Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Lafayette Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1611)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Washington’s destination for power dining, the Lafayette Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With large windows opening onto Lafayette Park and the White House, this sun-lit dining room is one of the most elegant settings in the capital and is certain to complement any dining experience.

Top review

Debra

Dined 1 day ago

We had a fabulous meal in a wonderful atmosphere. Jose took wonderful care of us. We highly recommend it if you are looking for a quiet elegant atmosphere!

Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (2455)

$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

JohnVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great food, great staff and wonderful dining environment! Always a treat! Danny and team do an excellent job!

Elizabeth's

4.9

4.9 (1280)

$50 and over

Vegan

Downtown

About the restaurant

Elizabeth's offers an extraordinary dining experience every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. We merge our gorgeous venue with a prix fixe Vegan Tasting Menu at $110 per person. Elizabeth's is a destination for special occasions and adventurous cuisine.

Our sommelier curates a pairing of wines and beverages sourced from around the world at an additional $85 per person. We also offer a non-alcoholic beverage pairing comprised of non-alcoholic wines, mocktails, and infusions for $65 per person.

Fully raw menus are not available. Please call the restaurant (202-347-8349) in reference to any allergies prior to making your reservation. Regarding reservations of 5 or more, please call the restaurant directly.

We source and prepare the freshest ingredients for our exclusive fine dining experience. For this reason, reservation confirmations are required 24 hours in advance. Thank you for your understanding of the commitment that is made to creating a memorable dining experience.

Top review

Joan

Dined 2 days ago

Yesterday evening we celebrated my daughter's 38th birthday at Elizabeth's- and now all of us are ready to go back tonight.The minute you walk in the door of Elizabeth's you feel as if you have been welcomed into a cosy and elegant historical home. We were greeted warmly by Elizabeth and the staff, all of whom are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and culinarily multi-talented. And the dinner experience is similar to being served a new piece of artwork with each course. Would I ever be able to replicate the Klamath Return, a kombu-marinated chioggia beet, caraway crisp and celery root, or the Cleopatra's Ambrosia, with sea buckthorn, pink banana sorbet and kinome leaf, or the Velvet Immortal with the saffron pickled enoki mushroom? Not in my wildest dreams. My family normally inhales their food, but this time conversation was at a minimum as we took time to appreciate each new amazing taste sensation. Our party consisted of one vegan, one vegetarian , and two omnivores, and all of us agreed Elizabeth's is the best restaurant in DC.

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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 12 Dec 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

The Prime Rib

4.8

4.8 (3449)

$50 and over

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

D.C's premier steakhouse with tuxedoed waiters and a 1940s Manhattan supper-club setting since 1976. Top five romantic restaurant in America (Food and Wine magazine). Live piano nightly. Valet parking. business casual for gentlemen.

Top review

ConradVIP

Dined 2 days ago

like eating in an old New Yorker cartoon. great atmosphere, drinks food. Prices are out of control.

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 4 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

7 Course Pre-Fixe (Dining Room)

Experience

4 Course Pre-Fixe (Lounge Only)

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 22 Nov 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

bryanVIP

Dined 3 days ago

In speaking with our waiter I realized I’ve been delighted by dining at Ches Francois for 40 years. We arrived at 6:00 pm and shortly after being seated my wife and I were greeted by the owner, Chez Jacque. I congratulated Jacque in celebrating the Haeringer family’s 70th year owning and operating Chez Francois. (there was a large stand alone plaque at the entrance announcing the 70 years) Jacque’s comment when I congratulated him was, “yes two generations of crazy restaurateurs”. I could not argue with him. Only absolute dedication, commitment and tireless energy produces the wonderfully amazing results this family has delivered decade after decade. Every bite of food I’ve ever eaten at Chez Francois has been a culinary delight. Every meal I’ve had (I estimate in the neighborhood of 150 meals) have been absolutely enjoyable. Thank you for making my life’s journey a bit more special and Merry Christmas Chez Jacques to you, your family and your entire staff. Gratefully yours Bryan B

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Claire's at the Depot

4.8

4.8 (3630)

$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

ANDREAVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing as always ! Tried the burrata salad that was a special for the evening and its was delicious. Crab cake special so good as well.

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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 7 days ago

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

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