What a great place! Service - through the roof. Food - will knock your socks off. Ambiance - when we went they had a great jazz trio. This place is a gem.
Who
Bistro Du Jour is a great spot for a relaxed meal with a touch of class. The food is fresh and flavorful, the coffee and pastries are excellent, and the vibe feels cozy but still lively. The staff are friendly and attentive, and everything comes out beautifully presented. Definitely a place I’d come back to for brunch or a nice casual dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cathy
The server was not friendly at all. She was helpful with small plate choices, but did not engage otherwise. We told her we wanted to have a drink and would let her know when we were ready to order. The restaurant was not crowded at all, but she kept coming to us every couple of minutes. The thing that was very disturbing was they refused to serve my friend another alcoholic beverage. We are mature, professional women. My friend ordered a double bourbon after having tried three other whiskey sours, and the manager came over and said they did not serve doubles, and even though my friend said ok, just a single, the manager did not think that was a good idea. We assured her that we were fine and not driving, but they did not bring another drink. However, the check was immediately brought to the table.
Ralph
Very nice atmosphere. Excellent service. Food was OK, but not great (with the exception of the onion soup which was excellent).
Giselle LP
Superb food and service. You don't have to travel to Paris for a perfect Parisian lunch experience. A worthy rival to Le Diplomate. Perfect omelette, croque madame, quiche du jour, mussels in white wine, and the frites - wow!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian
Very nice location for a casual business lunch. Staff were courteous and attentive. Food was tasty and portion sizes felt appropriate, if not large, for the price. The skirt steak that came with my steak frites was a bit tough, but overall a very solid meal. The one negative, I was very surprised to see that a 20% gratuity was automatically added to the check for a group of 5 people for lunch, especially since it was not brought to my attention - the practice did seem a bit deceptive since my first instinct was to just add 20% to the total I saw at the bottom - glad I did a double take.
Daniele
Went in for brunch after checking out of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The staff was gracious and attentive. The food portions were substantial and fresh. Service was friendly and top notch! They brought a dessert out to celebrate our family member's birthday. We dined and were on our way to the Amtrak train at nearby Union Station with smiles and great memories. Would definitely return. Thank you Bistro Du Jour!
Andrea
I suddenly was hosting a table of 12 rather than a table of 4 -- with about 2 hours' notice! I was able to message the restaurant on the OpenTable app and when we showed up -- they were all ready for us! Plus - great food - everyone served at the same time and a nice amuse bouche to start us off!
Marie Laporte
Perhaps my expectations for a DC based French bistro of a high price tag were too high, as a french myself, but it bugged me for several days not to post a review, for consumer awareness and internally, for constructive purposes only.
Last Saturday night, we initially came for desserts. Atmosphere was unbeatably amazing, although as part of a hotel lobby, the French boho chic bistro ambiance and interior design was touché ! I was already excited to come back and try all the menu as soon as I sat....until.... We were 5 and 3 of us ordered Soufflés au chocolat. The batter was exceptionally tasty, but 50% undercooked and batter-like although it came as expected, more than 20 min later. We were ok to wait for it, but oh so disappointed by not being able to eat it... All 3 soufflés were undercooked and inevitably not eatable...
One of us had their desert served without the spoon. 3 waiters served our table and did not catch. We waited and had to go ask for service, which is fine, but having to feel bad about disturbing the waiter was disturbing, no apologies or no acknowledgement. I will skip all other little details that contributed to the experience but we stepped-in in a good mood and left disappointed and puzzled, all 5 of us... Had to ask for water when someone finally checked on us, and in the end, did not feel like wanting to spend any more valuable weekend time to come back at all. So, if you go, make sure to ask for a cooked and fully raised Soufflé because it had lots of potential. This is not something that needs to be asked though...
I must add that the cocktail selection and wine menu were perfect, on another hand.
Vraiment dommage...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Paul
Fantastic food! The complimentary "wow" appetizer was delicious. I had the American burger with French fries. Perfectly seasoned, cooked, and presented. Definitely an "A". My coworker had the French Onion Soup and the quiche. She's from Germany and travels extensively. She said that both were in the top 5 that she's ever had. She rated both "A+". Best of all was our server, Stella Rose. Stella has all the outstanding attributes of a professional. She made as feel welcomed from the moment she greeted us to the time we left. Friendly, attentive, polite, and genuinely interested in making our dining experience wonderful! Great job! Next time I am in D.C. I will make sure to come back!
Pleasant environment, but room can get too noisy at peak periods. Service is friendly and attentive, but too eager to clear away plates before everyone at table has finished eating. Food is quite good, and nicely presented.
