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

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

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!

Darvish Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (13)

$31 to $50

Persian

Washington

About the restaurant

Welcome to Darvish - where culinary excellence meets warm hospitality. Nestled in the heart of Washington DC, our restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking authentic Persian flavors and a memorable dining experience.

Driven by a deep love for sharing the warmth and flavors of Persian culture, Masoud embarked on a journey to introduce authentic Persian cuisine to Washington DC. Drawing inspiration from their families cherished recipes and the vibrant culinary scene of Iran, Masoud has curated a menu that captures the essence of Persian gastronomy. At Darvish, we are committed to preserving the authenticity of Persian cuisine while also infusing it with modern twists and local influences. Every dish reflects his dedication to quality, flavor, and presentation, ensuring that guests embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Iran with each bite.

Top review

MeredithVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Delicious food and good service. The individual servings of tahdig were a nice touch.

SHIA Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (99)

$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

Laura

Dined 6 days ago

What a wonderful experience, the food, the service, and the location was amazing! We already have our reservation in for next month.

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Experience

7 Course Pre-Fixe (Dining Room)

Experience

5 Course Pre-Fixe (Lounge Only)

Experience

Drinks & Bites In The Lounge (NOT A TASTING MENU)

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

5.0

5 (1683)

$50 and over

American

Lovettsville

About the restaurant

Voted 2024 #1 Northern VA Magazine - "Michelin inspectors, take note."

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 through Sunday evenings. Please visit our website at www.patowmackfarm.com for the menu.

Weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate or special events – 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.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Feb 16, 2025

Truly, it’s unbelievable that this place doesn’t have a Michelin star. An experience if a lifetime, that was something my girlfriend and I boast about to anyone who will listen.

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Experience

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day - Mon., March 17, 2025

Experience

Patowmack Farm & George's Mill Cheese Dinner

Experience

Misty Meadow Farm Mushroom Dinner

Hillbrook Inn

4.9

4.9 (83)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Purcellville

About the restaurant

Our dining experience showcases the artistry and skill of Executive Chef Tom O'Hara. We partner with local farmers and regional purveyors who share our philosophy to create a menu that showcases our passion for food. Our extended Wine cellar holds approximately 200 varietals. An amazing beer and spirits-menu is available in our Bullskin Tavern with seasonal specialty cocktails created by our mixologist and sommelier, Sarah Rhinehart.

The dress code for dinner is business casual. Coats and ties are welcomed but not mandatory.

Open to the public as well as inn guests.

Reservations required.

Top review

Skylar

Dined on Feb 21, 2025

Great 6 course meal. the wine pairing made it a fun and interactive dinner experience. would dine here again

L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (9400)

$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

CathyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

They accomadated some strict dietary restrictions without degrading the meal.

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Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (2503)

$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 6 days ago

Excellent as always!! Thanks Danny! Food was great and staff attentive as usual

2941 Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (7829)

$31 to $50

French American

Falls Church

About the restaurant

We invite you to join us at 2941 Restaurant
Beautiful Views | Wonderful Food | Elegant Service
2941 Named in 'America's 10 Most Romantic Restaurants Slideshow' - The Daily Meal | 2941 Named 'The 10 Most Beautiful Restaurants In All Of Washington DC' - Only in Your State | NoVa Mag Best Of 2018
2941 is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the metropolitan area. The restaurant is nestled in the heart of Falls Church, VA surrounded by lush landscaping, koi ponds, waterfalls, world-class artwork, and a lakeside view. Chef Bertrand Chemel offers contemporary American cuisine accented with bold French and Mediterranean flavors. Named by Washingtonian Magazine in 2014 as a 100 Very Best Restaurant, Northern Virginia Magazine in 2021 No. 1 in the Top 50 Best Restaurants, and by Eater DC as a 38 Essential Washington Restaurant, to name a few accolades, 2941 continues to charm gourmands with its sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance and inventive cuisine.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had an excellent meal celebrating my birthday. Our waiter was wonderful. Helpful and friendly and very approachable. Great place for a special occasion! Thank you all!

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Claire's at the Depot

4.9

4.9 (3677)

$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

Charlie

Dined 6 days ago

Great service and excellent food Nice atmosphere Only suggestion would be to add some diary free menu items

The Ashby Inn

4.7

4.7 (1878)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Paris

About the restaurant

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant is fully committed to supporting the farmers and artisans that live and work in this region. Our menus represent the freshest, seasonal products that can be sourced locally from sustainable operations. The offerings will change daily dependent on what our local farmers and nature provide. Our pledge to you is to provide a quality dining experience founded on food and drink from sources we know and trust.

Top review

VickiVIP

Dined on Feb 14, 2025

Excellent food — creative mix of flavors and ingredients! Wait staff friendly and not pretentious. Beautiful romantic setting. Our Valentine’s Day favorite!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon & Eggs

Popular dish

Filet Mignon & Lobster

Popular dish

FILET MIGNON & EGGS

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern

4.7

4.7 (3056)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

Our Culinary Team is dedicated to sourcing and preparing fresh ingredients from Virginia’s Piedmont region and bountiful South. Our four course dinner experience features unique game and seafood dishes that combine time-honored cooking techniques with alluring seasonality. In addition to our optional Virginia and Tavern wine pairings, we showcase a vast selection of local beverages that pay homage to our extraordinary location afoot the rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country, as well an extensive list of national and international favorites.

From intimate dinners in The Tavern to hand crafted cocktails in the Night Fox Pub, each culinary experience is paired with a unique atmosphere, and polished attendance prevails from beginning to end.

Top review

Will

Dined on Mar 1, 2025

Incredible food and impeccable service. Highly recommended!

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