the only one I know of that makes caneles, and they're just oh so good. The other pastries are also quite good, coffee is solid, and prices are fair. Staff is friendly, space is clean and comfortable though it does get busy. Highly recommend and will continue to come by often. read more

This was by far my favorite bakery in the city until this week. I finally found myself around Dupont Circle on Tuesday and excitedly made my way to Un Je Ne Sais Quoi. I got my favorite- a millefeuille- a chocolate and almond croissant, a pistachio croissant, and a fig/lemon tart. I'm so disappointed that everything was overcooked - even burnt. The inside of the chocolate almond croissant was also raw. I can't say I'll return after this one, that's $30 bucks down the drain. read more

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I wrote this review a few months ago and forgot to post it, so I am not sure if the items here are the same as they were from back then. But this shop definitely deserves its good reviews. We came to the shop near the end of the day, and there was still a decent selection of pastries. The shop is very small and cute. We ended up getting the cream puff, fig lemon tart, Paris-Brest, and (I think) the coffee cookie croissant. They were all delicious and very buttery. I especially liked the Paris-Brest and the cream puff, but all were so good. The service was solid as well, nothing to complain about. The worker did mention that some of the more popular pastries were sold out, so I would like to come back earlier in the day next time. read more

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I went with a large group and everyone enjoyed their pastries, which we received rather quickly despite the long line. The space inside is small but they have a lot of outdoor seating and even some benches right in front. I had an iced oat chai latte which was delicious. read more

Yummy. I had a very great oat milk cap from here this morning, with a chocolate croissant. The bread was very buttery, not as flakey as it was more melt in your mouth type of pastry. The bread smelled very good. Huge selection of baked goods. The baristas were very nice and made for a pleasant vibe inside. There was outdoor seating, I'll make a trip back when it is warm. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Oat milk Cappuccino and Chocolate Croissant - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This little cafe has various delicious pastries, bread, and desserts. There are some tables inside and few outside tables too. - pistachio croissant: delicious flaky buttery croissant. The pistachio flavor was subtle but the filling had perfect sweetness. - almond pain du chocolate: flaky and buttery but I wish that there were more chocolate pieces. - chocolate brioche: yummy! The brioche was buttery and fluffy. - chai latte: good latte! The chai flavor was strong. read more

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Tiny space but got everything you need for a beautiful little patisserie. I got a latte and the apple turnover-amazing! I had a nice little moment here to myself in the afternoon while visiting DC, strongly recommend! I am envious of those who are close to this place, ha! read more

While in DC, my friend and coworker recommend we make a stop at Un Je Ne Sais Quoi. I heard they sell house made pastries and I was ready to go! I ordered a delicious, flaky, and savory tomato topped-pastry and an almond croissant. I paired my tomato topped pastry with a cappuccino. I will say that this bakery specializes in their perfectly made croissants and pastries and not their coffee. The cappuccino was made quickly and thrown together because of the long lines. That's okay! I just won't return or recommend their coffee. Overall, this place is top tier for their flakey pastries and food. It is a tiny patisserie so don't bring your luggage or plant to work out of here from your laptop! read more

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I stopped by for a late afternoon snack before a dinner reservation and got the Mystique cake. It's a dessert that consisted of a giant meringue cookie in the middle which is covered with whipped cream and white chocolate flakes. Aesthetically, very pretty to look at as it resembles a snowy mountain. It was tasty and very sweet but not something I'd go back for. They also had other pastries and breads available for sale but the pickings were slim as it was near their closing time. read more

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This was definitely one of the places when it wanted to try on our trip to DC and it was the only one I would really classify as most mostly hype. The service we received was a little bit on the annoyed side. I wouldn't say rude, but definitely not friendly and even leaning towards annoyed at us because I couldn't pronounce one of the baked items to her satisfaction. I know she knew what I was saying, but she seemed annoyed that I mispronounced it. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of whatever it was but it wasn't that great. It wasn't bad but it wasn't anything special. We definitely will not be returning to this bakery if we come back to DC. read more

Cute little cafe right outside of the DuPont metro station! Stumbled upon them a few years ago and they're super popular now! Awesome! Tried the pistachio croissant which was very yummy but I would've preferred more filling. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Pistachio Croissant - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Almost a decade since they opened, bakeries can lose their charm in that duration but Un Je Ne Sais Quoi continues to be consistent and comforting. You cant go wront with the Merveilleux and Pistachio Paris Brest any time of the day. For an intense hit of chocolate to go with your coffee, try the chocolate tart or the mousse. Glad to see the Saint Honore on the standard menu, it is gorgeous and delicious. It started out as a cake on the advance order cake menu, used to be a family birthday favorite. 7 year old loves the Madeleine and the puff pastry base of the Saint Honore. Given the central location and media mentions, they have gotten crowded over the years. Queues can be long but move fast. Wait time for outside and inside tables is unpredictable and you'll see a lot of Insta and Tiktok fans vying to take a picture of the merveilleux. P.S. Of course we demolished 7 pastries before pulling put our phones to take pictures. read more

Happy to report the Un Je Ne Sais Quois remains one of my favorite bakeries/coffee shops in DC. Both their savory and sweet pastries are delicious and the coffee is one of the few places I prefer it hot rather than iced. The staff is always friendly despite how busy it can get, and if the weather is nice, it's fun to sit outside and people watch read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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What's not to love? This charming little spot is an absolute gem. The pastries and baked goods are delicious, decadent, and beautifully crafted -- true works of art that taste even better than they look. Even though we got our treats to go, the cozy, inviting atmosphere made us want to stay and linger. Every bite was perfection. Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates authentic French pastries and a touch of indulgence. 5 stars read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Washington, DC Rating: 8/10 I stumbled across Un Je Ne Sais Quoi while walking through DC and couldn't help but notice the line stretching out the door and onto the sidewalk. One look through the window and it felt straight out of Beauty and the Beast -- warm light, elegant pastries, and that perfect French bakery charm. I knew I had to stop in. The moment I walked inside, the smell of fresh baked goods hit me -- buttery, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. I ordered a mix of pastries to get a real taste of what this place offers: Apple Turnover - 10/10 Hands down the star of the show! The first bite was warm, crisp, and perfectly flaky. The inside had a smooth, almost creamy apple filling that reminded me of fresh applesauce -- comforting and delicious. Ham & Cheese Croissant - 7/10 This one had a nice texture and that buttery croissant flavor, but I was hoping for a little more cheese. It leaned more on the bread side than the gooey, savory side I expected. Apple Tart - 9/10 Beautifully done! The apples on top were soft, slightly caramelized, and easy to bite through. Simple but full of flavor. Chocolate Croissant - 6/10 Not bad by any means, just a little underwhelming compared to the others. The chocolate was mild and didn't pop as much as I'd hoped. Tomato Tart - 6.5/10 Good flavor, nice crust, but again -- it didn't wow me like that apple turnover did. I was honestly so excited to dig in that I forgot to take pictures of each one individually (which says a lot!). Overall, I'd rate Un Je Ne Sais Quoi a solid 8/10 -- worth the visit, and I'll definitely be back for that incredible apple turnover! Until next bite, Jacob read more

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I can see this as being a stop whenever we are in town. Lots of options to choose from and perfectly matched with a coffee of your choosing. Staff were very attentive. Definitely a bustling place with a few seats inside and out. It's is a lovely French bakery near the DuPont Circle. Felt like I was in Quebec or French Paris for a moment. read more

