Cafe Colline
A charming French bistro offering classic cuisine in a relaxed, elegant setting. Perfect for intimate dinners and delightful brunches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Cafe Colline
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming French bistro offering classic cuisine in a relaxed, elegant setting. Perfect for intimate dinners and delightful brunches.
"Experience exceptional French cuisine and service that makes you feel right at home."
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand; book well in advance.
Outdoor Dining Option
Enjoy al fresco meals on the patio when weather permits for a charming experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
French Bistro
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic French Classics
Indulge in beloved French dishes like rich Onion Soup, tender Duck Confit, and perfectly cooked Steak Frites.
Cozy & Charming Ambiance
Enjoy a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere ideal for intimate dinners or leisurely weekend brunches.
Exceptional Service
Knowledgeable and attentive staff provide excellent recommendations and ensure a delightful dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand; book well in advance.
Outdoor Dining Option
Enjoy al fresco meals on the patio when weather permits for a charming experience.
Don't Skip Starters & Desserts
Savor appetizers like Escargots or Beet Salad and finish with recommended desserts like Creme Brulee.
Brunch Favorites
Popular choices for brunch include Croque Madame and flavorful mussels.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand; book well in advance.
Outdoor Dining Option
Enjoy al fresco meals on the patio when weather permits for a charming experience.
Don't Skip Starters & Desserts
Savor appetizers like Escargots or Beet Salad and finish with recommended desserts like Creme Brulee.
Brunch Favorites
Popular choices for brunch include Croque Madame and flavorful mussels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cafe Colline is praised for its authentic French cuisine, cozy ambiance, and attentive service, making it a beloved neighborhood bistro. Diners rave about classic dishes like French onion soup and duck confit, as well as the charming atmosphere perfect for any occasion. While most experiences are exceptional, some note the occasional noisiness of the dining room and a desire for more menu variety.
"Had a great brunch at Cafe Colline! As soon as I saw a pic of the French onion soup, I knew I needed to give it a try and WOW, it was delicious! Got the omelette for my main as well and it was very tasty, as were the frites. Yummy French press coffee, too. Definitely recommend if looking for some French cuisine!"
Jeffrey F
"We had lived in France for many years, many moons ago, and are always on the lookout for a good French Restaurant. Cafe Colline is a nice little neighborhood gem. Staff was attentive and service was pretty quick. My Soupe a l'oignon was very good. I ordered the Steak Frites (medium) but it came out rather dry. I mentioned it to the waiter and he offered a replacement. I went with the Potato crusted Saumon and it was very good. My husband's Soupe de Poisson and Confit de Canard were good."
Junnai Marro
"I visited this restaurant with my family the other night, and we had an amazing experience. Our server, Chris G, was incredibly friendly and guided us through the menu and daily specials. The food came out quickly and was cooked to perfection.
Having heard great things about this place, it truly lived up to the hype. I would even say it's the best restaurant in North Arlington. Highly recommend it to anyone craving French cuisine!"
R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Cafe Colline is very popular and often booked weeks in advance. It is highly recommended to make reservations well ahead of your desired dining date.
Many guests highly recommend the French Onion Soup, Duck Confit, Escargots, and Sea Bass. Desserts like Creme Brulee are also popular.
Yes, Cafe Colline has a small back patio where diners can enjoy al fresco meals when the weather permits.
Absolutely! Cafe Colline is praised for its cozy ambiance and exceptional service, making it ideal for romantic dinners, brunches, and even private events.
The atmosphere is described as relaxed elegance, a charming and cozy bistro perfect for leisurely lunches or intimate dinners.
While specific options aren't detailed, French bistros often have adaptable dishes. It's best to inquire with your server about current vegetarian or vegan offerings.
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Fun Date Night Ideas In and Around Arlington, VA
For a Parisian bistro-style tête-à-tête, reserve a table at Café Colline, order a bottle of wine or BYOB and make your way leisurely through plates of duck confit, steak frites and tuna niçoise before finishing up with a classic crème brulée. Or snuggle up in a booth resembling a birdcage at Ellie Bird in Falls Church, where you can share orders of blistered shishito mushrooms, grilled sea bream and spinach ricotta triangoli with pickled blueberries. For a sweet ending, order a piece of Rachel’s Chocolate Cake with chai buttercream, caramel ganache and vanilla ice cream, and two forks.
13 Best Restaurants In Arlington VA To Eat At (+ What To Order
Featuring regional French-inspired cuisine by chef Brendan L’Etoile, Cafe Colline is the perfect place for leisurely lunches, first dates, or just a wonderful evening of delicious food and drinks. The Marseille-style fish soup at Café Colline is absolutely a must-try!. Packed with halibut, salmon, prawns, loads of fresh herbs, and a big splash of lemon juice, it arrives with grilled French bread, shredded Gruyere cheese, and bright yellow saffron aioli on the side.
These Are the 10 Best Restaurants in Arlington
The congenial team at Arlington’s Café Colline rightfully takes great pride in every dish served at their charming restaurant. Staff members, one after the next, exuberantly describe executive chef Brendan L’Etoile’s regional French cuisine with breathless detail. The cozy bistro came on Arlington’s restaurant scene in 2020 but found its footing once eat-in dining resumed at its lovely Langston Boulevard location.
Best Brunch Spots in Arlington, VA
For a taste of French cuisine in Arlington, head over to Cafe Colline in the Rosslyn neighborhood. This charming French bistro offers a delightful brunch menu that includes classic dishes like croque madame, quiche Lorraine, and fluffy crepes. With its cozy ambiance and friendly service, Cafe Colline is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely and delicious French-inspired brunch.
11 of the Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Arlington, VA
Cafe Colline is a French bistro that serves up classic entrees like steak frites and croque madame in an elegant and understated dining room. The restaurant, which opened during the height of the pandemic in 2020, has quickly become a local favorite for its casual-yet-refined vibe. There is a small back patio where diners can enjoy an al fresco meal.
Four local restaurants named to Washingtonian’s top 100 restaurant list
Cafe Colline on Langston Blvd in the Lee Heights Shopping Center opened in June 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. The “neighborhood French bistro” is owned by local sibling restaurateurs Eric and Ian Hilton. The brothers also run El Rey taqueria in Ballston as well as several well-regarded D.C.
Arlington's Best Restaurants and Eateries of 2024
Other top vote-getters: Ambar Clarendon, Ballston Local, Café Colline, Carlyle, Green Pig Bistro, The Liberty Tavern, Lyon Hall, The Salt Line, SER
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