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Never a disappointing visit. Service is always friendly and efficient, cocktails are strong in quality, food comes out perfect, and a lovely ambiance. Menu stays the same but they're good at what they do. Prices are what they are (just like everywhere) but I only come on occasion. If you don't want to go across the water for some French fare come here. The new spot The Angie on Fairfax Dr has more space and a bigger menu, but this place is simply better.
GOODD/10; we will be back! This spot is only about ~10 minutes from us and it did not disappoint. We got a small table that had booth seats on both sides which is already a win. Then we started with the mint condition mocktail which was fire. We ordered the classic French burger and one of the servers brought up mayo for our fries which is so French and was so delicious!
We went here for our friend's birthday. It's a charming place off Langston Blvd in Arlington. Really the only negative was the bday girl asked the hostess if we could have a booth seat and she said she had a table at 6:30. We were there at 5:45. Both were 4 top tables and there were several other open booths. It made no sense why she could not move us to an open booths and seat a later reservation at the table we had. Seemed pretty silly to me. Our server was wonderful and knowledgeable. He made both food and wine recommendations that were awesome. It's really cute inside. There is a bar. I did not see any TVs which is fitting for the restaurant. There are two single person bathrooms- one upstairs and one downstairs. Downstairs there is also a private room I presume you can rent out. The food was awesome. We got the cheese plate, French onion soup, salad, duck, pork and the sea bass entrees. All was outstanding. We also got the pot de crème and crème brûlée for dessert. Yum!
Café Colline is a true hidden gem in the Cherrydale area. The meals are always delicious. Everything I've tried, from the mussels to the tuna, has been outstanding, and the cocktails are even better. They're thoughtful, creative, and pair perfectly with the ever-changing menu. The service is just as impressive. The staff are knowledgeable, polite, and attentive, which makes every visit feel special. It's a small, cozy spot, so I'd definitely recommend making a reservation if you're hoping to walk in. On my last visit it was a bit warm inside (likely just a temporary air-conditioning issue, as I've never experienced that before), but the lovely back patio makes for a great option when the weather's nice. Parking can be a challenge out front, but there's additional parking in the back which makes things easier. Café Colline has become one of my go-to places in Arlington, and I can't wait to keep coming back to see what's new on the menu.
Cafe Colline is a great neighborhood spot serving traditional French fare. It's predictably good with a quaint French cafe vibe, service is generally good although can be hit or miss. But isn't that authentic to a true French cafe? Don't skip the Rillettes if that's your thing. My fish was slightly overcooked.
Didn't even know this place was here! Met several friends and very happy I did. Location great. Free garage parking after 4pm. Beautiful restaurant bar. The bar was very active during happy hour which we did not do. Drinks were great, appetizers very good, and I enjoyed the sea bass which was cooked perfectly. BTW they use real French bread. We were all very pleased with the ambiance, service and quality of food. Not a large menu but something for everybody. Will return to check out the obviously popular bar during HH.
I was not expecting much when I entered the parking lot, there is a chipotle, a UPS store and a toy store among other places in these plaza. However, as soon as I entered the restaurant, my body was transported to Paris. The restaurant is decorated to perfection to mimic a French bistro, however, the service is attentive, professional, and understands the details of every single moment. Most importantly, the food is divine. The onion soup will make you break any etiquette rules and force you to drink the last drop and scrape the side of the bowl for the melted cheese. The bucatini Provençal has the most perfect charred tomatoes and the delicate flavor of pistachios. And the creme brûlée is succulent with hints of vanilla beans and orange peels. I will be going to this place more often.
Finally tried this place for lunch and it lived up to the hype. The one thing that stood out was the fantastic service on a Friday at 1pm. Our waiter went above and beyond, and we ended up both getting the burger on his recommendation. I initially was not thinking of getting this at a French place, but he said they had already made 26 of them that day and it comes with a special sauce that they make in house. Wow...he was right. I will for sure be back to get the burger again. It was absolutely delicious and comes with great fries. Also got the mocha dessert which was good. Parking: there is a large parking lot in the back and some spots in front. On a Friday at 1:30pm it was packed, so I can only imagine what it is like at a busy time. Reservation: they didn't take reservations for a Friday lunch, but I think you need to make them for dinner time. Attire: people were dressed nicely. No sweatshirts, jeans would be appropriate with a nice sweater. Men had suit jackets on.
