Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!

Aditi Indian Dining - Alexandria

4.9

4.9 (535)

$30 and under

Indian

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Aditi, the name of an ancient goddess, symbolizes the cyclical nature of life. The Sanskrit word, Aditi, denotes abundant, joyful & unbroken creative power that sustains the universe. Colloquially, Aditi means ‘distinguished guest’. Aditi Indian Dining’s new & trendy location in Kingstowne boasts of modern decor, great ambience, a cozy bar & an abundant choice of appetizers, entrees & desserts. We also serve a lunch buffet every day. Our menu features a wide range of vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian preparations. The menu offers choice for the discerning customer and our team is eager to offer choice on varying spice levels, health & heart friendly foods. We are located in Kingstowne Towne Center across Kingstowne 16 Cinemas in Alexandria and minutes away from all the major highways (395, 95, 495 & Fairfax County Parkway) & close to Vandorn and Springfield Metro. The center also has abundant parking facilities, a large play area for families & is coupled with great shopping.

Top review

Tom

Dined on 26 Apr 2025

We’ve been going to this restaurant for as long as his restaurant has been here. The food, the service and the staff are outstanding.

Conservatory at Goodstone

4.9

4.9 (300)

$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

BobVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The Mother Day Event was very well attended and executed. A limited menu, 2 course and desert. The Filet Mignon with a crab sauce was excellent. I especially liked the starter Country Terrine - delicate with lovely fresh herbs. The dessert was a chocolate mousse shaped like a 1/2 donut with a light (but delicious) sauce. Portions were just right. Life partner has a rack of lamb that was worthy of 5 stars (I was not offered a sample). Goodstone keeps getting better and the addition of Jim McGavin as mixologist is a huge win for all.

Muoi Tieu

4.9

4.9 (28)

$30 and under

Vietnamese

Silver Spring

About the restaurant

Open Mon/Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun, closed Tues/Wed. Muoi Tieu is a cozy family-run Vietnamese restaurant and market in the heart of Takoma Park, Maryland, with a small but carefully curated menu that offers a combination of popular Vietnamese dishes (e.g., pho, spring rolls) and less common home-style dishes (e.g., braised pork belly, pan-fried fish with ginger nuoc cham) with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Our small market also offers a variety of common Vietnamese condiments, pantry items, and Asian snacks. Like our name, which means "salt and pepper" in Vietnamese, our concept is simple: we want to bring classic, savory Vietnamese food to our community.

Top review

Barbara

Dined on 17 Apr 2025

Began with raw fish (2) and vegan salads to share. Mains were the duck, steak and one of the fish. Favorite is the beef pho but that will need to wait for the next visit.

Causa

4.9

4.9 (104)

$50 and over

Peruvian

Shaw

About the restaurant

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.

Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included). Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.

If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to info@causadc.com prior to booking.

Gift Card? Please use a credit card to book hold your reservation and we will refund you upon completion of your meal. Causa accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

Top review

Chef Rera

Dined on 7 May 2025

Absolutely phenomenal. Service was amazing, food PHENOMENAL.

Discover more

Experience

Causa Six Course Experience - Table Seating

Experience

Causa Six Course Experience - Counter Seating

Experience

Causa Four Course Experience - Table Seating

Cafe Riggs

4.8

4.8 (177)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

In the grand tradition of French cuisine, Café Riggs presents a contemporary American brasserie that reimagines classic dishes within a vibrant setting.

Top review

BVIP

Dined on 6 May 2025

The space is beautiful. The food and service are also great!

Eatopia Eatery

4.8

4.8 (26)

$31 to $50

Ethiopian

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review

Arun

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food and welcoming service. A bit slow taking order. But overall experience was excellent!

The Study

4.7

4.7 (367)

$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

Simon

Dined 7 days ago

We had an incredible dinner, and Rodney made the whole experience extra special. Right off the bat, he recommended two standout cocktails-the God of War and the Goosebumps. Both were unique and delicious: the God of War had this smoky, spicy depth from the corn husk mezcal and serrano-infused grapefruit, and the Goosebumps was a perfect balance of heat and sweet with chili-infused bourbon, peach, and guava. These were impressive drinks - I would order again! For starters, the croquetas were easily my favorite. The wagyu beef filling was rich, the aji amarillo sauce added just the right kick, and the caviar and pickled onion on top is a nice touch. Dinner was just as impressive. The steak encebollado was perfectly cooked-super tender with layers of onion flavor from the foam, confit shallots, and onion gel. The langoustines were bright and creamy with coconut milk and a little heat from the scotch bonnet sauce, paired with a silky cassava puree. We finished with the tres leches cake, which was outstanding. The horchata cream and cinnamon-sugar glaze gave it a fun Cinnamon Toast Crunch vibe that I loved. Rodney really made the night for us. He was friendly, super knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. He was quick with recommendations, kept everything running smoothly, and even took the time to introduce us to the chef, pianist, and bar manager. It was outstanding hospitality - a really special evening in Old Town Alexandria. We can't wait to come back and try more of the menu!

The Melting Pot - Reston

4.7

4.7 (3201)

$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

Kristin

Dined 4 days ago

Server was not the best. Food was ok but surprisingly small portions. Dessert was the best - Turtle Chocolate all the way!

Discover more

Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Chocolate Explosion

The Alchemist

4.7

4.7 (77)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

McPherson Square

About the restaurant

Step into the clandestine world of The Alchemist, an elusive speakeasy where craftsmanship and libation unite. Immerse yourself in a realm of handcrafted cocktails featuring smoke and fire, where we infuse spirits seasonally and boast over 150 carefully selected bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. Uncover the art of mixology and savor the allure of rare spirits at The Alchemist DC

Top review

Ally

Dined on 3 May 2025

no food but drinks were amazing and the vibe was great, definitely pricey but the experience was worth it, will definitely be going back

Kitchen Savages

4.6

4.6 (186)

$31 to $50

American

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!