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2 Amy's
3715 Macomb Street
Washington DC 20016
202-885-5700
Great pizza, fun atmosphere. A little tight for space on a crowded night. While this is a family friendly establishment, I wouldn't expect a stroller or toddler rich environment. Set in Cleveland Park, save this spot for a date night or an older child outing. Noteworthy, great brick oven pizza that is a perennial favorite of Washingtonian Magazine.
Altiramisu Italian Restaurant
2014 P Street NW
Washington DC 20036
202-467-4466
Celebrities and locals all agree that Al Tiramisu is magnifico! The mouth watering delights that are served up by Chef Luigi are the result of years of European training. The interior reminds me of the many Italian bistros that I dined in while in Italy. Understated elegance and old world Italian charm is the backdrop for thoughtful, well prepared meals that will leave you wanting more and more☺
Artie's
3260 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax VA 22030
703-273-7600
For those that aren't familiar with the local leader in customer friendly, food fabulous dining, let me introduce you to the Great American Restaurant chain. Comprised of Arties, Best Bun Bread Co., Carlyle Grand, Coastal Flats, Mike's American, Silverado and Sweetwater Restaurants this is one of the best pairing of service and food that I have witnessed by a chain. Excellent food and courteous service are a mainstay at all the locations. Take advantage of the call ahead service that normally allows you to put your name in 15 minutes prior to arrival. It will knock a bit of time off of your wait. Going for a weekday lunch, hit it before 11:30am or you are in for wait.
Bazin's On Church
111 Church Street NW
Vienna VA 22180
703-255-7212
Bazin's on Church is a great venue for a suburban culinary experience. The owner, Patrick Bazin, cut his eye teeth at the legendary DC establishment, The Occidental. Once DC Executive Chef royalty, Patrick and his wife decided to set up shop on the soon-to-be very trendy stretch of real estate on Church Street in Vienna. This is a wonderful spot if you are interested in awesome food, but aren't interested in making the trip to DC.
Bertucci's
DC Metro locations
This is one of the unsung heroes of local/national pizza chains. Bertucci's consistently offers up an incredible margarita pizza, a tasty antipasto and a number of pasta pleasures. In addition, to serving up a scrumptious menu for its adults patronage, the restaurant also offers a number of kid friendly options complete with crayons, dough balls and fun placements. Noteworthy, if you like Italian food, this spot is actually quite nice for a quick meal. Don't forget the Chianti when you order your pasta☺
Bonefish
Gainesville, Ctrville, FFX & Fredericksburg
Northern VA VA
Bonefish offers an excellent selection of great seafood and an extensive wine list. Lively atmosphere lends itself to this suburban seafood retreat. Noteworthy, come early most of the locations fill up quickly on weekends. In a pinch, Bonefish offers a full menu at the bar area.
Café Asia
1550 Wilson Blvd #1
Arlington VA 22209
703-469-1953
Fun Thursday and Friday night happy hours. Café Asia offers excellent real estate on Wilson Blvd in Arlington. Bonus, the food is excellent. Try the spring rolls and sushi. Outdoor dining and a generous sized sushi bar are offered in addition to a large main dining room. Noteworthy, Café Asia is just minutes from Georgetown and is the perfect starting or ending point for your DC travels. Noteworthy, this is great spot with a group.
Café Deluxe
DC Metro locations
Cool, casual and fun. Relaxed vibe meets good food. Cleveland Park and Tyson's Corner locations offer outdoor dining. Creative kid's menu that includes brunch options for Junior.