I have literally no notes. This is the closest thing my fiance and I have had to a perfect meal in as long as we can remember. A regular theme in my reviews is that I don't mind a high price point in exchange for high value, but a lot of DC restaurants simply fall short of offering a value commensurate with the price point and so I regularly find myself complaining about prices in my Yelp reviews. Cafe Colline, on the other hand, perfectly demonstrates the principle that higher value food and service is worth a higher price. While this is by no means a cheap restaurant, for the value we received in exchange for what we spent, I thought the ultimate cost of our meal was beyond reasonable. The ambiance is warm and definitely a nod to French country living without being cartoonish and while staying modern. The vibe is sexy but not so sexy you'd feel awkward going with a parent or friends. Service was excellent, despite gratuity being included automatically (which would normally elicit a complaint from yours truly, but with the level of service we got it is impossible to take issue). Not only was our server absolutely lovely - personable, gracious, knowledgeable and able to identify which dishes had my unusual allergen right off the bat - but we found the hostesses and bussers perfectly attentive as well. Meal timing was excellent. The menu was thoughtful. It wasn't a massive selection but there were more than enough options for everyone to be happy and by keeping it manageable they were able to ensure quality and execution. And boy did they. Both our fish dishes were perfectly cooked with beautiful sauces and veggie accompaniments. The portions of fish were generous and came in thick, juicy cuts. Our apple cake desert was charming and, blessedly, not overly sweet. My Cote du Rhone was highly drinkable and my fiance enjoyed his painkiller cocktail, which is one of his go to drinks. Fries coming out of the kitchen and passing by looked amazing, and a gentleman at the bar was savoring a huge, enviable French press coffee. The drink program is well curated and our server was able to advise on pairings. The modern French music was a nice touch. We found ourselves even commenting on how much we liked the floor treatment and the exposed beams and high ceilings. The restaurant was quite full and yet we never felt cramped or like it was too loud. Tables were nicely spaced and so we actually enjoyed the experience of being in a bustling space. Truly well done, with thought given to every little detail. A++
Stopped by Cafe Colline in Arlington for a late brunch/lunch on Saturday morning. This spot has a charming neighborhood bistro vibe, and parking was super convenient, with a few spots in front and a lot behind the restaurant. The restaurant is clean, bright, and cozy. Our waiter was friendly and easy to communicate with. The Food Croque Madame - Classic and satisfying. The Parisian ham, Gruyère, and Mornay sauce, topped with a fried egg, made for a rich and flavorful bite. It also came with fries, which were well-seasoned and crispy--probably my favorite part of the dish. Nothing surprising, but exactly what you'd expect from a well-made Croque Madame. Pain Perdu (Brûléed French Toast) - The toast was coated with sugar and had a hint of orange flavor, which added a nice depth to the sweetness. It came with maple syrup on the side, but honestly, the toast itself was flavorful enough on its own. French Pressed Coffee - A great pairing with the brunch menu. Just for reminder--the restaurant has a mandatory 20% gratuity added to the bill.
