Looking for the perfect spot to kindle or celebrate a romantic flame in Arlington, VA? Look no further! In this article, we present you with a curated list of the top 15 enchanting date night restaurants in Arlington. Whether you're seeking a cozy and intimate ambiance or a vibrant and lively atmosphere, Arlington has a restaurant to suit every couple's preferences.
From the tantalizing flavors of Salt, to the exotic delights of Yayla Bistro, and the charming French cuisine of Cafe Colline, these restaurants offer not just delectable dishes, but also an enchanting setting for your special night. Prepare to elevate your date night experience at these incredible dining establishments.
Jump to places
- Mele Bistro
- Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
- Maison Cheryl
- Green Pig Bistro
- The Melting Pot
- Ambar Restaurant - Clarendon
- Cafe Colline
- CIRCA at Clarendon
- Oby Lee Winery
- Federico Ristorante Italiano
- Sfoglina Rosslyn
- The Pinemoor
- Yayla Bistro
- The Portofino Restaurant
- SER Restaurant
Mele Bistro, an intimate, tin-ceilinged restaurant, is worth visiting for a great date night. People say that the menu is intense, with each meal named to include the location of ingredients, which assures guests that the ingredients are fresh. There are numerous delicious options for meat, pasta, and seafood dishes.
Although not everyone cared for the cheese plate, the eggplant mozzarella was amazing and visitors loved the fried calamari. The staff at Mele Bistro is known for being super nice and welcoming. According to a reviewer, as soon as they stepped inside the restaurant, every single waiter made them feel welcome.
The food is described as amazing, with dishes like calamari with white wine sauce and fusili with seafood receiving high praise. The menu features homemade pastas, fresh meats, and vegetables. The outdoor seating area is comfortable and pleasant, and the wait staff, especially Frank, is friendly and entertaining.
Guests have had their most enjoyable dining experience at Mele Bistro while visiting Arlington and look forward to returning in the future.
Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is a fantastic option for a date night. Visitors rave about the great service and attentive staff. People recommend trying the duck breast and salmon dishes, which received high praise for their taste and preparation. The escargot is also a must-try, with guests praising the flavorful combination of fresh herbs and philo dough.
Additionally, the warm brie is described as creamy and light, while the lamb shanks are said to be the biggest ones ever seen. The steak is also highly recommended and is complimented for its perfect preparation. To top off the meal, guests rave about the white chocolate bread pudding, which is described as amazing.
With a friendly vibe and a variety of menu options, Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is a wonderful choice for a date night.
Maison Cheryl, a well-known restaurant in Arlington, is worth visiting for a great date night experience. People rave about the lovely relaxed atmosphere and generous portion sizes. The dishes at Maison Cheryl are highly praised for their top-notch flavors and artful plating.
Visitors particularly recommend trying the Waygu burger with Brie and truffle fries, as well as the Eggs Royale and Avocado toast from the brunch menu. The restaurant offers pleasant and efficient service, and has a good selection of cocktails and wines to choose from.
Many guests appreciate the very relaxed and unhurried atmosphere, making it ideal for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Visitors also highlight the fact that Maison Cheryl is open late, making it a rare find in the area. The staff is known for being friendly and the food is consistently delicious.
With its delicious cuisine, craft cocktails, and stellar service, Maison Cheryl is definitely a must-visit location for a memorable date night experience.
Green Pig Bistro is a quaint and cozy spot that serves American-French dishes with a nose-to-tail ethos. Visitors rave about the spectacular food, describing it as if someone's grandmother poured all her love into each dish. The stuffed waffles are a must-try, according to one guest, who couldn't praise them enough.
The ambiance adds to the overall experience, with its kitschy and modern vibe. The service is excellent, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of throughout their meal. However, one downside is the parking situation. Some reviewers mention the long wait time for their main course, but overall, the comfort food and incredible service make Green Pig Bistro a must-visit in Arlington VA.
The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant that offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience. People say that the drinks are exceptional, with options like the NA Pineapple Cobbler and NA Strawberry Basil Lemonade being popular choices. The Fiesta Cheese Fondue is a crowd favorite, and guests rave about the deliciousness of the MP House Salad and the California salad.
