Best Fun Restaurants in Sterling

A Perfect 40th Birthday Celebration at L’Auberge Chez François!! Our family gathered last night in the Garden Room at L’Auberge Chez François in Great Falls, VA, to celebrate the 40th birthday of our youngest son, Peter Mark Grange. What unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary—a dining experience that rivaled even The Inn at Little Washington, with an atmosphere of warmth, impeccable service, and culinary artistry that made it even more memorable. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with gracious hospitality. The evening began with a delightful Amuse-bouche, an unexpected and delicious aperitif that set the stage for the creative and refined cuisine we were about to enjoy. Each course was beautifully crafted, and the palate-cleansing citrus sorbet between dishes was a refreshing and elegant touch, heightening our anticipation for what came next. Our server, Samy, was among the finest we’ve ever encountered at any top-tier restaurant. His deep knowledge of the kitchen’s culinary expertise and the restaurant’s extensive menu was matched only by his remarkable emotional intelligence—his engagement with each member of our party was warm, intuitive, and effortless. Likewise, the sommelier was a master of his craft, guiding us through the extensive wine selection with expertise and charm, enhancing the evening with his humor and genuine hospitality. Every dish was a masterpiece, from presentation to taste—each bite reflecting the dedication and skill of Chef Jacques Haeringer and his outstanding team. The attention to detail, the exquisite flavors, and the seamless service made for an unforgettable evening. We left with full hearts and a deep appreciation for the magic that happens at L’Auberge Chez François. Our heartfelt thanks to Chef Jacques, his incredible staff, and the entire team for making this a night we will cherish forever. Bravo!

It had been a while since we’d been back but everything was really good. Shout out to Francesco who did an awesome job waiting on our table and makes a mean bananas foster. He was also very knowledgeable with the wine list and made great food recommendations

We had an amazing experience at Ivy by the Lake! We stopped by on Valentine’s Day after a concert and were warmly greeted and seated right away. To start, we ordered the hummus with lamb, which was absolutely delicious—rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. For hookah, we went with the waitress’s recommendation, Poison Ivy, and it did not disappoint! Smooth, well-balanced, and truly elite. The DJ was phenomenal, playing a mix of music that kept the entire place vibing. I found myself dancing in my seat all night! The atmosphere, service, and overall experience were top-tier. I’ll definitely be back for more great food, hookah, and vibes!

Both the food and the service were SUPERB!!! Me and my family had a great time.

The customer service was excellent. The server is attentive. The food is good. Very clean ingredients. Easy on the stomach. The apple strudel is excellent. Not too sweet. I am from out of town. I was quite satisfied.