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

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Washington, D.C. Area? 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!

La Bonne Vie

4.9

4.9 (18)

$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

Kate

Dined on Aug 28, 2024

To celebrate my husband’s birthday , he suggested we try this new restaurant. I looked at it online and was very impressed. I immediately called and made a reservation. We were absolutely delighted from the minute we walked inside. We were immediately seated and the French rolls arrived within minutes. Both of us were delighted with our entrees. Every bite was fabulous. The service was excellent! We will most definitely return! It was a memorable birthday for sure.

Reverie

4.9

4.9 (12)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience without pretension or fuss. Hidden in a Georgetown alleyway, Spero has redefined luxury in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, showcasing masterful culinary creativity alongside upbeat music and minimalist decor. The tasting menu skews heavily coastal with offerings from the garden and the sea, along with a sense of humor and novelty that balances the sheer beauty of Spero’s cooking. Simultaneously indulgent and charmingly casual, the restaurant invites guests to bring a sense of curiosity, while leaving their troubles at the door.

Our current menu is offered at $255 per guest with optional beverage pairings available as well.

We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com.

Top review

Gyu

Dined on Aug 22, 2024

My wife and I recently celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary at Reverie, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make our special evening memorable. They were incredibly accommodating, particularly with regard to my wife's dietary restrictions due to her pregnancy. This thoughtful attention to her needs truly enhanced our dining experience. The ambiance of Reverie set the perfect tone for our anniversary celebration. The dinner itself was delightful, with a menu that reflected both creativity and skill. The staff and chefs were not only knowledgeable but also warm and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of our meal was perfectly suited to our preferences. Overall, Reverie offered a wonderful combination of excellent food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for special occasions. We left with full hearts and satisfied palates, and we look forward to returning in the future.

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Experience

Tasting Menu

DeCarlo's Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (595)

$31 to $50

Italian

Tenleytown

About the restaurant

Lucy DeCarlo created DeCarlo’s Restaurant 40 years ago bringing the warmth and love of the Italian tradition to her restaurant. DeCarlo’s aims to be your home away from home and is a wonderful retreat from the demands of the city!

DeCarlo’s Italian Restaurant is the ultimate expression of a charming neighborhood restaurant! It is considered a local secret, where you can almost always hear Sinatra or Bocelli playing in the background. DeCarlo’s represents a dining experience where you can relax, talk, and enjoy a wonderful meal. The ambiance is a timeless feel of elegance – yet casual. DeCarlo’s is devoted to providing you personal attention with the highest standards of quality.

We offer many seating options – you can dine in a cozy booth, table, or alfresco on our patio. DeCarlo’s is the perfect setting to join friends and family. The menu features a diverse selection of Italian favorites and daily specials. DeCarlo’s feeds the body and soul!

Top review

Byronvip

Dined on Aug 27, 2024

DeCarlos is one of my favorite places to dine. The food is consistently great. The service is exceptional, they know what we like and are proactive. I highly recommend DeCarlos.

Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (2374)

$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

Irma

Dined 3 days ago

My friend and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Jacques' Brasserie this week (09/04/2024). As usual, the food was wonderfully prepared and the service exceptional. It is indeed a special treat to dine at this very fine restaurant.

Claire's at the Depot

4.9

4.9 (3554)

$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

PINO

Dined 3 days ago

Great food coupled with excellent friendly service made my wife's birthday celebration extra special.

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Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Causa

4.9

4.9 (19)

$50 and over

Peruvian

Shaw

About the restaurant

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.

Reservations are released on the 1st of the month at noon for the following month for our Causa dining experience. This prix-fixe menu is priced at $179. Taxes and service charges are added separately. Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.

If you have any questions or need clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to antonio@causadc.com prior to booking.

Causa only accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Let's start this review by saying how phenomenal the service was, our server Israel and Kirsten was an incredible add on to the experience. We did the Causa tasting experience and each plate, unique flavors, extraordinary plate presentation and really showed how detailed the restaurant is with all aspects of dining. The bartender Andy was also just as wonderful, providing us with excellent service and providing suggestions to fit my palette, we tried over 5 different cocktails all being incredible, and finally ending the night with the desserts. This experience put Causa as the number one Michelin restaurant I have visited. Thank you for a wonderful experience and to the other servers who were just as kind and welcoming!

The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

4.8 (1047)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

Top review

CINDYvip

Dined 6 days ago

The service was excellent! They even give you a little stool to put your purse on.

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Experience

The Wine Cellar at Greenhouse

Eatopia Eatery

4.9

4.9 (10)

$31 to $50

Ethiopian

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review

JeffBvip

Dined on Aug 17, 2024

Fantastic food, great service, good vibes. We were served a lot more food than we expected, so many more things to try later at a return visit.

Taste of Old Country

4.9

4.9 (84)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Manassas

About the restaurant

Taste of Old Country provides a truly unique artisan market bistro experience that combines the world of food service, private events and retail gourmet food shopping, all under one roof. With direct ties to the Mediterranean and some of the best artisan producers, the company has carefully selected its artisan food presentation to ensure that you as a consumer are enjoying artisan food made to order and the best of the best.

Home of the Mega Platter, a Mediterranean themed charcuterie board as well as a variety of small bites, artisan panini's, salads and desserts, you will definitely have a Taste of Old Country, where everything starts and ends with good food, wine, hospitality and friends.

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

Christopher

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

This bistro is incredible. The owner is great and very engaged. Food is delicious and the atmosphere is fantastic. Such a great place and I highly recommend them.

L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (9113)

$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

john

Dined 2 days ago

we enjoyed perfect September weather at one of the most romantic spots in the DC area. The service was the epitome of professional, the food was delicious, and we had a marvelous time.

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