Bistrot Royal - Permanently Closed

4.2 (2382)

$30 and under

Bistro

1201 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

OverviewReviewsDetails

About this restaurant

Innovative
Great for live music
Romantic

Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux create French dishes with a contemporary twist at Bistrot Royal. Offering menus for the dining room, café and bar or carry out, there is sure to be something for everyone. The dining room is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Start your dinner off at Bistrot Royal with escargots en persillade, frog wings or beignets de crevettes. Enjoy a soup or salad, such as the frisee aux lardons, soupe du jour or salade d'avocats aux crevettes. Entrées at Bistrot Royal include poulet roti aux olives, confit de canard, New York steak au poivre, truite a la grenobloise and le thon aux epices. Add a side of potato gnocci, sautéed Swiss chard, organic mushrooms or roasted sunchokes to any entrée dish.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Bistro, French
Hours of Operation
Lunch: Tuesday - Saturday: 11:30am - 2:00pm Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:30pm Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm Sunday Dinner: 4:30pm - 8:30pm Please visit our web site for up to-date hours, special events and happenings or to just make a reservation.
Website
http://www.bistrotroyal.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Christophe & Michelle Poteaux
Catering
Bistrot Royal only does in-house catering at this time.
Private party facilities
Bistrot Royal is available for semi-private functions of up to 40 people for both lunch and dinner. Please call the restaurant for availability. Parties not wanting to buy out the entire restaurant will be restricted to specific times and a pre-set menu. Reservations are not accepted more than 60 days prior to event and a deposit must be made at the time of booking.

Location
1201 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Area
Alexandria
Cross Street
Bashford Lane / Third St
Parking Details
Small private lot in the back and ample FREE street parking.
Public transport
Braddock Road Metro (closest with cab ride) or King Street Metro (with cab ride)
Entertainment
Bistrot Royal does not have live entertainment
Additional
Bar Dining, Farm to Table, Patio/Outdoor Dining

GougèresUS$6.00
Oysters on the half shell*
Raised by Dragon Creek (Montross VA)
- (6)US$12.00
- (12)US$21.00
Galette de painUS$9.00
Michelle's daily flat bread
Charcuteries
Daily chef selections
- 3 selectionsUS$12.00
- 5 selectionsUS$22.00
Artisanal Cheeses
Tomme de Savoie: Firm cow's milk, Grayson: Washed rind cow's milk, Pave d'Affinois: Triple cream cow's milk, Midnight Moon: Firm goat's milk, Roquefort "Papillon": Sheep's milk blue
- 3 piecesUS$12.00
- 5 piecesUS$22.00

Appetizers & Small plates

Rock shrimp beignets,US$9.00
Served with preserved citrus aioli
Frog "wings"US$9.00
Fried frog legs tossed in spicy Espelette sauce, Roquefort cheese, salad of celeriac, carrots and baby arugula
Terrine of Foie Gras,US$15.00
Pain d'Epices, seasonal chutney, petite salad
Moules au fenouil et poivronsUS$12.00
Mussels steamed in saffron-tomato broth with fennel, garlic, onions, fresh herbs
Seared Foie Gras & roasted pears
Figs & grapes, spice jus
- 2ozUS$17.00
- 4ozUS$26.00
Tartare de filet de boeufUS$13.00
*Hand-chopped Angus beef filet mignon, Dijon, Espelette, capers, shallots, anchovies, Quail egg, garlic coulis, toasted bread
Seared Pork belly, cider sauceUS$13.00
Sweet potato gnocchi, apple, Brussels sprouts

Soup & Salads

Soupe du JourUS$9.00
Daily Soup
Roasted beets & squash with goat cheeseUS$11.00
Toasted hazelnuts, arugula, walnut vinaigrette
Salade CaesarUS$9.00
Romaine, Parmesan, croutons, 60º chicken egg*, anchovies, preserved lemon vinaigrette
Salade WedgeUS$10.00
Bib lettuce, crispy prosciutto, shaved pear Roquefort blue cheese dressing

