local flavor Bistro L’Hermitage Brings Renowned French Cuisine to Woodbridge

By Dawn Klavon / Photos by Mark Gilvey

Bistro L’Hermitage is a charming spot in the heart of Prince William, offering an elegant but comfortable meal for family and friends. Embrace the excellent, award-winning French cuisine, including masterpieces like decadent lobster bisque, indulgent, distinctive escargots with puff pastry, and skillfully prepared filet mignon.

You arrive at the restaurant, not far from downtown Occoquan, and are instantly transported to a different time and place. A hodge-podge of decor greets you, along with fresh-cut flowers on each table and a gracious wait staff warmly welcoming you. Mismatched knickknacks fill the walls and linen-topped tabletops, creating a cozy European antique shop feel. The staff, ambiance, and in particular, the food will deliver outstanding results.

“We made the list of the 100 Best Restaurants in the Country in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018,” says Youssef Eagle Essakl. “When people walk in, they leave with a smile — they leave happy.”

Diners’ remarkable experiences unfold after being seated; a magical basket of warm, crunchy French bread is delivered tableside, with an alluring tureen of soft butter. As you peruse the menu, rely on the friendly and knowledgeable wait staff, who will enthusiastically explain the restaurant’s enticing offerings and share its hidden gems. For both those fans of French cuisine and those new to it, the bistro serves compelling offerings. Classics like onion soup, Caesar salad, and creme brulee are consistently excellent. French onion soup possesses just the right amount of cheese and croutonto-broth-and-onion ratio. The Caesar salad will pass muster with even the most rigorous aficionado. For safe bets that are right every time, order the seared New York steak or beef Bourguignon.

But this is the place to brave the uncharted waters of new items and be delighted at what you discover: Poached shrimp with watermelon cocktail sauce, roasted chicken with Meaux mustard sauce, and grilled lamb sausages offer compelling food for thought.

Our team enjoyed excellent options like lobster bisque as an appetizer, Poulet Rôti for an entrée, and Mousse au Chocolat aux Perles Croquantes for dessert, marvelously curated to bring culinary satisfaction.

If you happen to find yourself at the restaurant for their renowned brunch, you will be faced with a multitude of dilemmas. How can diners be expected to order just one meal, when the menu as a whole calls out to them? Be prepared to make sacrifices as you narrow your choices of delectable options. Whether you go with the Onglet de Boeuf et Oeuf (steak and eggs) or Oeuf Benedict a la Norvégienne (Eggs Benedict with sauteed spinach and smoked salmon), there truly is no wrong answer. Our party’s shrimp cake on onion brioche was rich, meaty and perfectly seasoned and cooked. Brunch is a wonderful setting to bring large groups, so consider recruiting family and friends to bask in a decadent weekend afternoon meal.

“My brunch at Bistro Hermitage reminded me of visiting an eccentric, yet favorite aunt and feeling immediately at home,” says Tracy Toth, of Arlington, who dined at the restaurant recently. “The eclectic assortment of knick-knacks, antique china and a variety of lighting features and sconces somehow worked together. The friendly seasoned waiter greeted me with enthusiasm and hospitable humor. Everything and everyone seem welcome and fits comfortably in this old-world gem.”

The Bistro’s Beginnings

Owner Youssef Eagle Essakl spent nearly 25 years honing his skills in some of Washington’s top restaurants, including the renowned Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier, before creating Bistro L'Hermitage. He bought the restaurant in 2003 and spent almost five years meticulously renovating what was once a Chinese restaurant built in 1954. Essakl lovingly restored the property to exude French countryside warmth and charm eager guests. At the end of 2007, Bistro L’Hermitage opened for business, and, as they say, the rest is history.

Essakl says the restaurant has evolved over the past 16 years, from a simple bistro to a white-linen-clad dining destination.

“From the point I opened to where it’s at now, I never knew I was gonna get to this point,” he says. “But I’m capable of taking it to any level — I’m well-trained — I have more things to offer.”

Bistro L’Hermitage is a bustling spot no matter when you visit, but it is a perfect special occasion spot to delight in monumental moments. And for owner Essakl and his faithful staff, that means bringing gracious hospitality and superb cuisine to those who venture to their celebrated bistro.

“A thing like this would not happen anywhere else,” says Essakl. “Only in America.”

Bistro L'Hermitage 12724 Occoquan Rd. Woodbridge VA 22192 703.499.9550 — 703.499.9557 much more time to his young family. He no longer has to worry about having to miss anniversaries and birthdays because he was suddenly sent overseas. “I want my sons to see me as I saw my dad, working with his hands and seeing how things can be done… and trying to mold them to become better men,” he explains.

Dawn Klavon is a regular contributing writer for Prince William Living.

His other mission is simply to help others enjoy life, as he is doing now. “It takes an hour to an hour and half to smoke a cigar. It really forces you to sit back, relax, and be present.” He has many outdoorsy friends who take the C-ration holder as they hike in the mountains in Colorado, and gets satisfaction out of knowing he’s