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In today’s review… we’ll cover a Mount Vernon Triangle French café bistro that embodies “la joie de vivre” — slowing down and enjoying the present moment, good company, and good food.

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The Ratings

Our simple & honest checklist covers a restaurant’s key ingredients:
Ambiance, Service, and Food.

8/10

Petite Cerise is situated in a vibrant part of town — Mount Vernon Triangle — and is a block away from the Apple Carnegie Library, in case you need to upgrade your electronics in style. The restaurant is two-stories and makes its statement at the street corner with its black, brown, and red brick exteriors and newer glass windows. Upon entering the bistro, you’ll feel warmed up by the delightful atmosphere. What an adorable and tastefully furnished Parisian café, you’ll think to yourself. Frequented by a younger clientele, the bistro feels alive and high-spirited.

7.5/10

Our hostess kindly greeted us and brought us to our table. Our waiter was professional and brought out our food in a timely manner. His coffee, drinks, and food recommendations were helpful. Good and on-point service all around.

7/10

Graceful. The food at Petite Cerise is straightforward and sumptuous. The menus do not overcomplicate things and let you choose from a smaller and more refined selection. The dining experience gives off a laissez-faire swanky vibe making one unconsciously slow down to savor each bite. Not quite the uptight tea time with the Queen, but surely the laid-back French bistro version of it.

If you’re coming for brunch, we recommend you order some patisseries for the table: Pain au Chocolat and Croissants galore! The Belgian Waffle is a safe option, however it lacks pizzazz. We recommend you explore a few different options especially since brunch items are reasonably priced: entrées ranging from $14 to $24. Additionally, do make sure to pair these dishes with some of the lattes (hint: the eggnog Dabnog latte — inspired by the Petite Cerise’s one-star Michelin sister restaurant, The Dabney).

If you’re looking for a rare restaurant offering, the traditional Oeufs à la Coque is a light and bourgeois option. Is it odd to say that dipping the buttery, lardo covered pieces of toast (referred to as “brioche soldiers” on the menu) into the perfectly runny eggs feels like Napoleon crowning himself Emperor? Okay, once you’re done playing kings and queens in your head, just remember to order other items on the menu — pinkies up.

Reservation & Menu: