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Bistrot Lafayette

1118 King St
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.548.2525
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Reviews

AOL City Guide

Jamy Bond

Bistrot Lafayette

Experienced Laos-born chef Keo Koumtakous partners with his wife, Marie, and co-owner Isabelle Zorro to combine a quaint dining atmosphere with fine French bistro cooking at Bistrot Lafayette. The snug, informal dining area is adorned in subtle pale colors, with warm lighting against dark oak furniture. The walls are covered in old French Art Deco magazines and paintings. The food presentation is artful, and the atmosphere quiet and elegant. The scent of garlic hovers in the air as dishes go steaming by.

Appetizer favorites include escargot in a rich butter-and-garlic sauce and calamari spiced with garlic, herbs, black olives and peppers. Familiar soups, such as French onion and thick, creamy lobster bisque, make good first courses. Then pick from entrees such as steak tartare, rich with capers and hot sauce; or the breast of duck with warm, spiced fruit. Fish lovers will find favor with the grilled yellowfin tuna topped with green-peppercorn sauce, or the grilled salmon glazed with Key lime sauce. House-made dessert creations include creme brulee; pears sauteed in butter, cinnamon and nutmeg; and the coveted caramel parfait with walnuts and whipped cream. There’s also a lengthy, moderately priced wine list.