Romantic Restaurants in Northern VA for Couples Night Out

Updated on February 8, 2024 by Julie McCool

These romantic restaurants in Northern VA are perfect for Valentine's day, to celebrate a special occasion, or for a tasty couples night out. Luxurious and unique decor, a quiet vibe, and top-notch food make these some of the best romantic places to eat in Northern Virginia.

All of the restaurants on our list have in-person dining and some offer takeout orders. Some of these romantic restaurants also have heated outdoor seating during the winter months.

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You'll find romantic restaurants in Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties below. Our list includes winter opening days, but follow the links to check for updates. We also highlight special romantic menus for Valentine's Day 2024 in Northern VA.

Romantic Restaurants in Northern Virginia

The romantic places on our list are perfect for Valentine's Day in Northern VA, but they're also great for a special occasion or any date night. Most of the options on our list offer fine dining, but we've included some less fancy restaurants too.

Restaurants are listed below alphabetically and we've included info on specials for Valentine's Day 2024. Follow the links to make reservations and for more details.

This guide to some of the best romantic restaurants in Northern VA is based on our personal dining experiences plus a few recommendations from friends. We know there are more romantic places to eat in the DC area (and we can't wait to try them) so our search for delicious date night ideas continues.

Show your love with these fabulous Romantic Getaways Near Washington DC.

2941 Restaurant, Falls Church

2941 Restaurant has been appearing on “best of” lists and earning accolades for years. This year, the restaurant is a semi-finalist for the 2024 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award. Tucked in an elegant setting in Falls Church, the menu emphasizes French and European flavors. Regular 2941 hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

Valentine's Day 2024: Enjoy a 3-course prix fixe menu, Feb 13 – 17.

Bistro L'Hermitage, Occoquan

An out-of-the-way cottage in the scenic village of Occoquan is home to Bistro L'Hermitage. The cozy interior sets the mood for delicious French classics like escargots and Coquilles St. Jacque, and diners rave about the excellent service. The Bistro serves dinner Tuesday – Sunday and brunch on weekends. Allow extra time for a stroll around historic Occoquan.

In prior years, the Bistro offered a special Valentine's menu on Feb 13 – 14.

The Conche, Leesburg

Indulge your sweetheart with a chocolate-infused feast at The Conche in the Village at Leesburg. The restaurant is named after a key step in the chocolate-making process, and it is one of the best chocolate shops in Northern Virginia. They offer beautiful chocolates and a full menu.

Eat in the cozy dining room or outdoor heated tent, or get your order to go. The Conche also hosts special chocolate-making classes. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday – Thursday and for brunch/lunch/dinner Friday – Sunday.

Valentine's Day 2024: The Conche features a 5-course prix fixe menu during Valentine's Week. You can also pick up a special Valentine's chocolate collection at the counter.

Indulge with chocolate truffles and romantic dinners at The Conche
Chocolate truffles The Conche

L'Auberge Chez Francois, Great Falls

L'Auberge Chez Francois has been delighting diners with French-Alsatian dishes for over 60 years. The country restaurant is consistently ranked among the top fine dining places in the Washington DC region, and Yelp names them one of the Top 100 Places to Eat in America.

Entrees are served prix fixe, accompanied by delicious courses from amuse to dessert and coffee. Downstairs, Jacques Brasserie serves more casual meals inside and on a lovely patio. L'Auberge Chez Francois is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

Valentine's Day 2024: The restaurant will serve a special champagne celebration menu on feb 15. You can also order a special 3-course to-go dinner to enjoy at home on Feb 14.

Visit L'Auberge on a Great Falls scenic drive on pretty country roads.
The Besy Romantic Restaurants in Northern VA include L'auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls Virginia
Romantic Restaurants Northern VA

Lightfoot, Leesburg

Lightfoot is one of our go-to Leesburg restaurants for a romantic couples' dinner in Northern VA. The restaurant occupies an old bank building in the historic downtown, and wine is stored in the original bank vault. Let the waiter know if you're celebrating a special day and your dessert may include a celebratory message.

Lightfoot is open Wednesday – Sunday for lunch and dinner, and hosts happy hour Wednesday – Friday.

Lightfoot birthday dessert
Lightfoot Restaurant, Leesburg

Magnolia's at the Mill, Purcellville

The small town of Purcellville offers a surprising number of excellent places to enjoy local food and drink. Magnolia's at the Mill occupies a renovated barn next to the historic train station at one end of the Washington & Old Dominion bike trail.

The rustic interior is a nice backdrop to excellent cocktails, steaks, and seafood. After your meal, take a romantic photo at the wine-inspired LOVE sign, at the edge of the parking area. Open daily 11:00 – 9:00, to 10:00 Friday and Saturday.

