The Most Romantic Restaurants in Washington DC

The nation's capital is home to some of the world's leading diplomats, as well as an amazing combination of flavors. Sitting inside historic landmarks are restaurants serving up D.C. classics like a cool mint julep or Senate bean soup along with a wealth of evolution in cuisine that comes from world travelers always looking for something new. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We've pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. With everything from the simple elegance of New American to ethnic offerings like a Mediterranean bison tartare, the food is as global as the population. Follow the lead of neighborhood experts for a night on the town at some of the most romantic restaurants in Washington D.C.

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated December 02, 2019

Restaurants:	La Chaumiere, Floriana, Bobby Van's Steakhouse - 809 15th Street NW…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	French, Italian, Steakhouse…
Neighborhoods:	Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Downtown…

La Chaumiere

$$$$

French

Georgetown

4.7

4225 reviews

The ambiance is the first element of any romantic evening, and La Chaumiere offers a step back in time to a cozy French inn. Exposed beams, a wall of pictures, a wood-burning fireplace, and white linens set the table for a meal and a night to remember. Classic dishes like medailons de boeuf or truite amandine are perfectly cooked and served with great attention to detail. Expect and enjoy a fine dining experience like no other.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Floriana

$$$$

Italian

Dupont Circle

4.8

3521 reviews

Floriana offers one of the best romantic restaurant experiences in Washington, D.C. The soft lighting and homey vibe combine for an intimate meal that seems designed for flirtation. The menu continues the experience with authentic Italian appetizers designed for sharing, like the steamed mussels or calamari fritti. Handmade pasta creates a meltingly tender texture that sets off the sauce, like the pork belly, meatball, and sausage "Sunday Gravy" sauce that sits on a bed of penne. Pan-seared scallops or a porcini ribeye make up a delightful meat or fish course, and nothing says romance like sharing a bottle of wine and passing bites back and forth.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bobby Van's Steakhouse - 809 15th Street NW

$$$$

Steakhouse

Downtown

4.5

2963 reviews

The classic American grill gets a makeover at Bobby Vans Steakhouse in Washington, D.C. With two locations — one on NY Avenue and one on 15th Street — you can't go wrong with either for a special date or anniversary celebration. The menu is top notch, with an incredible raw bar that lets you start the evening with a Seafood Bouquet. Move on to appetizers like pan-seared lamb chops or sesame seed crusted tuna. Entrees include vegetarian options, fish, pork, duck, chicken, and your choice of beef cuts. Bring the intimacy back to your meal with side dishes that serve two. Order sides and share, as you also enjoy talking, laughing, and devouring a good meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

O-Ku - DC

$$$$

Japanese

Washington

4.8

1331 reviews

True to their warehouse district roots, O-Ku Sushi uses exposed brick, a darker color palette, and metal to decorate. The ambiance is intimate and personal, with sushi chefs at eye level at the expansive bar. Japanese hospitality is on full display and helps create a calm and relaxing atmosphere designed to stimulate your appetite. Enjoy conversation and sharing plates and flavors from platters as beautiful as they are tasty. Every piece is a perfect bite with balanced flavors and an artistic display. Go for the omakase tasting menu and chow down on chef-selected items during a multi-course meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC

$$$$

Seafood

Downtown

4.8

8584 reviews

Say goodbye to the laid-back Joes in Florida and hello to the upscale and elegant atmosphere at Joes Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in DC. This refurbished former bank building features lots of marble and soaring ceilings that set a gala-worthy stage for a romantic evening out dressed to the nines. The menu matches the promise of the decor with select items like large stone crab claws, Madagascar shrimp, and a beautiful ceviche. The signature prime steaks include everything from a bone-in filet to a 30-ounce porterhouse, making it a challenge to save room for dessert.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Iron Gate

$$$$

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

4.8

2528 reviews

Book a patio table at Iron Gate for a one-of-a-kind romantic experience. Surrounded by wisteria trees and fairy lights, the outdoor dining area is a magical oasis tucked away from the busy sights of Dupont Circle. The open fire pit keeps you warm as you cozy up to a delicious Meditteranean menu. From the classic spanakopita to a bison tartare, the mezzes served here are a unique mix of flavors. Try the family table to enjoy a multi-course feast served family-style. When you do, you and your date can enjoy the surprise of each course without spending too much time on the menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Matisse

