After a recent poor outing to a French restaurant, my wife and I were in search of something better. My wife and I found this place and we're happy to report that we had a pretty good experience. First off, they served warm and fresh French bread. While I wish they served the bread with room temperature butter, the warm bread made the cold butter easier to manage. My wife started with the seafood crepe. It could have used more crabmeat, but it was still tasty and well-prepared. For her main, she had the bouillabaisse. Again, well-prepared with good flavor. The only oddity was that it came with a piece of bread with a spicy chipotle sauce on it. We didn't think it paired well with the bouillabaisse. I had the 3 course prix fixe special. I unfortunately cannot recall what I had for my appetizer. Despite not remembering what it was, there were no issues. For my main, I had the cassoulet which came with a duck leg confit. The only comment on this is that they did not incorporate the duck leg into the cassoulet - it as prepared separately and placed on top of the cassoulet. That said, both parts are were executed. The duck was tasty and flavorful with the meat easily separating and coming off the bone. The cassoulet itself was full of flavor coming from the thick piece of bacon. For dessert, I chose the banana and chocolate crepe which my wife and I shared. Service was attentive throughout our dinner. The place is decently sized, but not noisy. There is only street parking nearby. read more

Delicious experience, and I love their French onion soup! Every time we visit DC, we make sure to schedule at least one visit to Le Chat Noir! read more

At first glance, Le Chat Noir is a classic french bistro. Pate with cornichons, endive and roquefort dressing, steak frites - all the greats are there, and are well-prepared. But look a little closer and you'll find a multi-dimensional French dining experience. The restaurant has a regional inflection to Brittany - think buckwheat crepes in all their flavors - and to North Africa - think chickpea dishes and merguez: lamb sausage. Let me dwell for a moment on the merguez. The way it is grilled here is absolutely delicious. You can get it with a lentil stew (which may sound boring, but in this chef's hands is anything but) or on a baguette with fries or salad. The portions are generous and I highly recommend. Somewhat spicy, so keep that in mind. At Le Chat Noir you can sit in the cozy dining room, or on the glassed-in veranda, which in fine weather opens to create an indoor-outdoor space. Or you can rent the space upstairs for private functions. We did so and were well taken care of, both in the planning and the execution. read more

I came here for New Years Eve with some friends after it has been highly recommended. However, I was woefully disappointed with the menu that night. The restaurant had sent out a holiday prix fixe menu in emails that included swordfish, my friend's favorite dish. We called the restaurant that afternoon to confirm it was indeed available and they said yes. We confirmed our reservation and were super excited. Once we arrived there was some confusion as the fish listed on the menu was different, but we were assured she could still get the swordfish. Well..... guess what? They brought out a different fish and I guess just hoped she wouldn't notice? It was really bad. She sent it back and they made her a Croque Monsieur, but it was cold in the center as they rushed the cooking (not raw, just cold ham). The food we did order and get was very nice. Servers were friendly and very French. We ordered a bottle of sparkling rose and they did a nice job of refilling our glasses of wine and water throughout the meal. Ambiance is reminiscent of cafes in Paris. We were there early on NYE (5pm reservation) so the place was still warming up, but the space is cozy and a bit tight when it's full. I so wanted to love my dinner here, but not telling the truth about the type of fish you're serving is pretty unforgivable. I might try them again, but I won't be ordering the fish. read more

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First time at Le Chat Noir a French Restaurant in Washington, D.C. I ordered the following from the brunch special at $33.95: -1 mimosa -Poached Eggs Norvegienne with smoked salmon and Hollandaise sauce with French fries. -Nutella crepe The Nutella crepe was my favorite from the menu. The poached eggs were a bit runny, but the French fries were nice and crispy. The restaurant doesn't have a kids menu but you can order a La carte. Happy Yelping :) read more