27 days ago
Back at Cafe Colline with another new guest in tow, and it was just as good this time around. Adam was our server and did a great job: friendly, easy to talk to, and made good recommendations. We started with the tomato salad, which is a winner. I told my friend not to be scared of the jam, and she ended up pleasantly surprised. If it's still on the menu, get it before tomato season wraps up. My friend got the soupe à l'oignon and really enjoyed it. We finished by splitting the profiteroles, a solid way to end the meal. This place keeps proving why it's a favorite. Highly recommend. read more
2 months ago
We had a lovely Sunday brunch on a rainy afternoon. We were 15 mins late arriving but they handled it completely gracefully. Cute long and thin restaurant with a gorgeous bar and view into part of the kitchen. It felt relaxed even though they had a good crowd. Attentive, friendly service from our waiter. My eggs benedict satisfied me - prepared just right. The accompanying salad: I always love French salads- they always seem dressed just right and appear so lightly and intentionally constructed. I also ordered the pain perdue French toast. It was light, crisp, tart from the orange and sweet. A very nice accompaniment to the eggs benedict. Wife wasn't feeling the best and so her ordering decision: French onion soup and the pate maison didn't end up being a good decision for her although I tried the pate and enjoyed it. Enjoyable meal. read more
6 months ago
I got the opportunity to visit Cafe Colline on an early Thursday evening and was pleasantly surprised. So, a friend has always been a fan of this place but just hadn't been in many, many years, so she opted to celebrate her birthdate here. The location has plenty of parking available with very kind and welcoming staff. Our party was quickly seated and greeted by our waiter. For starters, we had the Salad Maison and the La Cachat, which was very appetizing. My friend had the Potato Crusted Salmon, which was my favorite dish that we ordered. It was cooked and flavored perfectly for my taste buds. Another dish that a guest from our party had was sea bass (Loup De Mar), which I also enjoyed. This dish also was big in portion size. My dish was the Steak Frites which was cooked medium, however, it wasn't as juicy or flavorful as I desired. I also took the opportunity to try the Ridoir which was strong yet tasty. Overall, we had a great experience. read more
Never a disappointing visit. Service is always friendly and efficient, cocktails are strong in quality, food comes out perfect, and a lovely ambiance. Menu stays the same but they're good at what they do. Prices are what they are (just like everywhere) but I only come on occasion. If you don't want to go across the water for some French fare come here. The new spot The Angie on Fairfax Dr has more space and a bigger menu, but this place is simply better. read more
GOODD/10; we will be back! This spot is only about ~10 minutes from us and it did not disappoint. We got a small table that had booth seats on both sides which is already a win. Then we started with the mint condition mocktail which was fire. We ordered the classic French burger and one of the servers brought up mayo for our fries which is so French and was so delicious! read more
We went here for our friend's birthday. It's a charming place off Langston Blvd in Arlington. Really the only negative was the bday girl asked the hostess if we could have a booth seat and she said she had a table at 6:30. We were there at 5:45. Both were 4 top tables and there were several other open booths. It made no sense why she could not move us to an open booths and seat a later reservation at the table we had. Seemed pretty silly to me. Our server was wonderful and knowledgeable. He made both food and wine recommendations that were awesome. It's really cute inside. There is a bar. I did not see any TVs which is fitting for the restaurant. There are two single person bathrooms- one upstairs and one downstairs. Downstairs there is also a private room I presume you can rent out. The food was awesome. We got the cheese plate, French onion soup, salad, duck, pork and the sea bass entrees. All was outstanding. We also got the pot de crème and crème brûlée for dessert. Yum! read more
1 year ago
Café Colline is a true hidden gem in the Cherrydale area. The meals are always delicious. Everything I've tried, from the mussels to the tuna, has been outstanding, and the cocktails are even better. They're thoughtful, creative, and pair perfectly with the ever-changing menu. The service is just as impressive. The staff are knowledgeable, polite, and attentive, which makes every visit feel special. It's a small, cozy spot, so I'd definitely recommend making a reservation if you're hoping to walk in. On my last visit it was a bit warm inside (likely just a temporary air-conditioning issue, as I've never experienced that before), but the lovely back patio makes for a great option when the weather's nice. Parking can be a challenge out front, but there's additional parking in the back which makes things easier. Café Colline has become one of my go-to places in Arlington, and I can't wait to keep coming back to see what's new on the menu. read more
7 months ago
