Project Description:
Opening its doors this September, Bistro Du Jour establishes a Parisian getaway in the recently-opened Royal Sonesta, Capitol Hill––the first new hotel in the neighborhood in 40 years.  KNEAD Hospitality + Design materialized the beloved Bistro Du Jour brand into its largest space yet. As the first outpost of the brand, Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill nearly tripled the size of the Wharf location, boasting 6,000-square- feet and 200 seats. The new space also expands on the brand concept, resulting in a more upscale experience to the original bistro. 

Marking the second location, designed by KNEAD Hospitality + Design in collaboration with //3877, the longtime partners applied extensive knowledge of the brand into a space that features the signature Bistro Du Jour flair on a larger, more sophisticated scale with Leo A Daly as architect. The space is light, airy, and jubilant, drawing inspiration from French flower markets through subtle, yet impactful detailing.

The design incorporates flexible elements throughout the space to adjust alongside the time of day. In conjunction with Flux Lighting, the design team elected high-quality, customizable dim lighting in order to set the temperature and intensity throughout the restaurant in accordance with the time. To offer an added layer of versatility, custom drapery is utilized in the bar area to section off the space’s connection to the hotel lobby during dinner service––allowing for guests to get a glimpse inside the bustling restaurant during breakfast and lunch.

As guests enter the space from the street, they are greeted with a stunning vestibule that instantly transports them into a peaceful environment reminiscent of a Parisian garden. A hand-painted mural adorns the walls, framing stunning florals and brass wall sconces. Floral motifs throughout guide the eye through the entrance’s double doors to the host stand backdropped by an expansive, vibrant floral arrangement that provides a sneak peek at the bar. Below, custom designed Bistro Du Jour’s signature tile covers the floor throughout, a design element the space shares with the location at The Wharf.

To the west lies the main dining room, complete with a variety of seating options as well as a gallery wall by Soho Fine Art. The art, depicting a photo collage of the same apartment building in different frames, adds a touch of sophistication while serving as a divider of the space. Wood-treated columns pay homage to flower baskets and traditional parisian shop totes, one of many subtle references that come to define the space.

Moving further into the restaurant, guests will discover the expansive bar and lounge area, defined by its rosy pink palette elevated through points of interest and texture. Immediately, attention is drawn to the “lamp shade” light installation by Yellow Goat outlining the bar above. Hanging crystals are illuminated by socket-mounted pendants, creating an intriguing effect. Plush stools by ISA Furniture flank the marble bar top and hand-painted French countryside mural that lines the back bar, similar to that in the vestibule.

The adjacent lounge curates a warm and cozy atmosphere with comfortable custom banquette seating and brass screens for added depth, sparkle and privacy.

A true collaboration throughout, Bistro Du Jour’s Capitol Hill location pioneers a new era of service and design for the brand.