L’Auberge Chez Francois – Great Falls, VA

Tucked away in the charming city of Great Falls, L’Auberge Chez François is widely celebrated as the best French restaurant in Northern Virginia. From sparkling cocktails to exquisite cuisine, every moment here is a delightful escape into the elegance and romance of French dining.

Dinner at L’Auberge Chez Francois

From the moment you walk onto the property, you’re transported. The rustic charm, cozy lighting, and lush greenery create a setting that feels both romantic and timeless. But the real magic begins when the food starts to arrive.

First Course at L’Auberge Chez Francois

I began with a French classic, Les Escargots de Bourgogne. Rich, garlicky, and perfectly tender, it set the tone for the evening, authentic, elevated, and full of flavor. Every course that followed was a celebration of traditional French cuisine, masterfully executed.

My First Time trying La Cassolette de Joues de Boeuf

I was slightly nervous at first to try the La Cassolette de Joues de Boeuf, only because I have always been intimidated by the dish. However, the La Cassolette de Joues de Boeuf served at L’Auberge Chez Francois was fall-apart tender,

This dish was braised to perfection in a rich sherry wine sauce that warmed me from the inside out. It was comfort food at its most elegant.

Cocktail Hour at L’Auberge Chez Francois

Before dinner, I had the chance to experience a special Cocktail Hour at L’Auberge Chez François, and let me just say, this was truly a treat. I was able to sip and savor on some of their most delicious cocktails while watching to sunset.

Sunsets and Cocktails

I enjoyed this special moment on their beautiful outdoor patio, an experience in itself. Picture lush greenery, twinkling string lights, and the soft sound of clinking glasses, all setting the stage for a relaxed yet elegant start to the evening.

Start Fresh: The Salads

Before the main courses, we were treated to two of the restaurant’s house salads that are anything but ordinary.

The classic Caesar salad was everything you want in a Caesar, crisp romaine, a perfectly creamy dressing, fresh parmesan, and house-made croutons that added the perfect crunch. It was clean, simple, and satisfying.

The house salad, though, was a standout. Featuring mixed greens, radishes, and seasonal vegetables tossed in a light vinaigrette, it was bright, fresh, and a beautiful prelude to the richness of the courses that followed.

Main Courses That Stole the Show

The entrées at L’Auberge Chez François are a true showcase of refined French cooking. I was lucky enough to sample several and each one brought something special to the table.

The steak medallions, so juicy, perfectly cooked, and served with a silky peppercorn sauce offered that classic French bistro flavor in every bite.

Seasonal Main Dish

But the dish that surprised and delighted me most was the halibut topped with soft shell crab. The flaky, delicate halibut was beautifully balanced by the crisp, golden crab perched on top. It was coastal meets countryside in the most delicious way.

This fish was so clean, so sweet and perfectly paired with the soft shell crab. I loved how light and fresh it felt.

A French Countryside Escape in Northern Virginia

The wine list at L’Auberge Chez Francois is extensive and thoughtful, with pairings that elevate the meal at every turn. I particularly enjoyed a bold red that paired beautifully with my main course (a hearty, perfectly cooked beef dish that felt both rustic and refined).

And then came dessert.

Desserts To End The Night

Let’s talk about that souffle dessert and espresso martini combo. The dessert was indulgent and beautifully presented, and the espresso martini? Smooth, rich, and the perfect ending note to an unforgettable meal. I genuinely didn’t want the night to end.

L’Auberge Chez Francois

The service was as exceptional as the cuisine, warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. Every detail of the evening felt personal, like I was being welcomed into someone’s home rather than just dining out.

To capture the experience, I created a short video now live on TikTok and Instagram (check it out if you want to see the ambiance and food in action!).

L’Auberge Chez Francois – Great Falls, Virginia

If you’re ever in Northern Virginia and looking for a memorable dining experience—whether it’s a date night, a special celebration, or simply a treat-yourself evening. L’Auberge Chez Francois is absolutely worth the visit.

Bon appétit, friends.
And remember: stay sweet, never sour!