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Bistro Cacao, Washington, DC

Bistro Cacao

4.5
4.5
3450 Reviews
$31 to $50
French
Top Tags:
Bistro Cacao has been serving modern French cuisine to DC customers in Capitol Hill since 2009. Charming décor with velvet curtained walls in Red Room and Rouge Room gave Bistro Cacao it's fame as the most Romantic Restaurant in DC.
Serving brunch, lunch and dinner indoor and in its charming patio. Bar on the first floor is also the go-to place for the neighborhood.
The extensive menu is designed by Chef Alex Merritt who brings his own unique style and innovative culinary artistry to the restaurant. Wine list and cocktail menu perfectly compliments the cuisine.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, European
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 546-4737
  • Website
    http://www.bistrocacao.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    David Alex Merritt
  • Catering
    Please email us at events@bistrocacao.com to learn more about our catering services for your next event.
  • Location
    316 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Cross street
    3rd and 4th NE
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Union Station red line three blocks away
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Featured in

What 3,450 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5
4.5 based on all time ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Quiet

3,450 Reviews

  1. Saberist

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly, intimate bistro with great service and food.

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  2. JonathanH

    Richmond

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Wonderful atmosphere and delicious food, a great choice for a special occasion.

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  3. Hurtem

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    New location next to the old location. Still the one of the best restaurants in the area

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  4. JeffreyH

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fine meal. Classic French menu.

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  5. Aviddiner

    Philadelphia

    139 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    139 reviews

    Dined on March 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed our lunch very much on a perfect, sunny day. The tuna salad, the tuna sandwich and our drinks were perfect and the host/servers were very gracious and accommodating

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the food and ambiance. Great service! I would come here once a week

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely experience dining at the Cafe Cacao. Our drinks were Yummie (I had the Sangria!), our salads were fresh and delicious. The Salmon was good, but didn’t “send us”. The ‘Chocolate Lava Cake’ was out of this world! Serving staff was warm and friendly. We highly recommend!

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  8. Michael

    Richmond

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated my birthday at Bistro Cacao and it was excellent. Loved the wine menu. Shared the cheese plate for our appetizer and it was wonderful. Definitely worth a repeat visit.

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  9. ArlingtonDiner

    Tucson

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A favorite spot in DC with a sophisticated French vibe. If you don’t go overboard on wine and cocktails, the meal can be both satisfying and a good value. Outdoor seating is roomy and comfortable, but remember that you are sitting next to a major street near Union Station. The mushroom ravioli and steak frites were delicious and well proportioned to enjoy with an appetizer and dessert, whether shared or individually ordered.

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  10. Smitty

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience. Customer service was very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was rather romantic. The food met my expectations. It was delicious and reasonably priced. There was a nice 3 course brunch menu. I will certainly revisit for dinner. I am anxious for warmer weather to be able to sit outside.

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  11. MikeC

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We ate at a Sunday lunch, skipping the brunch and eating off the regular menu. My choice was a delicious (and ample) mushroom ravioli, with mushrooms in the packets and in the sauce, ample but not too much! An earlier French onion soup was superb, just the thing on a chilly day. We ate indoors but with no COVID distancing problems (just a few other diners were on the other side go room, well distanced. I also enjoyed my drink, a "Hazy Old-Fashioned."

    1 person found this helpful

  12. FJuk

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and dessert.

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  13. Sharon

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This wonderful restaurant exceeded every expectation! We loved the food, the service, the ambiance, literally everyone and everything about our evening there. We highly recommend it!

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  14. WLinMD

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was wonderful and the service was excellent. But what sets Bistro Cacao apart is the perfectly intimate, romantic vibe. If that's the vibe you're seeking, you will not be disappointed here.

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  15. HannahR

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience! The whole restaurant is very romantic and intimate. It’s meant to enjoy and spend time together with the people you love. The food was delicious and perfectly portioned. Will definitely be back!

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  16. DannyG

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My absolute favorite romantic restaurant to take my wife. The ambiance is perfection. Low lighting and chandeliers with velvet seating as you're tucked away in your booth behind the curtains. I had filet mignon and my wife had the mushroom ravioli. Both were exceptional.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was exceptionally nice and helpful when needed. The atmosphere is welcoming and the food was delicious.

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  18. NickD

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere and service. Very fun date night and the German restaurant next door is great for a drink as well.

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  19. Karin

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Date night to celebrate my birthday with my husband. Everything I remembered from my last visit from over two years ago. Private, beautiful music, able to hold a quiet conversation. Food did not disappoint. Service was attentive and polite. Looking forward to our next visit.

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  20. FrancoisD

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My birthday lunch. So cozy. Try the booths. Right taste, right combinations. Good wine by the glass. Don’t skip the dessert. Super convenient if you depart from Union Station. Walking distance.

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  21. MariaC

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, great food, quiet table with fabulous view.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again always a pleasure visiting Bistro Cacao. The elegance and charm of this Capital Hill bistro always brings warmth to my heart. With authentic cuisine and decor you are in for a treat. If it’s a gathering they have spacious dining areas inside or out, or if you are looking for a more intimate occasion then sit at one of the draped booths upstairs. The service is never sub par, and the quality and quantity of their meals is well worth the price. On this particular visit we started with some simple mimosas and sparkling water with their pastry basket appetizer. Next we had the Quiche that was to die for, the Saumon Fume’ that was delightful, an order of Escargot au Beurre d’ali, and not but least the Avocado toast with poached eggs. You really cannot dispute these dishes. I highly recommend everyone go here at least once while in the area. You will not be. Disappointed.

