A Sommelier Owned and Operated French Restaurant
Located at 2622 P St NW in the heart of historic Georgetown it offers a neighborhood vibe situated along a quiet street lined with row homes and colonial era architecture with barista service weekdays with small snacks, evening dinner and weekend brunch.
The over arching mission of Apéro is to create a space that facilitates joy and a sense of welcome. "The best way to express how much you care is through acts of service," says Elli Benchimol, owner. "Making people feel welcome, familiar and at ease is what hospitality is about."
Apéro and La Bohème are two separate concepts in one historic row home.
Apéro, located in our ground level, offers a nightly selection of champagne, wine and cocktails alongside French fare and a rotating selection of sustainably farmed caviar with an elegant yet playful vibe and an a la carte menu.
La Bohème, located in our upstairs level, features modern American cuisine in a seasonal tasting menu of 4 or 6 courses with wine, cocktail and beverage pairings.
Meet Our Leaders
Elli Benchimol
OWNER
Originally from San Francisco, Elli Benchimol grew up in Northern California's wine country working at some of the best chef driven restaurants in the city, under talented wine mentors with award winning wine lists. She has spent the past two decades running an industry tasting group in D.C. mentoring many attendees to pass exams open businesses and run programs after her tutelage. Apéro is the culmination of both the joy of hospitality and the approachable, joyful love of wine. Apéro was Michelin listed its first year after opening in 2022, then again in 2023 and 2024, and received the Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for 2024 and 2025, RAMW’s Best Wine Program for 2024, and the Comite de Champagne USA’s top 10 best restaurants for Champagne in the USA, for 2023 and 2024.
Jenn Castaneda-Jones
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Executive Chef Jenn Castaneda-Jones previously served as Chef at DC’s beloved fine dining destination, Marcel’s, which closed in 2024 after 25 years. Over 9 years, Jenn worked her way up in the Weidmaier Restaurant Group from line cook to Executive Chef. She was also a 2024 finalist for the RAMMYS Rising Culinary Star of the Year award. Chef Jenn just welcomed her first baby Raia Jones to the family in January of 2025.