Lynnette Tan
Escargots were very tender but a little too salty. Set lunch of skirt steak is very value for money and tastes. Just a little overdone. Best to get medium rare! Excellent service!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liesl Folks
I had an incredible vegetarian dinner at Bistro du Jour! The appetizer salad with little gem lettuce, grapefruit, radishes and avocado was dressed with a perfectly balanced lemony dressing. The braised leeks with lentils were to die for - simply fabulous! I finished my meal with the mango and passionfruit sorbet - a generous scoop of perfect deliciousness. The staff was exceptional too - personable and also very, very good. The maitre d’ was warm and welcoming, and the decor was lovely. Oh, and the wine and beverages list has something for everyone, even those looking for NA delights. Strongly recommend!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ishena Robinson
Really great experience. The service is top notch, and the food is very well done. Had the express roast chicken for lunch and the skin was crispy, the whole grain mustard juicy deliciously savory, and the fries (with creamy aioli) and salad the perfect crispy accompaniment to the meal. I also love that they switch out the cutlery after every serving.
Happy hour is an especially great deal. Try their fluffy and light gougeres for only $4!
Updated review Sep. 2025: I have returned to Bistro Du Jour and the hotel that houses it, and there is a noticeable drop in the quality of service offered at Bistro Du Jour. I’ve eaten at the bar for happy hour, in the restaurant for dinner, and for lunch so far on this return trip. At the bar I had to ask for a glass of water, as one was not placed before me as is customary. I was then asked (and charged!) for my card by the bartender before I even finished telling him what I wanted at the bar. It was strange.
At dinner there was no change over of cutlery or proper cloth napkins given to eat my messy dessert (Crepes Suzette). At lunch, I ordered the Salmon express special but was given steak. I ate it anyway because I was starving.
Finally, I was told by multiple employees that I could smoke outside. When I was smoking, someone who I imagine is the manager quickly came out to tell me I wasn’t allowed to smoke there. I respected it and put my cigarette out, while telling him his staff told me I could smoke. He just kept repeating “you can’t smoke here.” I was no longer smoking…
However, they no longer put an automatic 20% gratuity on the checks, which I appreciated. Additionally, my server for lunch—Kiara—was great and personable, and she realized immediately that I did not get the salmon I ordered.
But the management has some work to do.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Deborah
This is a delightful French cafe. Menu offers authentic fare. Dined here on several occasions and everything is delicious. Our server, Kiki was efficient and very pleasant.
What a great place! Service - through the roof. Food - will knock your socks off. Ambiance - when we went they had a great jazz trio. This place is a gem.
Bistro Du Jour is a great spot for a relaxed meal with a touch of class. The food is fresh and flavorful, the coffee and pastries are excellent, and the vibe feels cozy but still lively. The staff are friendly and attentive, and everything comes out beautifully presented. Definitely a place I’d come back to for brunch or a nice casual dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The server was not friendly at all. She was helpful with small plate choices, but did not engage otherwise. We told her we wanted to have a drink and would let her know when we were ready to order. The restaurant was not crowded at all, but she kept coming to us every couple of minutes. The thing that was very disturbing was they refused to serve my friend another alcoholic beverage. We are mature, professional women. My friend ordered a double bourbon after having tried three other whiskey sours, and the manager came over and said they did not serve doubles, and even though my friend said ok, just a single, the manager did not think that was a good idea. We assured her that we were fine and not driving, but they did not bring another drink. However, the check was immediately brought to the table.
Very nice atmosphere. Excellent service. Food was OK, but not great (with the exception of the onion soup which was excellent).
Superb food and service. You don't have to travel to Paris for a perfect Parisian lunch experience. A worthy rival to Le Diplomate. Perfect omelette, croque madame, quiche du jour, mussels in white wine, and the frites - wow!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very nice location for a casual business lunch. Staff were courteous and attentive. Food was tasty and portion sizes felt appropriate, if not large, for the price. The skirt steak that came with my steak frites was a bit tough, but overall a very solid meal. The one negative, I was very surprised to see that a 20% gratuity was automatically added to the check for a group of 5 people for lunch, especially since it was not brought to my attention - the practice did seem a bit deceptive since my first instinct was to just add 20% to the total I saw at the bottom - glad I did a double take.
Went in for brunch after checking out of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The staff was gracious and attentive. The food portions were substantial and fresh. Service was friendly and top notch! They brought a dessert out to celebrate our family member's birthday. We dined and were on our way to the Amtrak train at nearby Union Station with smiles and great memories. Would definitely return. Thank you Bistro Du Jour!
