Bistro L'Hermitage is one of those rare restaurants that consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience. Nestled in the historic Occoquan area, it offers a charming French country atmosphere that is quaint, cozy, eclectic, and a perfect for special occasions. The cuisine is authentically French and beautifully prepared. Favorites like the lobster bisque, escargots, and filet mignon never disappoint (always prepared as ordered.) The full bar and extensive wine list complement the menu well, and their weekend brunch is equally impressive. What truly sets Bistro L'Hermitage apart is the service. The staff is attentive, friendly, and professional, always willing to accommodate special requests and ensuring guests feel welcomed and valued. With its warm ambiance, fresh flowers, candlelit dining rooms, outstanding food, and impeccable service, Bistro L'Hermitage remains one of the finest dining experiences in all Northern Virginia and a restaurant I highly recommend. read more

not worth the price... truly unfortunate sadly our server was not polite and their menu hasn't changed for 10 years as far as my family and I can discern read more

We were visiting our family in Clifton, VA for the Easter holiday weekend. We booked this place on OpenTable for my family of five for a 6 PM dinner on the Saturday prior to Easter Sunday in April. This was our first time here. We arrived a little bit earlier, but we were seated at a table on the rear wall of the restaurant. Some of the tables including ours were tightly packed. I started with and enjoyed my pomegranate martini ending with my peach martini both for $12 each or $24 total. I also enjoyed my Bisque de Homard lobster bisque with sherry cream for $14 although I wish there was more lobster flavor and/or small bits or chunks of lobster. I also ordered a bottle of Cote de Brouilly red wine prior to dinner. I ordered the daily special duo chilean sea bass with veal cutlet in a white cream sauce with capers, green beans and mashed potatoes. My sea bass was very moist and better than my veal cutlet, which was a bit tough. Others in my party also complained regarding their tough veal cutlet. See my pics. My total bill was $640 including gratuity for the five of us. I thought this dining experience was not worth my $640. I will likely not return here even though this place was very busy with customers when we left. Also most other past reviews are in the range of 4-5 stars. My rating is the lowest of most other ratings or only 3 stars. For that reason you may want to visit yourself and decide if it is worth your money or a higher 4 star rating. Let me know what you think in your post. If others think it is worth it after my visit I may return for a second visit with my local family. I love it when other locals prove me wrong. More to come! read more

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We came back a few weeks later for round 2 (we are moving away from the area in June and also it's our wedding anniversary). Just wow. Our waiter was Dennis. He gave us the history of the restaurant, it used to be at the watergate hotel and former president Reagan was a huge fan of the restaurant. Right after he got shot his wife had a surprise birthday party here. The original chef passed away and they lost their lease so this is the location now. Just some fyi for all you history buffs. The food was fantastic yet again. For the hors d'Œuvres we got the Merguez which was lamb sausage with ratatouille. It was very good. We also got a Brie and prosciutto platter with pickles and spiced pears in a red wine sauce. It was interesting for sure. The Brie was St Stephen's from Stephentown NY. I love Brie and this was a good one. Very interesting flavors. I got the seafood special this time. It was scallops, risotto, asparagus, and a shrimp crab cake. I wasn't a big fan of the shrimp crab cake it was dry but everything else paired well. My husband got the filet mignon. The side was these stuffed potatoes and asparagus. The stuffed potatoes were stuffed with a creamy filling almost like crab Rangoon but better. So yum. The waiter found out it was our anniversary and he went all out. He also gave me half a dozen roses and proposed to me in front of my husband . Yall just go here, and ask for Dennis to be your waiter. He's the best. read more

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Restaurant feels very nice, good decor. Food can be a tad bland for those with more of an expanded palette. Service was top notch though, I will be coming back to take on the food again. read more

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Excellent PT & OT. Nurses are always Excellent. Aides - some good, some not so good. Response time to call button can be long.

We are new to the area. And someone highly recommended this restaurant. Well they were on point. This is a beautiful place with amazing decor. The service is amazing and the food was spectacular. It was definitely an amazing experience. We truly enjoyed our visit and we will be back soon. read more

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Went for a birthday dinner with my boyfriend and it was really good. Food was really good and would go back.

