Woman and man looking at each other on couch laying on couch

Planning the perfect date night can be a bit of a chore. There’s just so much to do, and it can be hard to narrow it down! If you are a foodie, you need a romantic restaurant where you can have an unforgettable meal with your partner. Luckily, we have lots of local spots that are perfect for exactly that! As a Northern Virginia boudoir photographer, I adore working with people to help them spice things up. Here are the romantic restaurants in Northern Virginia I always recommend!

Plan A Beautiful Date Night At These Fantastic Romantic Restaurants In Northern Virginia

L'Auberge Chez Francois

332 Springvale Road, Great Falls, Virginia 22066

If you are looking for divine food in a quaint romantic restaurant atmosphere in Northern Virginia, I think you are going to adore L’Auberge Chez François! This award-winning restaurant was started by François Haeringer back in 1954. Over the decades, it has never lost its charm. It remains family-owned by the Haeringer family, creating meals in accordance with François's original vision. The restaurant offers fresh seafood served in French-inspired meals. They also have signature cocktails that are guaranteed to elevate the experience. Because it is so in demand, they require that you schedule reservations in advance for a table. Occasionally, they will accommodate walk-ins, but it’s best to play it safe!

Ellie Bird

125 Founder’s Ave, Falls Church, Virginia 22046

If modern Northern Virginia cuisine is more your style, Ellie Bird is the romantic restaurant for you! If you’ve visited Rooster + Owl in Washington, DC, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with this spot. While Rooster + Owl opened in 2019, the pandemic changed the industry entirely. That inspired the owners to create a brand new, chef-driven restaurant. The food is elevated, but the atmosphere is never stuffy. You can try decadent steak, miso cod, or fennel pasta. If three-course meals are more your thing, you can stop by for their Prix Fixe menu. Their brunch is also pretty amazing, giving you unlimited pancakes along with high-end drinks.

Trattoria Villagio

7145 Main Street, Clifton, Virginia 20104

Trattoria Villagio is an Italian restaurant that aims to turn each visit into an experience. For them, it’s not just about crafting a delicious meal (even though they excel at doing so!). They provide a warm and inviting environment that’s perfect for everything from group get-togethers to first dates. For their dishes, they use fresh ingredients transformed into authentic Italian meals. You can choose from homemade pasta, freshly caught seafood, tapas, and grilled steak. They also have a pretty impressive raw bar where you can order local oysters and clams.

Trummer's

7134 Main Street, Clifton, Virginia 20104

If you love wine, you have to visit Trummer’s! This woman-owned romantic restaurant was started by Victoria Trummer and her husband, mixologist Stefan Trummer in Northern Virginia. Located just a few doors down from Trattoria Villagio, it has spent over 15 years providing fabulous wine paired with out-of-this-world dishes. Their wine cellar is seriously massive. With space for over 8,000 bottles, it’s the largest one in the Mid-Atlantic region. Even if you aren’t feeling that hungry, I would recommend stopping in and grabbing a chair at the communal tasting table so you can start your date out on the right note! For their food, they offer boursin pasta, rack of lamb, seafood, and ribeye.

Heirloom

1871 Fountain Drive, Suite 300, Reston, Virginia 20190

If you are looking for the best cocktails this side of DC, you really cannot go wrong with Heirloom! This restaurant takes inspiration from the speakeasies of years past with its hidden entrance and its plush interior. Their craft drinks are positively decadent, offering options like martinis, gimlets, and barrel-aged old fashions. They also offer several zero-proof drinks with flavors that will ensure you never feel like you are missing out. When it comes to their food, you can choose options like fresh seafood, spicy pasta, heirloom burgers, and hand-cut steaks.

2941 Restaurant

2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22042

2941 Restaurant gives you an atmosphere that is so immaculate and romantic that it’s often used for intimate Northern Virginia weddings and gatherings. With this restaurant, you can enjoy fabulous food paired with a gorgeous view. The interior features floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the sights of rural Falls Church. A small waterfall runs past the entrance while koi fish happily swim away just feet from the front door. The executive chef, Bertrand Chemel, offers a tasting menu with flavors that come from across the globe. From vegetarian fare to smoked venison, they have just the thing for the perfect dinner out! They also offer a menu of specialty cocktails and mocktails.

Bistro L'Hermitage

12724 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, Virginia 22192

For over two decades, Bistro L’Hermitage has specialized in beautifully presented French food. The atmosphere is positively unmatched! From the second you walk through the doors, you will feel as though you’ve stepped across a map into an old-world French cottage. Their menu is impressive, offering options like boeuf bourguignon, foie de veau, and seared pepper tuna. You can try out some escargots or stick with a chef’s special. They also have a number of experiences, including holiday tasting menus and four-course meals. If breakfast is more your speed, swing by on the weekend so you can try out their brunch!

Fahrenheit 132

318 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401

Fahrenheit 132 is here to put a little bit of joy into each and every meal! This award-winning restaurant is constantly searching for the freshest ingredients to bring you farm-to-table food. Their Butcher Cut menu is truly fabulous, bringing you a variety of options from Virginia-raised cattle. You can enjoy carefully seasoned, expertly grilled steaks with a side of the market fresh vegetable of the day. If red meat isn’t exactly your thing, you can try a bucket of oysters or stick with a yellowfin tuna. They also have creative veg options like eggplant parmesan or General Tso’s Cauliflower.

You Are Guaranteed To Enjoy Your Meal And Time Together At These Romantic Restaurants In Northern Virginia

If you are looking for the perfect destination for your next date night, I just know you are going to adore these romantic restaurants in Northern Virginia! You will have a romantic night you’ll remember for years to come!

Looking for another way to spice things up? Then I’m your girl! I am a Northern Virginia boudoir photographer, and I adore working with clients to plan empowering sessions that will help you fall in love with yourself. Whether you want them for a gift for your partner or you just need the chance to gas yourself up, I have just the option! Send me a message today if you would like to learn more!