Apéro

The story

Apéro in Washington, DC: French Dining and Champagne in Georgetown

Apéro is a French restaurant at 2622 P Street NW in Georgetown, Washington, DC, and it earned a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026. The ground-floor room on a quiet row-home block works as both a neighborhood spot and a destination for Champagne and caviar.

Chef and cooking style

Executive Chef Jenn Castaneda-Jones came to Apéro from Marcel's, the Washington fine dining room that closed in 2024 after 25 years. She spent nine years with the Weidmaier Restaurant Group, rising from line cook to executive chef. The French kitchen serves an à la carte menu alongside a rotating selection of sustainably farmed caviar.

The wine program

The list rotates over 700 selections, with a focus on Champagne. Wine Spectator gave the program its Best of Award of Excellence in 2024. Guests can order caviar and Champagne to go as well as dine in.

The room and sister restaurant

Apéro occupies the ground level of a historic row home, with barista service on weekdays, small snacks, evening dinner and weekend brunch. The upstairs room is a separate concept, La Bohème, which serves a seasonal modern American tasting menu of four or six courses. Owner Elli Benchimol describes the approach simply: "Making people feel welcome, familiar and at ease is what hospitality is about." The space also hosts private and semi-private events, including full buyouts and luncheons.