I suddenly was hosting a table of 12 rather than a table of 4 -- with about 2 hours' notice! I was able to message the restaurant on the OpenTable app and when we showed up -- they were all ready for us! Plus - great food - everyone served at the same time and a nice amuse bouche to start us off!
Perhaps my expectations for a DC based French bistro of a high price tag were too high, as a french myself, but it bugged me for several days not to post a review, for consumer awareness and internally, for constructive purposes only.
Last Saturday night, we initially came for desserts. Atmosphere was unbeatably amazing, although as part of a hotel lobby, the French boho chic bistro ambiance and interior design was touché ! I was already excited to come back and try all the menu as soon as I sat....until....
We were 5 and 3 of us ordered Soufflés au chocolat. The batter was exceptionally tasty, but 50% undercooked and batter-like although it came as expected, more than 20 min later. We were ok to wait for it, but oh so disappointed by not being able to eat it... All 3 soufflés were undercooked and inevitably not eatable...
One of us had their desert served without the spoon. 3 waiters served our table and did not catch. We waited and had to go ask for service, which is fine, but having to feel bad about disturbing the waiter was disturbing, no apologies or no acknowledgement. I will skip all other little details that contributed to the experience but we stepped-in in a good mood and left disappointed and puzzled, all 5 of us... Had to ask for water when someone finally checked on us, and in the end, did not feel like wanting to spend any more valuable weekend time to come back at all.
So, if you go, make sure to ask for a cooked and fully raised Soufflé because it had lots of potential. This is not something that needs to be asked though...
I must add that the cocktail selection and wine menu were perfect, on another hand.
Vraiment dommage...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Fantastic food! The complimentary "wow" appetizer was delicious. I had the American burger with French fries. Perfectly seasoned, cooked, and presented. Definitely an "A". My coworker had the French Onion Soup and the quiche. She's from Germany and travels extensively. She said that both were in the top 5 that she's ever had. She rated both "A+". Best of all was our server, Stella Rose. Stella has all the outstanding attributes of a professional. She made as feel welcomed from the moment she greeted us to the time we left. Friendly, attentive, polite, and genuinely interested in making our dining experience wonderful! Great job! Next time I am in D.C. I will make sure to come back!
Restaurantji Recommends
Pleasant environment, but room can get too noisy at peak periods. Service is friendly and attentive, but too eager to clear away plates before everyone at table has finished eating. Food is quite good, and nicely presented.
Escargots were very tender but a little too salty. Set lunch of skirt steak is very value for money and tastes. Just a little overdone. Best to get medium rare! Excellent service!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had an incredible vegetarian dinner at Bistro du Jour! The appetizer salad with little gem lettuce, grapefruit, radishes and avocado was dressed with a perfectly balanced lemony dressing. The braised leeks with lentils were to die for - simply fabulous! I finished my meal with the mango and passionfruit sorbet - a generous scoop of perfect deliciousness. The staff was exceptional too - personable and also very, very good. The maitre d’ was warm and welcoming, and the decor was lovely. Oh, and the wine and beverages list has something for everyone, even those looking for NA delights. Strongly recommend!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really great experience. The service is top notch, and the food is very well done. Had the express roast chicken for lunch and the skin was crispy, the whole grain mustard juicy deliciously savory, and the fries (with creamy aioli) and salad the perfect crispy accompaniment to the meal. I also love that they switch out the cutlery after every serving.
Happy hour is an especially great deal. Try their fluffy and light gougeres for only $4!
Updated review Sep. 2025: I have returned to Bistro Du Jour and the hotel that houses it, and there is a noticeable drop in the quality of service offered at Bistro Du Jour. I’ve eaten at the bar for happy hour, in the restaurant for dinner, and for lunch so far on this return trip. At the bar I had to ask for a glass of water, as one was not placed before me as is customary. I was then asked (and charged!) for my card by the bartender before I even finished telling him what I wanted at the bar. It was strange.
At dinner there was no change over of cutlery or proper cloth napkins given to eat my messy dessert (Crepes Suzette). At lunch, I ordered the Salmon express special but was given steak. I ate it anyway because I was starving.
Finally, I was told by multiple employees that I could smoke outside. When I was smoking, someone who I imagine is the manager quickly came out to tell me I wasn’t allowed to smoke there. I respected it and put my cigarette out, while telling him his staff told me I could smoke. He just kept repeating “you can’t smoke here.” I was no longer smoking…
However, they no longer put an automatic 20% gratuity on the checks, which I appreciated. Additionally, my server for lunch—Kiara—was great and personable, and she realized immediately that I did not get the salmon I ordered.
But the management has some work to do.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
This is a delightful French cafe. Menu offers authentic fare. Dined here on several occasions and everything is delicious. Our server, Kiki was efficient and very pleasant.
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