
1250 U Street, NW previously home to Starbucks
From an email:
“Emmy French Corner, a new French patisserie and café, will open at 1250 U Street NW this Saturday. (more…)

1250 U Street, NW previously home to Starbucks
From an email:
“Emmy French Corner, a new French patisserie and café, will open at 1250 U Street NW this Saturday. (more…)

“Tucked within 3 iconic DC streets, Bonne Vie Cafe & Bistro
is a soulful Parisian retreat in the heart of Northwest DC —
bridging the energy of DuPont Circle, the edge of
Adams Morgan, and the vibrancy of U Street.
This cozy all-day café and classic French bistro is
housed in a historic flatiron building.
Mornings are self-serve and easy—fresh coffee,
warm pastries, and welcoming space for 1 or many.
Evenings bring full service, Parisian melodies, timeless bistro fare,
and carefully selected wines in an inviting setting
layered with vintage moody charm.”
Thanks to Eric for passing on the update from Bonne Vie:
”
Raphael François is the Executive Chef and co-founder behind Bonne Vie Café & Bistro, located at 1602 U Street NW in Washington, DC. (more…)

3345 14th Street, NW
Thanks to Analya for sending the great news about Fraiche at Tívoli: “I was happy to notice a new restaurant coming to the old Creole space on 14th street.”
Fraiche’s website says:
“Fraiche (French for Fresh) is a fresh take on culinary fusion with inspiration from multiple cultures (including French, Cajun/Southern American, and Caribbean). This is also a fresh take on the historic architecture of the venue, which was once a theater. Fraiche is designed to be a non-pretentious culinary destination with a nod to upscale dining without the stuffiness. The menu is constructed in a way that takes approachable and recognizable food and elevates it, with no flavor left behind! (more…)

1700 K Street, NW
Ed. Note: Last week we learned that Convivial would be closing in Shaw December 22nd.
From an email:
“We’re excited to share the news that chef Cedric Maupillier will assume the role of partner and executive chef at Barbouzard, the French-Mediterranean concept opening in spring 2025 at 1700 K Street NW.”
Full release: (more…)

801 O Street, NW
Sad new via Tim Carman:
“I just had a conversation with Cedric Maupillier, chef and owner of Convivial in DC. Much of it was off the record but here’s the unfortunate takeaway:
Convivial is closing Dec. 22.
Many factors played into the decision: crime, location, back rent.
It’s a big loss.”

Thanks to Noa for sending: “Amelie bistro next to Pappe opened!” (more…)

photos Jordan Rosen Photography courtesy Amelie DC (1315 14th Street, NW)
From a press release:
“The Amelie Wine Bar team is delighted to announce the grand opening of its newest location in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington DC, scheduled for July 14th, 2024, on Bastille Day a symbolic date for French people. Founded by owners Germain Michel and Samie Didda, this expansion further solidifies Amelie Wine Bar’s presence as a leader in delivering an extraordinary wine and contemporary French dining experience. In addition to the founders, the exceptional team at Amelie includes Anthony Lemortellec, an alumnus of the prestigious Alain Ducasse culinary school in Paris, who will serve as the executive chef overseeing the management and design of the food program. Eric Kole, a native of Washington DC, brings his local expertise to the general manager role. Olivier Filograsso will assume the position of wine director, curating an outstanding selection of wines for guests to savor. (more…)

photo by Scott Suchman
From Primrose (3000 12th Street, NE):
“Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Brookland sits Primrose– a French-Euro bistro wine bar focused on providing guests with an engaging dining experience backed by intentionality. Primrose was opened in 2017 by seasoned restaurateur and sommelier, Sebastian Zutant alongside his business partner and interior designer, Lauren Winter under the belief that food raised holistically and prepared with simplicity evokes immense joy. With sustainably sourced ingredients at the forefront of their culinary program, Primrose works in collaboration with local purveyors to curate a seasonal, rotating menu of high-quality, French-inspired dishes. Well-regarded for its eclectic yet elegant beverage program, Primrose also specializes in providing clean, low-intervention wines alongside seasonally inspired and expertly crafted cocktails. (more…)

1520 14th Street, NW previously home to Estadio
From an email: “Bar Japonais, the vibrant French-Japanese fusion restaurant, will officially be opening on June 21st in Logan Circle. (more…)

1520 14th Street, NW previously home to Estadio
Thanks to Tom for sending the photo above at Bar Japonais, more info including menu details from a press release:
“Bar Japonais is arriving soon to 14th Street and is excited to provide a sneak peek of their opening menu. The team behind Bar Chinois, Dean Mosones, Mark Minicucci, and Margaux Donati, are launching the new izakaya restaurant next month.
The French-Japanese restaurant will be open for dinner six days a week with a focus on shareables and a creative drink menu. The menu ranges from inventive and traditional skewers and appetizers to refreshing salads, fresh sashimi and hand rolls, enticing mains and delectable desserts. (more…)