Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Study

4.9

4.9 (331)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Discover our Modern American menu inspired by Chef Tomas Chavarria’s Mesoamerican heritage and training. Our regionally sourced plates such as Korobuta Pork Belly and Seven Hills Farms Center Cut Steak are complimented by our library of classic cocktails. Grab your favorite sip and savor attentive service, a luxe atmosphere, and live entertainment in a boutique hotel.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Wonderful small restaurant in Old Town Alexandria with great food and good service, but with a huge caveat. Portions are a little small for the price being paid … but my major complaint is the ridiculous noise level, especially for a place called “the Study“. No noise absorbing materials, such as carpets, curtains or ceiling tiles. This has to be one of the noisiest small places I’ve ever dined at. This is my second time and nothing has changed. As a local resident, I will not be back, nor will I recommend this place.

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Experience

Autobiography of The Study - Tasting Menu

Experience

New Year's Eve - Mesoamerican Style

L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (9274)

$50 and over

French

Great Falls

About the restaurant

Welcome to L'Auberge Chez François, our French country inn a short distance from the nation's capital that has captivated visitors for over 66 years. L'Auberge Chez François is the ideal spot to celebrate special moments, private parties, luncheons, weddings, and cooking demonstrations. Our menu is extensive and full of the flavors of Alsace and traditional French cuisine. Excellent food and service, attention to detail, and a casually elegant atmosphere are hallmarks that have made L'Auberge Chez François a Washington favorite! We hope that you will enjoy your visit with us. Should you not see your preferred time to dine with us, please call us at 703-759-3800.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined 3 days ago

Always special, but Christmas season is extra special!

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The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

4.9

4.9 (1680)

$50 and over

American

Lovettsville

About the restaurant

www.patowmackfarm.com
Sourcing food and supporting local artisan growers and producers and utilizing our farm as the chefs pantry gives us the opportunity to create an evolving menu that draws its inspiration from the seasons and in harmony with the earth. The venue has a breathtaking view and natural setting overlooking the Potomac River. We offer a tasting menu Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check the website for the menu.
Wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate or special event – we strive to exceed your dreams. Innovative and skillfully executed dishes follow the lead of nature, being mindful of the environment.
*Due to the style of menu on special events and holidays and the complexities involved with individual and specific food allergies, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions on those days. We make every effort to provide vegetarian and accommodate gluten sensitivities.*
2024 #1 Northern VA Magazine - "Michelin inspectors, take note."

Top review

DEBBIE

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

It is no surprise that this restaurant is in the top 5 of every Best Restaurant List for the DMV. Food is presented beautifully, service is impeccable but not stuffy and the restaurant itself is comfortable, charming and definitely unusual. This restaurant is actually an “experience”, not an eatery.

The Ashby Inn

4.8

4.8 (1865)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Paris

About the restaurant

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant is fully committed to supporting the farmers and artisans that live and work in this region. Our menus represent the freshest, seasonal products that can be sourced locally from sustainable operations. The offerings will change daily dependent on what our local farmers and nature provide. Our pledge to you is to provide a quality dining experience founded on food and drink from sources we know and trust.

Top review

EdwardVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Food was delicious and exquisitely presented. Not your everyday food! This is the third time we have dined here and continuously amazed at the food.

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Filet Mignon & Lobster

The Melting Pot - Reston

4.6

4.6 (3199)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Reston

About the restaurant

Gourmet cheeses, crisp salads, juicy meats, fresh seafood, and decadent chocolate—all these delicious selections await you at The Melting Pot. But a meal at our Reston restaurant is about more than just the food (even though the food is amazing); it’s an interactive and fun experience that gives you the opportunity to reconnect and grow closer with friends and family. Pick up a skewer, and dip fruit, veggies, meats, marshmallows, and more into a warm pot of fondue. Choose 1 or 2 of your favorite courses (cheese and chocolate please!), or indulge in the full 4-Course Experience. And don’t forget to complement your meal with a glass of wine, a cocktail or craft beer. You’ll find our restaurant in the Plaza America Shopping Center near Reston Town Center.

Reserve your table and get ready to enjoy some fondue!

Top review

Angela

Dined 7 days ago

My daughter and I had the best time at the Lunch With Santa event! Great price, and the whole staff over delivered.

