Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and the shame of organizing a genuine special evening can be ruthless. Weeks of cozy home cooking or perhaps simple takeaway have made couples yearn for something different and yet manage to find a way to access the resources of finding that balance between atmosphere, divine food with a touch of romance. A thoughtful dinner is not so much about the food, but creating an experience that evokes conversation, nostalgia, and leaves your sweetheart feeling adored.
The perfect dinner date does make a difference. Around town, restaurants are celebrating Valentine’s Day with holiday menus, special promotions, and ambiance that will wow. If your perfect evening is candlelit intimate dinners, gourmet comfort food, or decadent tasting menus, the perfect restaurant can transform an ordinary dinner into an evening to cherish. It’s an opportunity to let all of your senses run free, be in the moment, and have the gastronomic brilliance of a passionate chef design a setting for romance.
We’ve searched near and far to bring you a personally curated list of 14 great restaurants that guarantee a Valentine’s Day to remember. From Mediterranean vacations to cultural cross-breeds in the creative mind, each venue has something new to share, whether in the form of a hedonistic meal, a cheeky reimagining of the norm, or a sleazy evening in a seductive atmosphere. With this guidebook, you’ll have far more than enough ideas to make arrangements for the ideal night for your loved one.
1. Balos: A Greek-Isle Romance in Dupont
Balos takes couples to a paradise island Greek holiday without leaving the city at all. Their five-course Valentine’s Day dinner starts with an amuse-bouche, in which clients are treated to bite-sized mezze or boat-fresh sashimi, and the hedonistic experience has already been teased out. This is followed by avgolemono soup or refreshing Greek salad to awaken the palate for hedonistic main courses such as Maryland crabcakes, skewers of grilled seabass, and lobster bucatini. Every course jollies along with vivid, fresh Mediterranean flavors.
- Greek-island-like atmosphere that accompanies it provides a transportive one.
- Five-course menu specially created for gastronomic discovery.
- Classic Greek sweets such as baklava and galaktoboureko.
- Sophisticated service that provides intimacy and warmth.
The evening is topped off with Greek-themed desserts evoking the table tradition, accompanied by beautiful décor that contributes to the romantic ambiance. The couples get to feel the warmth, the charm, and the elegance of a sun-kissed getaway without ever leaving Dupont, and memories to keep for a lifetime long after the night’s over.
2. Caruso’s Grocery: Italian-American Fine Comfort
Caruso’s Grocery delivers upscale Italian-American comfort with the comfort of recognized flavors. Its Valentine’s $95 dinner features lobster tagliatelle in tomato-brandy cream and slow-cooked veal parmesan, served sliced with a winter green salad and truffle vinaigrette. All is handmade for comfort, excess, and refinement, appealing to couples seeking tradition and indulgence.
- Intimate, comfortable environment conducive to private conversation.
- Creative reinterpretation of classic Italian-American standards with thoughtful presentation.
- Thoughtfully crafted courses of rich and fresh ingredients.
- Elegant service that makes the evening dinner experience unforgettable.
Cozy atmosphere invites couples to take their time with each course, savoring a harmony of comfort and culinary sophistication. With soothing flavors coupled with elegant technique, Caruso’s Grocery elevates a traditional dinner into a night of romance and extravagance.
3. Centrolina: Seafood Symphony by Chef Amy Brandwein
Centrolina is ideal for those who adore romance with food ingenuity. Five-course seafood tasting menu by Chef Amy Brandwein for $185 per person includes offerings like the monkfish with pink peppercorns, tortelloni in oyster sauce, and black cod in mole sauce. The showstopper, light raspberry tiramisu, is just the balance of richness and complexity.
- Seafood-themed tasting menu for the senses.
- Traditional and innovative food pairings in novel presentation.
- In-home pasta kit meal option for shared dining.
- Refined ambiance that treats every meal like a special occasion.
For an at-home Valentine’s Day dinner, Centrolina provides its pasta kit featuring red-wine truffle tagliolini, heart-shaped beet ravioli, and chestnut pappardelle. Cooking together becomes a creative and shared act, relishing the spirit of Valentine’s Day outside the restaurant walls.
4. Chang Chang: Peter Chang’s Modern Chinese Romance
Chang Chang offers a daring, adventurous meal with its four-course prix fixe ($158 for two). The Shanghai soup dumplings, Peking duck crispy, and wagyu lo mein are highlights, displaying traditional as well as innovative techniques. Couples who want a distinctive, savory adventure won’t soon forget this excursion.
- Sophisticated Chinese food with innovative techniques.
- Four-course prix fixe with superior ingredients.
- Refined atmosphere welcoming to subdued conversation.
- Experiential taste combinations for an unforgettable experience.
Chef Peter Chang’s culinary creations promise an elegant and memorable dining experience, perfect for couples celebrating together. Each course showcases skillful technique and bold, inventive flavours that elevate traditional Chinese cuisine. Guests are invited on a unique culinary journey, discovering new tastes and textures that surprise and delight the palate.
5. The Dabney: Comfort within the Blazing Hearth
Dabney blends warm hospitality with rustic Mid-Atlantic cuisine. The nine-course dinner ($235) is offered for a complete culinary experience or the three-course dinner ($105) for a finely selected experience. Both are supplemented by seasonal, regional products molded into thoughtful masterpieces.
- Warm hearthside atmosphere ideal for special nights.
- Seasonal Mid-Atlantic cuisine cooked to perfection.
- Versatile menu options to please every taste.
- Immersive experience honoring local flavor.
With crackling fires and immaculately prepared dishes, The Dabney provides cozy but chic ambiance. Couples may indulge every other second, savoring flavors that most vividly honor the surrounding harvest.
6. Evening Star Café: Live Music & Neighborhood Charm
Evening Star Café provides a fun and interactive Valentine’s experience for $75 set menu and live Beatles cover band music. Lobster-and-prawn raviolo, foie gras parfait with challah French toast, scallops, and beef tenderloin are among the menu items that marry sophistication and comfort with affordability.
- Live music to provide celebratory and romantic atmosphere.
- Range of menus to cater to different tastes.
- Neighborhood character conducive to relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
- Considerate service refining each meal.
Coupled enjoy a blend of music, dialogue, and first-rate food. The chilly but party ambiance is an evening to recall, merging party and romance in an ideal romantic Valentine’s Day evening.
7. Imperfecto: In Search of Love (and Ceviche!) in the West End
Imperfecto in the West End has singles and couples experience something different. Chef Enrique Limardo serves a six-course prix-fixe tasting menu ($180 per person) or a singles dinner ($220 per person), some with dishes such as poached-shrimp ceviche. The progressive nature of the restaurant means that each dish is a surprise and a delight.
- Singles- and couple-friendly accessible experiences.
- Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine influences.
- Fun environment conducive to feeling connected.
- Progressive cooking methods that guarantee surprise and delight.
Couple up on a taste journey, singles on a quest for love, in an intimate festive atmosphere. Imperfecto is not like the rest on Valentine’s Day because food, setting, and company meet here.
8. Iron Gate: Mediterranean Romance in a “Tunnel of Love”
Iron Gate converts its arbored carriageway into a “Tunnel of Love.” Its four-course ($99 per person) features oysters, lobster tortellini with three caviar options, and a 24-ounce porterhouse to share. This new Mediterranean cuisine casts any couple under a spell.
- “Seven Bridges Cafe” atmosphere for casual dining.
- Four-course Mediterranean dining with lavish flair.
- Space for full-course meals or snacks.
- Shapely shared plates designed to impress couples.
Whether for dinner or a night visit to the bar, Iron Gate offers a night that will not be forgotten anytime soon. The combination of creative culinary delights and sleek ambiance ensures a night of culinary and love discovery.
9. Jônt: When “Excess” is Precisely What You’re Looking For
Jônt presents couples with the possibility of having it all. Valentine’s Day tasting menu for $695 is completely stocked with auction-grade uni, champagne, truffles, and caviar. Valentine’s week, however, begins at $495 so there is room enough for discretion without compromising on luxury.
- Indulgent tasting menu that envelops in opulence.
- House signature indulgent ingredients that make the night a night to remember.
- Intimate second-story dining for a secluded, immersive evening.
- Flexible dates for Valentine’s week festivities.
Fine dining at Jônt is a half-show, half-dinner night with theatrical flair and first-class service. It is an unforgettable, elegant celebration for couples looking to indulge in romance.
10. Joon: A Persian Love Story in Northern Virginia
Joon blends classic Persian cooking with refined modern architecture. The $120 dinner dish includes appetizers of seared halloumi or foie gras, main courses of grilled lobster tail and ribeye kabob, and dessert with theme dessert course of Persian love cake.
- Refined Persian fine dining experience.
- Combining ancient heritage and modern sophistication.
- Thoughtful menu with theme dessert course.
- Potential addition of flowers and champagne to make it more romantic.
Each course at this exquisite dining experience showcases the rich, aromatic flavours of Persian spices, crafted with masterful technique and attention to detail. Couples are treated to an exclusive cultural journey, where every dish tells a story of tradition, creativity, and passion. Each plate is a work of art, blending vibrant flavours with elegant presentation to delight both the eyes and the palate.
11. La Bise: Refined French Romance Near the White House
La Bise brings the timeless charm of a classic French bistro to Valentine’s Day dining. Their $150 three-course menu is a culinary journey, featuring signature gougères, decadent bone marrow sabayon oysters, and luxurious foie gras torchon. Guests can also savour a rich risotto of wild mushrooms and the exquisitely prepared duck Calvados, each dish showcasing expert technique and refined flavours.
- Lovely White House-adjacent atmosphere with romantic flair.
- Luxurious French classic cuisine elevated to new heights for Valentine’s Day.
- Thoughtful three-course meal that indulges in rich ingredients.
- Romantic dining and meal-enjoying ambiance.
Couples can savour every course while immersed in a Parisian-themed ambiance that transports them straight to the streets of France. La Bise emphasizes perfection on every plate, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The setting exudes romance and refined elegance, creating the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
12. L’Auberge Chez Francois: Alsatian Charming with Musical Flair
This intimate Alsatian-style home in Great Falls transforms into a fairy-tale setting, perfect for a magical Valentine’s Day celebration. Guests can indulge in a lavish seven-course European menu, featuring exquisite dishes such as chateaubriand, beef Wellington, and rich, velvety lobster bisque. The experience is elevated by live serenades from the talented guitarist Jarett Laskey, adding a melodic charm to the evening.
- Seven-course European meal.
- Live music to accompany romantic atmosphere.
- Flexible seating from lunch to dinner.
- “Chez vous” service for dining at home.
Couples can immerse themselves in an enchanting atmosphere, where every detail is designed to delight the senses. They can savour exquisite gourmet cuisine while enjoying a soothing musical landscape that perfectly complements the evening. It’s a full five-senses experience, a night to remember that evokes the magic and sophistication of an international vacation.
13. Lutèce: Georgetown’s Popular Bistro Opens Special for V-Day
Lutèce invites guests to experience a luxurious six-course tasting menu from February 14 to 17, masterfully crafted by chefs Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss. Each course showcases their culinary expertise, combining refined flavours and artistic presentation for an unforgettable dining experience. Optional sparkling wine pairings are available to perfectly complement the dishes, adding a celebratory touch to the meal.
- Six-course tasting menu special for Valentine’s week.
- Pair with a glass of bubbly wine for a taste enhancement.
- Romantic, interactive table dining.
- Celebrity chefs making great culinary masterpieces.
This distinctive opening offers couples a perfect opportunity to celebrate and showcase their love at a charming Georgetown bistro. Each course is thoughtfully crafted, highlighting culinary innovation, refined technique, and elegant presentation. The result is a captivating dining experience that feels both intimate and memorable, designed to delight the senses from start to finish.
14. Opal: A Chevy Chase Gem with Creative Options
Opal’s prix fixe dinner for $100 balances comfort and creativity. Choices include herb focaccia or tuna tostada as a starter, roasted beet salad or lobster bisque as a first course, shrimp polenta or gnocchi as a second course, and duck a l’orange for dessert.
- Creative menu of familiar and unfamiliar tastes combined.
- Upscale dining setting ideal for a couple to have their romantic evening out.
- Balance in multi-course meal.
- A chance to have a new taste as a couple.
Opal invites guests on an extraordinary culinary journey that delights all the senses. Couples can explore seasonal flavours thoughtfully elevated through expert preparation and imaginative presentation. Each dish is crafted to surprise and inspire, making Valentine’s Day both memorable and delightfully unique.
