By Emma Royse By Emma Royse | April 11, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guide, Guides,
Whisk your other half away for an evening at one of the city’s most dreamy eateries.The Conservatory at The Inn at Little Washington
1789 Restaurant and Bar
Travel back to the 18th century as you enter historic Georgetown’s 1789 Restaurant and Bar. The Federal period house boasts elegant decor and a cozy rustic fireplace for a romantic night out. Peruse the menu, which features classic American cuisine with a refined twist, from tender steaks to creative seafood dishes. 1226 36th St. NW, 1789restaurant.com
Bombay Club
Experience the flavors of India in an intimate and romantic ambiance as live piano music sets the mood. Diners can catch glimpses of Indian artwork indulging in aromatic curries, succulent tandoori salmon and more. 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, bombayclubdc.com
Bourbon Steak
Nestled in the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, Bourbon Steak is a prime destination for a luxurious, romantic evening. The restaurant boasts a modern and sleek design coupled with chef Michael Mina’s juicy prime black Angus and Wagyu. Pair your meal with a glass of wine, like the Kracher Beerenauslese Cuvée. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, bourbonsteakdc.com
Café Riggs
This eatery finds its home on the ground level of the historic Riggs Hotel, featuring elegant art deco decor. Sink into colorful, plush, velvet seats as you look through the contemporary American menu with French influences. From creative small plates to indulgent desserts, Cafe Riggs is sure to delight any lover’s tastebuds. 900 F. St. NW, riggsdc.com
Fiola
Glittery chandeliers bring a soft haze to this upscale Italian dining room. The elegant, rustic decor, soft lighting and cozy seating create a warm and intimate ambiance. Indulge in classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, from handmade pasta to delectable seafood. The neverending wine list showcases a variety of Italian wines that pair perfectly with the meals. 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, fioladc.com
The Henri
Situated merely blocks from the White House, The Henri is a French-inspired brasserie that exudes romance and Old World charm. The modern bistro’s menu offers a mix of French and American cuisines, focusing on seasonal ingredients. Treat your special someone to The Henri cocktail and the cowboy steak featuring cipollini onion and steak sauce. 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, thehenridc.com
Iron Gate
Tucked away in a historic carriage house in DC, the rustic brick walls, cozy indoor seating and charming courtyard offer secluded and private dining. The menu showcases Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients that can be enjoyed by the flicker of the vintage fireplace. From shareable plates to elegant entrees, Iron Gate offers a night-to-remember. 1734 N. St. NW, irongaterestaurantdc.com
The Inn at Little Washington
Whisk your date away to the charming countryside with a visit to The Inn at Little Washington. Their restaurant’s exquisite cuisine, detailed walls and stunning light fixtures create an opulent ambiance. The menu features a blend of French and American flavors, with dishes made from the finest local ingredients. Middle and Main Streets, Washington, Va., theinnatlittlewashington.com
Jônt
Relish in Jônt’s progressive tasting menu, which focuses on simple yet luxurious ingredients inspired by Japanese cuisine. Boasting only the finest and locally sourced ingredients, the tasting menu serves up a plethora of flavors. Explore the chef’s creation of carefully selected worldly beverages to enhance your evening adventure. 1904 14th St. NW, jontdc.com
Kinship
Kinship is a charming restaurant that combines modern elegance with warm hospitality. The menu focuses on seasonal American cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to compose dishes bursting with flavor. Enhance your evening with the slow-roasted leg of lamb by acclaimed chef Eric Ziebold, where flavors are beautifully complemented by the chef’s version of chips and dip. 1015 7th St. NW, kinshipdc.com
L'Auberge Chez Francois
The way to everyone’s heart is through their stomach, so let chef Jacques Haeringer’s authentic, delectable French food whisk your date into a food coma. If the twin beef tenderloins with haricot verts, roasted herb potatoes and béarnaise sauce don’t sweep them off their feet, the assorted hot soufflés surely will. Between the elegant farmhouse decor and mouthwatering plates, it’s no wonder L’Auberge Chez Francois has been voted the most romantic restaurant in the DC area by multiple critics. 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, Va., laubergechezfrancois.com
Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier
Every foodie couple needs a night at this French-Belgian eatery. Indulge in the chef’s tasting menu, boasting lobster and sea urchin flan, prosciutto-wrapped monkfish and a plethora of more flavors. The restaurant exudes romance with its soft lighting, intimate seating and impeccable service. 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, marcelsdc.com
minibar by José Andrés
For an otherworldly culinary memory that fuses art and science, minibar by José Andrés is the place to go. This avant-garde restaurant offers an intimate setting and tasting menu featuring innovative and playful dishes. Securing two of their coveted six seats will surely make your date swoon. 855 E. St. NW, minibarbyjoseandres.com
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