Primrose
New American restaurant · Brookland ·
Parisian-style bistro with curated French wines & creative dishes
Parisian-style bistro with curated French wines & creative dishes
"A Brookland mainstay for wine and French bistro food, this spot recently got a modern upgrade from new executive chef Patrick Benton (Kinship, minibar, Café Riggs). His plates—like a vegetarian version of French onion soup and beets laced with chile oil—sync with co-owner Sebastian Zutant’s collection of unusual, exciting wines. The space feels like a fancy Parisian bistro transformed by co-owner Lauren Winter of D.C. design house Edit Lab, with a tin ceiling and in-motion art pieces projected on the walls. Order whatever bread Benton is making for the season; the Parker House rolls are a must-try with a distinct rye flavor and pillowy texture. Barbecued Hokkaido pumpkin becomes both sweet and smoky, layered with a creamy (surprisingly cream-free) pepita velouté and crisp puffed wild rice. Savory scallion sabayon is topped with earthy mushrooms, spinach, and flaky baked Atlantic tilefish—perfect for cold weather. Since it began as a wine bar, consult Zutant on what to sip, or ask about the impressive chartreuse (and other French herbal liqueurs) collection they mix with spirits like mezcal to create original cocktails. Benton’s new five-course prix fixe ($80) is more than worth it, now with surprise off-menu dishes like seared duck with a rich cranberry sauce; don’t skip the $40 beverage pairings, as Zutant will surprise you with skin-contact wine, crazy varietal mixes, and intricate stories for each course. Best for an eclectic group dinner for wine enthusiasts, where the meat lover can get a smash burger coated in Gruyere while vegans delight in small plates and mains like charred eggplant covered in warming ras el hanout seasoning." - Emily Venezky
"Brookland’s dreamy bistro sends out classics like homemade buttermilk waffles dressed with vanilla plum compote, a crowd-pleasing pork hash with confit baby Yukon potatoes, poached eggs, and hollandaise. Don’t sleep on the popular smash burger with Coulter Farms gruyere, charred onion, and dijonnaise with fries, with the option to add eggs and bacon. Go big (then go home) with pitchers of rotating French 75s. A dining room joins a gorgeous glassy patio framed with roll-up doors, with ’90s hip-hop tracks spinning in the background during brunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays)." - Tierney Plumb
"Price: $$ During the pandemic, Brookland’s feathery French wine bar and bistro mastered the art of the smash burger with a temporary carryout operation dubbed Larry’s Chicken and Cheeseburgers. The best-selling burger is here to stay at Primrose, slightly tweaked with griddled onions, Coulter Farms gruyere, and dijonnaise alongside fries. Know before you go: This part of the city typically has ample parking." - Tierney Plumb
"Hosting an Ugly Sweater Jolly Hour with a wine tasting from owner Sebastian Mutant’s Virginia vineyard, Lightwell Survey. There is no cover or tickets for the tasting, and the attendee in the ugliest sweater gets to take home a bottle from Lightwell Survey’s fall lineup." - Emily Venezky
"The Brookland wine bar celebrates Beaujolais Day with $10 glasses, plus special magnum pours from other producers and special French snacks like gougères stuffed with boursin, duck liver crostini with a gamay reduction, and smoked trout brandade." - Vinciane Ngomsi