Entrees

Paella du LanguedocUS$28.00
Octopus, calamari and shrimp a la plancha over slow-baked rice with a saffron shellfish broth, fennel, tomato, pepper, mussels
Saumon BéarnaiseUS$26.00
*Grilled Norwegian Salmon filet, Béarnaise sauce, green lentils, lardons, roasted Brussels sprouts
Noix de Saint-Jacques au ChorizoUS$28.00
*Virginia Shore Sea scallops, chorizo crumble Roasted squash risotto, roasted pepper coulis
Filet Mignon, sauce PérigueuxUS$35.00
*Pasture-raised Angus beef filet mignon, Truffle sauce, Pommes fondantes, roasted mushrooms, shallots, carrots, broccoli
Cochon au cidreUS$27.00
Pork two ways: seared belly and braised cheeks, spiced cider jus, Sweet potato gnocchi, confit apple, roasted Brussels sprouts
Cassoulet de ToulouseUS$28.00
Traditional twice-baked bean stew with braised lamb shoulder, duck confit and pork belly
Magret de canard au poîvreUS$29.00
Pepper crusted*Moullard Duck breast, long pepper sauce, roasted pears, figs & grapes, celeriac puree
Onglet a l'EchaloteUS$27.00
*Charbroiled Angus hanger steak (8oz), Cabernet-shallot sauce, potato gratin, roasted mushrooms, shallots, carrots, broccoli
Michelle's Meatloaf BurgerUS$19.00
*Pasture-raised VA beef and Chapel Hill Veal, Bacon, BBQ sauce, roasted mushrooms, crispy onions. Pommes frites & watercress salad

Vegetables & sides dishes

Roasted squash risottoUS$9.00
Sweet potato gnocchi, apple, sproutsUS$9.00
Roasted Brussels sprouts with lardonsUS$8.00
BroccoliUS$8.00
Roasted mushroomsUS$11.00
Pommes FritesUS$6.00

Menu Brasserie

Three Course Prix fixe $39, Wine Pairings $29. Menu only available Monday to Saturday. Not Available for Sharing

First Courses

Soupe du jour
Daily Soup
Salade Caesar
Romaine, Parmesan, croutons, 60º chicken egg*, anchovies, preserved lemon vinaigrette
Terrine of Foie Gras
Pain d'Epices, seasonal chutney, petite salad (Suppl. $5)
Rock shrimp Beignets
Preserved citrus aioli

Entrees

Onglet a l'échalotte
*Charbroiled Angus hanger steak, Cabernet shallot sauce, Potato gratin, roasted mushrooms, shallots, carrots, broccoli
Saumon Béarnaise
*Grilled Norwegian Salmon filet, Béarnaise sauce, green lentils, lardons, Brussels sprouts
Filet Mignon, sauce Périgueux
*Pasture-raised Angus beef filet mignon, Truffle sauce, Pommes fondantes, roasted mushrooms, shallots, carrots, broccoli(Suppl. $9)
Moules au fenouil et poivrons, pommes frites"
Mussels steamed in saffron-tomato broth with fennel, garlic, onions, fresh herbs
Carnaroli risotto
Roasted squash risotto

Dessert

A la Carte Selection

Menu Gourmand

Select from four to six tasting size dishes. Last course must be cheese or dessert. Four-Course Tasting $49, pairings $39, Five -Course Tasting $59, pairings $44, Six - Course Tasting $69, pairings $49. Entire table must commit to the Menu Gourmand Menu not available on Sunday night. Not Available for Sharing

Roasted beets & fall squash, creamy goat cheese
Toasted hazelnuts, arugula, walnut vinaigrette
Seared Foie Gras
roasted pear Figs & grapes, spice jus
Noix de Saint-Jacques au Chorizo
Virginia Shore Sea scallop, chorizo crumble Roasted squash risotto, sage butter jus
Paella du Languedoc
Octopus, calamari and shrimp a la plancha, over slow-baked rice with a saffron shellfish broth, fennel, tomato, pepper
Magret de canard au poîvre
Peppercorn crusted Duck breast, long pepper sauce Roasted pears, figs & grapes, celeriac puree.
Filet Mignon, sauce Périgueux
*Pasture-raised Angus beef filet mignon, Truffle sauce, Pommes fondantes, roasted mushrooms, shallots, carrots, broccoli
Artisanal cheese selection
Figs, grapes, walnuts, fruit bread
Dutch Apple
Apples, pie crust, caramel sauce, oatmeal streusel, vanilla ice cream
Valrhona Chocolate Espresso terrine**
Cardamom ice cream, banana coulis, cocoa nib tuile