Carlyle
4000 28th Street S
Arlington VA 22206
703-931-0777
For those that aren't familiar with the local leader in customer friendly, food fabulous dining, let me introduce you to the Great American Restaurant chain. Comprised of Arties, Best Bun Bread Co., Carlyle Grand, Coastal Flats, Mike's American, Silverado and Sweetwater Restaurants this is one of the best pairing of service and food that I have witnessed by a chain. Excellent food and courteous service are a mainstay at all the locations. Take advantage of the call ahead service that normally allows you to put your name in 15 minutes prior to arrival. It will knock a bit of time off of your wait. Going for a weekday lunch, hit it before 11:30am or you are in for wait.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Check website for DC Metro locations
This is awesome Italian chain restaurant. From bread & olive oil that greets you, to fabulous Chicken Marsala, Carrabbas will have everyone walk away with a signature dish that they love. This venue is kid-friendly.
Ceiba
701 14th Street NW
Washington DC 20005
202-393-3983
Swanky Downtown DC haunt. This comes to you from the folks that created Acadiana, TenPenh and DC Coast. You can expect to find a beautiful interior, lots of attitude (more from the patrons than the staff) and mouthwatering Latin food. Noteworthy, skip the jeans and get "dressed" for this destination. Prices are commensurate with local competition, which means high. If you are leery about spending a lot of Benjamin’s on an unknown, check Ceiba during DC Restaurant Week in January and August.
Central ~ Michel Richard
1oo1 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20004
202-626-0015
Brought to you by the owners of Citronelle, Central is now a new favorite of mine. For those that aren’t familiar, Citronelle is considered one of the best restaurants in DC. In an effort to reach out to a larger audience, who aren’t accustomed to paying $400 for a dinner for two, the French Bistro Central was created. The food is amazing and the well appointed interior is very welcoming and very DC. Central is a perfect spot for an energetic date night with hubby. The price of the food is very reasonable especially considering the offering. Do yourself a favor and go light on the drinks. The spirits at Central have an incredible mark up and can easily be double the cost of your meal!
Coastal Flats
Locations in Fairfax and Tyson's Corner.
Northern VA
Coastal Flats has become "The Scene" in the suburbs. The Fairfax Corner location has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for the single and not-so-single in the "Rt 66 West" suburbs. With its trademark Great American Restaurant chain food and service the experience is always an A+. Add in a great outdoor patio, cocktails, bustling happy hours and a festive crew and you have a destination that is sure to please. Note, while the location is an excellent alternative to the mad drive to DC, it is no replacement.
DC Coast
1401 K Street NW
Washington DC 20005
202-216-5988
An enchanting interior and an intriguing mix of food have sustained this DC restaurant staple. The food is excellent and offers a bounty of unique fish dishes splashed with a bit of southern home cooking all served with the right amount time and attention. While causal is cool, I would skip the denim and find a sitter!
Dolce Vita / Sfitzi
10824 Lee Highway
Fairfax VA 22030
703-385-1530
This is a perfect Northern VA night out. The food is great, the staff is inviting and they can handle older children. If you are on a budget or only have a sitter for 3 hours, this is your suburban VA destination. It has an eclectic mix for your palette. Feeling causal, go for the brick-oven pizza. In a date night mood, check out the lobster ravioli. Whatever you choose, you won't be disappointed. The food, atmosphere and price are always right. Noteworthy, Dolce Vita has opened a charming cafe and shop in an adjacent store front. This is a fun stop to enjoy a cappuccino and cannoli either indoors or on the new outdoor patio. Beware, don't go for the view. You will be staring at Rt. 50. Still the store and the authentic Italian offering make it a worthwhile stop.
Evening Star
2000 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria VA 22301
703-549-5051
Located in my version of Del Ray's Miracle Mile, Evening Star is a little slice of heaven. Check out the inviting al fresco dining on a warm night. The crowd is an ecletic, too cool mix of the DC Metro area. But never fear, strollers and toddlers are welcome, although I would retreat before 9pm when the crowd takes over the back bar (a.k.a. The Majestic Bar) and upstairs (a.k.a. No. 9 Lounge) on weekends. If you have a sitter, stay for the dj and live bands that play on weekends. This spot is also great for out of town guests.
