Where Every Day Feels Like a Beautiful Life
Nestled in the heart of the city, Bonne Vie Café & Bistro celebrates the timeless charm of a Parisian café with the warmth of an American neighborhood favorite. Step inside and discover a place where old-world hospitality meets modern comfort — where coffee, conversation, and cuisine come together effortlessly.
Welcome to Bonne Vie
Housed in a historic flatiron at the crossroads of Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and the U Street Corridor, Bonne Vie Café & Bistro blends Parisian café culture with D.C.’s neighborhood rhythm. From coffee at sunrise to steak frites after dark, it’s a place to gather, linger, and live the bonne vie—the good life.
Mornings, Made Easy. Fresh baguettes, flaky pastries, and espresso at the coffee bar. Settle in with high-speed Wi-Fi to read, meet, or get a little work done.
Evenings, Authentically Bistro. Classic French comfort including steak frites, duck confit, mussels in white wine—paired with French wines, a curated cocktail list (including a martini menu), and the kind of hospitality that invites you to eat well, sip slow, and savor the moment.
Bonne Vie, is a heartfelt venture from Aziz Safi, owner of MXDC, who once again invited restaurateur Raphael François to collaborate after their success with Le DeSales Restaurant. For Bonne Vie, Raphael brought his vision of a simple, welcoming bistro—an all-day café where neighbors can gather, share comforting meals, and feel instantly at home.
“Bonne Vie is meant to feel timeless,” said François. “A place to start your morning, enjoy a meal or a glass of wine, and linger into the evening as part of everyday life.”
Every detail at Bonne Vie reflects its timeless character, from century-old Limoges plates to vintage Sabatier knives for classic steak service. The flatiron space is layered with French and American cultural artifacts including early 20th-century La Mode magazines, Monet prints, Parisian engravings, jazz memorabilia, portraits of Brigitte Bardot and the Kennedys in Paris, film stills from Paris Blues, and well-loved volumes from Agatha Christie to Maupassant and Coco Chanel. Together, these details create the feeling of a café that has always been part of the neighborhood, rich with history and character.
A Timeless Neighborhood Bistro
A Place Made for Memorable Moments
From intimate dinners to lively gatherings, Bonne Vie Café & Bistro offers a timeless setting for every occasion. Nestled in our historic flatiron at 16th & U, our bistro captures the romance of Paris and the warmth of D.C.’s neighborhood spirit the perfect backdrop for your next celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a corporate dinner, engagement celebration, or private brunch, our team curates every detail with French flair and genuine hospitality. Enjoy a customizable menu of classic bistro fare, curated wines, and cocktails designed to make your event truly memorable.
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