photo by Scott Suchman
From a press release:
“Partners Nasr El Hage, Nellie Elana Gebrail, Dany Abi-Najm, and Cedric Maupillier are pleased to announce the official opening of Barbouzard, a French-Mediterranean restaurant rooted in the elegance of the Riviera and the vibrant spirit of coastal Europe. Opening today, Tuesday, July 29 at 1700 K Street NW, Barbouzard offers a refined destination where timeless luxury meets lively energy, combining exceptional cuisine, dynamic bazaar music programming, and striking design.
“We’re honored to open our doors and finally welcome the city to Barbouzard,” says principal co-owner El Hage. “Inspired by our collective travels around the globe, our vision is to deliver a best-in-class hospitality experience with the spirit of the Riviera here in D.C., where every guest feels genuinely cared for, paired with exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality. We’re excited to share this passion and invite Washington to discover everything Barbouzard has to offer.”
photo by Scott Suchman
Under the direction of acclaimed chef Cedric Maupillier, Barbouzard’s menu reflects the bold-yet-relaxed sensibility of the Riviera. Dishes are rooted in classical French technique and Mediterranean warmth, with a focus on pristine ingredients and vivid, sun-kissed flavors.
photo by Scott Suchman
Guests will find grilled seafood, braised meats, and richly layered vegetables alongside handmade pastas and traditional regional specialties such as Bouillabaisse Marseillaise, Dover Sole Riviera, and Daube de Boeuf Provençale. Small plates like Foie Gras Opéra, Escargots in Garlic Butter, and Socca with Eggplant and Pomegranate echo the convivial, coastal style of entertaining. A thoughtful pastry and dessert program, developed in-house, rounds out the experience with dishes like Lavender-Honey Crème Brûlée, Grand Marnier Soufflé, and Poire Belle Michèle.
photo by Scott Suchman
Maupillier adds, “Barbouzard’s cuisine is a tribute to the flavors of my youth growing up in the South of France, rooted in my family traditions from Marseille, Toulon and Cannes. It draws from the local markets, the Mediterranean Sea, the Provençal land, as well as the neighboring cultures that shape Riviera flavors. This is the food I grew up with, the food I love to cook, and the food I’m most excited to share.”
photo by Scott Suchman
Barbouzard’s cocktail program highlights French spirits, aperitifs, and house infusions, offering signature selections like the Caviar Martini and Provence Negroni alongside elegant classics. A dedicated champagne list and deep Old World wine selection focus on French coastal regions, designed to complement the food’s layered simplicity. A rotating list of zero-proof cocktails offers spirited complexity for all guests.
photo by Scott Suchman
Envisioned by award-winning designer Olvia Demetriou of HapstakDemetriou+, who led a comprehensive transformation of the space, the 6,493-square-foot restaurant includes seating for 180 guests. For open-air dining, a lush veranda welcomes up to 14 additional guests (drinks-only).
photo by Scott Suchman
The design of Barbouzard captures the elegance and lively ambiance of the French Riviera through a layered, sophisticated environment. Distinct spaces—including a long central bar, champagne lounge, private dining room, and alcove-style booths—are unified by glass and steel glazed walls that share the visual energy of the main area. Materials such as bleached oak, marble, satin brass, and dark steel create a rich contrast, while ambient lighting, hand-blown glass chandeliers, and alabaster sconces establish a warm, glowing atmosphere. Furnishings balance comfort and refinement, with plush seating, potted palms, and gilded accents seen throughout the space.
Barbouzard also boasts an expansive private dining room ideal for special events and gatherings. The space features multiple configuration options, accommodating up to 45 guests for seated dinners or 75 guests for standing cocktail-style receptions.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Barbouzard will host curated and elegant entertainment programming throughout the week, including live piano, saxophone, and violin performances, as well as a rotating lineup of talented in-house DJs.
Barbouzard will initially be open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the dining room, and Friday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with the bar remaining open two hours later each night. Reservations can be made via Resy. For more information, please call 202-998-2009 or email [email protected].”