The food was delicious, the service was great and the atmosphere and dessert was good!

Amazing staff, authentic atmosphere. Great food. Croissants were delicious. Crab cake sandwich was phenomenal.

Amazing everything! From service to the meal, it was perfect. I can't wait to go here again! read more

Bistro L'hermitage - Creme Brulee a la Vanille de Tahiti - French Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

You wouldn't expect a fancy French restaurant in this solo building in the suburbs but this is it in Occoquan, VA! It's a pleasant surprise! If you enjoy fine dining, then you'll enjoy this place. First, the service is amazing. The staff is very friendly and very attentive. Second, if you go during a holiday or special event, e.g. Mother's Day, make reservations early and expect the place to be crowded. They also typically have a set menu. So you can't choose from their entire menu. I recommend you don't go on a holiday or public special occasion so that you can choose a dish based on your mood and not feel rushed due to a waiting crowd. read more

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We celebrated my birthday at Bistro L'Hermitage, and it was perfect! The exterior looks like a charming medieval cottage, and the ambiance inside is beautiful, with fresh flowers on every table. We enjthe fresh bread and appetizers: fried oysters, escargots, crab & shrimp cake, and seafood soup. Our entrées (Chilean sea bass, salmon, beef bourguignon, and duo confit de canard et veau) were all delicious and generously portioned. Our server, Carlos, was friendly and attentive, and he surprised us with complimentary mousse au chocolat for my birthday. A wonderful meal and experience all around! read more

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"All good things must come to an end." Too bad that one of Northern Virginia's hidden gems changed hands. When we arrived last Saturday it was immediately noticeable that owner/manager Youssef Eagle Essakl was not there to greet every customer as though they were regulars. He and is seasoned staff had an innate ability to detect special occasions and make you feel like VIPs. Instead, a busboy showed us to our (reserved?) table without so much as a "hello." (I miss being able to speak French with Youssef and the waitstaff) The new owner/manager was polite but elusive about the transition. (We weren't the only customers inquiring as to Youssef's absence) The waitstaff was scattered and inconsistent, spilling water on the floor and mopping it up with a table napkin with their foot. Even the owner/manager could use a lesson on how to put wine; first he did not unscrew the cork for inspection, then he poured the bottle from the neck and then used his bare hand to clean the drips from the mouth of the bottle! (I suppose I should have expected as much when he placed white wine glasses on the table for our cote du rhone while the next table got red wine glasses for their bordeaux) The good news: the Lobster Bisque is still tops! The bad news: the duck was overdone, the veal liver mealy, and the deserts were flat and tired. Its inevitable that restaurants will change hands, but please be honest with your clientele. They've been loyal for many years and would support a new owner's desire to update a menu or even redecorate. Just don't play them for fools by pretending nothing has changed at Bistro l'Hermitage. Trust me; it's ok to take Youssef's voice off the answering machine and his signature off the gift cards. Respectfully submitted. read more

Exceptional! Visited this little gem for Sunday brunch. Very attentive and friendly service. Food was top notch! From the delicious lobster bisque, the savory and plentiful mussels, the lump crab and shrimp sandwich, to the fresh and fruity sorbets! A true sensory delight!! The ambience is wonderful!! Loved the fresh flowers and all the quirky details and antiques. The 5 star reviews are well deserved! Will definitely revisit and highly recommend! read more

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Love it! I've visited this place for milestone events or just the random Teusday, and each time its special. Though it costs a pretty penny, it is possible to enjoy it on a budget. I've made reservations online, and it was just as easy when I emailed with the owner (who pesonally responds to messages in their inbox) to arrange for a speacial retriement celebration for my mum and her friends. He even put together a special menu that took into account their modest pocket books, special dietary requirements (vegan and gluten free), and yet delivered a truly elevated experience. The food is always the delicious, the service is always so pleasant, and I love the atmosphere. Whether its in a group or just with a couple of friends, its a favorite go-to. read more

