Bistro Cacao

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 décor 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 Bön!

Love this place and it is such a great deal for brunch or a romantic date. Wish fewer people knew about it and I could have it all to myself!

Love this place. Food was great. Wonderful service. Great patio.

Beautiful, amazing birthday dinner for Bae :). This was my second time at Bistro Cacao everything was amazing. We shared the frog legs for our appetizer, and a half bottle of Merlot that was delicious! I had the venison which was so tender and succulent (my mouth waters thinking about it). He had the grilled swordfish it was extremely light and so flavorful. For dessert we had the trio crème brûlée. Service was a little slow because our server was busy with a big section. Good experience and I would definitely go back

The restaurant itself is in a quaint little spot near Union Station. The service was good, not great. The menu seems somewhat confused where they want to provide somewhere in the middle of classic French and modern French. I do not think that they have hit that mark as of yet. My advice, pick one and make it great… don’t be average at both be great at one. Here was our menu —
Cauliflower Bisque
Lobster Bisque
Escargot
Pecan crusted Sea Bass
Surf and Turf (Filet and Scallops)
The Cauliflower Bisque was good but the Lobster Bisque lacked noticeable pieces of actual lobster which is always a fail. The escargot was prepared in olive oil, garlic, and pesto which was very good. The only issue is that one was gritty but all in all good stuff. The entrees were a fail on both counts. The Sea Bass was drowned in a sauce that was far too sweet and literally covered the entire fish. The Surf and Turf suffered the same issue being covered in a sauce that certainly detracted from what the entrée could have been.
The restaurant needs to choose an identity and make it work. Good French restaurants do very well in DC but trying to straddle the fence may shudder the doors. The restaurant, for what it is today, is too expensive in my opinion but could be great with some tweaks. Whether I would give it a second chance is still undecided.

Food: ³⁄₅ — Disappointing. They seem to be stuck between slavishly following the classics of french cuisine and trying to be innovative but only by taking half measures. They have a standard french menu, (eg onglet frite, Coquille Saint Jacque, rack of lamb, fillet mignon, magret de canard .etc no real surprises here). I would think that if you’re going to stick with the classics than give us locavore /​seasonal food (we’re not in the 1980s). As for innovation, they have tried to pair some non-​standard flavors but it all seems heavy handed. For entre I’ve had the Coquille Saint Jacque, which was overpowered by the sweetness of the Strawberries. It’s a shame the scallops were well prepared. For a plat I’ve had at different occasions the pistachio seabass and the onglet. Both well prepared and well seasoned, but nothing extra-​ordinary. The sides were forgettable.
Service: ⁴⁄₅ — Very good service. No complaints
Ambiance: ⁴⁄₅ — They make a very private and cozy aesthetic with drapes and small rooms. Its fun. and intimate.
Given the location and the price, they need to execute an extraordinary menu. Right now its disappointing.

I had a wonderful time with my BF. The people are very friendly & the food is very delicious! Yes definitely coming back for more!

I remember searching for romantic resturants via Unilocal for my recent trip to DC — I was looking for a place with class, but not the kind where you immeidately feel out of place or under-​dressed. I was hoping to discover a gem with personality, where you could feel like you blended in, and could really focus on your date. I was amazed when looking through the pictures of Bistro Cacao — how sensual and elegant! I have yet to dine at a place that with the same ambiance. Each set of diners felt as though they were the only ones in the restaurant, with sets of high-​backed chairs and dark drapery that seems to tuck you into your table, to settle in for a long evening of sipping wine and eating a fine dinner.
Our server was either authentically French, or was an incredibly convincing actor, either way that was a real treat for a Parisian-​obsessed woman such as myself. Peter E. had a hard time understanding him, but all I wanted was for him to read me the entire menu, then feed me grapes by hand. We were a bit late for our reservation, but there was plenty of tables open and the Maitre d’ was kind and accommodating. The wine list was wonderful, albeit a bit pricey. Peter ordered the Swordfish entrée, and I ordered the Lobster Bisque and the Salade Jeune Epinard. All were wonderful and fulfilling, and I especially loved the creamy soup with tender pieces of lobster. We kept dinner simple and ended with the trio crème brûlée. I was underwhelmed with that dessert, because it seemed they were rushing to close the kitchen and burnt the sugar crust. I should have asked for another, but didn’t wish to wait. I felt the price point of this restaurant was a bit high, but hey, that’s what you get in a touristy town. I’d love to come again next time and try out some lighter bites at the bar, or their lovely patio out front.