Valentine's Day 2024: Magnolias serves a special 3-course prix fixe dinner (plus amuse).

Magnolias at the Mill Purcellville Virginia
Magnolias at the Mill Purcellville VA

Maple Ave, Vienna

A tiny and unassuming building on the town of Vienna‘s main drag is home to innovative cuisine at Maple Ave Restaurant. The glass-enclosed “food shack” has only 10 tables, but that adds to the intimacy. The eclectic menu shifts with the seasons to highlight locally-sourced products.

Maple Ave serves dinner Wednesday – Sunday, and brunch is available on the weekends.

Valentine's Day 2024: Maple Ave usually offers feature a special prix fixe dinner on Feb 14 but you have to book early to get a table.

Plan your visit with our guide to Fun Things to do in Vienna Virginia.

Pazzo Pomodoro, Vienna and Ashburn

The attitude is more casual, but the classic Italian vibe at Pazzo Pomodoro is perfect for creating your own Lady and the Tramp moment. Linger over a big plate of fresh pasta, and follow your meal with an order of the tasty Baci de Sophia Loren, little cups of chocolate filled with cream and berries. Delicious!

Pazzo Pomodoro is daily for lunch and dinner. They also offer Happy Hour specials on weekdays.

Valentine's dinner at Pazzo Pomodoro one of our favorite romantic restaurants in Northern VA
Valentine's dinner Pazzo Pomodoro

The Restaurant at Potowmack Farm, Lovettsville

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm has been creating farm-to-table magic since before it became a trend. One of the first farm restaurants in the US, Patowmack occupies a hill at the edge of the river near Point of Rocks Bridge. Elegant and flavorful dishes are built around the farm's fresh produce and served in a romantically lit greenhouse.

Reservations are required, so plan ahead for this fabulous couple's night out in Northern VA. The restaurant serves dinner Thursday through Saturday, 5:30 – 8:00, and casual dining on Sunday, 3:00 – 6:00.

Valentine's Day 2024: The restaurant will be open on Feb 14 and the menu will celebrate Valentine's Day all month long.

Combine your visit with a scenic drive along the Virginia and Maryland border.

Trummer's, Clifton

A romantic dinner at Trummer's is just one of the reasons to visit the charming town of Clifton. Arrive in town early to explore historic homes, local shops, and Paradise Springs, the closest winery to Washington DC.

Trummer's upscale restaurant in small-town Virginia impresses diners with top-quality dishes and exceptional service. Dine indoors, on the porch, or order to go. Trummer's serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Valentine's Day 2024: Trummer's offers a 3-course Valentine's brunch on Feb 10 and 11, a 3-course prix fixe dinner on February 10, 13, and 14, and the same menu for lunch Feb 13 and 14.

Trummers on Main, fine dining in Clifton Virginia
Trummers, Clifton Virginia

Tuscarora Mill, Leesburg

Tuscarora Mill, one of our favorite Leesburg restaurants, occupies another historic downtown building. Many couples prefer the main dining and bar area, surrounded by signs of the former mill including antique mill equipment and rough-hewn, wooden beams.

Request a table in one of the smaller rooms if you prefer more privacy. “Tuskies” is open for lunch and dinner daily, and offers a special Sunday brunch.

Valentine's Day 2024: Tuscarora Mill offers a special 3-course menu on February 14.

Plan a romantic weekend: Leesburg Getaway in Northern Virginia Wine Country.

More Ways to Show Your Love in Northern VA

Looking to celebrate Valentine's Day with more than a special dinner? Plan a whole weekend of love at these Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC.

Or skip the fancy meal and show your love in a more unique way when you visit these Romantic Places in Virginia and DC, No Reservation Required. Our list includes everything from cozy spots to outdoor adventures.

Create a Valentine's Day keepsake with a photo session at one of the many cool Virginia LOVEworks. These unique LOVE signs are a perfect backdrop for family photos or a special selfie with your sweetie.

The LOVE sign in Lovettsville Virginia, a perfect spot for romantic and family photos.
LOVE sign in Lovettsville Virginia

Speaking of sweets, these Local Chocolate Shops in Northern Virginia will help you score a tasty treat on Valentine's Day or all year long. (It's always time for chocolate, right?) Or celebrate your Virginia love with these Virginia Gifts for Anyone Who LOVEs VA.

Special occasions like Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and birthdays always spur our search for romantic restaurants in Northern Virginia. But love is worth celebrating every day, and a couple's night out is always in order. Wherever you choose to enjoy your next romantic meal, we wish you a happy and tasty time.

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Virginia Dining. Romantic restaurants in Northern VA perfect for Valentine's day, to celebrate a special occasion, or for a couples night out.
Romantic Restaurants in Northern VA