8 of the most romantic restaurants in the D.C. area
Finding a romantic restaurant for a special occasion in Washington often feels less like a rom-com and more like “The Hunger Games” — just with more roses and candlelight involved. The D.C. area’s abundance of dining options can be overwhelming. And nabbing a reservation for a weekend or holiday often requires weeks, if not months, of advance planning, plus relentless browser refreshing skills.
The good news, as Post food writer Tim Carman wisely put it: “Almost any full-service restaurant can be romantic, as long as it’s not packed and noisy, and the service is not too obtrusive.”
What constitutes romance (like appropriate volume levels and obtrusiveness) is ultimately up to you. But to help launch your search, consider these eight romantic restaurants — which include a range of cuisines and price points — that are especially beloved by The Post’s resident dining experts.
1. Chez Billy Sud
1039 31st St. NW. chezbillysud.com.
Chez Billy Sud in Georgetown ranks high among both Going Out Guide writer Fritz Hahn’s and Post food critic Tom Sietsema’s favorite romantic spots for its classic ambiance and impeccable service. The narrow, intimate restaurant offers diners the option of settling in at the wine bar or a seated table. As Sietsema writes in The Post’s 2023 fall dining guide: “Chez Billy Sud remains a gem. Yes, it’s crowded. Oui, it’s clattery. Still, I appreciate the genial and efficient service and the timeless look of the place, dressed with a coffered ceiling and walls the color of mint.”
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To make a reservation: Visit its website or OpenTable page.
2. Joon
8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120 (the Shops at Fairfax Square), Vienna, Va. eatjoon.com.
Persian restaurant Joon intentionally cultivates romance. In honor of Valentine’s Day, for instance, it will celebrate the ancient Arabian tale of Layla and Majnun, two star-crossed lovers, one of whom was driven to madness by separation. (If that sounds familiar, you might be interested to know that Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” was written about 400 years later.) Like Chez Billy Sud, it also ranked among the DMV’s best romantic restaurants in Sietsema’s 2023 fall dining guide. At Joon, you’re treated like family right until the moment you leave: “Iran is famous for its hospitality, evinced here when you leave your car with a free valet and settle in with gratis bread service: fresh lavash and a trio of spreads,” writes Sietsema.
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To make a reservation: Visit its Resy page.
3. Perry’s
1811 Columbia Rd. NW. perrysam.com.
Perry’s may be nearing its 40th birthday, but as Sietsema writes, it remains chic and funky as ever with offerings from classic sushi rolls to uni mac and cheese. The Japanese fusion restaurant in Adams Morgan thrives on creativity and unique ambiance, in part thanks to its chef, Masako Morishita. “My cooking philosophy is my life philosophy. … Think outside the box, have fun, be playful,” she told Sietsema.
To make a reservation: Visit its Resy page.
4. Rania
427 11th St. NW. raniadc.com.
It’s all love at Penn Quarter’s Rania, fresh off its first Michelin star. Sietsema sent me in the direction of this ultramodern Indian restaurant, which he gave a glowing review. He found charm in its fusion of chef Chetan Shetty’s fusion of his Punjabi heritage with American favorites; salads and avocados, he writes, are not common in India, but they are present on Rania’s menu. Plus, the elegant presentation and illuminated dining room make for a stylish, vibrant experience.
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To make a reservation: Visit its website or OpenTable page.
Share this articleShare5. Tabard Inn
1739 N St. NW. tabardinn.com.
The cozy, elegant atmosphere of the Tabard Inn restaurant — complete with medieval-looking font on the menu and, of course, a blazing fireplace — is designed to stir up warm, fuzzy feelings. Sietsema has been a fan for decades. In 2004, he wrote, “The Tabard Inn reminds me of countless small, chef-owned restaurants in Seattle and Berkeley, Calif., with their focus on keeping things simple and seasonal.”
To make a reservation: Visit its Resy page.
6. Melina
905 Rose Ave., North Bethesda, Md. melinagreek.com.
Melina’s Greek food is minimalist in ingredients but maximalist in flavor. Its “vegetable-forward” approach to cooking makes for a lighter meal to pair with the airy decor of creams, oceanic blues and lush greens. As Sietsema noted in his 2023 fall dining guide, most seats here are occupied by couples, making it ideal for date night.
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To make a reservation: Visit its website or OpenTable page.
7. Maydan
1346 Florida Ave. NW. maydandc.com.
This Michelin-starred restaurant serves Tawle (that’s Arabic for “table,” or “family-style”) and a la carte dishes of kebabs, labne and a variety of other Middle Eastern delights. If yours is a love that flourishes on shared plates and dips galore, Maydan is the spot for you. Be warned, though — as Sietsema has written many times before, Maydan is very popular, so timing is of the essence when booking a reservation. If you can’t land a table, Hahn recommends trying to secure a spot at its equally romantic bar.
To make a reservation: Visit its website or Resy page.
8. Bistro Aracosia
5100 MacArthur Blvd. NW. bistroaracosia.com.
Carman loves the Palisades’ Bistro Aracosia not only for its extensive menu of Afghan kebabs, stews and mazza but for its “relaxed” service and peaceful atmosphere. Here, you can stretch out and savor your food without feeling rushed out the door — perfect for a date night, assuming you don’t have to rush home to the babysitter. Plus, he adds, “its tables aren’t too close together (a must!).”
To make a reservation: Visit its website or OpenTable page.
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