Brunch

Three Course Brunch Prix fixe $29. Includes one Appetizer or salad, one entrée and one dessert. Not Available for Sharing

Aperitifs

La Femme d'OrUS$8.00
Cocchi americano, grapefruit juice, Byrrh
LongchampsUS$8.00
Lillet blanc,Pernod,Peychaud's,lime,ginger beer
Singin' in the RainUS$10.00
Dolin dry, orange juice, amaretto, aperol
Clermont TravelerUS$11.00
Bourbon, orange juice, tea, crème de peche

Starters

Daily SoupUS$9.00
Charcuteries boardUS$12.00
Trio of artisanal CheesesUS$12.00
Rock shrimp beignetsUS$9.00
Served with preserved citrus aioli
Oysters on the half shell (6)US$12.00
Oysters RockefellerUS$11.00
Broiled oysters (3), spinach, Prosciutto, Hollandaise
Roasted beets & fall squashUS$11.00
Creamy goat cheese, hazelnuts, arugula, walnut vinaigrette
Salade CaesarUS$9.00
Romaine, Parmesan, croutons, 60º chicken egg*, anchovies, preserved lemon vinaigrette

Sides

BaconUS$6.00
Duck fat home friesUS$7.00
French FriesUS$8.00
Two fried eggs*US$6.00

Entrees

Breakfast ParisienUS$12.00
Bacon, two fried eggs*, duck fat home fries, croissant
Gauffres traditionnellesUS$11.00
Two classic Brussel-style waffles, Crème Chantilly, VA maple syrup
Galette aux OeufsUS$13.00
Michelle's flat bread topped with chorizo, fried egg, caramelized onions, crème fraiche, Comte, arugula
Croissant au JambonUS$13.00
Croissant, prosciutto, fried egg, brie cheese sauce. Watercress salad, duck fat home fries
Eggs ChesapeakeUS$18.00
Brioche, fresh lump crab cake, spinach, poached farm-fresh egg*, Hollandaise sauce, Watercress salad, duck fat home fries
Petit Onglet a l'echalotteUS$15.00
*Creekstone Farm Angus hanger steak, cabernet-shallot sauce, pommes frites & watercress salad
Meatloaf burger & egg*US$16.00
*VA grass-fed Angus beef & Chapel Hill Veal, bacon, mushrooms, crispy onions, BBQ sauce, brioche, lettuce, topped one fried egg. Pommes frites and watercress salad
Moules au fenouil et poivrons"US$14.00
Mussels steamed in saffron-tomato broth with fennel, garlic, onions, fresh herbs. Served with Pommes Frites
Poisson du JourUS$16.00
Daily catch

Desserts

Housemade granolaUS$6.00
Seasonal fruits, Greek yogurt
Cookies and CreamUS$8.00
House baked cookies and vanilla ice cream
Bread pudding "du jour"US$8.00
Served a la mode
Ice creams or sorbetsUS$7.00
Brownie SundaeUS$8.00
Vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge sauce

Lunch

Le Dejeuner: Served Tuesday to Friday, from 11:30 to 2:30. Served until 4:00 at the bar. Three-course Prix fixe $29. Includes one First course, one entrée and one dessert

First Courses

Daily SoupUS$9.00
Charcuteries boardUS$12.00
Trio of artisanal CheesesUS$12.00
Rock Shrimp beignets, preserved citrus aioliUS$9.00
Frog "wings"US$9.00
Fried frog legs tossed in spicy Espelette sauce, Roquefort cheese, Salad of celeriac, carrots and baby arugula
Tartare de filet de boeufUS$13.00
*Hand-chopped Angus beef filet mignon, capers, shallots, Dijon, Espelette Anchovies, Quail egg, garlic coulis, toasted bread, petit salad
Roasted beets & fall squash,US$11.00
creamy goat cheese Toasted hazelnuts, arugula, walnut vinaigrette
Salade CaesarUS$9.00
Romaine, Parmesan, croutons, 60º chicken egg*, anchovies, preserved lemon vinaigrette