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Chocolate Explosion

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern

4.6

4.6 (3057)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

Our Culinary Team is dedicated to sourcing and preparing fresh ingredients from Virginia’s Piedmont region and bountiful South. Our four course dinner experience features unique game and seafood dishes that combine time-honored cooking techniques with alluring seasonality. In addition to our optional Virginia and Tavern wine pairings, we showcase a vast selection of local beverages that pay homage to our extraordinary location afoot the rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country, as well an extensive list of national and international favorites.

From intimate dinners in The Tavern to hand crafted cocktails in the Night Fox Pub, each culinary experience is paired with a unique atmosphere, and polished attendance prevails from beginning to end.

Top review

Brad

Dined 5 days ago

Food, service and ambience is always fantastic. Our server was especially good this evening and made the evening even more fun.

Lyle's

4.6

4.6 (209)

$30 and under

American

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Lyle’s is the perfect neighborhood restaurant and bar serving breakfast, brunch and dinner as well as familiar cocktails prepared with a gentle twist. You’ll find seasonal, contemporary American fare paired with easy-going service. A restaurant of casual sophistication meant to bring together the community in the heart of Dupont Circle.

Top review

MorganVIP

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

Phenomenal I’m still dreaming of my short rib hash :)

Conservatory at Goodstone

4.4

4.4 (276)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

The Conservatory at Goodstone Inn offers an unforgettable upscale dining experience, blending the finest farm-to-table cuisine with the charm of our historic Hunt Country setting. Helmed by Chef Paul Verica, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, our culinary team crafts exquisite seasonal menus showcasing ingredients grown on our property and sourced from local farms. Complement your meal with selections from our Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, curated to enhance every bite. Tasting Events and memorable Dinner Experiences are scheduled throughout the year.

With an ambiance of refined elegance, The Conservatory invites guests 18 and older to enjoy elevated dining in a welcoming atmosphere. While ties and jackets are not required, we recommend smart business casual attire for an experience as sophisticated as it is inviting. Reserve your table and savor an authentic taste of Hunt Country luxury.

The Conservatory is open for dinner Wednesday - Sunday from 5 - 8:30 pm.

Top review

Edward

Dined on Nov 8, 2024

My partner and I each selected a five-course dinner option from a wide-ranging menu of about 20 options. Each course was exquisitely prepared and we had a personal visit from the chef to answer any questions we had about food preparation or special needs. This ranked with one of the top meals I have ever had, both nationally and internationally. The price, with wine, for two was in the $500 range with tip, but the service, ambiance, and food made this special birthday occasion well worth it. I have no regrets. This is a place where one gets what one pays for. Simply superb!!

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Experience

New Year's Eve Dinner

Ristorante La Perla of Washington

4.3

4.3 (1556)

$31 to $50

Italian

Georgetown

About the restaurant

The restaurant of choice of many distinguished diners and restaurant critics, Ristorante La Perla of Washington, located near Georgetown at the tail-end of the historic Pennsylvania Avenue, takes its diners on a culinary journey through Italy with elegant decor surpassed only by authentic mouth-watering Italian masterpieces. During Lunch and Dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while prime meats, poultry, seafood and vegetables roast to treat diners to a little bit of heaven, with a long lasting memory for your taste buds, thanks to the vision of famous chef Vittorio Testa, who has kept alive the Italian culinary tradition for over three decades.

Chef-Owner Vittorio Testa will make you feel like you're dining in his house. The waiters exceed expectations, and the space is garnished with painted tiles and Venetian glass to make every dining occasion a memorable one. There's also Private dining and Outdoor seating when the weather permits.

Top review

BillVIP

Dined 7 days ago

This is our favorite Italian restaurant in the Washington DC.

Bar Pendry

4.3

4.3 (31)

$30 and under

American

Southwest Waterfront

About the restaurant

The unexpected at every turn. Our signature lobby bar is an intimate, richly designed space that evokes the essence of a classic hotel bar with the modern grandeur of today. Finishes are warm and comfortable with an air of refinement, signature drinks are hand-crafted and served with impeccable attention to detail, and spirited gatherings set the scene with conversation, camaraderie and perhaps an extra cocktail. Or two.

Top review

Lily

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Did Boozi-tea with a gf and was incredibly delighted with the entire ambiance and experience. It was such a beautiful way to spend my Saturday and I look forward to joining again soon!

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