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  23. PatrickD

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful staff. Wonderful ambiance and most of all, wonderful food! We have a very nice brunch and it was nice not to be rushed. Many thanks and we'll be back!

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  24. SWer

    New York Area

    22 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    We had a very mixed experience at Bistro Cacao. The ambience is almost over-the-top classic French romantic, with red curtains between tables, red glass chandeliers, and lovely French music piped in. Not at all hip, which was actually a fun change of pace! The front of the house staff really tried to be helpful. Our server (Mikey?) was fairly new and a bit nervous, but eager to be genuinely helpful without being overbearing. And so sweet! We ended up meeting the manager because we had issues with the food. He tried to make up for it, and the hostess as well came up to apologize, which was appreciated. They also took our wine off the tab, which was appropriate, but not everywhere would have been so gracious. The trouble was the kitchen. There were some minor issues early on, but worst of all was both our meals were COLD when they arrived. The only hot thing was the protein (salmon for me, lamb for my dining companion), but ALL the sides were barely even room temperature. They took the food back and soon came back with hot meals - even my plate was burning hot - but flavors were odd and didn't really go together. As my friend said, the food wasn't bad, but it wasn't good, either. Hopefully this is just a COVID staffing blip and the kitchen will figure things out, but until it does, I'd say go for the romantic ambiance but don't expect a stellar meal.

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  25. DesignNtheD

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Special night out for us but needed something in walking distance and Bistro Cacao was perfect. Cocktails were top notch, they were really helpful to my 8 year old daughter picking out something on a menu she was not happy with lol. All the food was great and the atmosphere really nice on main floor. Upstairs looked cool too, maybe next time.

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  26. RedPepperFlakes

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a unique dining experience! Would recommend for a couple or a few close friends catching up. Food was delish, great French onion soup, mushroom ravioli also enjoyed cocktails and wine. Bottles priced starting at $50. Service was the perfect level of attentive and the ambiance was like nothing I've ever seen...damask wallpaper, red curtains, red chandeliers, drapes. Great blues & jazz, too. Very memorable.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere - intimate and quiet. Polite and quick service. Delicious food.

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  28. JasonS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ambiance was great - we had privacy in a cozy, sophisticated setting that could have been in Paris itself. Food was fantastic too.

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  29. DAdstu

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic food and cocktails with great service. Very good wine selection and bar. The environment was very comfortable and romantic without being overdone. Will absolutely go back again.

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  30. DCist

    Washington DC

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So nice to return to Bistro Cacao for brunch. The decor is lovely and there's a varied choice of dishes on the menu. The food was great - I had the salmon salad and the salmon was cooked perfectly. My companions enjoyed their quiche and eggs Norwegian. It was quiet inside/well distanced and the outdoor setting looked lovely.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! Everything was perfect. Ambiance, food and service

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant met all my expectations even beyond — I loved the food, the service, etc. Definitely a romantic place and I will be here again!

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  33. Buccaroo

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Bistro Cacao expanded pre-covid into the larger restaurant space next door. It was a favorite then, and it still is. We had a lovely table for 4 at the second floor window, and tables for 2 have romantic booths with velvet curtains. Onion soup is our starter of choice, and our friend noted that the lobster bisque had plentiful lobster. The French wines are our preference, and we tried a robust red and more mellow one--both excellent as partners with our food. Dont miss dessert! Flan or profiterolle trios are excellent. Eat earlier (reservation by 6.30) if you prefer easier talking and less activity.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    It was fine. A perfectly adequate upscale French dining experience. I’ve had better of each dish at other French restaurants but it was still good. The menu is a little unimaginative but if you want very well done French food in a nice atmosphere this is a good bet. Only complaint is the crème brûlée was burnt.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for a birthday dinner- incredible food, drinks and amazing service! We’ll be coming back very soon.

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  36. AHC1

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice, friendly, and tasty. Will come back again.

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  37. Loyd

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Nice ambiance, professional staff, the food could be better seasoned, and we had to wait 20 mintues for a table even with reservations. But it was valentines day

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  38. StevenB

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time. Was a wonderful Valentines Day Dinner (with an amazing 5 course meal). Really enjoyed the staff and had a lot of fun.

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  39. BusyMomAndDad

    Washington DC

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The French food, the unique decor, the warmth, the private table “curtains,” and the excellent waitress Ailyn all made our first visit memorizable. Kudos to your interior designer too—very romantic. We will be back. It was a very special occasion for us—thanks for remembering and recognizing it with special touches. I’m still dreaming of the fois Gras and the sea bass and the chocolate lava cake!

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  40. HarleyOnTheHill

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was the best choice for Valentine’s Day I’ve ever made. Thanks for a great dinner.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Bistro Cacao using the Order Online button. Bistro Cacao also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Bistro Cacao also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 546-4737.

Bistro Cacao is rated 4.5 stars by 3450 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Bistro Cacao

316 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Additional information

  • Cross street
    3rd and 4th NE
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, European
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Union Station red line three blocks away
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    David Alex Merritt
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.bistrocacao.com/
  • Phone number
    (202) 546-4737
  • Catering
    Please email us at events@bistrocacao.com to learn more about our catering services for your next event.

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