Cafe Colline is a great neighborhood spot serving traditional French fare. It's predictably good with a quaint French cafe vibe, service is generally good although can be hit or miss. But isn't that authentic to a true French cafe? Don't skip the Rillettes if that's your thing. My fish was slightly overcooked. read more
23 days ago
Didn't even know this place was here! Met several friends and very happy I did. Location great. Free garage parking after 4pm. Beautiful restaurant bar. The bar was very active during happy hour which we did not do. Drinks were great, appetizers very good, and I enjoyed the sea bass which was cooked perfectly. BTW they use real French bread. We were all very pleased with the ambiance, service and quality of food. Not a large menu but something for everybody. Will return to check out the obviously popular bar during HH. read more
1 year ago
I was not expecting much when I entered the parking lot, there is a chipotle, a UPS store and a toy store among other places in these plaza. However, as soon as I entered the restaurant, my body was transported to Paris. The restaurant is decorated to perfection to mimic a French bistro, however, the service is attentive, professional, and understands the details of every single moment. Most importantly, the food is divine. The onion soup will make you break any etiquette rules and force you to drink the last drop and scrape the side of the bowl for the melted cheese. The bucatini Provençal has the most perfect charred tomatoes and the delicate flavor of pistachios. And the creme brûlée is succulent with hints of vanilla beans and orange peels. I will be going to this place more often. read more
2 months ago
Finally tried this place for lunch and it lived up to the hype. The one thing that stood out was the fantastic service on a Friday at 1pm. Our waiter went above and beyond, and we ended up both getting the burger on his recommendation. I initially was not thinking of getting this at a French place, but he said they had already made 26 of them that day and it comes with a special sauce that they make in house. Wow...he was right. I will for sure be back to get the burger again. It was absolutely delicious and comes with great fries. Also got the mocha dessert which was good. Parking: there is a large parking lot in the back and some spots in front. On a Friday at 1:30pm it was packed, so I can only imagine what it is like at a busy time. Reservation: they didn't take reservations for a Friday lunch, but I think you need to make them for dinner time. Attire: people were dressed nicely. No sweatshirts, jeans would be appropriate with a nice sweater. Men had suit jackets on. read more
6 months ago
8 months ago
1 month ago
I have literally no notes. This is the closest thing my fiance and I have had to a perfect meal in as long as we can remember. A regular theme in my reviews is that I don't mind a high price point in exchange for high value, but a lot of DC restaurants simply fall short of offering a value commensurate with the price point and so I regularly find myself complaining about prices in my Yelp reviews. Cafe Colline, on the other hand, perfectly demonstrates the principle that higher value food and service is worth a higher price. While this is by no means a cheap restaurant, for the value we received in exchange for what we spent, I thought the ultimate cost of our meal was beyond reasonable. The ambiance is warm and definitely a nod to French country living without being cartoonish and while staying modern. The vibe is sexy but not so sexy you'd feel awkward going with a parent or friends. Service was excellent, despite gratuity being included automatically (which would normally elicit a complaint from yours truly, but with the level of service we got it is impossible to take issue). Not only was our server absolutely lovely - personable, gracious, knowledgeable and able to identify which dishes had my unusual allergen right off the bat - but we found the hostesses and bussers perfectly attentive as well. Meal timing was excellent. The menu was thoughtful. It wasn't a massive selection but there were more than enough options for everyone to be happy and by keeping it manageable they were able to ensure quality and execution. And boy did they. Both our fish dishes were perfectly cooked with beautiful sauces and veggie accompaniments. The portions of fish were generous and came in thick, juicy cuts. Our apple cake desert was charming and, blessedly, not overly sweet. My Cote du Rhone was highly drinkable and my fiance enjoyed his painkiller cocktail, which is one of his go to drinks. Fries coming out of the kitchen and passing by looked amazing, and a gentleman at the bar was savoring a huge, enviable French press coffee. The drink program is well curated and our server was able to advise on pairings. The modern French music was a nice touch. We found ourselves even commenting on how much we liked the floor treatment and the exposed beams and high ceilings. The restaurant was quite full and yet we never felt cramped or like it was too loud. Tables were nicely spaced and so we actually enjoyed the experience of being in a bustling space. Truly well done, with thought given to every little detail. A++ read more
2 months ago
6 months ago
