Good Fancy Restaurant in Northern Virginia?

Question

My girlfriend and I have our anniversary (2 year) coming up and I'm looking to take her to a nice restaurant. Not exactly 5 star, but its time to step up my game too. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm looking around but want to see what people suggest. Also, alcohol and wines don't make a difference because we are still too young to order alcohol (19 years old). Thanks!

Answer 1

I really like the Chart House in Old Town Alexandria (http://www.chart-house.com/).  The place is gorgeous and somewhat fancy without breaking the bank, plus the food is great.  There are really breathtaking views of the river and city from many tables.  Be sure to request these seats when making a reservation.

Also in Old Town, The Wharf (http://www.warehousebarandgrill.com/Whar... has delicious food and a romantic atmosphere.  Le Gaulois on King Street in Old Town has great French food and is also very fancy and romantic.  

Those 3 places I mentioned above are a bit pricey, but since it's for a special occasion they are definitely worth it.  But in case they're out of your price range, Il Porto (http://www.ilportoristorante.com/), an Italian place in Old Town on King Street is a bit cheaper and also has a nice romantic atmosphere and is not overly casual.

Sorry that all my suggestions are in Old Town, but that's really the only place I go out.  Plus it's worth the trip because Old Town is romantic and a nice after dinner stroll through the town and by the river might spice up your night!  Happy Anniversary!

Answer 2

How about a lovely drive out to Great Falls, and dinner at a very nice Italian restaurant, Dante, there.

It's not cheap, but it's not overpriced either.  My husband and I enjoy it a lot.

Here is a link to a nice review:

http://www.danterestaurant.com/html/revi...

Answer 3

How about the Majestic in Alexandria for some excellent American comfort food. This is one of the top 100 restaurants in the DC/VA area.

Answer 4

Go somewhere fun like Jaleo or Zaytiniya, neither will break the bank and the food is s**y and fun

Answer 5

I'd say either Carlyle in Shirlington, Willow in Arlington, or if you're willing to spring for more, Restaurant Eve in Alexandria (the bistro, not the tasting room since the tasting room is definitely 5 star).  Eve has the best food, but it's also the most expensive - three courses without alcohol will probably run you about $55 each not including tax/tip.  Willow in Arlington is very good and fancier than a lot of the restaurants suggested above, but cheaper than Eve.  I don't know much about Carlyle but I've heard it mentioned as a nice, not-too-expensive restaurant.

Answer 6

Bring her into the district and go to the Tabard Inn!  It is located on N St East of Connecticut between Dupont and Farragut Metro stops.  Cool place with a sweet ambiance; old inn turned restaurant really great food!  Avoid the chains and come on in!  Congratulations!

Answer 7

That is somewhat complicated but I assume you have been doing chain's like Chilis and such. I also assume at 19 you don't want to spend $300 for dinner.

Much depends on where in NOVA you live. Part of the romance thing is not having to drive an hour and a half to a place and then after a leisurly dinner having to drive back. There are also too many places to list.

The places suggested in Old town are good. Yes there are super fancy but reasonable places everywhere. But there are steps up that are decent and do the job.

Bonefish Grill (Gainesville, Centreville, Loudoun) have a nice atmosphere and I have never had anything that is not excellent on the menu. Mike's American Grill in Springfield is good.

Wherever you go and whatever you do try to avoid a Friday or Saturday if at all possible. You don't want to wait 2 hours for a table. Even places that take reservations can be a bit hectic.

Now my wife and I have tried pretty much every upscale place in the region. We are also very well traveled. One place that we find very cool is the Aegean Taverna in Arlington.

It's Greek and we lived in Greece for a year.The food is spot on and has white table cloths and all of that. You can have a romantic dinner. But a little later they break out the greek musicians and people start having fun and it becomes interesting. It is actually like if you were to go on a honeymoon in Greece.

Answer 8

Washington Burger!

The best forever!

You will leave never!

And stay together!

So go to Washington Burger!