Bistro L'HermitageSpectacular every time!Everything about Bistro L'Hermitage is wonderful. Two months ago I brought 25 family members and friends to celebrate my 50th birthday with a menu designed by Youssef and my wife, and everyone raved about the food and the service. This week, I brought two friends from out of town for a relaxing dinner, and they were amazed to find a French gem in Occoquan. I had two specials--a soft-shell crab appetizer and a corvina and scallops entree--that were perfect. C'est magnifique!5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Restaurant for Miles AroundAs usual, Bistro L'Hermitage lives up to its reputation. They never disappoint. Ambience, service, and food preparation doesn't get any better.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMUnexpected SurpriseIt was our 15th wedding anniversary. I decided to take my wife to a local restaurant, Bistro L' Hermitage, suggested by a friend in Occoquan, VA. Being highly recommended by a close friend, I was pleasantly surprise to find the restaurant exceeded my expectations. (Thinking it would be located in a 'strip plaza' with a typical restaurant setting.) Upon arriving at the restaurant, a quaint converted cottage, with plenty of parking. When we walked in it was like we were transported to restaurant in Italy's country side. Warm and cozy on the inside. Everyone inside made you feel at home and comfortable. Being our wedding anniversary, they sat us in a very charming and intimate corner table. The food, wine and service was outstanding.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary DelightWe have been to the Bistro on a number of occasions to celebrate special events. The Bistro is quaint, the food and service are superb, and the prices our very reasonable. We have enjoyed each and every visit. On each visit we note a large number of "regulars" as they are often engaged with the owner and waitstaff. Outstanding and within easy commute of our home.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMOur favorite placeWe love this restaurant. I don't really want to give them a great review, because I don't want it to become so big I cannot get reservations. Staff and food are super excellent. It is like dining in heaven.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWe dine at this restaurantWe dine at this restaurant quite often. The brunch on Mother's Day was fantastic. The owners are so nice and the food is a pure delight. Can't wait for the next visit!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHappy Mothers' DayWe always enjoy Bistro L'Hermitage, but the Mothers' Day Fete was especially wonderful! With a wide range of choices from the special Mothers' Day three-course menu, we were delighted with everything we ordered, from the lobster ravioli appetizer, the filet mignon cooked perfectly, to the enticing deserts. As always, the service was impeccable; even though the place was packed, no one seemed stressed or hurried. They had obviously planned well to handle the non-stop full house.
Everyone on the staff seemed intent on making every mother feel honored.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's Day 2013I took my mother here for lunch this past Mother's Day and having come from DC, I was praying really hard that the place would be up to her standards (she really enjoys nice, elegant places and has NO problem telling me if she doesn't like something). The inside is beautiful and elegantly set up, the waiter/waitresses were very attentive and very friendly and we didn't feel rushed and felt very welcomed. My mother enjoyed the food and though she initially didn't understand why I drove her all the way to Woodbridge (lol), she told me she was impressed with the choice of dining, was glad I chose Bistro L'Hermitage and that she definitely wouldn't mind coming back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's DayAn overall great experience! We were seated immediately and the set menu for Mothers Day had quite a bit of variety. Wine list is very good and the owner even came by to say hello. We had the Chilean sea bass on risotto - fantastic! Will definitely be back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, and great service.Good food, and great service. Kind of expensive, but worth the price.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMlike a night in EuropeThe ambiance is what sets this place apart but the solid menu offers enough choice and I have always enjoyed the meal. The flavors are interesting and tasty. The calamari is excellent, not fried but cooked with a great sauce/ seasoning. We truly enjoy this place. It is like going abroad without the plane trip.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb Neighborhood GemSuperb service, delightful ambiance, excellent wine list (Don the Sommelier was perfect), and really great appetizers, entrees, and desserts. We went for early mother's day meal on Sat/11 May, and the lobster bisque, ny strip steak w/ Cabernet reduction, and chocolate mousse were wonderful and perfectly complemented by Conn Creek anthology wine.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMTook out of state visitorsTook out of state visitors to Bistro for dinner. Fantastic .. other than having a waiter in training not knowing the menu ...They raved about the food all the way home and then on the trip back to the airport later in the week. I believe it was the highlight of their 10 days in the area. Kudos to all involved in making our night out so special.