The Best Date Night Spots in DC

Fiola is a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant by Chef Fabio Trabocchi in Washington, D.C. It highlights farm-fresh ingredients and an award-winning wine list in a refined yet welcoming setting. Guests can enjoy a thoughtful dining experience that stays true to seasonal flavors and careful craftsmanship.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

The best Italian fine dining in DC Fiola is truly giving one of the best fine dining italian experiences in the USA. The pastas are simply perfect and the whole menu is simply harmonious

Read more

Lutèce is a French neobistro in Washington, DC, recognized by the Michelin Guide for its modern, straightforward cooking. The restaurant creates a warm, cozy setting and highlights local, seasonal ingredients in each meal. It’s a relaxed spot to enjoy thoughtfully chosen wines and cocktails without feeling fussy.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

One of the most exciting restaurants in DC right now French bistro cooking one of the most delicious food inndc right now. Amazing duck dish, Potato caviar and lovely desserts

Read more

Perry’s Restaurant in Washington is led by award-winning chef Masako Morishita, who has brought fresh perspectives to its Japanese-inspired cooking. It’s also known for a Sunday drag brunch that’s been a tradition since 1991, adding some lively flair to the weekend. Together, these features have made Perry’s a familiar name in the local dining scene.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Sushi has long been a lure here; the arrival last year of Masako Morishita — the first Japanese woman to pilot the kitchen — introduced some of the most inventive dishes ever. Udon noodles get the carbonara treatment, and crab cakes, veined with shiso and set in dashi, marry the Mid-Atlantic with Japan. Sunday mornings might be the most novel meal of all: drag brunch, a staple since 1991.

Read more

Tail Up Goat sits in Washington’s Adams Morgan neighborhood, offering a relaxed setting with a dimly lit dining room and a small open kitchen. The atmosphere feels lively but never overwhelming, allowing guests to enjoy inventive takes on simple ingredients at their own pace.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

Pictured: ossetra caviar with crispy fried polenta crackers and chive-flecked creme fraiche. This is one of two supplement options at Tail Up Goat, an Adams Morgan restaurant serving a four course tasting menu. Dimly lit with a small visible kitchen, the restaurant’s chefs capture the essence of simple ingredients, such as broccoli or pecorino, and drops them into unexpected vessels. Having previously dined at the bar, we enjoyed the atmosphere in the dining room — lively but not too loud, energetic but not hectic.

Read more

Allegory is tucked behind Eaton DC’s Progress Library, where a striking mural reimagines Alice in Wonderland through Ruby Bridges’ story. Its creative cocktail program blends art, literature, and social awareness in a relaxed setting. This unique approach makes it a noteworthy spot for anyone visiting Washington, DC.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

One of the best bars in Washington DC Hidden behind the library of the Eaton hotel, Allegory is not only making outstanding cocktails but sending a social message through well-thought-out drinks.

Read more

Pascual is a cozy neighborhood spot on Capitol Hill in Washington, run by a husband-and-wife team who’ve honed their skills at some of the most respected Mexican restaurants. The dining room is small and simply decorated, giving it a welcoming feel that immediately puts you at ease. It’s a relaxed place where their years of expertise shine through without overwhelming the homey setting.