Faccia Luna
Old Town Alexandria and Arlington
Northern VA VA
For many moons (pun intended) Faccia Luna has been one of my most treasured Arlington venues. The outdoor patio and brick oven pizzas are absolutely perfection on a sultry DC night. While you can definitely make the trip with kids, I would recommend an impromptu date night with your amore!
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Filomena's
1063 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington DC 20007
202-337-2782
Primetime location on Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown. Wonderful Northern Italian cooking and a gracious staff make this a pleasurable date night. Find a sitter; I wouldn't bring Junior to this one.
Four Sisters
Falls Church VA
703-538-6717
Located in the Merrifield Town Center, Four Sisters is great spot for authentic Vietnamese food. Now, if you have been in the Metro DC area for any length of time you will know that true Asian cuisine is not difficult to come by. With that in mind, I still say that Four Sisters is one of the best in the area and the price is definitely right.
J.Paul's
3118 M Street NW
Washington DC 20007
202-222-3450
Fun stop for visiting family and friends. It is also good watering hole in Georgetown on a Friday night. The oysters are awesome. They also replace bread with bit size soft pretzels and mustard. As a native of Philadelphia, I am a fan of the concept. Noteworthy, get a drink and enjoy the crowd for happy hour. I would skip it for date night.
Lauriol Plaza
1835 18th Street NW #S
Washington DC 20009
202-387-0035
Mega-Mexican culinary treat in the middle of Adams Morgan. Great margaritas and a very festive and full crowd. Noteworthy, get there early to avoid a wait. Try to take advantage of the valet parking. FYI, outdoor dining on the 3rd floor patio.
Lebonese Taverna
DC Metro locations
Where have you been all my life? For those that have lived in the DC area, it is hard to imagine a time before Lebanese Taverna. From their humble beginnings to the current "chain" status, Lebanese Taverna continues to wow the local patrons of the DC Metro area. Authentic Lebanese food mixed with unique interiors and fabulous service is one of the reasons why this chain continues to grow in popularity. If you can get hubby to stray from meat and potatoes, I guarantee that you will love this spot!
Melting Pot
Check website for DC Metro locations
Fondue for all. This is fun girls' night out or a fresh approach at date night. Despite the roll of the eyes that you will get from your hubby, I think you will find they are quickly jumping into cheese fondue and irresistible melted chocolate and strawberries. Older kids love to experiment with the all the possible culinary concoctions.
Legal Seafood
Check website for DC Metro locations
Despite its "chain" predilection, this upscale seafood shack has fans near and far. The easy staff, impressive clam chowder and noteworthy lobster roll make this the place to be if you are in the mood for tasty, authentic New England style seafood fare. If you find yourself with time on your hands at National Airport, Legal Seafood resides just outside Terminal C.
Melting Pot
Check website for DC Metro locations
Fondue for all. This is fun girls' night out or a fresh approach at date night. Despite the roll of the eyes that you will get from your hubby, I think you will find they are quickly jumping into cheese fondue and irresistible melted chocolate and strawberries. Older kids love to experiment with the all the possible culinary concoctions.
Minh's
2500 Wilson Blvd
Arlington VA 22201
703-525-2828
If you blink you might miss this charming Vietnamese restaurant. Tucked away in a Clarendon office building on the first level. Minh's is a hidden gem. The Five Spice Chicken, pho soup, and scrumptious spring rolls have made believers out of local who have a plethora of Asian cuisine options in the trendy Clarendon area. A gracious staff plays host to busy lunch and dinner crowd. Minh's food isn't the only thing that keeps its customers coming back, check out the prices. The price points definitely rank Minh's in the "Cheap Eats" category. The great part is you would never know it from the interior and exceptional service.
Oya Restaurant
Penn Quarter
777 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Urban, chic and oh so cool, you have just entered Oya. This restaurant is one of my favorite haunts in Washington DC. Oya boasts a prix fixe menu of $20.00 for lunch and $35.00 for dinner. Looking for something smaller, Oya has an extensive and diverse menu of small and large plates as well as tasting sushi. Yum!
