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

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic 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!

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

5.0

5 (1697)

$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 4 days ago

Outstanding experience. Tastes were amazing and the service exceptional.

L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (9467)

$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

Alex

Dined 3 days ago

What an absolutely wonderful evening we had, between the ambience, amazing delicious food, topnotch service, wine and outstanding desserts couldn't have asked for a better special time out.

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The Red Fox Inn & Tavern

4.8

4.8 (3045)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

Our Culinary Team highlights fresh ingredients from Virginia’s Piedmont, featuring seasonal game and seafood dishes rooted in classic techniques. Enjoy optional wine pairings in The Dining Room, plus a curated selection of local and global beverages inspired by our setting in Virginia wine country.

Whether savoring an intimate four course dinner in The Dining Room or pub fare and handcrafted cocktails in The Night Fox Pub, each experience offers a distinct atmosphere and attentive service from start to finish.

Top review

Ian

Dined 2 days ago

Truly fantastic experience, great food and wonderful service.

La Bonne Vie

4.7

4.7 (81)

$31 to $50

French

Herndon

About the restaurant

Nestled in Herndon, our restaurant radiates the timeless charm of a Parisian bistro, offering a menu that celebrates classic French entrees with our own twist. Each dish is a testament to our commitment to quality and authenticity, crafted with passion and precision by our talented chef. From Trout Amandine to Steak Frites, every bite at La Bonne Vie is a journey through the flavors and traditions that define French gastronomy.

At La Bonne Vie, we believe that dining is more than just a meal; it's an experience that enriches life and creates lasting memories. Our warm and inviting atmosphere, paired with attentive service and a thoughtfully curated wine selection, invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in the simple pleasures of good food and good company. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening out or a gathering with friends and family, La Bonne Vie welcomes you to embrace "the good life" in every delicious bite.

Top review

Paolo

Dined on 28 Apr 2025

This quaint and elegant French Bistro, it's the perfect place to have lunch or dinner with an attentive service, good food and a nice list of wines and cocktails. Great place for a friend reunion over a nice lunch/dinner.

a.lounge+bar - Alexandria

4.7

4.7 (24)

$30 and under

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Featuring a mid-Atlantic inspired menu, a.lounge+bar delivers a captivating culinary experience in Old Town, Alexandria. Dive into fresh seafood dishes, such as Rappahannock oysters and expertly grilled whole branzino, or savor expertly crafted classics like our Amish chicken and prime steak & frites. Complement your meal with ingredient-driven cocktails inspired by Old Town's rich history or choose from our list of world-renowned wines. Enjoy al fresco dining on our expansive patio as the sun sets or sip handcrafted cocktails beneath the ethereal "mamacloud" floating above our bar, adding a touch of whimsy to your evening. Whether you're unwinding with happy hour drinks, catching up with friends, or simply indulging in a night out, a.lounge offers the perfect elegant and inviting setting.

Top review

AshlieVIP

Dined on 19 Apr 2025

Great vibes, great food, and great atmosphere. Definitely will be coming back. The Gorgonzola steak was amazing!

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Experience

Six Courses, Six wines

Experience

Mother's Day Brunch

Maggiano's - Chevy Chase

4.6

4.6 (2771)

$30 and under

Italian

Friendship Heights

About the restaurant

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's Chevy Chase and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Our location offers a city atmosphere in the heart of DC. Chevy Chase is a well-known suburb-in-the-city with a strong community connection that offers a great atmosphere. Visit us at 5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW and book your reservation today!

Top review

Cris

Dined 1 day ago

Ty was great helping us wnjoy our Mother’s day dinner! Thank you!

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Washington DC

4.6

4.6 (744)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

West Loop

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Due to the Mayors mandate, all spirits will be removed off tables by 10PM.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Washington, DC serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

Niecy

Dined 7 days ago

Milan was exceptional and patient .The food was fantastic.I love how patient she was with my partner and helped made decisions on cocktails .It was his first time and he loved every minute of it.Best date night

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The Melting Pot - Gaithersburg

4.4

4.4 (2071)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Gaithersburg

About the restaurant

The Melting Pot offers an extraordinary dining experience that you won't find at any other restaurant. Here, you'll discover all the ingredients to a perfect evening, including a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines & cocktails, as well as fabulous four-course fondue dinners. No matter what the occasion, from a romantic date to a get together with friends, meetings, or large groups, The Melting Pot always provides fun & lasting memories. Make reservations today & come dip into something different.

Top review

MorganVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The food we had at the melting pot was delicious, as always. Service at this location was a bit slow. We were there for 2.5 hours from the time we were seated until we paid, and had to request our waitress come back a few times.

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Bravo Italian Kitchen - Spotsylvania

4.3

4.3 (691)

$30 and under

Italian

Fredericksburg

About the restaurant

Bravo Spotsylvania is an upscale-casual Italian restaurant right in Fredricksburg serving authentic pasta dishes, signature entrées, piping hot pizza, and delicious wine & cocktails amid Roman-ruin décor. Our family-friendly atmosphere is as inviting as our welcoming staff and we look forward to your visit at Bravo Spotsylvania located in Fredricksburg, VA – visit us in store or place an online order today!

Top review

Michael

Dined on 25 Apr 2025

Samiyah, Tahmina, and I had a marvelous experience at Bravo! yesterday. My favorite part about it was when Samiyah was blasting Destiny’s Child at the restaurant. While I was grooving the song for a little bit, our server and Samiyah were dancing to Bootylicious. The food was delicious.

Cedar Knoll

4.3

4.3 (1697)

$31 to $50

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Established in 1941, Cedar Knoll is a historic restaurant with sweeping views of the Potomac River. Cedar Knoll is set just off the beautiful George Washington Parkway, which makes for a scenic drive. The restaurant was built around a log cabin dating back to the early 1800's, so the history is apparent from the moment you step inside. Each room possesses charming qualities adding to the ambiance. Whether you dine in the comfortable elegance of the Presidential Room or the natural splendor of the Botanical Room, both set the perfect stage for an evening with family, friends, and loved ones. Cedar Knoll is conveniently located minutes between Old Town Alexandria and George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate.

Top review

Mallory

Dined 1 day ago

Great food for Mother’s Day and beautiful setting

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