Stopped by Cafe Colline in Arlington for a late brunch/lunch on Saturday morning. This spot has a charming neighborhood bistro vibe, and parking was super convenient, with a few spots in front and a lot behind the restaurant. The restaurant is clean, bright, and cozy. Our waiter was friendly and easy to communicate with. The Food Croque Madame - Classic and satisfying. The Parisian ham, Gruyère, and Mornay sauce, topped with a fried egg, made for a rich and flavorful bite. It also came with fries, which were well-seasoned and crispy--probably my favorite part of the dish. Nothing surprising, but exactly what you'd expect from a well-made Croque Madame. Pain Perdu (Brûléed French Toast) - The toast was coated with sugar and had a hint of orange flavor, which added a nice depth to the sweetness. It came with maple syrup on the side, but honestly, the toast itself was flavorful enough on its own. French Pressed Coffee - A great pairing with the brunch menu. Just for reminder--the restaurant has a mandatory 20% gratuity added to the bill. read more
Not really a French restaurant but good anyway. Reasonable parking out front or around the back. Prompt and enthusiastic if not very upmarket service. Food very tasty and quite busy even on a Monday night. Long thin dining area with downstairs large table for events? Generous sized steak and classic fries. French onion soup good as was the Pate. Located in strip mall near busy road read more
Cafe Colline is an adorable diner that does not feel stuck up at all, despite its fame. We got the branzino, mussels frites, French toast, and escargot with puff pastry on top. The puff pastry was genuinely such a clever addition to the dish, soaking up all the flavors of the mushroom sauce nicely. The French toast, according to my partner, was the best he ever had--it was nicely caramelized on the outside and gooey on the inside. The mussels were cooked in a broth that was very strong in wine and fennel, giving it a unique and unforgettable aroma. The branzino was probably the least favored dish of the meal, as the lemon flavor was slightly too overpowering. Our server was friendly and attentive, and he took the time to explain the mussels frites dish to me! Note, they only offer French pressed coffee, no espresso. read more
2 years ago
Treated myself to a lovely lunch out on a cold day while errands--a good book, fantastic French onion soup, a delicious Pinot Noir, and a creme brulee that was tasty (though I've had better--it was a little curdled and the sugar wasn't bruleed quite enough) was all I needed to perk myself up a bit. It's a cute French bistro and service was perfect. I highly recommend and would love to go back to try more! read more
11 months ago
I don't get out much to locations with French cuisine so Cafe Colline was different. We really didn't expect French, we were thinking cafe! But boy oh boy, what a succulent surprise! As per usual, we were out almost at sunset and hit up Cafe Colline, something we thought of a while back but never really saw the menu. Only knew from the ratings they were up there. Parking was easy, street side and in the back, plenty to find. Seating in Colline was hard however but luckily they have outdoor seating and it's a beautiful weather at the end of the summer. The host and waitress were very kind and attentive which always makes these outings even better. Menu came out and to our surprise, they're all french style dishes. I was thinking Cafe with sandwiches and crepes and coffee and tea. We ordered some escargot for starters, then cote de porc, moules frites, basque cheese cake, and mango sorbet at the end. I'm not much into escargot but this dish potentially changed my mind on the these little critters. The butter, the mix of herbs and some other ingredients I can't identify, maybe some sort of liver pureed, just amazing flavor there. The pork loin was cook perfectly with the side of mashed potato, all on point. The mussels were just okay for me. Very different type of broth versus say an Italian style broth but still delicious. The desserts rounded everything off nicely as we enjoyed the night outside. There's not much more I can say but we enjoyed the night, the setting, the food, it all came together nicely. And man, I could go back for more of those escargots. read more
10 months ago
Cute French cafe/restaurant that is nice for a casual but still very nice dinner. All the staff were very nice and accommodating. Food is pretty good, but nothing spectacular. The fish was a little salty for our liking but still good. Steak frites good but again nothing incredible. The Riz Au Lait was a very unique dessert for us and would recommend trying! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
For our first wedding anniversary, we wanted to recreate a little piece of our honeymoon in Paris, where we fell in love with steak frites and had it every day. Since we couldn't hop on a plane back to Paris, we decided to bring Paris to us--and Café Colline delivered in every way! We were lucky enough to snag a spot on their patio on a gorgeous late summer evening. The ambiance was everything we hoped for--romantic, relaxed, and reminiscent of a Parisian café. The vibes were just right, with a gentle breeze and the soft glow of the setting sun making the evening even more special. The drinks were delicious and perfectly crafted, setting the tone for what was to come. But the star of the show was the steak frites. Cooked to a perfect medium with a beautiful crust, it was everything we remembered from our time in Paris. Each bite was a delightful reminder of our honeymoon, and it was exactly the taste of Paris we were craving. Café Colline made our anniversary dinner feel so special and nostalgic, and we couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate. If you're looking for a little slice of Paris right here in the DMV, this is the place to be! read more
