Best French Bakery in Bethesda

"Le Diplomate is a bustling brasserie in Washington, D.C.’s resurgent 14th Street corridor that serves classic French fare and drinks in a convivial atmosphere. The charming diner pays homage French café culture and harnesses the artful spirit of a Parisian brasserie with a beautiful zinc bar, tiled floors and outdoor sidewalk seating where guests can savor a variety of Gallic classics such as steak frites and escargots, onion soup gratinée, cassoulet, and bouillabaisse. Freshly baked bread and pastries are served warm from the oven every day, and the delicious cuisine is accompanied by a thoughtfully curated wine list and specialty cocktail program."

"For a taste of France right here in Washington, D.C., head to this bistro which offers an incredible comfort food menu for brunch, aprés midi and dinner. Brunch options include breakfast favorites like steak and eggs and spinach omelet and entrée choices include lamb sandwich and trout amandine. Dinner offers succulent hors d'oeuvres, tasty entrees and a full wine and dessert menu."

"The smokey mirrored walls, gorgeous tile floor, dark wood features, and a loud, bustling atmosphere greet you upon arrival to Le Diplomate. Creating a true Parisian Bistro in the heart of DC is not an easy task, but Le Diplomate has succeeded. Each dish is an extravagant homage to the very best of French cuisine, while the ambiance is suitably energetic and buzzy."

"We’re here to tell you it is not, in fact, the best cupcake place in Georgetown. Instead of waiting in the hour line for kid-sized stuff there, wait 30 minutes for the much better and very adult-sized cupcakes at Baked and Wired. The small shop near M Street is slightly more off the beaten path, and they also have cookies, muffins, and granola called “Hippie Crack."

"The Georgetown bakery and cafe is renowned for its cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, and pies. It has a seasonal cherry blossom cupcake that has a vanilla cake with maraschino cherries inside the batter and maraschino cherry buttercream."

"If you’re a lover of the famous DC chain Ted’s Bulletin (our go-to local place when friends come to visit DC), you’ll be happy to know they have introduced their first exclusive bakery. Located in Arlington at Ballston, just across the river from DC, Sidekick is next door to the newest Ted’s Bulletin and is quickly earning an incredible reputation as one of the best bakeries in DC. Of course, they have the homemade Pop-Tarts that made Ted’s famous—we love the strawberry and the brown sugar ones best."

"diner chain Ted’s Bulletin opened its first location with a sleekr, modernized design in in Ballston in 2019, pairing it with sibling bakery Sidekick. In addition to treats like Ted’s tarts (aka gourmet Pop-Tarts), cookies, and cinnamon toast crunch banana bread, Sidekick is known for its inventive “fancy croissants.” Example: a Frostee and Fries croissant stuffed with a malt chocolate and french fry cream and topped with a dark chocolate glaze and potato chip pieces."

"This Ted’s Bulletin spinoff in Ballston serves some of the area’s most creative croissants. Try the caramel butter pecan, apple cider cinnamon, or stoner-friendly “Frostee + Fries,” which involves chocolate malt, dark chocolate glaze, and potato chips. View this post on Instagram"

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"The name is all about bread, but Fresh Baguette also has a nice selection of croissants and related pastries. The selection includes plain, almond, and chocolate croissants, plus blueberry-cream cheese kouign amman and French apple turnovers. Mini croissants are also available."

"Fresh Baguette is the closest thing you will find to an authentic French café in DC. It’s the perfect spot to grab lunch and then sample all their delicious pastries. Their ham & cheese baguette will transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Paris."

"The second location of this Bethesda-based French bakery has an extensive menu of sweets, Viennese pastries, savory breads, quiches, and sandwiches available for breakfast and lunch."

"Hours: Currently closed for renovationsLocation:900 Jefferson Drive SW. The Arts and Industries Building is the original home of the National Museum. It’s currently closed due to renovation."

"Originally founded as a private institution, this collection of ancient African manuscripts, costumes, weapons, paintings, and sculptures was folded into the Smithsonian in 1979, and relocated to the Mall in 1987. The current collection includes late-19th-century carved figures from Benin, paintings by modern artists such as Gerard Sekoto, ceramics, metalwork, and jewelry. 950 Independence Ave., SW; 202-633-1000; Free."

"The National Museum of African Art houses an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary African art. The collection includes over 300,000 photographs and 50,000 volumes of library. It is considered as the main venue for African art on an international platform."

"daily, closed December 25.Location:950 Independence Avenue SW. The National Museum of African Art features exhibits from the continent of Africa. Contemporary and traditional art is on display for people to see, admire and be inspired by."