My bf and I celebrated our anniversary last Friday. They set us up in the red room by the corner which was the most romantic spot in the restaurant (highly recommend here for the ultimate date!). Everything here is sheet perfection. To start off, we both got soups (French onion for him, soup of the day (asparagus cream) for me. We shared escargot which was well prepared. We liked that the shells were removed. For entrees, he got the duck and I got the special of the day, which was stuffed trout with goat cheese and lobster. BEST. DISH. EVER. If you come in when it’s offered, you must order it. It’s super flaky and moist and the best fish I’ve ever had. For dessert, we got crepes aux bleuets (blueberry crepes). My man is not a desserts fan but I swear he ate the majority of it. That’s how you know it’s a good dessert! I love coming here. It’s intimate for two but also fun for a group of friends.

The service was impeccable, and the ambiance and setting are really lovely — cozy and intimate for a great date night experience. The food is where it was kind of lacking, though — some of the dishes felt a little dated, and some of them just were just okay; usually, for a prix fixe menu, I kind of want to be more excited about the tasting experience. I do think it was a lovely date night — the server was friendly and ready to help, but also able to do things like fill water glasses and bring silverware, dishes, etc., without interrupting conversation or the flow of the date, which I always really appreciate.
I had the lobster bisque, the spicy shrimp, the duck, and the crème brûlée trio. The dessert was really the most disappointing, I think — not the proper texture and kind of lukewarm in temperature. The mango flavored one was nice, but the others were just eh (although I do have to give the disclaimer that I don’t like chocolate, so I gave that one to my husband). My husband had the beet salad, pheasant pâté, filet mignon, and Black Forrest cake. We both agreed that everything was good, but not great, which and nothing was memorable or something that I would go back for. With that said, again, our server was marvelous, the cocktails and wine list were great, and we did have a fun date night, just enjoying an at least well-​served meal and the romantic atmosphere.

This place is phenomenal! We came here for our valentines dinner and it was perfect. The ambience is very romantic and makes it a perfect place for a special night.
We started with the tuna tartare and French onion soup which were fantastic. The French onion soup has the browned melted cheese on top and was wonderful.
I got the ribeye steak entrée which was one of their specials. It had scallops on top, green beans and a sweet potato au gratin on the side that was incredible. Such a nice balance of flavor profiles, and the steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare.
For dessert we had the chocolate lava cake which was also very good. The plate was decorated with a nice note «Love is in the air» written in raspberry syrup. It was such a nice personal touch.
Between the outstanding service and perfectly prepared food, I guarantee this place will not disappoint.

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 entrée. 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.

This is probably my fav French restaurant in DC. The restaurant is off the crowded downtown DC so it feels cozy and relaxing even during busy hours. I’ve come here for romantic dinners and sunny Sunday brunch dates. Food is consistently good and staff always nice. Their Sunday brunch is a great deal. For $ 16, you’ll get a big basket of French pastry for the table a big lunch portion dish. That’s much better from other overrated brunch place downtown.
Two tips: ask for the table next to the window and let the chef pair food with wine for you.

Busy spot for DC restaurant week on a Thursday night! Ambiance in this place was cozy, kinda like dining at your hipster friend’s nicely decorated converted row house with exposed brick walls.
There was a good cop/​bitch cop vibe going on with the hostesses. Was super glad to finally be seated at 9 PM without getting catty with the blonde who thinks she’s hot shit. Other hostess was super nice, as was our very enthusiastic server.
FOOD WAS SO GOOD. Got the Salade de Betteraves et Mozzarella (beet salad with mozzarella, golden raisins, pumpkin seeds, balsamic & OO), Carré d’Agbeau aux Herbes (rack o lamb), and the trio cremes brûlée. Not going to waste your time or mine trying to describe the food because it’s getting annoying trying to clean up this pool of drool collecting on my bed right now. Roomies all got Magret de Canard AKA duck breast and I was inwardly salty for wanting to sample by not getting the same thing.
²⁰⁄₁₀ would come back for like a date or something.

