Jordyn Harrison
had an amazing final lunch the last weekend of them being open. So sad I didn’t go here sooner! The omelette was the best omelette I’ve ever had. It was extremely velvety and unlike any other omelette I’ve had. It was indescribably smooth all the way through. The caramelized onions and the cream sauce on top was divine. We also had a side of the bacon and the fries everything was perfect! The service was great and the atmosphere was very cute.
While I would say I’d be back here again, unfortunately I don’t think I’ll have the chance. But, it was a great experience and sad to hear that they are closing.
… moreL P
Petite Cerise – Washington, DC
Rating: 7.5/10
Petite Cerise offers a charming Parisian-inspired ambiance with its tasteful, airy décor reminiscent of the French countryside.
Our experience was fairly standard overall. Despite having a reservation, we waited about 20 minutes for our table, which was a minor inconvenience. Service was somewhat lacking; our server was unable to tell us what pastries were available from the pastry menu, and we were instead encouraged to leave our table on the second floor to browse the pastry counter on the first—an awkward and inefficient arrangement.
We started with the highlights of our meal. The beignets were excellent—light, airy, and paired beautifully with raspberry preserves, crème diplomate, and a surprising herbal note from pink peppercorns. The omelet was perfectly executed in French tradition—silky, buttery, and delicious. The breakfast sandwich was also a standout, featuring quality bacon, chili mayo, and a fresh brioche bun.
However, there were some misses. The Salade Caesar, while a good-quality salad, did not meet expectations as a Caesar; it lacked anchovies, and the dressing leaned more toward a lemon vinaigrette than a traditional Caesar. The burger, though decent and flavorful, didn’t quite compare to other comparable restaurants like Le Diplomat, which I often find hard to beat for value and quality.
While our brunch was enjoyable, nothing truly stood out as memorable, and the mediocre service didn’t help elevate the experience. Overall, I’d rate it a 7.5 out of 10. It’s not a place I’d be rushing back to, but I am open to trying their dinner offerings in the future, hoping for a more polished experience.
… moreSheri G
Food is overpriced for the portions. The chicken was a poussin, which is of course small but it was $44! Tasty not but worth that price. None of the food arrived hot – it was all tepid. Soft-shelled crab was drowning in too much thick sauce, and although the Parisian gnocchi were good, again, too much sauce. It overwhelmed the dish. Pork belly also was too seasoned by the cherry sauce. The escargot were pretty good – except they were lukewarm and there were only 3 of them. Snails should be piping hot. The carottes râpées were good, and the pistachio profiteroles for dessert were good. A lot of the food felt like the menu was trying too hard to be ‘exquisite’. The restaurant is in a good location and the ambiance/decor are great.
… moreElias Chelala (Chewy)
Petite Cerise is an absolute gem! The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a casual meal or a special treat. The menu is thoughtfully curated, showcasing a delightful mix of classic french dishes with a modern twist. I was particularly impressed by the attentive and friendly service – the staff made the experience feel personal and welcoming. Every dish we tried was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience. Definitely a spot I’ll be visiting again!
… moreKelsey Jenkins
This is a delightful little place perfect for a quick weekday coffee or pastry, as well as a more indulgent weekend brunch. We had a fantastic birthday brunch for my partner and the waitress was sure to make it extra special with a birthday donut at the end. Highly recommend the quiche and the muscles!
… moreBoy Meets Food
Meal: Brunch
Day Visited: Saturday
Budget: $35
Closest Station: Convention Center
Reservation Needed?: Yes
Payment: Cash; Credit
Kid Friendly?: Yes
English Menu?: Yes
Very cute French cafe/restaurant. We were initially turned off by the strict reservation requirements (credit card guarantee and inability to modify a reservation with less than 48 hours notice). With that said, the food lived up to expectations. Our mussels and breakfast sandwich were delicious!
We did find the service a bit overbearing. Lots of interruptions to refill our waters and what seemed like a continuous stream of requests for clearing plates and questions about ordering more food and drinks. It was all in good faith, but a bit annoying nonetheless.
The restaurant is beautifully simple and very comfortable for brunch. The pastries look amazing too!
Recommended.
… moreF H
As soon as I arrived at Petite Cerise I was kindly greeted and immediately was brought to a table. As soon as I sat down I was asked if I had any allergies and there was a place to hang my coat. My coffee arrived in minutes and I ordered the Grilled Baguette it was mildly cold but the raspberry preserves were exquisite. I also ordered the pain au chocolat and it was absolutely delicious. The decor in Petite Cerise is very pleasant. Next I ordered the scrambled eggs it was amazing the onions at the bottom with the maple syrup and the soubise. I also ordered the avocado croast which was delicious it had a griddled croissant with the creamiest avocados on top. I would definitely recommend dining here.
… moredanielle brown
The service from the time u step in the door until you leave is top notch. Everyone works together so someone is always checking on you. The chef is amazing. Food is delicious and fresh. Unique options and I love catching the “new” pastry every time I visit. Great for special occasion or just a nice Sunday brunch.
… moremichele c
The breakfast was great. That NY pistachio croissant was amazing. Buttery, creamy and and full of flavor. The quiche was great and the avacado toast was perfect. The strawberry pastry was really good too. Service was on point. Felt like I was back in Paris.
… moreTina Gong
I’ve been to Petite Cerise a handful of times now, both for brunch and their new fixed price dinner, with family and friends. The service is always amazing—just last weekend, I came in with my parents who were visiting, and we had the absolute sweetest server who was incredibly helpful and friendly. The food is also always great, and the decor of the restaurant is very understated but clean and cohesive. I especially love their croissant rolls, and almost all of the “shareables” for dinner.
… more