Bresca – One Michelin Star – Concord Culinary Lyceum

Amuse Bouche
choux – pimento cheese – red pepper

Brioche Pull Aparts
cultured butter – wildflower honey

Yellowtail Crudo
cucumber – smoked soy vinaigrette – shiso

Squash Ravioli
honeycrisp apple – baby fennel – dry sherry – sage

Rohan Duck “Crown Roast”
honey lacquered & roasted – pressed tableside
pear – charred sweet potato – trevisano – espresso bean

Vanilla Purin
port wine – mimolette – citrus

Bresca
March 30, 2025
1906 14th Street NW
Washington, DC
One Michelin Star

With three Michelin Stars in one building, Chef Ryan Ratino presents diners with not only exceptional food, but also a memorable experience. One-star Bresca sits on the ground floor and two-star Jônt, which is also a Relais & Chateaux restaurant, occupies the second floor.

Bresca calls itself a “contemporary Parisian bistro,” but that is like calling the cherry blossoms trees with flowers. Far more than bistro fare, Bresca showcases exceptional French technique and creative dishes inspired by ingredients of the highest quality. Sauces steal the show, or are the show, in the case of the tableside duck which makes use of an exquisite antique duck press.

Dining options offer flexibility with a traditional chef’s tasting menu, a four-course offering, and a la carte service. Among a selection of excellent dishes, the squash ravioli stood out with a sauce to easily rival that of the glorious duck. Additionally, the vanilla purin, a Japanese custard, was an unexpected pleasure.

The bar program is as special as the rest of the menu with creative cocktails and rare spirits. The Cuvée des Sommeliers Chartreuse is a must try for anyone interested in the spirit. The wine list is predominantly French but offers a few special bottles from Virginia to satisfy those looking for a regional varietal.

Service was indeed spectacular, with several members of the team going out of their way to make for an exceptional evening. This level of dining comes with a fairly high price tag. The duck dish, which serves two to four is $170, and a one ounce pour of the Chartreuse is $42. In the end, dinner for two was $800 including tax and tip.

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