Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Virginia - DC Suburbs

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Virginia - DC Suburbs? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (2456)

$31 to $50

French

Great Falls

About the restaurant

Restaurants in Alsace traditionally have a formal main dining room as well as a casual dining room known locally as a weinstube or brasserie. At the brasserie, diners may enjoy traditional, hearty Alsatian dishes in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. These friendly establishments are immensely popular with Alsatians and visiting them is always the best part of my trips back to Alsace. I opened Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez François to bring the tastes and comforts of the Alsatian brasserie to Great Falls.

Top review

Daniel

Dined 1 day ago

Great experience service was excellent. The food was outstanding!

Dante Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1428)

$30 and under

Italian

Great Falls

About the restaurant

Dante Restaurant offering delicious, authentic Italian cuisine, celebrates its 31st anniversary this year. Dante Restaurant is located just minutes from Tysons Corner and Reston Town Center, in the historic Leigh House in Great Falls, VA, a beautifully renovated Victorian mansion. It provides cozy fine dining experience in its seven private dining rooms and a lounge, A full bar and a selection of fine Italian and American wines with more are on hand. On-site free parking is available.

Top review

MelindaVIP

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Took my elderly mother here for lunch. Requested and waited for a table with ambiance. Food was excellent and very reasonable. Fried calamari, veal marsale, ravioli with veal and a tomato cream sauce, and a special squash ravioli. All very tasty, served hot and very well priced. The dining room is lovely and sophisticated, a rarity nowadays. No one in jeans or baseball hats. Our waiter was lovely

SHIA Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (36)

$50 and over

Korean

Washington

About the restaurant

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.

**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

Top review

KennyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing experience. Food and service were on another level. After each delicate course, I was left wanting more which is ingenious because now I have to come back again. Darn. Thank you SHIA.

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Experience

4 Course Pre-Fixe (Lounge Only)

Experience

7 Course Pre-Fixe (Dining Room)

Taste of Old Country

5.0

5 (107)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Manassas

About the restaurant

Taste of Old Country provides a truly unique artisan bistro & market experience combining the world of food service, private events & retail gourmet food shopping, all under one roof. Home of the Mega Platter, a Mediterranean themed charcuterie board as well as a variety of small bites, artisan panini's, salads, pizza and desserts, you will definitely have a Taste of Old Country, where everything starts and ends with good food, wine, hospitality and friends.

Our bistro wine bar is ideal for a date night, lunch meeting, friends/social/family gatherings or to host smaller corporate/private events. While our culinary wonders cater to all pallets we kindly recommend and welcome our dining experience to adults and older family groups, as our space is not suited for infants or young children.

Conveniently located 1 mile off Exit 47 on I-66 in Balls Ford Center, across the street from the Holiday Inn on Balls Ford Rd.

Top review

Fermina

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

The restaurant is super cute and very clean. The staff was welcoming and friendly. The food was very good. The wine was tasty. I really enjoyed seeing the products that were sold there.

L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (9274)

$50 and over

French

Great Falls

About the restaurant

Welcome to L'Auberge Chez François, our French country inn a short distance from the nation's capital that has captivated visitors for over 66 years. L'Auberge Chez François is the ideal spot to celebrate special moments, private parties, luncheons, weddings, and cooking demonstrations. Our menu is extensive and full of the flavors of Alsace and traditional French cuisine. Excellent food and service, attention to detail, and a casually elegant atmosphere are hallmarks that have made L'Auberge Chez François a Washington favorite! We hope that you will enjoy your visit with us. Should you not see your preferred time to dine with us, please call us at 703-759-3800.

Top review

Glenn

Dined 2 days ago

Our onion soup was excellent and easily spooned from the crock. My veal was nicely prepared and my companion’s steak as ordered. Expresso not overly bitter. Service as expected. Afternoon’s Winter chill tended to by fireplace as snow fell gently outside. This is the way Christmas time is supposed to be.

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Claire's at the Depot

4.8

4.8 (3632)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Warrenton

About the restaurant

In a casual yet elegant atmosphere, set in a recently remodelled century old historic train station, Claire's passion is great food and outstanding service. Offering contemporary American cuisine - local, seasonally focused - with a Southern flaire. The renovation honors the historic character of the Warrenton Train Depot, resulting in a warm, comfortable environment for casual meetings with friends, or special occasions and intimate family meals. The warm, elegant Garden Room provides seating for intimate meals, while the Tavern Room features a more casual dining experience in luxurious surroundings. A rotating selection of craft beers is available on tap, and the wine service is regularly expanded. Outdoor dining is available in season, and private events can be hosted in one of several areas in the restaurant. Awarded "Best of Warrenton" every year since 2006.

Top review

Paola

Dined 2 days ago

Claire’s has amazing food, great service and an amazing ambiance. Highly recommend!

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Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

La Bonne Vie

4.8

4.8 (45)

$31 to $50

French

Herndon

About the restaurant

Nestled in Herndon, our restaurant radiates the timeless charm of a Parisian bistro, offering a menu that celebrates classic French entrees with our own twist. Each dish is a testament to our commitment to quality and authenticity, crafted with passion and precision by our talented chef. From Trout Amandine to Steak Frites, every bite at La Bonne Vie is a journey through the flavors and traditions that define French gastronomy.

At La Bonne Vie, we believe that dining is more than just a meal; it's an experience that enriches life and creates lasting memories. Our warm and inviting atmosphere, paired with attentive service and a thoughtfully curated wine selection, invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in the simple pleasures of good food and good company. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening out or a gathering with friends and family, La Bonne Vie welcomes you to embrace "the good life" in every delicious bite.

Top review

dougVIP

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Always a wonderful meal and service! A true family run fine dining experience!

Bistro L'Hermitage

4.9

4.9 (6418)

$31 to $50

French

Woodbridge

About the restaurant

As the Historic Occoquan Waterfront Area welcomes L'Hermitage, a Classic French Bistro, we welcome you. Long time DC restaurateur (21 Federal/Bob Kinkead (RIP),Ex Co-Owner of Marcels DC, Watergate Hotel F&B) Youssef Eagle Essakl has transformed a building and the surrounding property in historic downtown Occoquan into his vision of a Romantic French country bistro. L'Hermitage, a great escape from the hectic DC restaurant scene, promises 'relaxed good taste' with the polish and sophistication of fine dining. Join us for a very special experience.
Our Motto is:
"Hospitality is the Art of Making Others Feel Welcome, Comfortable, and at Home.
It is the Talent for Spreading Warmth and Kindness that will be Remembered Always."

Top review

Barbara

Dined 3 days ago

I’ve always wanted to go to this restaurant and I see why it was crowded on a Thursday night, it’s very special.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Duo Filet Mignon & Homard

Popular dish

Foie Gras

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

4.9

4.9 (1680)

$50 and over

American

Lovettsville

About the restaurant

www.patowmackfarm.com
Sourcing food and supporting local artisan growers and producers and utilizing our farm as the chefs pantry gives us the opportunity to create an evolving menu that draws its inspiration from the seasons and in harmony with the earth. The venue has a breathtaking view and natural setting overlooking the Potomac River. We offer a tasting menu Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check the website for the menu.
Wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate or special event – we strive to exceed your dreams. Innovative and skillfully executed dishes follow the lead of nature, being mindful of the environment.
*Due to the style of menu on special events and holidays and the complexities involved with individual and specific food allergies, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions on those days. We make every effort to provide vegetarian and accommodate gluten sensitivities.*
2024 #1 Northern VA Magazine - "Michelin inspectors, take note."

Top review

DEBBIE

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

It is no surprise that this restaurant is in the top 5 of every Best Restaurant List for the DMV. Food is presented beautifully, service is impeccable but not stuffy and the restaurant itself is comfortable, charming and definitely unusual. This restaurant is actually an “experience”, not an eatery.

Carmello's Of Old Town Manassas

4.8

4.8 (1031)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Manassas

About the restaurant

Carmello's Of Old Town Manassas is a family owned and operated restaurant in Historic Manassas, which specializes in Contemporary Cuisine with Italian and Portuguese Fusion. The restaurant features a seasonal menus with locally sourced items from local farms. We are proud to be featured as one of the 50 best restaurants in Northern Virginia By Northern Virginia Magazine.

To accompany your dinner, select from our 2010-2023 Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List. Come try our extensive Portuguese wine list and taste for yourself what everyone will be talking about. We currently carry over 75 Portuguese wines from such regions as Alentejo, Douro, Doa, Estremadura, and Vinho Verde. Our list of Portuguese wines is one of the finest in the DC Metropolitan area and is comparable to many of the top Portuguese wine lists in the America.

Top review

AnnVIP

Dined 7 days ago

This was our first visit to Carmello’s. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. My only criticism is that for first-timers, and in the rain, it was very difficult to find. There needs to be a sign perpendicular to the business like so many others have along the street.

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