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I had high hopes but found a long hair on my sandwich and the $16 crepe Suzette was TERRIBLE!! Zero alcohol was cooked out, one crappy crepe. Beef Bourgnon was weird and steak and frites was mostly grizzle and fat. Super disappointed in the food. Last time we visit! read more

Perhaps the most authentic and pleasant French bistro in DC. The service is attentive and charming and the food is true bistro fare, some of it more unusual than the standards you find elsewhere. The wine list is short but tailored to pair perfectly with the menu items. The baguette is by far the best you will find in DC. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed with many obvious regulars coming back for their favorite dishes. The less than five-star reviews are clearly from amateur raters. Of course there will be set menu on a major holiday - how else can a restaurant cope with the crowd and the reduced staff? This place should have a five-star rating across the board. read more

The evening was so wonderful even if it was Valentine's Weekend. The staff had the place covered and all the food was great. Thank you Le Chat. We'll be back! read more

This has to be one of the worst restaurants in the DC area. It was so bad that we didn't even bother eating our food. The manager / owner was a complete jerk, inconsiderate and unprofessional. I would NEVER recommend eating here to anyone. It has rested on its laurels too long. There are plenty of other options in the area and I encourage anyone and everyone to go to other places vs patronize this restaurant and part with your hard earned money. You are better off eating two day old grilled cheese from a middle school cafeteria than eat here. This is not even French food... it's alpo... never again. read more

Went out for lunch with some friends after Church today. We got there and the only people there which was amazing. It was nice to have the whole place to ourselves. The setting is intimate yet welcoming. The staff were friendly and service was amazing. I ordered an appetizer and my friends the steak frites. Their steaks were cooked just how they asked and presentation was beautiful. I will definitely return and will make sure to come hungry next time. read more

Always love this restaurant. Very cozy, everyone is very friendly, they will try to accommodate any request. Food is always beautiful and delicious, the sauces and dressings are perfect and add that extra touch to make the food stand out. So hard not to finish my entire plate. read more

Le Chat Noir - Fish - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Very French, very intimate. Professional and helpful staff. Food was very good but they were out of chicken and salmon (the day before Thanksgiving). They had several beef dishes. Desserts were amazing. read more

The food, service and ambiance are always very pleasing. You can't leave without a smile on your face.

I said to the waiter that my wife and I intended to be regulars at Le Chat Noir. That is a high aspiration. Neither of us lives in Washington, D.C. We visit regularly, because of my elderly father being nearby, and we used to reside there. We've eaten at Le Chat Noir probably ten times. Where we stay now when we come to town is less than a ten minute drive, perhaps five. This is perfect for us. I hope we will make good on the pledge, which depends on them as well. To start, we like the environment. The place looks like it should, French, casual and unpretentious but offering cozy fine dining. There is, for whatever reason, an accordion hanging on the wall. The atmosphere is welcoming. The server was convivial. That is important. He was busy. He had helpers, also busy. The food was excellent. The place is not inexpensive, nor expensive. It is at that price point suited to the upper Northwest neighborhood. You could not be embarrassed on a date, nor extravagant. We had the moules frites and the sea bass. We started with the endive roquefort salad. Everything was a dish we would eat again. We had leftovers. I recommend Le Chat Noir. read more

Very tasty! Better than that other famous overhyped french spot in DC in my opinion... read more