$$$$

Contemporary French

Tenleytown

4.7

1497 reviews

With a decor designed by award-winning Thomas Pheasant, Matisse Restaurant offers a simple, yet elegant dining room. Exceptional service sets off the ambiance, and you'll enjoy attentive wait staff through luxurious French fusion plates. Pizza and Hawaiian ahi tuna tartar make the appetizer menu, letting you know that the evening will be one full of surprise and delight. House-made gnocchi is soft and pillowy, while the seared Georges Banks sea scallops come with organic apples, a yam puree, and leeks. The exciting flavor combinations prep your palate for dessert, where the chef takes a more classic turn with options like the creme brulee or poached pear dessert.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

RPM Italian - DC

$$$$

Italian

Washington DC

4.7

3611 reviews

From the light fixtures that look like candles to the monochromatic decor and the large bar at the front, RPM Italian makes a dramatic statement. Unobtrusive, yet attentive, staff make this restaurant a great spot for a romantic dinner in D.C. The menu comes with all of the courses you expect in Italian fine dining, so prepare for a long and pleasant meal with plenty of leftovers. A bruschetta starter or warm bread portion opens the menu, followed by meat and cheese platters or antipasti options like Prime beef meatballs or zucchini fritti. Housemade pastas come drenched in delicious sauces like the carbonara spaghetti with black pepper pancetta. With steak and seafood options to round out the choices, picking entrees to share might be the longest topic of the night as you share bites in the intimate atmosphere created at RPM Italian.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lafayette Restaurant

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.8

1451 reviews

Located in the historic Hay-Adams Hotel, the Lafayette is a fine dining restaurant like no other. Crystal chandeliers and dark woods decorate the dining room and give it a traditional feel. Dress up for a meal at one of the best romantic restaurants in Washington, D.C. Modern American cuisine is on the menu with items like the beef goulash soup, Maine lobster salad, or foie gras torchon. Entrees feature traditional favorites like beef Wellington and Dover sole, while the dessert menu is simple and classic. Dig in to a chocolate Napoleon or a light and creamy lavender creme brulee. Every course delivers a luxurious texture and taste.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

BlackSalt

$$$$

Seafood

Palisades Northwest

4.8

6303 reviews

The ocean-inspired decor in BlackSalt matches the menu and creates an upbeat and fun dining room. Romance in this Washington, D.C. restaurant starts with excellent and unobtrusive service and continues through a fresh and vibrant menu full of the sea's bounty. From the salmon tartare to the butter-poached lobster, the food is a delight. For an added treat, check out the caviar menu and taste a variety of options, all served with a warm blini, onion creme fraiche, and chopped egg. Long thought to be an aphrodisiac, oysters have a prominent place on the menu and come by the dozen for enthusiasts.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Siroc Restaurant

$$$$

Italian

Downtown

4.4

3072 reviews

Dark wood and soft lighting create a room that is ripe for romance in the dining room of Siroc Restaurant. This D.C. eatery serves a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Italian flavors for a meal that satisfies. Start the evening with a shared charcuterie board full of domestic and imported cured meats or a similar selection of cheeses. Move on to cold dishes like the house-made mozzarella or house-smoked salmon. Hot appetizers tempt with spicy lamb sausages or stuffed squid. The pasta ranges from a short rib agnolotti to lemon trenette with sea scallops. If that isn't enough to fill you up, cut into the luscious beef tenderloin or flaky branzino.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Charlie Palmer Steak - DC

$$$$

Steakhouse

Capitol Hill

4.6

3304 reviews

Enjoy a new take on an American classic with a reservation for two at Charlie Palmer Steak. This traditional steakhouse switches things up with a brightly lit interior and floor-to-ceiling windows. See your partner at one of the most romantic restaurants in Washington, D.C. The menu deserves some attention, with incredible gourmet plates like the beef carpaccio and tartare or the Japanese A5 Wagyu, a cut that comes by the ounce. Order the porterhouse to share or dive into some of the fresh seafood that's on the menu and serve up portions from large sides designed for two.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Romantic Restaurants