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Praline Bakery & Bistro Reviews List
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Praline Bakery & Bistro
Praline Bakery and Bistro opened its doors on Sangamore Road in Bethesda, Maryland, in April 2006, the culmination of years of partnership and planning by co-owners Susan Limb and Patrick Musel, whose love of fine cuisine and talent for creating delectable pastries led them here. Together, they wanted to build a welcoming neighborhood place where people of all ages could gather for a good meal, a quality pastry, or coffee. Every day, we try our best to provide just that.
55 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 55 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(41)
- fit for foodies(25)
- great for lunch(23)
- great for brunch(16)
- great for outdoor dining(16)
- special occasion(13)
Praline Bakery & Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went for brunch and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for brunch and the food was very good. Would definately go back."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great !
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Praline is a true treasure. I am consistently impressed with the quality of food that comes out of the kitchen and the gracious service of the staff. The specials that appear on the daily menus are worth watching (when I was there, soft shell crabs were on the menu, as well as asparagus soup and a wonderful asparagus salad). The chef also expertly prepares organ meats - they are worth ordering if they are on the menu. This time of year, it is so nice to sit on the terrace for dinner. It is always a pleasure to visit Praline.
Save room for dessert - you won't regret it!"
Save room for dessert - you won't regret it!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It's rare to find quenelles
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's rare to find quenelles in a neighborhood restaurant, and the ones I had here were as delicious as any I've eaten, including in France. My dinner companion also was pleased with her scallop dish. The service was very well timed and pleasant. The restaurant was quiet enough for us to have a conversation in normal voices, something that is difficult to find these days."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
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Review 4 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Bethesda's best!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had dinner at Praline on Saturday, and as usual, we thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The menu has added a number of great seasonal specials. On Saturday, I had an asparagus and morel appetizer that was absolutely delicious, and we both had the beef tenderloin medallions for our main course,which were cooked perfectly and were served with asparagus and morels as well. We did save room for dessert (a good idea here) and had the coupe maison and the chocolate mousse napolean (their best dessert in my opinion). All in all, it was a wonderful meal. The service was fantastic. The staff here does an amazing job on a consistent basis."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
C'est Magnifique!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Absolutely one of the very best French bistros in town - at any price. Every dish is expertly prepared with excellent daily specials. Don't let the location discourage you from visiting. It truly is a wonderful restaurant."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As usual, we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Praline Saturday night. The specials featured some delicious spring foods. We had the asparagus salad and the crab and avocado salad as our appetizers (fantastic) and mussels and frites for our main courses. Everything was absolutely delicious. We will be back soon ! The chef really shines in his preparation of so many things (veal kidneys, skate, calves liver, duck,soft shell crabs). Sometimes I'm disappointed when one of my favorites is not on the menu, but I'm always able to find something that I like. The chocolate mousse is a must for dessert!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place for an excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great place for an excellent meal, quiet, ambiance and great service. Though tucked away in a neigorhood mall, Pralines is a standout for succulent salmon, crisp salads and desserts that not only smell phenomenal when you walk through the bakery at the entrance, but are absolutely delicious.
It will be a regular dinner option for the future,"
It will be a regular dinner option for the future,"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 8 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, a fabulously delicious,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, a fabulously delicious, beautifully prepared and presented meal. Praline has one of the very best chefs/kitchens in the metro-DC area."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was a very nice Easter
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a very nice Easter brunch."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food at a reasonable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food at a reasonable price. Desserts are a particular pleasure. The best chicken pot pie in the area. The strip-mall location isn't particularly impressive, but the service makes up for it."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always delicious. A bit
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always delicious. A bit crowded if seated indoors but excellent service and worth the small inconveniences."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This restaurant, a lovely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant, a lovely room upstairs from a French bakery, isn't an "in" or "hip" place, but is perfect at the kinds of things a French cafe does for brunch -- omelets, benedicts, waffles, charcoute, croque monsieur and madame. When this is the brunch you're in the mood for, and you want a pretty place where you can relax and hear the conversation, go directly to Praline."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We returned to Praline for dinner on Saturday night for yet another delicious meal. For our appetizers, we ordered the fois gras and the fried oysters and we both ordered the dorade special for our main course. Absolutely delicious. This restaurant excels in the quality of food that comes out of the kitchen and the quality of service. This chef does an excellent job in his preparation of seafood, duck, beef, and organ meats. He does a wonderful job incorporating seasonal foods like asparagus, morels, soft shell crabs, shad roe, and soups of all varieties. The only problem was the waiter. When asked about different specials, he just pointed at the menu and read what it said. The meal was wonderful, though. We will return soon."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Praline is an excellent restaurant!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Praline is an excellent restaurant!!!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is a neighborhood go-to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a neighborhood go-to place for us -- consistently good and authentically French. Great bakery."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I LOVE this place, the food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I LOVE this place, the food is excellent! Merci!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Praline's a Plus!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is always delicious at Pralines. It has never disappointed me...lunch or dinner; it remains a constant choice! The service was not its best...while I do not like hovering waiters , I also like to be checked on occasionally. A minor slight and one that did not take away from an altogether cozy, wonderful time with a friend!"