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBistro L'Hermitage always delivers!Fantastic cuisine in Occoquan, Virginia! A refreshing change when you're not in the mood for DC traffic and parking. One vegetarian in the party that was very well accommodated, even though the dinner reservation was made that morning. The non-vegetarian's could not stop speaking how well each course was prepared. Portions are plentiful, but not in an attempt to cover mediocre taste. Service staff was very in-tune with the pace that we preferred - bringing each of the four courses only when asked. The wine list will support any desires regarding price, varietal, or world region. Great job Bistro L' Hermitage!!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good food and a veryVery good food and a very nice ambiance. We were there to celebrate our anniversary and the restaurant gave us a very nice table and treated us to a dessert after dinner. Very good service.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOnce again, an excellent dinner!My husband took me out for an early Mother's Day dinner. The meal was very good and the service was attentive, with help checking on us in a timely manner, without being intrusive. Top notch staff! I had escargot - very tasty and very rich! My entree was hanger steak and scallops, each with its own distinctive sauce. My husband had the potato soup, which he enjoyed, and the rack of lamb - equally enjoyable. We both also had wine with our meals and dessert. I wasn't too crazy about my pinot noir - just a taste preference. The owner greeted us at the door when we arrived and when we left. Very nice meal. This is not our first visit and won't be our last!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMFeel Like You Are In France Again!We have been to France a number of times and love being there. If you want a delightful taste of France and the french countryside Bistro L'Hermitage is the place to come. The menu is amazing - something for everyone - seafood, special french dishes, and beef. When you arrive you are served a complimentary glass of champagne to start the night off right!! This service, food, and atmosphere are wonderful - be sure and dine there very soon!!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a SurpriseIt's always a surprise to step into this unassuming building on a back road in Woodbridge - it's unexpectedly cozy and reminiscent of a real French countryside restaurant. The service is always outstanding and the food classic French with lovely twists. The bartender is excellent and the wine choices extensive. I had one of the best examples of grilled calamari I've ever had, both tender and smokey. My husband had a lovely salad of the night with beets goat cheese, heart of palm wrapped in proscuitto and grilled artichokes - yum!! My husband duck with cherries was perfectly cooked and the cherry sauce piquant rather than sweet. Their meat special was lamb shank, which I had and it was excellent.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWe always have a wonderfulWe always have a wonderful time at L' Hermitage! The food is so delicious and creative and service was perfect. So happy to have this fantastic find just down the street! We celebrated my husband's birthday and it was his first pick!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingI have never been disappointed in going to the Bistro5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMEXCELLENTAS usual it was excellent. Stuff salmon, Trout.. fired oysters. Can only say it again and again excellent.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you like Marcel's in DC....You will be coming here instead. It's similar to Marcel's but in my opinion better tasting food, lower cost and easier to get reservations. There isn't a choice, I choose this over all others.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful greeting, nice ambienceWonderful greeting, nice ambience and hallmark service. Waitstaff was attentive without being overbearing. We asked for more time to enjoy the moments since it was our anniversary (although we didn't tell them), and the waitstaff was very respectful of our request. Food was good; started with soup. French onion was quite salty, seafood chowder was good. For the main I ordered the ribeye and my wife ordered the scallops. Again, she found her dish (the sauce drizzled over the scallops) to be on the salty side. Ribeye was quite good and cooked to my liking. Drinks: Martinis and G&Ts were well made. Overall a positive experience. I would dine there again, perhaps trying a house specialty.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMDress Code1Didnt know there was a dress code,soon as i arrived was told .i was dressed inappropiately.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWhile the food is absolutelyWhile the food is absolutely delicious, the service is the best. We always love to dine here and their brunch is special.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMJust had a fantastic dinnerJust had a fantastic dinner there to celebrate our 12th Anniversay. Per our OpenTable request we were seated in a quieter area of the dining room. We found out later that there were at least 2 other couples celebrating their anniversaies that night. The food and service were top notch !
