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

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

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

L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (9473)

$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

Joe

Dined 1 day ago

We visited L'Auberge Chez François for the first time to celebrate our 35th anniversary, and it was truly a memorable experience. From start to finish, everything was exceptional—especially the food, which was absolutely outstanding. The ambiance, service, and attention to detail made the evening feel incredibly special. We’re already looking forward to returning.

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4.9

4.9 (1325)

$50 and over

Vegan

Downtown

About the restaurant

Elizabeth's offers an extraordinary dining experience every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. We merge our gorgeous venue with a prix fixe Vegan Tasting Menu at $110 per person. Elizabeth's is a destination for special occasions and adventurous cuisine.

Our sommelier curates a pairing of wines and beverages sourced from around the world at an additional $85 per person. We also offer a non-alcoholic beverage pairing comprised of non-alcoholic wines, mocktails, and infusions for $65 per person.

Fully raw menus are not available. Please call the restaurant (202-347-8349) in reference to any allergies prior to making your reservation. Regarding reservations of 5 or more, please call the restaurant directly. Reservations of more than 8 require a $150 minimum spend per person and a 50% up front deposit.

Top review

edward

Dined 5 days ago

He had an incredible meal. Service was perfect! Some of the best plant-based food we've ever had.

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

5.0

5 (1698)

$50 and over

American

Lovettsville

About the restaurant

Voted 2024 #1 Northern VA Magazine - "Michelin inspectors, take note."

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 through Sunday evenings. Please visit our website at www.patowmackfarm.com for the menu.

Weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate or special events – 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.

Top review

LorraineVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Outstanding experience. Tastes were amazing and the service exceptional.

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Experience

Father's Day Take Out - SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2025

Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (2539)

$31 to $50

French

Great Falls

About the restaurant

Restaurants in Alsace traditionally have a formal main dining room as well as a casual dining room known locally as a weinstube or brasserie. At the brasserie, diners may enjoy traditional, hearty Alsatian dishes in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. These friendly establishments are immensely popular with Alsatians and visiting them is always the best part of my trips back to Alsace. I opened Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez François to bring the tastes and comforts of the Alsatian brasserie to Great Falls.

Top review

TomVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great service , exceptional food and wonderful atmosphere.

La Vela Italian Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (594)

$31 to $50

Italian

Solomons

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

DeenaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food was excellent and so was the service. Wonderful time!

The Prime Rib

4.9

4.9 (3482)

$50 and over

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

D.C's premier steakhouse with tuxedoed waiters and a 1940s Manhattan supper-club setting since 1976. Top five romantic restaurant in America (Food and Wine magazine). Live piano nightly. Valet parking. business casual for gentlemen.

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined on 3 May 2025

always perfect. Love this place. Our go-to for any special occasion.

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Prime Rib Sliders (4)

The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

4.8 (1118)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

Top review

LoriVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Gorgeous setting! The perfect Mother’s Day breakfast ! Delicious food, great service and beautiful presentation in a hotel restaurant full of old world charm and elegance

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Experience

The Wine Cellar at Greenhouse

Bouboulina

4.8

4.8 (87)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

North Bethesda

About the restaurant

Bouboulina is an elevated dining experience inspired by Laskarina Bouboulina, the fearless Greek naval commander of the 1821 War of Independence and one of history’s first female admirals. Infused with the spirit of her homeland, Spetses, Greece, and the seafaring essence of her adventurous life on the water, Bouboulina redefines the classic steakhouse. It artfully blends timeless elegance with a moody, modern allure, balancing bold contrasts of light and dark, masculine and feminine. The chef-driven menu celebrates impeccably cooked steaks, complemented by meticulously crafted cocktails, all set within an ambiance of understated sophistication. Nestled in North Bethesda, Bouboulina is the latest visionary concept from the creative minds behind Cava Mezze, Julii, and Melina.

Coming Soon!

Top review

Kelly

Dined 3 days ago

Food is outstanding! Charles is a great manger and Orlando is the best server! Incredible experience.

Peacock Alley - Waldorf Astoria DC

4.7

4.7 (74)

$31 to $50

American

Washington

About the restaurant

A signature in Waldorf Astoria hotels across the globe, Peacock Alley remains the place “to see and be seen” just as it was all those years ago for Manhattan’s high society. Set in the soaring grand atrium, Peacock Alley offers an eclectic menu of refined cuisine, innovative cocktails, and an impeccable wine selection.

Top review

HeleenVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Beautiful experience from start to finish. The cherry blossom theme was sweet and creative—perfect for dessert lovers (though I usually prefer savory, I still enjoyed it and took some home!). The ambiance was stunning with a live harpist and gorgeous floral decor. Tea wasn’t my favorite, but the overall service and setting were exceptional. Highly recommend.

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Experience

Wednesdays at Waldorf Astoria

SHIA Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (136)

$50 and over

Korean

Washington

About the restaurant

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.

**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

Top review

Irene

Dined 7 days ago

It was definitely an unforgettable experience. I strongly recommend having the alcohol pairing.

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Experience

7 Course Pre-Fixe (Dining Room)

Experience

5 Course Pre-Fixe (Lounge Only)

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