Bistro L'hermitage - Appetizers - French Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

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This was our first time here. Wanted to try something different for my sweetheart's birthday. The food and service were FANTASTIC! The ambiance is nice but can get noisy as the crowd grows. Will most DEFINITELY make this a regular place to visit. He had the Lobster Bisque, Escargot, Mussels, and Pan seared scallops. I had the pan seared scallops with Brussel sprouts and the Filet Mignon. We had Pinot Grigio which paired well. read more

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Went to this restaurant because my grandparents are regulars and rave about it when we visit. I requested if we could go this trip to finally try it out. Upon arrival the outside decor is beautiful and fun. It feels like you're walking into your eccentric uncles home. The inside decor is just as playful with the touch of elegance I would have expected from fine French dining. I loved that every table had a glass chicken on it. The restrooms featured a padded door and bright red toilet and sink. I also loved that they provide fresh towels for your hands after washing. A nice touch to bring it back to the "home" esthetic. Our server was fantastic and very professional while also being funny and personable. I didn't catch his name unfortunately. Hors d'oeuvres Salade Cesar Classique( classic Caesar salad, eggs, red drop peppers and white anchovies)- delicious and definitely shareable. They give fresh ingredients and whole anchovies making a plate designed for satisfaction. Salade laitue de Bibb(Bibb lettuce with roasted red beets, tomato, walnuts, and light Roquefort dressing Friture d'huitres(crispy oysters with avocado mousse & saffron aioli)- I believe this came with 8 pieces and were absolutely delicious. The crispy toppings on top of the juicy oysters were a treat. Poire pochee( red wine poached pear & st. Stephen Brie with crispy prosciutto)- the presentation was beautiful. Every part of this dish held its own and definitely went well together. I didn't care for the crispy prosciutto but my partner did. Main Foie de veau(sautéed veal liver with potato puree, green beans, caramelized onions and red wine sauce)- a show stopping dish that you could taste the years of experience cooked into it. To the way the liver melted in my mouth to the deliciousness of the creamy potato puree. I have no complaints. Truly stunning dish. Salmon & shrimp special(pan seared filet of salmon and shrimp with potato puree and asparagus)- the special of the day that my papa said was really great. A big piece of salmon and 6 good sized shrimps. Filet de saumon(pan seared filet of salmon, orzo pasta, baby spinach in a pesto broth)- I had a bite of this and it was so refreshing. I loved the orzo inside the pesto broth. Boeuf Bourguignon(Traditional French beef stew with potato puree,green beans and red wine essence)- this dish just melted with every bite. The beef was juicy, sweet, savory, soft. Very great dish. We opted out of dessert because we were so stuffed but the menu looked lovely(provided). definitely looking forward to the next return! read more

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First Timer - Food and service was good! All these years I've lived here and never knew, nice lil gem. Food: 4.0 the only thing I wish was slightly different is the broth in Salmon was a little thicker. Service: 5.0 magnifico, our server (she) was excellent. Ambiance: 4.0 very cute read more

Bistro L'hermitage - Filet Le Pave De Saumon* - French Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

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I've always heard French cuisine is nice. I thought it would be up pretty small portions and walking out hungry. Well, let me tell you my friends it was amazing. Every dish was great. Even the bread and butter was delicious. We tried escargot for the first time, it wasn't gross or slimy. It was actually quite nice. The atmosphere was great. I was disappointed that the waiters did not speak French so I could practice a little while I've learned on Duolingo. Haha... I'm definitely going back for seconds. PS.. was it expensive??? I guess not too much considering it's a fancy French restaurant but like I said not too fancy just fancy enough and it was worth the money. I'll leave it at that. read more

Enjoyed the quaint and authentic French cuisine. The food was scrumptious. I paired my lamb shank with some Pinot Noir. It was absolutely a great place for family birthday celebration. read more

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This hole in the wall eclectic French paradise is a must go to if you're in the Occoquan area. The restaurant is very quaint, but you don't feel like you're sitting on top of the neighboring table. It is decorated perfectly and every table comes with a blown glass bird. They have a full bar, so plenty of drinks to choose from. Their menu covers mini French delicacies as well as incredible steaks. My go to is usually the steak, but they're tasting menu is a wonderful option to try. Lots of favorite dishes. Their desserts also do not let you down. Anything you choose will be delicious. read more

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Had both brunch and dinner here. Worth the drive to Woodbridge from Fairfax/Tysons. Overall lovely French restaurant with amazing flavors. French onion soup, escargot, salad, duck, lamb, fried oysters. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

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I had a good time eating here it was a relax placed and I will come back Great food and also your dogs are allowed :) - You can't go wrong with that combo read more

Went to this restaurant for a birthday celebration and the food did not disappoint! The soup of the day was delicious and flavorful. The main courses were also great. It was an expensive outing but made for a nice experience. read more

A classic French vibe, with the coziest feel to it. We went as a celebration for a birthday, and as we recently got back from Paris, French food was on our mind. This exceeded our expectations 100%! The duck, and steak dishes were outstanding and for dessert they kindly brought a chocolate mousse (the best I've ever had) to celebrate! A very special meal I won't forget! read more

Bistro L'hermitage - French Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

I came here for my birthday and had a wonderful time. The food was delicious and the ambiance was charming and cozy. I really liked the scallops - they were so succulent and flavorful! My seabass entree was very indulgent. The risotto was super creamy and buttery, and the sea bass was flaky and tender. The brown sauce under the risotto added some nice acidity to the rich dish. My family ordered the chicken and pork entrees and thought it was quite dry, so not sure if I would recommend those types of dishes. The restaurant gave me a cute chocolate mousse dessert for my birthday, which was tasty and decadent. The service was just ok - it wasn't out of this world, which is what I expected for the high-end prices, and they were quite slow. I would recommend this restaurant for special occasions if you like French food, but I can't say that it's on my list of must-tries, even though I did enjoy my time here. read more

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I've had the pleasure of dining at Bistro L'Hermitage twice now, and both times were absolutely wonderful! The restaurant is a cozy little gem with delicious French food, perfect for a special meal. We've tried a few different things on the menu, and enjoyed everything we've gotten very much. On the most recent visit, we began with two appetizers: the Escargot and the Merguez. The escargot was very different from any I'd ever had before. The sauce was much creamier and heavier than others I've had, with a pure savory presence uncut by any kind of acid. It was very good, but certainly rich to an extreme. It came with a lot of escargot, so I'd actually recommend sharing this one if you don't want to fill up before your entree. The Merguez was also very rich, pairing lamb sausage with roasted vegetables. It was also delicious, and hearty enough to potentially be an entree to someone with a smaller appetite. Both of the entrees I've had here, the Filet de Saumon (salmon) and Coquille St. Jacques (scallops), are excellent. Their seafood is top-tier, and the preparations are lovely. The salmon skin was superbly crispy, and the pesto orzo was a great accompaniment. Similarly, the scallops were perfectly seared on the top and bottom, while still fork-tender. I loved them! My dining companion got the Entrecote (NY steak) on one visit and the Porc Rôti on the other, and we'd certainly recommend either! Both are large portions with generous cuts of meat and lots of vegetables. The desserts are divine as well! For a warm winter dessert, I recommend the Fondant au Chocolat, a decadent molten chocolate lava cake. It's so rich, but not overwhelmingly sweet. For a lighter, cold dessert in the summer, the sorbet is a must-have! Their sorbet is honestly some of the best I've ever had, particularly the raspberry. The service is just as good at the food! The servers kept our glasses filled and plied us with AMAZING warm bread and butter, and generally made sure we had an all-around wonderful experience. read more

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Fantastic food - all four of us were very happy with our appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts. Hosts and our server were fantastic. One sub-par server interacted with us a few times as part of their team approach - fortunately the rest of the team made up for him. The vibe was French country inn. Atmosphere was lively and full without being overcrowded or too loud. One guy at our table was too hot, but it felt comfortable to me inside. Upscale without being too fancy or stuffy. read more

Bistro L'hermitage - Rack of lamb and off-menu substitution for the duck sausage. One of the best sausages I've ever had in my life. - French Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

The most obvious 5 star rating i have ever given. I would give 10 if i could! Dedicated and attentive service. Every single detail is top notch. The staff is professional and clearly takes pride in their work. Food was exceptional and worth the price. Perfect spot for a nice dinner or special intimate celebration. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back. read more

My family and I dined at Bistro L'Hermitage on Thanksgiving, and it could not have been a more perfect experience! The special holiday menu was fantastic--lots of creative and classic options across appetizers, mains, and desserts. Every dish our table ordered was flawless: beautifully executed, full of flavor, and clearly prepared with care. The staff deserves special mention as well. They were attentive, warm, and incredibly welcoming, which made the evening feel even more special. From start to finish, this was easily one of the best holiday meals I've ever had. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, I highly recommend this restaurant. I've been here several times in the past, and it is always phenomenal! read more

It is pretty cramped inside and can get loud BUT the service is on point, it has pretty cool quirky decor, and the food is awesome. We have been twice and probably will go back again sometime. Very delicious. read more

This place was beautifully decorated and the staff we encountered were really nice and helpful. The food was also really nice. Overall, this place is a nice and their French cuisine is worth it to visit. read more

Came here with my family to celebrate a special occasion. I have to say the location has a warm welcome vibe . The food was good. We ordered the NY steak , fillet mignon and some French onion soups . The service I feel felt short of a 5 star rating. I didn't appreciate how one of the servers started pushing stuff around w/o asking to make room for an already tiny table occupied by 4 people . Overall good experience. read more

Ambiance was amazing! Old world and eclectic at the same time. Food and service were great. I could eat the sauce they pair with the lobster everyday! read more

Bistro L'hermitage - Chilean sea bass - French Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

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Upscale yet kitschy French Rated that was as one of the best restaurants in NOVA by NOVA Magazine The space is ornately decorated and all of the staff are extremely friendly Both indoor and outdoor seating, with indoor bar seating as well Fantastic complimentary bread basket Very extensive menu and wine selection, but limited cocktail options Food was solid, and was presented beautifully, but it took a long time to come out read more

A first class fabulous French Restaurant with stellar service and fabulous food. The service is always friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is very cozy. The owner is just the best. read more

Bistro L'hermitage - French Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

Good food, rushed service, and vintage vibes. We came here for Mother's Day at the request of my mother in law. For what hails itself as an unhurried, simple French restaurant, I felt rather rushed during our short lunch. We agreed on the set menu for our large party so it didn't take us long to decide, but the speed that they went through to get us onto the next course made me felt like I'm in some type of foodie marathon. A staff member was always standing next to me, rushing to grab a plate as soon as I set my utensils down. We had to repeatedly asked that they stop as we're not finished yet. The food was good, though my favorite honestly the bread. I have to give it them for that perfectly soft, crunchy and salty on the outside classic bread. The rest of the dishes were good, but nothing "out of this world." I was looking forward to really good ingredients that is the backbone of simple French cuisine, and I'm met with good food. Portions were epic, though. The ambiance of the place is vintage and classic, with an expectation that their guests come in dressed nicely (though not explicitly requested). The vibe can be romantic in the evening, especially with the restaurant surrounded by the greeneries. Perhaps they won't be rushing you through a meal on a non-celebratory day, and you'll be able to savor your experience at a more manageable pace than I did. read more

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Provides excellent food, a good wine selection, expert service, and a comfortable eclectic environment. Great for small groups, such as a double date, or a special dinner with family. A+ read more

This is still one of our favorite places for a celebratory meal or romantic dinner. We took the whole family to celebrate the new year before everyone went back to college and Bistro L'Hermitage just keeps getting better. Service is perfect, always thoughtful and unobtrusive but present. Service this good actually feels like a gift! As usual the food is also excellent, the new things are delicious and our favorites never get stale they are always improving and taste as special as the first time we went. Wine service 5 star, cocktails delicious, and don't skip dessert!! read more