Popular Romantic Spots To Enjoy A Quiet, Fancy Date In Washington DC

From cozy dining settings to remarkable omakase dinner, here are the best date night ideas to explore in Washington!

In a city filled with the fanciest, most luxurious eateries, why settle for the usual restaurant that serves casual food for a dinner date? The nation’s capital is the perfect spot for a classy and romantic getaway. From its swanky hotels and incredible spas to its Michelin-starred eateries featuring world-famous chefs, DC has everything that a couple could want on an evening date.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a chance to catch up with a friend, or a reunion with a family member, here are the top romantic spots in Washington DC to take your date next time.

If you’re planning a romantic date or getaway, then you know it doesn’t come cheap. The good news is GiftYa understands the struggle and they offer you a virtual gift card to cover part of your bill. They are easy to customize and you can load them easily onto your debit card. Don’t forget to add a special message to make your date feel special!

Tail Up Goat

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Source: Yelp

1827 Adams Mill Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009 tailupgoat.com

A cozy hip bistro serving creative Mediterranean fare and Caribbean-inspired drinks in a modern setting!

Tail Up Goat isn’t the first spot you think of for a nice night out. Thankfully though, this modern bistro oozes effortless Caribbean chill while providing exceptional service, leaving diners to spend quality time while enjoying the good food and drinks.

The menu is quite extensive and you will be able to enjoy unique dishes and incredible classics. They have put some emphasis on their bread and pasta so make sure you try their undeniably delicious ricotta cavatelli and squash bread Small, medium, and large plates are available. Order your date the popular crispy salt cold option with some perfectly smoked cauliflower aioli and Zuni onions plus the bacon braised salsify served with sweet potato and barbecue sauce.

If you want something large, try the seared rockfish with sunchokes, charred cabbage, and gold rush apple. Make sure you try one of the savory desserts and throw in a couple of signature drinks to make the experience even better!

1789 Restaurant & Bar

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Source: Yelp

1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007 1789restaurant.com

A luxe, perfectly renovated Federal house sets the ground for a perfectly cooked seasonal American fare!

Washington is home to romantic spots but have you seen them all? If not, we recommend taking your date to the 1789 Restaurant and Bar and enjoying an exquisite dining experience. Named after the year when Georgetown University was founded and built, this restaurant is a true definition of an authentic Washington dining experience with a cool atmosphere to sit back and relax.

The contemporary seasonal menu features the blends of unique flavors of fresh regional ingredients that are seen in their unique and delicious dishes. With the antique décor and the ambiance of wooden beams and fireplaces, one will surely get lost in an era when a six-course meal of fish and humane meats was the nightly thing.

Enjoy the mouthwatering appetizers, entrees, and accompaniments that are sure to keep you full as you engage in deep conversation with your date. Make sure you order a dessert and one of the signature cocktails and wine to wash it down as you dance to the cool music late into the night!

The Red Hen

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Source: Yelp

1822 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001 theredhendc.com

Creative wood-fired Italian dishes await you at this rustic-industrial space with a large bar and an open kitchen!

There are several reasons why you should take your date to the Red Hen including the open kitchen that features stacked firewood that makes the spot feel like a little cabin just like the ones on Airbnb. Or the menu which features creative wood-fired Italian takes, meats, and cheese that are perfect for sharing. Or even the rustic-chic interiors that will make you feel relaxed while you sip one of their favorite wines on the menu.

Come early and make a reservation since the place serves on a first-come basis. Dinners include favorites such as grilled bread and cultured butter, fresh burrata, Italian chicory salad, campanile, and some caramelized main scallops served with butternut squash crema, black truffle sauce, sage, and toasted fregola.

Drinks and refreshments are available including wine by the glass, signature cocktails, and draft beer. Make your pick and enjoy your date!

Iron Gate Restaurant

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Source: Yelp

1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036 irongaterestaurantdc.com

Swanky eatery serving Italian and Green small plates including a tasting menu and signature drinks!

For the thrill-seeking daters, Iron Gate Restaurant is the perfect choice for you. Located inside a historic mansion’s carriage house, this swanky eatery oozes romance. The cozy outdoor patio features a fire pit and is beyond charming. The cool dining room with soft lighting is warm and intimate, which is the impression you want every time you come in.

To enjoy the full experience, try the prix-fixe menu with plenty of options such as a three-course, family-style dishes prepared using seasonal, local ingredients. You can also enjoy the favorites from the A La Carte menu and even try one of their savory desserts.

Your dinner date is not complete without a drink, so make sure you one of their favorite wine by the glass, signature cocktail, or even a beer. Guests can also expect delicious Mediterranean dishes such as hearth roasted carrots, spiced lamb sausage, and whole lasted lobster.  They are absolutely stunning!

Fiola Mare

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Source: Yelp

3100 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007 fiolamaredc.com

Modern Italian seafood, wines, and cocktails await you at this luxe, modern spot with views of the river!

Want to get creative with your date this time? Consider checking out one of Washington’s more unique date night options – Fiola Mare. Its award-winning cuisines offer a blend of contemporary and seasonal Italian dishes. Here Chef Fabbio Trabocchi borrows their inspiration from Italy’s coastlines and the bounty of its most pristine seafood.

This eatery offers two unique dining experiences: You can enjoy your dinner in the main dining area and get a chance to create your own tasting menu of over five different dishes or you can decide to enjoy dinners at their Ezio Room where you will be served an extensive selection of appetizers, crudos, handmade pasta, delightful salads, Fiola signature dishes such as Carrello del Pesce, a seafood cart that features the daily’s best catch from Italy and all over the world.

You will also have a great time sipping into their beautifully crafted cocktails and superb wines that are widely recognized in the city.

Le Diplomate

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Source: Yelp

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 lediplomatedc.com

Old-school restaurant rocking an incredible outdoor seating serving familiar French dishes including brunch staples and drinks!

Sharing a good laugh is a great way to bond whether it’s a first date or your 5th anniversary. And there is no better place to enjoy this than at Le Diplomate. Carefully built out of a historic structure that ties together the artful spirit of a Parisian brasserie, the décor in this place pays tribute to tradition, infusing every meal with a sweeping sense of European drama.

The menu is quite extensive and features a variety of Gallic classics including steak frites, onion gratinee, escargots, and daily plates such as cassoulet and bouillabaisse. You will also find plenty of salads, sandwiches, entrees, and delicious sides to enjoy.

A perfectly curated specialty cocktail selection and wine list complete the exceptional dining experience with your special someone!

Filomena Ristorante

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Source: Yelp

1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 filomena.com

Pasta made in-house including hearty Italian classics await you at this upscale restaurant with over-the-top décor!

For more than three decades, Filomena has been offering an unmatched Italian fine-dining experience in the heart of Georgetown. It’s popular for its traditional cuisine, fine wine, and exceptional service.

The menu here is inspired by Mother Filomena’s simple, but creative cuisine, including her wonderful traditional recipes. They have a unique approach to traditional Italian cuisines to provide handmade home-style dishes in a contemporary environment that reflects their culinary heritage and family traditions.

Enjoy favorites such as pasta, Insalata, antipasti, and Filomena side dishes. Reservations are highly recommended and we are sure you will have a memorable dining experience at this favorite restaurant!

Dates are important to keep your bond strong and your relationship feeling fresh. It’s also a great way to meet new people and get to know someone special that you wish to date. While traditional movies and date nights may still be a great way to enjoy a date, there is so much fun and stuff to do at the best romantic restaurants in Washington DC. So, is there a new romantic spot in DC that you would like to try next time? Let us know in the comments!

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Trae Bodge

Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.

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