Recommended by

Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Walking into small corner restaurants deep inside residential neighborhoods was one of many delights during a pre-COVID trip to Buenos Aires. The stand out was a place that was an Italian coffee place in the morning, a sandwich stall for lunch, and a world-class restaurant in the evening. It was also a corner store, and while always busy, it was never packed enough to require a long wait. Many US cities have zoned out experiences like this, requiring you to head to downtown areas to eat out. And that is a shame because, in this post-COVID world where many of us work from home, downtown is usually a painful drive away. Now, on Capitol Hill, which I call home, there are some restaurants, as well as some entertainment hubs, like H Street and 8th Street, but outside them, not much. All that changed with the recently opened Mexican restaurant Pascual. When the news broke of not just a Mexican restaurant blocks away but a Mexican restaurant with the pedigree that Pascual showcases (chef Isabel Coss worked at Pujol), I was admittedly more than excited. As the renovation of a former BBQ place took shape, I regularly took detours to check if they had opened. And now, finally, Pascual is open to the public, a small, simply decorated corner place that makes you feel right at home. This just being the second week, everything looked like it had been around for years, with no mishaps. The first surprise was their mezcal selection, which, to my surprise included Neta, a brand I have enjoyed in Los Angeles many times but hadn’t come across East yet. Instead of picking one of the larger dishes, we opted for several of the smaller plates, while it looked like most people went with the lamb barbacoa. But the guacamole platter with various salsas and pickled vegetables and fruits made us quickly forget our barbacoa envy. While the ceviche was maybe a bit too saucy (yet still highly flavorful), the steak tartar was probably the most unexpected dish. The dish didn’t try to be French; it was an outstanding interpretation of this dish, served with wonderfully warm and thin freshly made tortillas. The taco al Pastor was juicy, though I would have loved to see the pineapple charred a bit for more of a smoky flavor. But seeing this taco served as a single taco was refreshing since, in most places, you have to get three tacos no matter how hungry you are. Lastly, for dessert, we shared a flourless chocolate cake served with a magical green hoja santa sauce, which was another clear highlight of the dinner. While DC’s Mexican restaurant scene is growing by the day, Pascual is in a league of its own. It is the first Mexican restaurant in DC that allows for comparisons to New York and Los Angeles. And it does so in a unique way, being not just a restaurant but also a neighbor. And next time I have to try the barbacoa.

Read more

Das Ethiopian Cuisine sits in Georgetown’s historic district and offers a cozy two-story space with an inviting patio. The restaurant focuses on serving fresh, locally sourced fare in a welcoming atmosphere. Guests appreciate its inclusive vibe and attentive service, making it a relaxed spot for all occasions.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

A meal on the patio at Georgetown’s Das Ethiopian Cuisine is a wonderful introduction to fresh injera topped with saucy selections like beef kay wat, chicken infillay and chicken doro wat.

Read more

L’Avant-Garde brings a bit of Paris to a historic Georgetown row house, with dim lighting and original fireplaces setting a relaxed mood. The menu highlights modern French-inspired fare, focusing on seasonal ingredients and simple, welcoming flavors. A thoughtful list of wines and cocktails rounds out the experience for anyone looking to enjoy a piece of Paris in Washington.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

A taste of Paris in DC French chef Gilles Epie aimed to create a restaurant that looks and tastes like what you find in Paris, and lo and behold, he accomplishes that lofty goal. The good looks of the dining room, set off with ribs of wood on the wall and gold domed lights over luxe booths, extends to the food: duck foie gras beignet glossed with port wine reduction, Scottish salmon paired with potato slices enliveved with tomato vinaigrette, a snow-white macaron garnished with jewel-like raspberries.

Read more

Casa Teresa is a Spanish restaurant in Washington that offers open-fire cooking with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Led by chef Rubén García, it draws on family traditions to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a relaxed space that honors Spanish heritage without feeling overly formal.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

Pristine ingredients are prepared diligently at this Spanish restaurant in the heart of the district. A detailed wine list pairs well with plates that are light and refreshing.

Read more

El Presidente brings a vibrant slice of Mexico City to Washington’s Union Market with bold décor and a menu that puts a modern spin on traditional flavors. Friendly service and a lively atmosphere make it a welcoming spot to enjoy a relaxed meal or drinks.

Recommended by

Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Let’s be honest: DC is not a city for great Mexican food. If that is what you are looking for, you go to New York, Philadelphia, maybe Chicago, and obviously LA … or better, you catch a flight to Mexico City. But over the last 15 years, DC has seen its food scene evolve dramatically, from steak and potatoes to almost any cuisine you could think of. One of the leading faces of that change has been Jose Andres. More recently, Stephen Starr has pushed the envelope, first with Le Diplomate and then St. Anselm. One thing Starr’s places have in common is that they make you feel like you enter a restaurant designed by Disney; there is an avalanche of color or, to a degree, stereotypes (think of Le Diplomate and its many references to what Americans would think of when they think of a French bistro, no matter how much that has in common with reality). But one would be wrong to judge these restaurants by their cover (which usually are stunning, if not over the top). What Starr is able to do, is to back up the design with amazing food and experiences. El Presidente (just a block down from St. Anselm in the Union Market neighborhood) is his take on Mexico. What Le Diplomate is to Paris, El Presidente is to Mexico City. By making this more about a city than a cuisine, Starr is able to have a bit more room to experiment on the food side and not have to be dragged down the “authentic” debate. El Presidente is stunning. The colors, the decor, it all bests Le Diplomate (and I would not have thought that was possible). But as with Le Diplomate, El Presidente doesn’t end up being a nice shell; the cocktails, the tequila and mezcal selection, the service, and the food are all backing it up. Now, is it true, authentic Mexican as you would find on the streets of Mexico City? No. But that is not the point here. The point is a place that you will have an amazing time at. And the food will still be the star of the evening. I would definitely order the Salsas and Dips (a huge plate with five salsas plus guac) and the Hamachi Aguachile. The Crab Tostada is another standout. There is the Instagram-friendly Tacos Al Carbon (build your own) that can be shared by several people. But if you want a ready-made taco, I would suggest the Black Cod Al Pastor. Lastly, especially in times when many restaurants have a hard time finding staff, it says a lot that Starr is able to attract amazing staff. Silvia, our server, was amazing, as were all the other staff who helped us. While the food, drinks, and decor all make we want to come back, this is also a place where the staff is so nice that you want to go back — and that is a rare thing these days.

Read more

Rose’s Luxury is a warm, Capitol Hill restaurant known for its ever-changing menu and relaxed tasting format. The friendly staff and inviting atmosphere make it a comfortable place to try something new without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

Rose’s Luxury has become the DC restaurant we talk about the most. From signature bites like the grilled ribeye and eggs with a “sidecar” of potatoes to fleeting specials like the cacio pepe soufflé and 12-hour smoked brisket sandwich, the food is complex and whimsical at once.  The loose tasting menu format allows diners to try multiple bites. With dessert included in the set price, there will be enough food to send you into a food coma, though the kind staff will gladly put your favorites in a box mid-meal to help you make it to the finish line.

Read more

SHŌTŌ Washington DC stands out with its dramatic design, featuring lava rocks overhead, a 25-foot ceiling inspired by Japanese basket weaving, and a wall covered in preserved ivy. Led by two experienced chefs, it offers a fresh dining experience in a striking setting.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

The splashiest spot to open in Washington in years. The food, from two top chefs, is just as fetching. It’s the splashiest spot to open in Washington in years. Behold the installation of lava rocks overhead! The 25-foot ceiling pays homage to Japanese basket weaving and one entire wall is green with preserved ivy. The food, from two top chefs, is just as fetching: one-bite tacos filled with salmon made creamy with wasabi aioli, pork ribs shiny with a barbecue sauce flavored with bonito and sushi cut with the precision of a Savile Row tailor. Hate making decisions? Spring for the five-course omakase.

Read more

The Red Hen has been a welcoming neighborhood spot in Washington for a decade under chef-owner Mike Friedman. It’s known for its cozy feel, with friendly service, warm lighting, and a wood-burning oven. Consistency and quality have kept diners returning year after year.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Chef-owner Mike Friedman launched the popular neighborhood spot 10 years ago. Consistency and quality account for the nice run. The pastas are Biden-approved and delicious. Winey beef cheeks with pappardelle, elevated with fresh oregano, call to me when it’s cold out. Squid ink linguine with calamari, sparked with lemon and ginger, are good anytime. The chef thinks of his restaurant as “ a warm blanket,” and sure enough, honeyed lighting, friendly service and a wood-burning oven make it a comfort.

Read more