Come taste the charm of France in the heart of Alexandria!
Le Refuge Restauran: A Taste of France in the Heart of Alexandria
After 36 years of serving the community, Le Refuge Restaurant remains committed to providing an authentic French dining experience. Nestled in the heart of Alexandria, our cozy restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that transports you to the countryside of France.
Our Story
Founded by Jean-Francois Chaufour in 1983, Le Refuge has become a staple in the local community. Born in Beaugency, France, Jean-Francois came to the United States in the 1970s and brought his passion for French cuisine with him. With his wife Francoise, he opened Le Refuge on North Washington Street, across from Christ Church. Today, the restaurant remains family-owned and operated, with Jean-Francois's daughter Anne Claire and her husband Hugh actively involved in the business.
Our Menu
At Le Refuge, we take pride in our extensive menu, featuring traditional French dishes with a modern twist. Our chef, Jean-Francois, has carefully crafted each dish to ensure that every bite is a culinary delight. From our signature beef tenderloin with Roquefort sauce to our pan-seared salmon with Bearnaise sauce, our menu is designed to delight even the most discerning palate.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Whether you're looking for a leisurely breakfast, a quick lunch, or a romantic dinner, Le Refuge is the perfect destination. Our menu is divided into sections, each offering a range of dishes to suit your taste. From classic French soups to succulent seafood dishes, our menu is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Our Dishes
- Soupe a L'oignon Gratinee: Baked onion soup with swiss cheese
- Les Cuisses de Grenouilles Provencale: Frog legs with garlic butter and tomatoes
- Filet Mignon with Roquefort Sauce: Tender beef tenderloin with creamy Roquefort sauce
- Coquilles Saint Jacques Marseillaise: Sea scallops sauteed with garlic, parsley, and diced tomatoes
- Bouillabaisse: Fish specialty from the South of France, featuring a variety of seafood, croutons, and rouille
Specialties
- Filet de Boeuf Wellington: Filet mignon in crust with duck liver mousse, mushrooms, and Madeira sauce
- Gigot d'agneau a l'ail et au thyme: Roasted leg of lamb with garlic thyme sauce
- Salmon en Croute: Salmon in crust with julienned vegetables and champagne cream sauce
Wine List
Our extensive wine list features a selection of fine wines from France and around the world. With over 200 labels to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect pairing for your meal. From classic Bordeaux to modern varietals, our wine list is designed to complement your dining experience.
Reservations
To ensure a table, we recommend making a reservation. Call us at 703-548-4661 or book online through our website.
Hours
Monday through Saturday:
- Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
- Dinner: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Casual Attire
We warmly welcome casual attire and appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
Parking
Street parking is available near our location. We also provide valet parking for your convenience.
Family-Friendly
At Le Refuge, we're a family-friendly restaurant, and we welcome children of all ages. We offer a kid-friendly menu and a warm atmosphere that's perfect for families.
Join Us
Come and experience the warmth and hospitality of Le Refuge Restaurant. We can't wait to welcome you to our little corner of France in the heart of Alexandria.
Overall Experience
The reviews of Le Refuge are overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of authors giving the restaurant a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars. The atmosphere, food, and service are consistently praised, with many reviewers mentioning that the restaurant feels like a genuine French bistro.
Awards and Accolades
Several reviewers specifically praise the restaurant's authenticity, with one reviewer stating that it "might be the best" French bistro in Alexandria, VA.
Service
While there are some mixed reviews about the service, the majority of authors compliment the friendly and efficient staff. One reviewer does mention poor service from a particular server, but overall, the consensus is that the service is generally good.
Food
The food at Le Refuge is consistently praised for its quality and presentation. Many reviewers mention specific dishes, such as escargot, beef Wellington, and trout almondine, as being particularly delicious.
Ambiance
The atmosphere of the restaurant is mentioned by many reviewers as being cozy and intimate, making it a great choice for date nights or special occasions.
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