Amazing, just a wonderful experience! I truly had an amazing time. This place is truly a gem and I’m so glad we stumbled upon it. It’s decorated beautifully in a French Bistro style. The chairs are large and comfortable, the French music was adorable (although I didn’t understand any of it haha) and it was truly romantic, a great way to spend my birthday
Superior customer service, amazing food and a great all around good time. I ordered the soup of the day, which was butternut squash, truly divine. The waiter allowed me to sub my side items for my entrée although the menu clearly states substitutions aren’t allowed ;) For dessert I had some french chocolate cake that I didn’t enjoy but it was nice to try something different.
My only suggestion for a room for improvement would be to expand the vegetarian options as there were only two meal choices. I almost forgot the wine, it was amazing!

Make this a place to visit with someone you love, friend or partner. I went with my best friend in the whole world and we loved every second of it. I guess it’s French, but the décor is a little too heavy on the red and wallpaper (held on by scotch tape) so it’s past French and right into bordello. I loved it! It should be classy but it’s gaudy as all get out. We sat in comfortable cushy chair piled high with pillows. Who does that? It was goofy and awesome at the same time, oh we were also behind red curtains with the scotch taped wall paper border. Truly a gas!
The service was great from the coat check with the hostess to the wait staff. We were given fantastic recommendations and I loved my duck. The wine list was huge and of course we made a French selection. The pricing is wide so wherever your comfort zone you’ll be happy, there are some for $ 30+ all the way up to $ 300. This was a delightful comfortable place to unwind with wine and food and wonderful company.

This is a great little place, nicely decorated in a French Bistro style. Wine bottles, paintings, red drapes on many of the tables around the perimeter of the dining room, and so on. It’s not huge, but not small, and they have several dining rooms which makes it more intimate. A very good date location, to be sure, and very near the train station. Prices are reasonable, especially for the food quality.
The menu is French Bistro, and they have specials that change often. Classics like escargot, pâté, foie gras mousse, and bouillabaisse are standard fare on the menu. They have a good wine list, and the service is excellent with no pretentiousness at all.
I enjoyed lobster bisque, which was possibly the best I’ve ever had. The flavor was perfect, not too strong and not too weak, with just the right amount of cream. The escargot were exactly what you’d expect, broiled in garlic, spices, and butter. The foie gras mousse was spot-​on, though it could have used a few more figs and a bit more of the balsamic reduction. I asked for some additional figs, and they brought them, no questions asked. The scallops were an interesting presentation (I opted for all appetizers this evening). Two large sea scallops, white beans, mushrooms, strawberries, raisins, in a red-​wine reduction. A very nice dish, though I thought they finished it with a bit too much oil. All the portions were substantial, without being overwhelming, even for appetizers. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food, and the quantity as well.
I really enjoyed this restaurant, and would definitely return when I come back to DC. A very good place for a date, anniversary, or other special occasion. They have a $ 75 pre fixe, as well, though I didn’t have time for that on this visit.

Yay!
This place is amazing. My friend and I were visiting DC for the weekend and we came here for brunch. The menu is always changing but luckily, we were there when they had some amazing choices.
H and I both opted for the scallop appetizer. It was perfectly seared and tender in the center. The accompanying white bean ragout was super creamy and I loved that it was studded with golden raisins. For my main I had the pan-​seared duck breast, which was super flavorful and tender. H had the eggs benedict and the yolks were deliciously runny. For dessert we shared a slice of the mango mousse cake and the chocolate cake; both were amazing.
The vibe of the restaurant is the best part. We had made reservations and we were seated in cute armchairs next to a window, which was so great. The décor is charming and cute (reminds me of a Bohemian French home) and the staff are so friendly and the service is so quick.