The food was excellent and we'll definitely be back !4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was not my first timeThis was not my first time at this restaurant. And each time we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. We will be back again.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing food, huge portionsThe food and service are incomparable. The waitress was able to make recommendations based on what I was looking for. The place itself is romantic and beautifully done. If I had any complaints, however, it would be that the portion sizes were huge! I could barely finish half of my entree (I had soup to start,which also was served in a large bowl). Especially for a French restaurant, I was expecting smaller plates. The dessert was perfectly sized, however (creme brulee). But some would not see this as a negative.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently one of the bestConsistently one of the best restaurants in the Washington area. The food is great, the wine list is interesting, and the service is top notch. The menu is varied enough to be interesting for repeat visits4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFood presentation and serviceFood presentation and service were outstanding and food was great. A little disappointed that the scallops and sauce were not more flavorful. My husband's filet mignon and veal combo was exceptional. We were celebrating my husband's birthday and he was given a free dessert with a candle. The lemon meringue tart, that we had originally ordered to share, was awesome!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently The Best"Simply the Best" is the only way to describe Bistro L'Hermitage. For fine food well presented, courteously served professionally in a charming setting you could search far and wide in the US or abroad and not find a better restaurant. You might find an equal; but you will not find any better restaurant. The owner Yousef and his staff treat all guests as dear friends; while Chef Burkart prepares a wide variety of sumptuous meals. For a fine meal we don't even bother exploring anymore ... we just go straight away to Bistro L'Hermitage! The never disappoint. Thank you.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been to the BistroWe have been to the Bistro at least (10) ten times. Our groups have ranged in size from (4) four to (15) fifteen. The food has always been exceptional and the service supreme. It has always been a treat to dine at the Bistro. In fact we are having a late lunch their at the end of next week.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMFrom the moment you walk intoFrom the moment you walk into the Bistro and are warmly greeted by Yusef and his staff, you know that this evening will be special. Tables are decorated with fresh flowers and Murano glass roosters. Banquettes have bolsters to ease your back. The mood is low-key, the service impeccable and you can actually hear each other whisper sweet nothings to one another. There is an interesting and varied menu---we had the corvino that almost melted in your mouth. Beef aficianados will enjoy the tender New York strip but if you are in the mood for poultry or lamb, you are also in luck. The wine list is excellent and the staff love to help with recommendations to suit your meal and your preference. For all occasiosn, try the Bistro!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMSPECTACULAR!!What a fantastic find. My wife and I went there for a special anniversary dinner, and L'Hermitage really came through! From the moment we walked through the door, every one was friendly and helpful. We were seated at a romantic corner table, the food was excellent, the staff was always passing by to make sure everything was to our liking, but not so frequently as to be annoying! This experience was as close to eating at a little Bistro in the heart of France as you can get without leaving Virginia. Our thanks to Don (our waiter), the rest of the staff as well as the owner himself, who was there to greet us and to say good night when we left. We can not wait to return.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMNot too much too look at fromNot too much too look at from the outside but very nicely done on the inside. Note that outside dining is available with a couple of tables but it is right next to the parking lot! Food is very good and service was excellent as expected. Wine list is notably high.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been going to thisWe have been going to this restaurant since it opened , and have watched transform into one of the finest in this area. MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT IS THE INN AT LITTLE WASHINGTON , but this comes in a close second !4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMMost excellent dining experienceMost excellent dining experience on our 15th anniversary. Very attentive, friendly and highly competent staff. The food was marvelous - I had the pork tenderloins and crab cakes. My wife had shrimp and Atlantic trout. The food was VERY good! We finished it off with desserts of choc cake & ice cream and creme brûlée. Our server, Claire, through in a chocolate mousse. It's a little pricey, but we'll go back to try something different. Only issue was they did not get the note we sent through Open Table about it being our anniversary. They still handle it very well.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAn Friday night anniversaryAn Friday night anniversary dinner with friends. Wonderful server & great food. It was crowded, but I attribute that to it being a great place. Excellent4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe staff is incredibly attentive.The staff is incredibly attentive. NEVER disappoints!!!4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMHave been going to BistroHave been going to Bistro for years for special occasions and always have had a great dining experience. One of the best restaurants in Northern Virginia.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious. We will be goingDelicious. We will be going back there again very soon.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMMade my birthday dinner veryMade my birthday dinner very special, and a wonderful corner table was outstanding! The lamb shank was melt in your mouth delicious!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMagnifique!Superior service and ambiance matched only by the cuisine. My favorite place to take those I wish to treat.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGo to French food outsideGo to French food outside of DC. Staff and food is just great. Portions unusually large for French food. Love the place4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMBistro L'Hermitage was a pleasantBistro L'Hermitage was a pleasant find for my wife and me. It was in an unexpected location, away from the mainstream restaurants. The service was great, and the environment was romantic. It was nice and quiet; perfect for conversation over dinner. We also enjoyed the food and the presentation of the food. Great find. Great experience.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMcannot say enough good thingscannot say enough good things about this restaurant4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always we were treatedAs always we were treated to a delicious dinner. Dawn the chef knowns how to COOK. Salmon tartar yummy! Escagots yummy! and rib eye and the fillet. Can only repeat myself. Everything was excellent and that is why we only go to the BISTRO.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMFrench neighborhood treasure!My husband and I love this place. Such a find in an area of almost no fine dining options, L'Hermitage is a gift. Tucked away in a small neighborhood it is a total surprise. Service is outstanding, the food well prepared and presented. We have been back many times and love the feeling of a meal being a special occasion. Give it a try! Magnificent!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome food & service!Our first visit was excellent! We will most definitely return! Both food and service were superb for our Easter dinner.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMA Touch of France - Delightful!!We always love coming to Bistro L'Hermitage - especially for holidays - they always have a fantastic and imaginative menu - prices are very reasonable and what you get is amazing! Don't miss this gem of a restaurant!! The staff is so warm and welcoming and always right there if you need anything.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AM