Le Refuge Restaurant: Best French Cuisine in Alexandria, VA - Reviews & Reservations

Without writing a book ... Best French Restaurant in the Northern Virginia region... Best food ... the staff are Pro's ! I understand that the owner sent them all off to France to train ! They are not in your face but then again seem to know right away (visual clues ?) that you need attention Restaurant is smallish and inviting ... Just go ... make reservations ... hard to just "walk in"

I was searching for a French restaurant to celebrate my wife's birthday and came across Le Refuge. Although it wasn't available on the typical reservation platforms, the website mentioned calling for reservations. Luckily, I had no trouble securing a same-day reservation. The restaurant is intimate, with charming French decor that gives it a cozy, romantic feel. The staff was incredibly friendly, and we were seated at a lovely window table, which added to the atmosphere. We started our meal with the soup of the day and a fresh salad. For the main course, I had the Dinner Special Seared Tuna, which was perfectly thick-cut and served with a delicious bordelaise sauce and black pepper. My wife chose the Shrimp Provençal, and the seasoning was absolutely amazing. Both dishes were fantastic, and we couldn't have asked for a better dining experience. If you're looking for a special place to celebrate or enjoy a romantic evening, Le Refuge is a must-visit!

Really solid food and super cute atmosphere. Highly recommend the escargot and the duck breast which is on the special menu - so tasty and the sauces were incredible. Coq au vin was just okay though.. a bit salty and overcooked. Other than that a great place to eat!!

A good menu. We've eaten here a lot over the years. Everything is good. Service is excellent . A little cramped for seating but no one seems to mind.

Wonderful French cuisine in a beautifully decorated restaurant. The service was excellent and the food could not have been better. I thoroughly enjoyed the beet salad followed by chicken with a delicious mustard sauce and a side of scalloped potatoes. Hope to return someday!!!

Le Refuge Restaurant in Alexandria, VA, is a true gem that transports you to the heart of France with its authentic cuisine and charming ambiance. My recent dining experience at this establishment left me utterly impressed and thoroughly satisfied. Upon arrival, my spouse and I were greeted warmly and seated promptly, though I would highly recommend making advanced reservations as the venue tends to fill up quickly - a testament to its popularity and excellence. Our culinary journey began with a delightful array of appetizers. I opted for the Salade maison à la vinaigrette, a refreshing house salad with a perfectly balanced vinaigrette dressing, while my spouse enjoyed the classic Caesar salad, both impeccably prepared and bursting with flavor. For the main course, I indulged in the Poitrine de poulet Dijonnaise, a succulent chicken breast adorned with a luscious mustard cream sauce. The flavors were exquisite, and the dish paired beautifully with the restaurant's recommended white wine selection. Meanwhile, my spouse savored the Salmon Béarnaise, cooked to perfection and accompanied by a rich and flavorful sauce. No French dining experience would be complete without dessert, and Le Refuge did not disappoint. We indulged in the Peach Melba and Chocolate Mousse Cake, both of which were heavenly and provided the perfect sweet ending to our meal. Throughout the evening, the service was impeccable, with Jean-Francois Chaufour and his family ensuring that every guest felt welcomed and attended to. It's evident that their passion for French cuisine and hospitality shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. Le Refuge's cozy atmosphere and authentic dishes truly make it a standout dining destination in Alexandria. With over 36 years of culinary excellence, it's no wonder that patrons keep coming back for more. Whether you're craving a taste of France or simply seeking an exceptional dining experience, Le Refuge Restaurant is a must-visit. My spouse and I left feeling thoroughly impressed and already looking forward to our next visit. Merci beaucoup, Le Refuge, for an unforgettable evening!

This is one of our favorite local spots in our town. It's not pretending to be some fine dining French place - this is the home cooked delicious country restaurant in burgundy vibe and food. It is absolutely perfect for a cold winter night. Alex and I try to come for the first snow every year and this was no exception. We always get the sautéed calamari, the cassoulet and a bottle of red wine to top it off! This time we tried this wine and it was sensational! *note: I am not a huge fan of red meat and I'm a "cute"erian aka don't like eating cute creatures and the cassoulet is to die for. I just pretend that I have no idea what's in it!! Haha

What a lovely spot! You can tell it's a mom and pop shop and I love that! Support your local businesses!!! Had dinner with a friend here recently and cannot wait to come back. Our server was funny and helped us decide what we wanted. He was very attentive and there if we needed anything. We shared a French onion soup and it was hearty! So good. I ordered the tilapia which was so flavorful yet healthy and light. My friend ordered the duck and she loved it! Looked delicious -- she was deciding between that or the scallops and our waiter said "for sure the duck!" Everyone is so nice there! Highly recommend checking it out.