Let’s Plan a Date at These Romantic Restaurants in DC

Do you have a special someone in your life? Looking to make a memorable date night out on the town? Well we’re here to help. There are so many factors that make up a good romantic restaurant. You’ve got the look, the feel, the service, the dress code (this one is up to preference, some couples may like their more “laid-back” attire and we don’t blame em’), and of course: the food. The food can really make or break your decision so luckily we’ve taken it upon ourselves to help narrow down your search for romantic restaurants in DC with this list. Scroll through and read about how these places may be your pick for your next romantic date night on the town.

But before we make that date we first have to talk about GiftYa, which is a way in the future you can surprise your partner no matter the distance or time of day. GiftYa is a website and mobile app that sells eGift cards to thousands of restaurants, famous retailers, department stores, local businesses, online subscription services and shops, spas, hotels, airlines, and more. You can pick a venue you know your partner likes, customize by adding a cute picture of the two of you, add up to $250 of value on the card, and send it to their phone or email in seconds. GiftYa makes for a great “just because” gift for your favorite person.

Take a look at all of what GiftYa has to offer here!

1. Filomena Ristorante

This upscale Italian restaurant makes homemade classics and has got decor that’s hard to beat!

📍 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW | Washington | filomena.com

Italian food makes for a classic date night food and you won’t find better Italian food than at Filomena Ristorante which has been open since 1983! Homemade dishes from scratch and an ambience to beat, you’ll be entranced by their big and bold decor as you enter the doors of the restaurant. But the atmosphere is only part of what makes Filomena great as their authentically made Italian dishes are what sets them apart. You and your partner can enjoy the likes of Local War Shore Battle Creek Oysters (Oysters Vesuvio), Ravioli De Chiacchieri, and Choco Caramel Cheesecake for dessert.

“Went this time for the Tortelloni Di Michele which was delicious and came out in record speed. Of course a lot of leftovers for lunch the next day. Filomena never misses!” -Yelp Review

2. SUCCOTASH

Mixing Southern comfort foods and Asian favorites together in an inventive menu!

📍 915 F St NW | Washington | succotashrestaurant.com 

James Beard Award winner, Chef Edward Lee has created a menu unlike any other in DC, and maybe even the world. He’s taking his Korean roots and blending it with that good ol’ Southern Comfort cooking to make a collection of dishes that will leave you saying: “wow” when you get served them and most importantly when you take your first bite. Succotash has both private and semi-private dining seat options so you can make your romantic outing exactly the way you both want it. Plus it helps that the interior (and the food) is gorgeous. 

Whether you choose to go for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you won’t be disappointed by the food. With dishes like their famed Deviled Eggs, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Filet Mignon, and Apple Cider BBQ Pork Ribs you will definitely find something you like at Succotash.

“Great place, good ambience, service and food. We thoroughly enjoyed this place for a birthday dinner. Yummy appetizers, good food and dessert. The cornbread was amazing, the popcorn shrimp and crabcake were out of this world.” -Yelp Review

3. Rose’s Luxury

A converted townhouse makes this a cozy choice for a romantic restaurant in DC!

📍 717 8th St SE | Washington | rosesluxury.com

Rose’s Luxury is a Michelin-starred restaurant located right along Capitol Hill. This is the perfect spot for private events like wedding dinners and cozy-intimate dates with your partner. The venue itself is pretty special as it is a converted townhouse with an upstairs bar and famed rooftop table for an extra special, extra private night. 

Rose’s Luxury’s menu is a bit different than your average dining experience as they focus on a “Choose Your Own Adventure” six-course meal. Yep, you’ve read that right, you get six courses where you can pick from 2-4 options. One of the choices is called “The Adult Happy Meal” which is a wagyu burger, french fries dusted in hidden valley ranch powder, and comes with a stiff drink. They are super fun.

“The menu at Roses is so unique with dishes combining ingredients I never would have considered putting together. And it works so so well!! Be adventurous and trust the chef because you will not be disappointed.” -Yelp Review

4. Apéro & La Bohème

An intimate French restaurant with trendy decor, small plates, and wine!

📍 2622 P St NW | Washington | aperodc.com 

From the name alone, Apéro & La Bohème, you know you’re in for a right treat as this restaurant is serving up some of the best French cuisine in Washington, and we know how romantic the French are…

• In the Georgetown Neighborhood, Apéro & La Bohème, or simply Apéro, is located on the quieter side of town surrounded by homes that give off a colonial-style feel. 
• What makes them stand out is by far their “globally recognized wine program has a rotating list of over 700 selections.” And that’s not even mentioning their food! 
• Creating plates that are both flavorful and look good, Apéro has got your brunch, lunch, and dinner covered. They have substantially farmed caviar, charcuterie boards, and bigger plates like the Dijon Chicken Paillard. With all of this, it makes for one romantic restaurant in DC!

“The inside of the restaurant was gorgeous. I got the fall spritz to drink and for dinner I got the gougeres and the roasted beet and spiced goat cheese salad. The restaurant was very sophisticated and I felt very important eating inside of it.” -Yelp Review

5. Del Mar

A restaurant entirely designed in Spain brings something special to DC

📍 791 Wharf St SW | Washington | delmardc.com

Del Mar is a restaurant unlike anywhere you’ve ever been, that is, unless you’ve been to Spain, because if you have you might notice a few or more similarities between this place and their restaurants overseas. That’s because Del Mar was completely designed in Spain and assembled by a team of Spanish artisans to celebrate their culture and lifestyle by bringing it to DC. 