P.F. Chang's
Check website for DC Metro locations
Classic Asian food served in a funky atmosphere. If you ask most folks, they all have a favorite at this national chain powerhouse. Lettuce wraps and Orange Peel Chicken always seem to jump to the top of the list. Noteworthy, don't forget P.F. Chang's takes reservations. You don't have to settle for the electric coaster and a long wait. And while this venue is kid-friendly it can often be a bit chaotic for a parent trying to appease a toddler. Stick with kids that are a little older. Sorry no kids menu.
Ristorante Bonaroti's
428 Maple Avenue
Vienna VA 22180
703-281-7550
Trust me, I grew in Philadelphia I know great Italian food. Ristorante Bonaroti's is one of the best samplings of Southern Italian food that you will find in the DC Metro Area. Just off Maple Avenue in Vienna, it is worth the trip. Noteworthy, this is great date night destination.
Rosa Mexicana
575 7th Street NW
Washington DC 20004
202-783-5522
This posh DC restaurant prides itself on the "cool" factor. You are sure to see lots of local residents and suburban visitors packing into Rosa Mexicano on most weekend nights. The creative interior, inviting bar and trendy crowd make for a fun Saturday night in the city. Don't be overwhelmed by the patrons. Trust me, you use to be one of the 20 something’s that invade the destination with packs of friends or just on a date. It is great people watching and the margaritas are quite tasty! Noteworthy, MAKE A RESERVATION well in advance or be prepared to eat at the bar.
Rustico
827 Slaters Lane
Alexandria VA 22314
703-224-5051
Eclectic mix of high end pot-pies paired with a beer tasting, despite how it may sound it is delicious. This charming get away in Old Town Alexandria is brought to you by the same folks who own Evening Star, Vermillion and Tallula. The tasty resume continues to grow with the birth of Rustico. Despite a slow start, a new chef has reenergized the menu. Check out the rockfish, sunchoke and sheep's milk ricotta pizza and an impressive line up of Draught beer.
Silverardo
7052 Columbia Pike
Annandale VA 22203
703-354-4560
For those that aren't familiar with the local leader in customer friendly, food fabulous dining, let me introduce you to the Great American Restaurant chain. Comprised of Arties, Best Bun Bread Co., Carlyle Grand, Coastal Flats, Mike's American, Silverado and Sweetwater Restaurants this is one of the best pairing of service and food that I have witnessed by a chain. Excellent food and courteous service are a mainstay at all the locations. Take advantage of the call ahead service that normally allows you to put your name in 15 minutes prior to arrival. It will knock a bit of time off of your wait. Going for a weekday lunch, hit it before 11:30am or you are in for wait.
Sweet Water
Centerville, Sterling and Falls Church
Northern VA
For those that aren't familiar with the local leader in customer friendly, food fabulous dining, let me introduce you to the Great American Restaurant chain. Comprised of Arties, Best Bun Bread Co., Carlyle Grand, Coastal Flats, Mike's American, Silverado and Sweetwater Restaurants this is one of the best pairing of service and food that I have witnessed by a chain. Excellent food and courteous service are a mainstay at all the locations. Take advantage of the call ahead service that normally allows you to put your name in 15 minutes prior to arrival. It will knock a bit of time off of your wait. Going for a weekday lunch, hit it before 11:30am or you are in for wait.
Ten Penh
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington DC 20004
202-393-4500
Good spot in downtown DC. The lobster dish is wonderful. The place is typically crawling with off hours Secret Service agents. Lots of DC notables have made their way to this posh Asian Fusion themed restaurant. Noteworthy, the name is a play on words. The location is situated at 10th and Pennsylvania. See, this website is a useful tool!
Zaytinya
701 9th Street NW
Washington DC 20001
202-638-0800
Cool downtown DC hotspot. Great for drinks, people watching and a festive Saturday night out with a group or on a datenight. Noteworthy, call in advance for a reservation. The location is very popular on weekends.
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