Located in one of the Capitol Hill row homes, Bistro Cacao was an excellent dining experience!
The restaurant is very intimate, best for dates. The décor was European and cozy with the cushions on chairs, red drapes from the ceiling, and rose petals on the tables while also being slightly eclectic. Tones are hushed and most people are celebrating birthday’s or anniversaries. Our group of 4, seemed almost a little boisterous for this restaurant, even pre-​drinks.
All the specials sounded phenomenal and we opted to do the chef’s tasting menu which would include all his best ($ 75). I’ll admit, we were a bit unprepared when our other reservations on a Saturday night fell through and had no expectations coming in last minute to Bistro Cacao or that there was even a chef’s tasting menu.
The wine menu was deep and had a lot of solid options for us full bodied red drinkers. Our waiter also fabulously sold us on a bottle of Veuve to start to go with our first course. (I noticed he did a great job of selling the other tables on some champagne to start too! Bubbles! All around!)
Chef Kemel Degar was a gracious host and took us along for his personalized dining experience. The five courses were all fantastic. He brought them all out and introduced each one to us himself.
FOOD:
Scallop and roast beets with raisins and balsamic glaze and a cheese (Gorgonzola?)
Scallop was cooked perfectly the raisins, beets, cheese, and glaze were a fabulous compliment to each other as the first course entered with a bang!
Duck breast with mushrooms in wine reduction sauce
The duck breast was perfectly cooked. Tender and fatty, we each received about 5 or 6 slices of duck.
Sea bass with half sauce mustard based and the other half a pineapple glaze
Sea bass was light and flaky with plenty of bounce. The sauces were both interesting. I can’t decide which was better, the pineapple had a sweet tang to it while the mustard was more savory and on the mild side for mustard.
Lemon and lemoncello (?) sorbet
Alcoholic palate cleanser. Nice.
Lamb tenderloins with shrimp on top
Feeling pretty full at this point. The lamb was a tender and flavorful medium rare. I’m not a huge lamb person and loved this dish. The potato au gratin was a huge hit in the group as well.
Apple brulee strudel dessert
Similar to an apple strudel this dessert was perfect as we move towards fall and cooler weather. I loved how the top of the apples were fired brulee style that left toasted sugar/​syrup pieces on the top.
The dinner overall was a wonderfully non rushed meal. Each course was very generously proportioned. I would say that the courses did lean to the very rich side. All were well executed. Our server was extremely personable with a wealth of wine knowledge.
I had no idea what to expect when we booked at the last minute and found Bistro Cacao exceeded my expectations. I think if you have a chance to visit this restaurant I would definitely recommend doing the chef’s tasting menu. I would also recommend skipping lunch or eating very lightly before so you won’t be status heavy breathing by the third course.

My fiancé (previously boyfriend of 2 years) proposed to me last week!!! :) I won’t go into the details of his proposal on Unilocal (and no, he did not propose at a restaurant), but I will say that we had a lovely lunch at Bistro Cacao a few hours after the proposal :) It was the perfect first meal as an engaged couple! The restaurant is extremely romantic — we were lucky and the place wasn’t busy at all, so we got to sit in one of their romantic booths, complete with lovely décor and curtains! It felt very homey, private, and definitely romantic!
The lunch was very delicious and the prices were very reasonable! Service was excellent and attentive as well.
We ordered:
–Wine — Château Pegau. This was a grenache/​syrah from Cote Du Rhone and was delicious!
–French Onion Soup (with gruyère cheese)
–Grilled salmon (asparagus, potato gratin, and bordelaise sauce). This was very delicious! But a smaller portion than expected, so I supplemented with soup as well.
–Chicken Salad (grilled chicken, havarti cheese, herb aioli, avocado, lettuce, and tomato).
I love this place so much and will certainly visit again! I’d recommend it for lunch when it isn’t super crowded.
It’s about a 10 — minute walk from the Hill, so it’s convenient for Washingtonians working in downtown DC.