Bistro Labonne - Washington

I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. I was surprised to find it wasn't crowded on a Friday evening. The service was excellent and the food was delicious. Chef Daniel even stopped by our table to chat, which was a nice touch. I truly believe this spot is a hidden gem among the restaurants on 14th Street. I hope more people get the chance to visit, though part of me wishes they wouldn't so I can enjoy my amazing dinners without the wait. Seriously, you should definitely check this place out; it's truly wonderful!

If you fondly remember the charming, intimate atmosphere of the old restaurant, with its cozy brick walls, wooden floors, vintage posters, friendly bar, and close-knit seating, you may find yourself let down by the new location. I understand that they don't have control over the decor there since it's a shared space. However, the new setting feels cold and impersonal, featuring gray stone floors, gray walls and ceilings, a plate glass front, and dim down-lighting—it has a very stark, 14th Street vibe. Although the food and service are good, they will need to significantly improve to keep diners returning.

We were thrilled to discover that they have opened a new location on 14th Street! We used to frequent their restaurant on U Street. They offer a fantastic deal from 5 to 7 PM—a large bowl of mussels with fries for just $10, and you can add a beer or wine for an additional $5. The variety of mussel flavors is impressive, ranging from Thai curry to applewood sausage. The rest of the menu also features authentic French cuisine. We didn't have to wait for a table, and the staff was attentive. There are regular patrons who enjoy hanging out at the bar, making it a welcoming spot for families and budget-conscious diners alike. The only downside was a few mosquitoes buzzing near the windows, which ended up being a bit bothersome. We could have moved our table but decided not to since we didn’t want to wait for the mussels to get cold.