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Just not that great, especially at the price point. Start with the fact that they impose the 3% service charge, some other DC restaurants do that too, but it is a significant upcharge, especially considering that DC imposes a 10% tax on service charges, whereas the District does not tax tips. I ordered the steak frites, that is $35, a standard dish at many restaurants, so easy to compare with what other restaurants do with this dish. At this restaurant, the steak frites was ok, not great, as it it was a reasonable portion size, the fries were still warm but not hot, they had apparently sat for a few minutes before serving. I also had a side salad, which was nothing but lettuce, that was $8.50. And then, perhaps most disappointing, I had a glass of red wine, admittedly, of the 3-4 options on the menu, the $10 glass was the least expensive, but it felt like the sort of red wine you would get out of a 3L cardboard box. I regretted ordering that glass, and just took a sip or two. So with the service charge, tax and tip, the steak, salad and glass of wine was $73. At other establishments, such as Medium Rare, the entire meal of steak frites and salad is $32, and wine, at about the same price, is better quality. The portion size there is much larger, too, and, while subjective, I thought the meat is also better at Medium Rare. I would have liked to have tried the onion soup, but at $17, that was absurdly overpriced. I refrained from that. In summary, this restaurant is overpriced for what it is. They should delete from the menu a low-quality wine and replace it with better wine at the same $10 price point. They should reduce the price of high markup items like the $17 onion soup by 30%, and other menu items by 15-20%. And they should remove the 3% service charge, the menu should reflect actual cost without these hidden markups. read more

This is a great NY style French restaurant in DC. I recently went with my wife on her birthday, and in no moment was I disappointed with anything: the food was top notch, the service was grand, everything was great. I highly recommend it. read more

First off--cutest branding, sign and exterior decor (crazy cat lady here). Le Chat Noir and I have a special relationship. I come here when I need to study--I attend Capital Wine School courses around the corner. Le Chat Noir is quiet, quaint and quirky. The staff is quick, kind and always gives me the rundown on what's new and recommended. My absolute favorites are the escargots (pairs well with Champagne), Moules Mariniere (pairs well with a Chardonnay), and their cheese selection (grab a full bodied red and indulge)! read more

Le Chat Noir - WEEKLY Specials! - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What a strange place. We went there based on the fact that this restaurant is on the bib gourmand list. It was my first time there and I am honestly shocked that this would be on the list. I've been to plenty of the other restaurants on that list and there is no way this place is on the same level. Ordered the steak frites and I don't think I've ever seen a sorrier piece of meat since I last ordered the steak and eggs at an ihop or wendys. Meat was flavorless and full of grizzle. The fries were the only highlight. They were flavorful and very good. Wine? The 1980s called and they want their etched glasses back. Selection was extremely limited but the wine was decent, other than the glass. Service was fine. The gentleman that helped us was friendly and responsive. I realize that this place receives high praise, but I just don't understand why. You can check my other reviews and you will see that I am not someone who goes to a restaurant just to complain or find things wrong. But this place was a real letdown. read more

C'est fantastique! Les crêpes sont très bons et ils ont beaucoup de spécialités françaises.

Where all my French cuisine lovers at?! I can't say I know much about French foods aside from the usual suspects (croissants, chicken cordon bleu, and crepes). Needless to say, I had to get hip. Never tried escargot, so I figured restaurant week was the perfect time to . Snails taste... phenomenal, y'all. I was expecting a slimy consistency, but not at all.These babies were so good, I had to sop up the leftover parsley garlic butter with my bread. The texture and flavor actually reminded me a lot chargrilled oysters from NOLA. 10/10, for sure! For my main dish I tried the Boeuf Bourguignon. Classic braised beef stew in red Burgundy wine with pearl onion, mushrooms, carrots and bacon served with linguini pasta. This joint tasted so familiar! Probably because growing up as a child of immigrant Jamaican parents, we love to stew everything down. I know, I know y'all want more details about the flavor and such. But that's all I can say-- this tasted like home. So savory, so good! Last but not least, DESSERT! We kept it simple and cute with vanilla creme brûlée. Sooooo creamy, it melted in my mouth and tasted like clouds. read more

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we've been here quite a few times over the years but in the last few months I really got the impression that the quantities are lesser, the service is now just ok and honestly the hip hop style music playing just didn't work with the decor .. The food was good but for for the price I don't see us going back sadly . read more