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Heard a lot of great things about this bakery and I think it's worth a visit. The line on the weekends is usually quite long, I opted to go during the weekday and there was no wait. I got the almond croissant and waffle. The almond croissant was very good and I would recommend it more than the waffle. I saw a few reviews comparing this place to bakeries in France. Honestly an unfair comparison given we are not in France. The quality of butter, eggs, and other ingredients is different abroad than in the U.S. unless they are getting all their ingredients flown in, you really cannot compare it. I have been to France before and spent extensive time trying numerous different bakeries and restaurants. I don't necessarily think this bakery compares to the quality of pastries abroad. However, it is a good bakery and good quality. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Almond croissant and waffle - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi is a bakery specializing in cloud-like pastries near Dupont Circle. Almost always crowded and usually with a line, I'd recommend going early to ensure your pastry of choice isn't sold out! -- I arrived at 9:30 AM, which I considered relatively near Un Je Ne Sais Quoi's opening time of 9 AM. There was already quite the line formed, and though quite long (20+ people), it moved very fast. Although the seating was quite limited inside (~4 tables and some window counter seating) and outside (3 tables), I believe the nearby Dupont park has more than enough benches to accommodate any group size. Our group of 3 ended up eating here. I ordered the almond croissant and the pistachio croissant. The sign on the door stated that humidity affects the pastries and, quite honestly, I believe it! I found the croissants to be airy, crispy and not too sweet. The almond croissant was the winner to me and had a sort of pudding consistency on the inside. The pistachio croissant was also tasty, but it was a little less special to me. No overwhelming or strong pistachio flavor. My only complaint with the pastries were the price. Honestly I wish they were a little cheaper so I could justify buying them more often! Recommended by a friend to check this spot out, I now highly recommend others to try it, as well. Come early and expect to wait in line, but the pastries are worth it! read more

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I stopped in for a quick treat after walking around the Dupont market and it was so good! I saw this chocolate monstrosity in the case and had to have it. It was three eclairs with chocolate mousse in the middle and on top! Perfect little sweet treat. My cousin got a brioche roll and a latte and she really liked both. It's super small inside so definitely a good spot to drop in and pick up croissants or a treat for the road! read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

There isn't much seating since it's a small cafe but rest assure when it's warmer out the outdoor seating will be utilized. There were SO many pastries, like wow it was so hard to choose what I wanted. The vibe felt like I was in paris. I got the hot chocolate 7.5/10, nothing special or crazy but still good. Lemon meringue tart 8.5/10, i'm not a huge lemon person but this may have convinced me otherwise. The cappuccino was 8/10 and apple turner was 7/10. Would come again! read more

This cafe has been in my bucket list for some time and I finally got to pay a visit. The reviews accurately reflect the quality of their pastries. I went in around noon and was nervous they might have been out of lots of their inventory as some cafes do but they had plenty to choose from still when I came in. I got the spinach feta and Pralin Paris Brest and both were soo good. The spinach feta was just the savory bite I needed. The Pralin Paris Brest had a yummy nuttiness to it and the cream filling was airy and a light sweetness. I would definitely come back for both. The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating. It was a cold day so I sat inside and despite it getting consistent customers, I was able to snag a seat and work for about an hour and a half. I definitely recommend this place for a catch up with a friend, work session, or just a yummy treat. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Spinach feta and Pralin Paris Brest - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Everything went well, the pain de au chocolat and the madeleine were pretty good as well as their iced chai latte. The service was also top notch, workers were chill and the ambiance was also pretty good, soft music and perfect for a quick or long chat with friends read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Pistachio Pain au Chocolat and Madeleine - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What a pleasant surprise to run into on our way to another restaurant! We saw a line so had to check it out, and got a pistachio croissant and a cannelé. Both were delicious! The cannele was sweet and chewy, would definitely get it again and enjoy with some coffee. The pistachio croissant was a bit more dense than I like, but delicious regardless. Definitely stop by if you're in this part of town! read more

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Excellent French bakery near Dupont Circle. As others have stated, Un Je Ne Sais Quoi serves up legit laminated goods, coffee, and other sweet treats. I tried out the plain butter croissant. While it is not exceptional, it does meet the French standard. However, the pistachio croissant and madeleine were both terrific, as was the drip coffee. I found service to be pleasant and helpful, and the ambience cozy and bright. Highly recommended. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Butter croissant, pistachio croissant, apple tart, medium coffee, hot tea - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Quaint local spot. Great service--all the staff were super friendly. The interior decor gave worn 2014 Home Goods vibes and silverware was kind of dull. Seating was limited. There was a nice selection of pastries. I got the Salted Bistro Spinach Feta which was great. The mango lemonade was also tart&delicious. The ice chai was alright--the liquid was slightly warm and the ice melted almost right away. The location itself is amazing. Overall, nice cafe that's different from your Tattes and Starbucks. read more

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi - Salted Bistro Spinach Feta, Iced Chai - Desserts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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