Entrees

Galette de painUS$13.00
Michelle's daily flat bread
Salade CaesarUS$15.00
with choice of grilled Steak, Salmon or Shrimp Romaine, Parmesan, croutons, 60º chicken egg*, anchovies, preserved lemon vinaigrette
Plancha du LanguedocUS$15.00
Marinated shrimp, octopus and calamari cooked on the plancha, and served over salad of arugula, figs, oranges, olives and fennel, with balsamic vinaigrette
Grilled Norwegian Salmon filet*US$16.00
beurre rouge Green lentils, lardons, Brussels sprouts
Moules au fenouil et poivronsUS$13.00
pommes frites Mussels steamed in saffron-tomato broth with fennel, garlic, onions, fresh herbs
Crab Cake sandwichUS$16.00
pommes frites & watercress salad Fresh Lump crabmeat, brioche bun, preserved citrus aioli, arugula
Petit Onglet a l'echalotte"US$15.00
with pommes frites & watercress salad *Charbroiled Angus hanger steak (5oz), Cabernet-shallot sauce
Michelle's Meatloaf Burger*US$15.00
Pasture-raised VA beef and Chapel Hill Veal, bacon, roasted mushrooms, crispy onions, BBQ sauce. Pommes frites & watercress salad
Fall squash risotto, roasted pepper coulisUS$13.00

Dessert

A la Carte desserts

Sweet Potato
Sweet potato waffle, sweet potato butter, Buttered pecan ice cream, bourbon caramel
Valrhona Chocolate Espresso terrine**
Cardamom ice cream, banana coulis, cocoa nib tuile
Fruit & Nuts
Hazelnut Madeleine, honey roasted pear, pear sorbet, Bahibé chocolate crèmeux, hazelnut crunch
Dutch Apple
Apples, pie crust, caramel sauce, oatmeal streusel, vanilla ice cream
Gâteau aux pignons**
Pine nut rosemary cake, roasted grapes & figs, orange sauce, fig ice cream

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Bistrot Royal - Permanently Closed.

4.2

(2382)

4.3Food
4.2Service
4.0Ambience
0.1Value

Noise • Moderate

2,382 Reviews

f
foodfriend
Washington, D.C. Area43 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 April 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was great as always, and we will miss it. But we also like its sister restaurant very much.
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R
Rolex
Washington, D.C. Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 April 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This was a great French restaurant. Luckily, you can still experience the same quality at Bastille in Alexandria. Same owners, same outstanding service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 April 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I loved going here over the last few years. It's a shame the restaurant is closing this week.
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F
Federalist Gold
Washington, D.C. Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 29 April 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A great final meal from a fine Alexandria establishment. Sad to see it go, but the memory of the great meals enjoyed here will linger on. Perhaps Bistrot will resurface at some point...
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m
maryh
Washington, D.C. Area4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 April 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
sorry BR has closed. Try its sister, Bastille, near Braddock Metro. Fine menu, great pastry styling by Michelle & Christoph, but lacks the intimate French ambiance of Royal St.
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JF
JamieF Gold
Washington, D.C. Area137 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 April 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went to Bistrot Royal for dinner on Wednesday evening to celebrate closing on our first home and to say goodbye to a neighborhood gem and one of our favorite local restaurants, Bistrot Royal will be closing it's doors for good on Saturday April 30th, 2016. Our pre fix dinner was delicious, and great value, and the service was as friendly and superb as always. We're sad to see Bistrot Royal close, and although it's 'sister' restaurant Bastille will continue, Bastille seems to get varying reviews and doesn't seem to have the same loyal following as Bistrot Royal.
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R
Richard
Washington, D.C. Area44 reviews
4.0
Dined on 26 April 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Our meal was excellent and will cause us to return. Service was very slow. It appeared that the restaurant was short staffed on the evening we were there. Good weather had a number of people eating outside, which I do not believe the restaurant anticipated.
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E
Eliz Gold
Washington, D.C. Area14 reviews
4.0
Dined on 24 April 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Unfortunately the landlord is selling the property so they are closing at the end of this month. We will miss them.
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t
theatergoer
Washington, D.C. Area28 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 April 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
So sad that Cafe Royal is finally closing and we'll have to go to Bastille for the same food. This is a great, modestly-priced neighborhood place with lots of available parking in a quiet neighborhood. Terrific brunch, friendly and helpful waiter.
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E
Elizabeth Gold
Washington, D.C. Area35 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 April 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A true neighborhood gem! Feels like a French Bistro. Super friendly staff, great food, and excellent wine made for a great evening. We had the specials - mushroom soup, filet mignon, and dessert. Chocolate pot de creme is to die for. We are already planning our return.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Bistro, French
Hours of Operation
Lunch: Tuesday - Saturday: 11:30am - 2:00pm Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:30pm Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm Sunday Dinner: 4:30pm - 8:30pm Please visit our web site for up to-date hours, special events and happenings or to just make a reservation.
Website
http://www.bistrotroyal.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Christophe & Michelle Poteaux
Catering
Bistrot Royal only does in-house catering at this time.
Private party facilities
Bistrot Royal is available for semi-private functions of up to 40 people for both lunch and dinner. Please call the restaurant for availability. Parties not wanting to buy out the entire restaurant will be restricted to specific times and a pre-set menu. Reservations are not accepted more than 60 days prior to event and a deposit must be made at the time of booking.