Really cute bistro. Wanted so much to like it because their menu looked great. I ordered croque monsieur w/french fries and my other half ordered quiche lorraine w/side salad. I really enjoyed mine but wife felt quiche was old and leathery....def did not taste fresh more like it was heated up. She loved side salad....mixed greens artisan and french fries were excellent. Service average....not at all welcoming. Would not be in a hurry back....or at least wife wouldn't! And keep an eye out for their "fair pay service charge" which is a % of the bill............not really sure what it is for but guessing it's to help pay staff? read more

This is a neighborhood go-to and definitely worth a trip from anywhere inside the Beltway. Food is reliably excellent and wait staff are almost always perfect, but for the occasional French curtness. We were disappointed to encounter a "Fair Wage Service Fee" of three percent added to our recent bill, and because we did not see it mentioned on the menu or elsewhere. Restaurants should just raise their prices and abandon junk fees. read more

Extremely strange place (as another reviewer stated). I've heard good things about Le Chat Noir, so I was excited for dinner here. Unfortunately it did not live up to expectations. The food was mediocre at best - I ordered the steak frites, the steak was this sad thin piece of meat with a huge chunk of gristle. The fries were good but absolutely frozen. My husband ordered the quiche which looked much better... so maybe don't order steak frites here since another reviewer echoed this sentiment as well? Then there's the ambiance...the place is cute but the staff do not make the experience enjoyable. As soon as we walked in, the place smelled of fish, the host took us upstairs and pointed at a table "there." Thank you?? I guess? Then there's the service during our meal...I felt like we were an inconvenience to the waitstaff. When we weren't ready to order - the waiter quickly said "ok well the special is halibut" and walked away. The waiter was extremely short with us and kept openly yelling and snapping at another waiter. It was very uncomfortable to watch. And yes - LITERALLY snapping at the waiter!!! TLDR: don't order the steak frites, weird ambiance, and some staff are rude/impatient. 3 stars because the quiche and wine were good. read more

One of our go-to restaurants that never ceases to impress. Whatever you order will be nicely prepared and presented. Four of us dined here on a Friday night, and it was full. Make a res to be sure you're accommodated. We had no wait time. Steak frites were yummy and done as ordered. Love those fries! One of us ordered the polenta fries, and the restaurant accommodated her substitution. Highly recommended for a very nice meal. read more

If your looking for a stereotypical place of the American experience of French restaurants than this is it. This was nothing like my foodie experience in France.. I found out about this place through livingsocial. I arrived with no reservation and it was quite busy, loud and crowded. There was no host on duty and 2 busboys who said the host will be with you in a minute. We were seated quite quickly to a "bus stop style bench" against the wall cramed between 2 parties. carbonated water was served. The friendly busboy noticed we didnt have bread and got some for us. The server who ended up being the host, did not introduce himself or seemed friendly. He did have a french accent as he gave us the versatile menu. He dissapeared to attend the other people. We were ignored for about 30mins until 3pieces of cheese to be served. Add another 20mins for the main meal (salmon, crepes, & rattouie) And another 10 minutes just to get a poorly written check. 2 hours for small portions, lousy service, food was good but not worth the value or time. read more

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Great eve at Le Chat ! Wonderful food service and ambiance The crepe Suzette's are amazing My husband loved his dessert as well Crepe Shishi read more

Le Chat Noir - Great dinner service etc at one of our favorite restaurants - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've wanted to try this restaurant for a year. My son and I decided to try it last night since we both had a full week. It's like stepping into a restaurant in France but friendly... We didn't need a reservation but they do take reservations. Do dress for the occasion, don't wear a t-shirt lol! The staff was very attentive as soon as we ate our wonderful french bread they came over to the table asking if we want more. We had the Salmon appetizer it was good but I didn't understand the bread to salmon ratio they served I think they should have given 4 pieces of salmon. I ordered the chicken as my main dish and delish! My son had the steak with gnocchi and figs he was Amazed! We finished the night sharing a chocolate mousse that was excellent! We after rolled out...! But I will return. read more