Cafe Colline and their french-inspired cuisine is located in the Lee Shops area right off Lee Highway (if you are not local, ignore the Langston Boulevard moniker no one calls the thoroughfare anything but Lee Highway). Pre-Christmas Saturday found this place jammed with an older crowd drinking copious amounts of white wine. This is the same culinary team that you may have tried in Georgetown at the bistro Chez Billy Sud on 31st Street. We started with the Escargot Burgundy Snails, which was presented beautifully with Puff Pastries. However the inclusion of the Mushroom Duxelles in the offering had a chewy and somewhat unpleasant flavor. We also tried the Tartine smoked salmon which is served with country toast, herbed boursin, poached egg, capers and pickled shallot--yum! The Caeser with gem lettuce, parmesan dressing, garlic breadcrumbs and boquerones was more pedestrian than it sounds. Cool place! read more
1 year ago
I went for Sunday brunch. This place oozes charm. It has a great location, and the parking is pretty good too. I wanted to like it. Before food, I had their Bloody Mary. It was served with more ice than Mary and was a bit watery; it came with some yummy garnishes and had a good taste. There are no gluten-free markers on the menu. Since a reservation was made in advance, I emailed before going. I think that my inquiry was misunderstood. The email response from the restaurant was that other than the bread in the onion soup, the menu doesn't naturally have a lot of gluten and I should stay clear of the pate. However, when I arrived, the waiter didn't seem to know how to help me. Debra, who I had exchanged emails, was there. She was able to guide me through the items that are naturally gluten-free and those that require modifications. Even though I'd taken the time to inform myself (isn't that the restaurant's job?) about their menu in advance, I didn't get to review the menu in private and make an informed selection on my own, like everyone else in my party enjoyed. I had to wait to ask the waitstaff, they then had to bring Debra over, then Debra walked me through what needed to be done so that I could eat their food. That's why I'd asked in advance, but my effort wasn't rewarded by not having to be singled out. I was told that they could leave critical things out (such as no-bun on the hamburger, which is no longer a hamburger). There are a few items that are naturally gluten-free on the menu: salad, omelet, or the more expensive options. This is a difference between $14-$15 (salad or omelet) to $26-$28 (moules frites and loup de mer) per plate. I ordered Moules Frites. The mussels and broth were delicious! The frites (what we Americans call French fries) were served tepid and limp. The mussels more than made up for the substandard fries; the mussels were plump and plentiful. The staff was inobtrusive while replacing the mussel shell dish and keeping it tidy. Fabulous. After the food, I wanted to try a calvados (I had recently read about French brandy from Normandy, made from apples or pears). They said that they didn't have it (although brandy is on their drinks menu) and they didn't offer any other suggestions. So, I asked for Ricard Pastis (I'd also read about this drink). I was asked how I wanted it. Since I'd never had one before and when the waiter asked how we wanted it, I asked for it in a tongue-and-cheek "the usual way." As the drink was being prepared, I could hear the waiter asking what to say to me as he served it. He was told from behind the bar that if I'd ordered it, I should know. Yikes...I looked it up on my phone, so as not to further burden the staff. It came "the usual way," which is with a glass of ice, carafe of water, and a service of the anise liquor. It was very tasty. If it weren't for the ambiance and the delicious food (except the bad fries) this place would be a hard pass. The reason why I'm not giving them full marks is not only because they don't mark their menu for food allergies, but the sense that my presence was inconvenient to them. If the dish is naturally gluten-free, mark it, it's not that difficult. Food allergies are not uncommon. I've said it before... A large part of eating out at this type of place is the experience. If you are not welcoming, we don't feel welcome. There are other restaurants. read more
This very cute cafe had delicious food and yummy drinks! I went here for a late lunch on a Friday and had an absolutely great time. Our server was knowledgeable, nice, and had good recommendations. He recommended the burger after saying it's one of the best he's had. He was not lying!! The burger was absolutely delicious, highly highly recommend. I also had some sparkling brut rose and we shared the mocha custard dessert. Can't wait to visit again! read more
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