Bistro Cacao

"Dressed in red drapes, chandeliers, and vintage prints, Capitol Hill’s chic French bistro continues to woo diners a dozen years in. Chef Alex Merritt, an alum of Cafe du Parc and 1789, sends out warming French onion soup, escargot, and seared duck breast." - Tierney Plumb, Stephanie Carter

"Ring in the New Year as if you escaped to Paris, but in Capitol Hill. The 5-course menu ($120 per person) includes pork country pate with cornichons, dijon, onion jam, and crostini; seared scallops with asparagus fondue and saffron tuile; pan-seared duck breast with herb potato cake and white asparagus; for dessert, champagne poached pear with white chocolate, vanilla crispy tuile, and Italian meringue. There’s also a 3-course take-out option for $90 per person." - Vinciane Ngomsi

"Hosting a larger crowd? For $305, the Thanksgiving package at this Capitol Hill hot spot serves 8-10 people and is comprised of a whole roasted turkey, foie gras stuffing, green beans, sweet potato puree, cranberry sauce, gravy, and rolls. A homemade tarte for dessert is available for an additional $35. Pickup and delivery runs on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m to 3 p.m." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb

"After a decade in its cozy, historic Capitol Hill location, this modern French restaurant took over the space next door and expanded its patio two-fold. It’s a destination for diners during Saturday and Sunday brunch, who say the secret words (“cheers to the weekend”) to get a free mimosa as an on-again and off-again promotion." - Tim Ebner, Missy Frederick, Tierney Plumb

"Capitol Hill bistro mainstay Bistro Cacao will celebrate Bastille Day in style, complete with live music on the patio and a special three-course dinner. Three seating times are available (6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.) and menu highlights include escargot, cassoulet, and dessert classics like creme brulee and crepes aux myrtilles. Tickets are $75 per person." - Vinciane Ngomsi