Dined on 03/04/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tres bien!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We dined at Praline on Saturday night and had a great meal. We ordered the steak tartare and the rabbit appetizer (served with a delicious leek salad). For our main courses we ordered the branzino and the mussels mariniere. The mussels were huge and seasoned nicely.
The french fries that came with the mussels were crisp and so tasty (made from fresh potatoes - not frozen). Even the brussels sprouts that came with the Branzino were great - I don't know how the chef prepares them here, but they taste better than any that I've ever had. We ordered the Coupe Maison and the Chocolate Mousse Napolean for dessert - worth every calorie. The service was helpful and attentive. The staff here does a great job even on a busy night. We shall return!"
The french fries that came with the mussels were crisp and so tasty (made from fresh potatoes - not frozen). Even the brussels sprouts that came with the Branzino were great - I don't know how the chef prepares them here, but they taste better than any that I've ever had. We ordered the Coupe Maison and the Chocolate Mousse Napolean for dessert - worth every calorie. The service was helpful and attentive. The staff here does a great job even on a busy night. We shall return!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Overpriced, underwhelming
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Staff was pleasant and responsive. Although there were two dining areas we were seated along the balcony at the edge of a "hallway" that ran between the kitchen and one of the dining rooms. The location was okay but seating could have been more comfortable. I had a reservation and the restaurant wasn't full so unclear why we were seated in this location.
The food was lackluster and a somewhat meager portion considering the cost.
This seems to be a much better place to go for pastries and coffee - not a meal."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2003
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A very nice neighborhood restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A very nice neighborhood restaurant - easy parking, clean, decent menu choices. Food (steak, fish, chicken pot pie) was above average. Desserts were better."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent French food !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We absolutely love this restaurant. We ate there on Saturday and as usual, everything was outstanding. We ordered The staff always does such a great job - the service here is fantastic. We ordered the oysters and the soup for out appetizers (the chef here knows how to make the most delicious soups - I had his Jeruselem Artichoke soup a few weeks ago and am still thinking about it)! For our main courses, we had the grouper special and the Veal kidney. We both enjoyed our meals- I absolutely loved the veal kidneys! Delicious! I am glad I went to the gym that day - made me feel less guilty about cleaning my plate! The chef here does an amazing job and in my opinion is one of the best chefs in the entire Washington area."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely in all aspects!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friend and I had a lovely time at Praline for Brunch on Sunday February 17. Our reservation was for 1PM and we arrived a few minutes early. There is plenty of parking so no problems there. We were seated upstairs at a lovely table and given the wine and Brunch menus. There was a lovely of variety and each item was well described. Everything looke so good it was difficult to choose. We each had a cafe au lait, and soup (cream of Beet and eggplant--divine!) For our entree` we chose the chicken pot pie as it was cold and we wanted comfort food. The food was beautiul and tasted better than excellent --if that is possible. Our dessert was shared an almond cake slice with a cream and raspberry sauce. Wonderful!! I will be back!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Neighborhood Bistro
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Contrary to several negative reviews we read on the Internet, we found the food absolutely delicious, the service friendly and efficient and the decor perfectly appropriate for a bistro. Wines were good and priced right, and dessert delicious."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Praline Bakery & Bistro
Based on the average of (32) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate