DH and I have an upcoming event in Washington and are seeking a place for a romantic, special dinner in the city. We are pescetarians, appreciate smaller restaurants where staff enjoys sharing info about the food and wine, and like a setting with a bit of charm. Outdoor or courtyard dining is fine if weather permits. Our date is close enough that places that require booking far in advance aren’t an option. Any favorites that might fit the bill? I’m willing to splurge on this surprise for DH. Thanks in advance.
So so many options…1789, Rose’s Luxury, A Rake’s Progress, Le Diplomate…
I don’t know that I’d recommend Le Dip for a romantic dinner - it’s a bit noisy! It’s one of my faves but not romantic. Recently we have really enjoyed Blue Duck Tavern in the West End. One Michelin star, excellent wine list, great service and food. On my list to try is Fiola Mare - on the Georgetown waterfront. My daughter recently enjoyed Iron Gate very much. Lots and lots of options!
My son and his girlfriend live in DC and like eating out . They also have liked Iron Gate and Rose’s Luxury . Fiola Mare, also mentioned, is supposed to be good. We (and they), like Le Diplomate,but agree that it is noisy(and very large). Have fun!
I love Plume in the Jefferson hotel for a special occasion.
Grillfish, Fiola Mare, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak,Stone Crab
Thank you all for the suggestions. I am off to research your suggestions. Appreciate sharing the atmospheres; that makes a difference on a special night.
We loved zetinya. a middle eastern, greek, turkish fusion restaurant. Lunch is casual but Dinner may be cozy.
Cafe Milano in Georgetown.
ETA: Best dessert I’ve ever had … and I’ve had a lot of desserts.
Try one of the many restaurants at the Wharf. Special occasion and a fun area. There is one (pricey) from the owner of Fiola Mare there. It’s beautiful inside. In Chinatown Zatinya is great (but noisy), same with Jaleo.
Kinship.
I would also nix Le Diplomat. Way too loud. Fiola Mare would have been my suggestion but we haven’t been out in DC in a long while.
Zaytinya and Jaleo also don’t sound like what the OP is looking for. Very nice restaurants though.
Appreciate all the input. Still sorting it out. As we are there for a couple of days, suggestions may fit for different meals. Haven’t been to DC in a few years. Many of these look appealing; thanks for these thoughtful replies.
Since you are now looking for different meals as well- Rasika (2 different locations) is very good (if you like Indian food).
My son and his girlfriend liked The Dabney.
I don’t know that I’d call Grillfish romantic, but the food is good. For the record, they have an outrageously good happy hour at the bar that goes till 7pm with $1 oysters and a whole host of great appetizers.
Thanks all. It’s a complicated weekend for us; DH has intermittent work events, our adult kids will be there, perhaps grabbing a meal on their own, etc. All like Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, seafood, Italian and Indian food. Hard to predict how it will shake out, so having multiple recommendations will be very helpful. Friday night will just be DH and I, so that will be booked ahead. Very helpful ideas and observations about the type of dining atmosphere different restaurants have.
Middle Eastern-Mama Ayesha’s. Been around since 1960.
Last year, I tagged along with H when he went on a business trip to DC. We were invited to have dinner with the folks he was meeting. They told us to an Italian restaurant, Fiola, which was excellent. Great food—not your typical Italian fare.
Circling back to say we enjoyed a great meal at Fiola Mare. Interesting preparations in a beautiful setting and the focus on seafood was appreciated. Thanks to all of you. Hoping to try some other suggestions on future trips.