You won’t find a more stunning restaurant than Del Mar. You can book private events and tables to make the most out of your romantic outing. Enjoy the architecture while you dig into their Spanish Style Raw Bar, Tapas, and large plates to share with your partner.

“Top notch food, service and ambience! Paella was delicious. Whole fresh fish available every night. Cool vibe. Bring a date or a business dinner. You can't go wrong.” -Yelp Review

6. dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval

An intimately-lit space featuring “upscale Mexican” cuisine makes for a great romantic restaurant in DC!

📍 476 K St NW Suite D | Washington | dlenadc.com

Featured in the 2022 & 2023 edition of the MICHELIN Guide, dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval is all about showcasing the concept of “leña” which means firewood, and more specifically wood-fired foods. Wood-fired foods have a flavor profile unlike most, with that smoky-rich taste you can be rest-assured that every bite of your meal at dLeña will pack a punch. 

What also makes this place great is the environment, dark-tones and intimate spaces is what many look for when going out on a date and dLeña has it. Award-winning food like Empanadas de Wagyu, Bone Marrow & Tuna Chicharron, and Carnitas Pork Shank await at this special space.

“Went for the bottomless comida - great food and even better service. Ricardo took good care of us. We let him know it was our birthday and he made us feel like queens. Would definitely come back, especially to see Ricardo again!!!” -Yelp Review

7. Fiola Mare

This award-winning restaurant makes hearty Italian seafood dishes!

📍 3100 K St NW | Washington | fiolamaredc.com

Fiola Mare is an Italian seafood restaurant drawing inspiration from Italy’s coastlines and their truly unmatched seafood dishes. You’ll get all the flavors from the Amalfi Coast and more when you visit this spot in Washington. Their seafood towers and dishes along with homemade pasta will satisfy you and your partner’s palates 10x over. 

Fiola Mare’s venue is also attention-worthy as everything has a “clean and sophisticated” look to it. While you’re there you can try out their famous "Carrello del Pesce" which is a seafood cart featuring the catch of the day. Plenty to love about Fiola Mare that’s for sure.

“Had the most amazing experience! Our server David and another gentleman who kept checking in on us- Michael were fantastic.

Food, ambiance, quality of drinks, dessert, everything was top notch! One of the best meals we've ever had!” -Yelp Review

8. Tail Up Goat

A fine-dining restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Caribbean-inspired dishes!

📍 1827 Adams Mill Rd NW | Washington | tailupgoat.com

Owners Jon Sybert, Jill Tyler, and Bill Jensen first opened up the doors to Tail Up Goat almost 10 years ago and in that short time they have got a Michelian star and have created one of the best fine dining establishments in DC. They wanted to create a space that they themselves would like to eat at every day so this isn’t your typical shoulders and back straight spot, no this is a place to bring your favorite person and relax while you eat some truly good food. Their menu isn’t too big so it’ll be easier to pick what you want, they have some light snacks, savory plates, and sweets for dessert.

“SEXY AMBIANCE, GREAT SERVICE! Crispy cod is a great starter; the beef tenderlion was mouth watering and locally sourced. The menu changes often! The bar tender made drinks on the fly depending on preferences! Great place.” -Yelp Review

9. Mastro's Steakhouse

A classy Steakhouse chain giving you that classic picture perfect date moment!

Buy A Mastro’s Steakhouse Gift Card

📍 600 13th St NW | Washington | mastrosrestaurants.com

If we’re talking about romantic restaurants we have to of course bring up a classic steakhouse and this steakhouse has made its way all around the country. With multiple locations, Mastro’s Steakhouse is the classiest of classy restaurants, with white table cloths and a dress code required, you’ll finally be able to wear your best out with your best person. Mastro’s has lots of amazing dishes to try like their Shrimp Cocktail, Caviar, Japanese A5 Wagyu, Australian Wagyu, seafood like the Chilean Sea Bass, and many different cuts of steaks.

“I dined here for restaurant week and thoroughly enjoyed my food. I had to request some changes because of dietary restrictions and the staff were able to accommodate them with no problem.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Mastro’s Steakhouse here!

10. Iron Gate Restaurant

Dine in their wisteria-covered patio or inside, whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed!

📍 1734 N St NW | Washington | irongaterestaurantdc.com

Iron Gate Restaurant has been the source of many weddings and for good reason as their entire place is built like one big romantic dream. Inside you get this fuzzy-warm feeling from the light and intimate decor, and outside you can see their wisteria-covered patio which is perfect for picture operations for the couple. 

Chef Anthony Chittum has crafted a menu that takes inspiration from Greece, Sicily, Sardinian and Southern Italy and transforms them using fine fresh ingredients from the Mid-Atlantic. You and your partner will be able to celebrate your next big milestone for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Truly a meal to leave you wanting the night to never end.

“Great service, very sexy ambiance! Amazing for dinner or date night. I loved the food - my boyfriend did not enjoy the meat though (steak was too tough). The desserts are where it's at though! Best dish: chocolate mousse!” -Yelp Review

Now you have a list of ten great options for romantic restaurants in D.C. You can choose upscale and classy or laid back and casual- whatever it is you and your partner will be sure to have a great time at any of these places.