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I desperately needed an authentic French meal after a recent dining disaster in San Diego (if you are ever out there only go to the Flying Toad if you want the most disgusting French inspired abominations on the planet). Upon my return to DC, I needed a pick-me-up to recover from my horrid experience and I knew ale Chat Noir does not disappoint. I ordered via Uber eats since I was feeling lazy. Despite the lack of ambience, the food was truly medicine. I ordered the Duck Confit, the pâté trio, creme caramel and onion soup. The restaurant took precautions to ensure the meal served well, like individually wrapping the delicious baguette, sending the crouton for the soup in a separate container (I did need to reheat) and packaging the duck confit in compartments. The meal did not disappoint! Thank you for staying consistent through these challenging COVID times! read more

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This is not a study spot. It is a nice French dinner restaurant. Cannot stay here for lengthy amount of times. GREAT FOOD, BUT NOT A STUDY SPOT. Thank you. read more

I was in Paris for two weeks less than two months ago, and Le Chat Noir definitely took me back in the best ways possible. We arrived on a Saturday night without a reservation, and (fortunately) were able to snag a table. Highly recommend making a reservation as the couple that arrived after us didn't have the same luck as the remainder of the tables were either occupied or were being held for guests that would arrive in short order. I ordered the Boeuf Bourguignon. The dish's flavor was complex, the ingredient ratio was balanced (it wasn't too saucy or dry, and there was just the right amount of beef as compared to the vegetables and the linguini), and the beef was so tender. The portion was perfect. I didn't feel the need to take any home, but I was satisfied without feeling stuffed. The crepe may have put me slightly over the top, but it was delicious and beautifully presented. I mean, dessert is part of a balanced meal, right? ;) Le Chat Noir is located roughly halfway between the Tenleytown-AU and Friendship Heights Metro stations on Wisconsin Avenue, NW. If mobility is a concern, the 10-min walk from Friendship Heights is more manageable and even. AmEx is accepted here. read more

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Had a delicious dinner with family. We all were very happy with our meals. The waiter was friendly and helpful.

The restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere and exactly food. The mussels frites were superb!

Had a lovely dinner here the other week. Reservations were easy and covered patio dining was perfect for the nice weather. While service was a little slow, all the food was delicious. The escargot was the only dish that was slightly disappointing ( a little bland) but the lamb and pork tenderloin were wonderful as were the appetizer specials we had. We would come back! read more

Le Chat Noir - Pork tenderloin and lamb - French Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Perfect neighborhood bistro. Broad menu. Terrific soup and appetizers. Pleasant staff. Wine overpriced but it's NW DC read more

Tasty, fresh, and flavoful food with attentive service and moderate prices. Always excellent! read more

Love this place, I've been going for years. Food is great, atmosphere is really wonderful and relaxing, and the staff are very nice. Highly recommend. As a side note, it's highly amusing to me when people order delicate, need-to-be-carefully-prepared dishes via takeout and expect them to taste the same as they would in the restaurant. read more

Aesthetic Appeal & Atmosphere: French bistro style in Tenleytown right off Wisconsin Ave. I didn't notice any street noise from passing by cars. The lighting on the interior is nice and romantic for the evening time. Service: Was quite good and in a prompt manner. Service with a smile :) Meal Quality: 3 course meal of a pate appetizer, steak frites covered in a delicious savory sauce, and the desserts of profiteroles and creme brulee (my fav French desserts) were devoured and enjoyed with a lasting finish of pleasant aftertaste! The wine list is extensive and their staff can recommend a fine pairing for your menu. Aesthetic Appeal & Atmosphere: 5 of 5 Service: 4 of 5 Meal & Drinks Quality: 5 of 5 read more

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Never order for delivery, Extremely over priced for the food. The food is just simple. Definetly not worth the price. I am sure you can get better resoult for cheaper at home. I urge everyone to avoid the disappointment. To go orders and delivery should be half the price. Save your hard working dollars !!! read more