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Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A charming French-American bistro offering an extensive wine list and authentic European delicacies in a cozy atmosphere with a delightful outdoor cou...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
outdoor dining

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming French-American bistro offering an extensive wine list and authentic European delicacies in a cozy atmosphere with a delightful outdoor courtyard.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This restaurant serves French cuisine that is delicious, of excellent quality, and generously proportioned at a reasonable price; a hidden gem!"

TIP

Embrace Outdoor Dining

Visit during pleasant weather to enjoy the outdoor dining area, shaded by trees and buildings for a comfortable experience.

Try Unique Delicacies

Explore the menu for less common European dishes like escargot or warm brie for a flavorful culinary adventure.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 4PM

Cuisine

French-American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(703) 243-7900

Address

4301 Wilson Blvd #100, Arlington, VA 22203, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extensive Old World Wine Selection

Extensive Old World Wine Selection

Discover unique wines from lesser-known regions like Bosnia, Croatia, and Greece, alongside a curated list of international and domestic flights.

European Delicacies

European Delicacies

Savor authentic French flavors with dishes such as escargot, frog legs, and warm brie, offering a taste of European culinary traditions.

Charming Outdoor Dining

Charming Outdoor Dining

Enjoy meals in a secluded garden courtyard, shaded by trees and buildings, perfect for intimate dinners or gatherings.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Embrace Outdoor Dining

Visit during pleasant weather to enjoy the outdoor dining area, shaded by trees and buildings for a comfortable experience.

Try Unique Delicacies

Explore the menu for less common European dishes like escargot or warm brie for a flavorful culinary adventure.

Ask for Recommendations

Let the attentive waitstaff guide you to enhance your dining experience with their knowledge of the menu and wine.

Book Events in Advance

If you're planning to host an event, it's recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.

Tips

from all over the internet

Embrace Outdoor Dining

Visit during pleasant weather to enjoy the outdoor dining area, shaded by trees and buildings for a comfortable experience.

Try Unique Delicacies

Explore the menu for less common European dishes like escargot or warm brie for a flavorful culinary adventure.

Ask for Recommendations

Let the attentive waitstaff guide you to enhance your dining experience with their knowledge of the menu and wine.

Book Events in Advance

If you're planning to host an event, it's recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is praised for its delicious French cuisine, generous portions, and reasonable prices, making it a hidden gem. Diners particularly enjoy the extensive wine selection and unique European dishes. While the food consistently receives high marks, some reviews mention inconsistencies in service and atmosphere, though many highlight the attentive and friendly staff.

"Great restaurant with outdoor seating. It was raining so we had to be inside but next time, we will definitely take advantage of the outdoor option. The food was great and I like the wine flights option. I tried three different wines. I would have liked to see more old world wines, especially from unknown regions of South East Europe like Bosnia, Croatia, Greece, etc….Still giving five stars because the food was outstanding."

Indira Bayer

"This restaurant serves French cuisine that is delicious, of excellent quality, and generously proportioned at a reasonable price; a hidden gem in the Ballston area.

The service was impeccable and couldn't have been better. We're looking forward to trying more dishes on their menu."

Patrick Min

"The food was absolutely delicious but the service was interesting. Our waiter couldn't even pronounce some of the wines and at one point said well you get the point. Our waiter also had no clue as to what the different wines were and just basically read the description off the menu to us. The atmosphere could be a little bit better as well as it reminds me of a basic American Cafe. It's really sad though because the food was absolutely delicious so someone in the kitchen really knows what they're doing."

JK

What People Like

Delicious and generously portioned French cuisine
Extensive wine selection with unique old-world options
Cozy atmosphere and charming outdoor seating

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service and wine knowledge
Atmosphere sometimes described as basic

Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant features a pleasant outdoor dining area in a courtyard, shaded by trees and buildings, perfect for enjoying meals in good weather.

Yes, Grand Cru offers various wine flights, including options from international and domestic selections, allowing you to sample multiple wines.

Absolutely! Grand Cru offers European delicacies not commonly found, such as frog legs and snails, alongside classic French dishes.

Yes, Grand Cru is a great spot to host events, with accommodating staff and excellent service. Booking in advance is recommended.

The restaurant is known for offering delicious French cuisine with generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a good value.

Grand Cru offers a cozy European-style atmosphere, decorated with vintage-style posters, suitable for intimate dinners and gatherings.

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Arriving on Wilson Boulevard in 2007, the Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro aims to fuse fine wine with excellent cuisine at reasonable prices. The menu is created with European flavours in mind, amplified by the list of international wines. Savoury crepes, fresh salads, sautéed Hawaiian butterfish and shrimp and tasty tapas treats are twinned with Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz from around the world.

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This Northern Virginia city has been recognized over the years as a great place to live and was even awarded the "Best City to Live in the United States” in 2020 by Niche.com and for good reason. With great schools, public transit, family life, and nightlife, young professionals have been flocking to the area for years. This desire to live in Arlington has led to the build up of some cool neighborhoods offering awesome things to do for locals and visitors alike. Check out our list below for some of the coolest neighborhoods and best things to do in Arlington.

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Nestled by a fountain in a courtyard in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood, Grand Cru offers a European-style wine-and-dine experience. When tasting, choose from international and domestic flights including The World of Whites, California, A World of Reds, and The Grand Cru Flight. Savor an assorted menu of Charcuterie, Cheese Fondue, and entrées including Beef Short Rib Bourguignon, Sautéed Diver Scallops and Braised Lamb Shank.

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6 Local Favorite Restaurants In Arlington

If you’re the kind of diner who’s always on the hunt for the perfect food and wine pairing, Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is the perfect place for you. Another American and French-inspired eatery, you won’t find much better than Grand Cru for fine dining in Arlington. The starter menu includes such delights as cheese fondue, lobster fritters, and potato gnocchi.

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A cozy wine bar and French restaurant in Ballston, Grand Cru boasts 350 bottles and several dozen by-the-glass and flight options, including nine “house” wines for $7 each. Those wines and select appetizers are $5 during the weekday happy hour from 4-6:30 p.m. The bistro is also a retailer, and the restaurant offers 20% off on bottles to go.

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A combination wine store and cafe, Grand Cru succeeds mostly with its quirky retail selection, which outshines the menu of rather pedestrian tapas. The wines favor the unusual grape varieties of the eastern Mediterranean—Greece and around through Israel—and pretty labels.

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Best First Date Spots in Arlington, VA

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro: For a touch of French-American sophistication, Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is a winning choice. The intimate ambiance, decorated with vintage-style posters, creates a romantic setting.

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For a charming and elegant atmosphere, head to Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro in Clarendon. With an extensive wine selection and delectable French cuisine, it’s the ideal setting for a romantic evening.

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A coffee shop with a first floor that turns into a wine bar with an amazing selection of wines in the evening.

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