Location
1201 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Area
Alexandria
Cross Street
Bashford Lane / Third St
Parking Details
Small private lot in the back and ample FREE street parking.
Public transport
Braddock Road Metro (closest with cab ride) or King Street Metro (with cab ride)
Entertainment
Bistrot Royal does not have live entertainment
Additional
Bar Dining, Farm to Table, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Bistrot Royal - Permanently Closed

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Dinner

Starters and Shareable

GougèresUS$6.00

Oysters on the half shell*

Galette de painUS$9.00

Charcuteries

Artisanal Cheeses

Appetizers & Small plates

Rock shrimp beignets,US$9.00

Frog "wings"US$9.00

Terrine of Foie Gras,US$15.00

Moules au fenouil et poivronsUS$12.00

Seared Foie Gras & roasted pears

Tartare de filet de boeufUS$13.00

Seared Pork belly, cider sauceUS$13.00

Soup & Salads

Soupe du JourUS$9.00

Roasted beets & squash with goat cheeseUS$11.00

Salade CaesarUS$9.00

Salade WedgeUS$10.00

Entrees

Paella du LanguedocUS$28.00

Saumon BéarnaiseUS$26.00

Noix de Saint-Jacques au ChorizoUS$28.00

Filet Mignon, sauce PérigueuxUS$35.00

Cochon au cidreUS$27.00

Cassoulet de ToulouseUS$28.00

Magret de canard au poîvreUS$29.00

Onglet a l'EchaloteUS$27.00

Michelle's Meatloaf BurgerUS$19.00

Vegetables & sides dishes

Roasted squash risottoUS$9.00

Sweet potato gnocchi, apple, sproutsUS$9.00

Roasted Brussels sprouts with lardonsUS$8.00

BroccoliUS$8.00

Roasted mushroomsUS$11.00

Pommes FritesUS$6.00

Menu Brasserie

First Courses

Soupe du jour

Salade Caesar

Terrine of Foie Gras

Rock shrimp Beignets

Entrees

Onglet a l'échalotte

Saumon Béarnaise

Filet Mignon, sauce Périgueux

Moules au fenouil et poivrons, pommes frites"

Carnaroli risotto

Dessert

A la Carte Selection

Menu Gourmand

Roasted beets & fall squash, creamy goat cheese

Seared Foie Gras

Noix de Saint-Jacques au Chorizo

Paella du Languedoc

Magret de canard au poîvre

Filet Mignon, sauce Périgueux

Artisanal cheese selection

Dutch Apple

Valrhona Chocolate Espresso terrine**

Brunch

Aperitifs

La Femme d'OrUS$8.00

LongchampsUS$8.00

Singin' in the RainUS$10.00

Clermont TravelerUS$11.00

Starters

Daily SoupUS$9.00

Charcuteries boardUS$12.00

Trio of artisanal CheesesUS$12.00

Rock shrimp beignetsUS$9.00

Oysters on the half shell (6)US$12.00

Oysters RockefellerUS$11.00

Roasted beets & fall squashUS$11.00