Seemor
La PiquetteB+Worth Trying
3714 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016
· French restaurant, Bar, Bistro
· 4.6/5 Google (553 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Charming neighborhood French bistro with consistently tasty classics, strong bread and desserts, lively room, and occasional noise and steak consistency issues; prices are fair-to-premium for DC.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
La Piquette delivers solid neighborhood bistro dining with excellent food quality anchored by standout dishes like scallops, duck a l'orange, and reliable desserts. However, inconsistent steak execution and tight seating during peak times prevent a higher grade, while warm, attentive service and genuine neighborhood charm keep it competitive with the area's better local favorites.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a close-knit, Parisian bistro vibe. Hosts and servers often feel genuinely welcoming, with small, attentive touches like quick drink help. One guest summed it up: "The bread alone would bring me back." Do expect a lively, sometimes noisy dining room at peak times. The cooking leans classic French—duck a l'orange, tartare with frites, scallops, cassoulet—executed with confidence more than flash. It is a produce-and-technique-driven approach rather than theatrics, where desserts like the chocolate mousse reliably shine. Most dishes land beautifully; steaks can be uneven, but seafood and slow braises are where the kitchen often really delivers. Families are welcome; a server once accommodated a stroller, and kids gravitate to fries and simple seafood. There is no formal kids menu, but approachable options exist: steak frites, moules with fries, and desserts like crème brulee. For picky eaters, plan on straightforward classics rather than custom builds.
At a Glance
- Charming neighborhood bistro feel with friendly, attentive service
- Strong hits include scallops, duck a l'orange, short rib, bread, and chocolate mousse
- Room can be very loud and seating is tight at peak times
- Steak doneness and tenderness are inconsistent
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- neighborhood_parisian_vibe
- excellent_chocolate_mousse
- consistently_good_bread
What People Love
- That cozy Paris-bistro vibe
- Bread and olive oil to start
- Silky chocolate mousse finish
- Seafood cooked just right
- Welcoming, proactive servers
Points of Concern
- Noise levels can be very high; conversation may be difficult during peak hours
- Steak dishes show uneven doneness and tenderness compared with other mains
- Service can slow when the room is full; occasional forgotten items reported
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (not detected); instead, credibility appears strong overall
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-80 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with escargots or calamari Provençale for a classic opener
- Choose seafood mains (scallops, cod, moules) for the most consistent results
- Share desserts; $12 portions suit splitting
Perfect For
- Date night in NW DC
- Pre-show dinner before Kennedy Center
- Casual celebration with classic French flavors
- Weeknight neighborhood meal with good wine
Location Insights
Area: Leafy, upscale residential corridor near National Zoo; neighborhood spot with local foot traffic and date-night energy.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, with steady evening activity; occasional parking stress typical for NW DC.
Nearby: Near Connecticut Ave retail, Giant Food garage across street, close to Zoo and Uptown corridor.
Cleveland ParkCleveland Park is a well-established residential neighborhood with a quiet, community-oriented atmosphere. The dining scene includes a mix of casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and neighborhood staples, catering to locals who value quality and a relaxed environment. It is accessible and considered safe, with a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–21:30
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Saturday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:30
Sunday11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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