For the main course, the Classic BRC and Steak Lovers BRC are highly recommended. Visitors also enjoy indulging in the delectable desserts, such as The Original SM and Yin & Yang SM. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere, and guests appreciate the attentive and knowledgeable service provided by servers like Quin (?).
The cheese and chocolate fondues are particularly praised, with the spinach & artichoke cheese fondue receiving special mention. The quality of the meat and the variety of sauce options are also highlights. Overall, The Melting Pot is a top choice for a memorable and enjoyable date night experience.
Ambar Restaurant - Clarendon is a dining establishment that offers a small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes in rustic-chic digs. Visitors have consistently praised this restaurant for its exceptional value, service, and food. People say that the managers, Danielle and Valentine, are phenomenal, providing extremely personable service to ensure that guests receive the greatest customer experience.
The servers, Ivan, Andrea, and Kate, are always on top of their game, ensuring that guests have the right amount of food and beverages and making excellent recommendations. One reviewer mentioned that the bar tender... Meanwhile, people love coming here with friends for their popular brunch, as it offers the opportunity to try everything on the menu, with the food receiving high praise for its quality.
Guests have stated that they recommend everything because everything on the menu is simply that good. Moreover, Ambar provides an ideal atmosphere for a romantic date night, with a cozy ambiance and a myriad of dishes to choose from at a flat rate. Vegetarian diners also have plenty of options, all of which are packed with flavor.
The only downside noted by guests was that the restaurant can get quite busy, affecting the overall experience.
Cafe Colline, a charming French cafe located in the N. Arlington Cherrydale neighborhood, is worth visiting for a great date night. Visitors rave about the delicious food and impeccable service at this wonderful spot. People say that the croque madame with its fabulous flavors and the amazing French fries are a must-try.
The omelette with added ham is also highly recommended. One cannot miss the lemon olive oil cake topped with fresh whipped cream, lavender, and honey, as it is described as absolutely divine. The staff at Cafe Colline is known for their friendly and welcoming nature, making guests feel right at home.
With its properly run operation, it is clear why so many people can't wait to come back for dinner. Whether enjoying a salad, mussels, or a delectable onion soup, Cafe Colline is a must-visit for a delightful date night experience.
CIRCA at Clarendon is a place that is worth visiting for a great date night experience. With its cool atmosphere and friendly staff, guests are immediately drawn to its charm. Visitors have praised the prompt and quick service, even during busy hours.
Reviewers highly recommend trying the Brussels sprouts, which were said to be the best ever tasted, along with the delicious shotgun shrimp. Additionally, the spinach salad is described as wonderful, and the attentive waitress even checked if the reviewer wanted a protein on it.
The steak frites and the 4 cheese flatbread are other standout menu items that have received rave reviews. With its cool vibe, great food, and excellent service, CIRCA at Clarendon is definitely a restaurant that guests should consider for a memorable date night.
Oby Lee Winery is a contemporary spot with a patio offering small estate wines & espresso, plus sweet & savory crepes. With its cute outdoor seating and some of the best dessert crepes people have ever tasted, it is the perfect place to eat outdoors when the weather is nice.
The restaurant features tap pay and guests order and pay up front, but they can pick up their food from the table outside or the front if they choose to eat indoors. This very nice little place offers a variety of options including breakfast crepes, lunch crepes, brunch crepes, dinner crepes, dessert crepes, pastries, cookies, coffee, wine, and a few difficult-to-find imported beers.
Visitors have praised their wide range of food and drink options, mentioning the wine and hot chocolate elixir as must-tries. The decor is also highly appreciated by guests. From the amazing crepes like the strawberry, banana, Nutella crepe to the duck confit and southwest crepe, the menu offers something for everyone.
Oby Lee Winery is definitely worth a trip for brunch or to experience their wine bar, and guests also recommended trying the perogies.
Federico Ristorante Italiano is a restaurant in Arlington that offers traditional pastas, pizza, Italian entrees, and a full bar in a casual and rustic atmosphere. Guests say that the chicken piccata is fabulous, with tender and juicy meat and the perfect flavor.
The salad and side of pasta are also praised for their taste and quality. Visitors appreciate the warm and slightly crusty bread, which they describe as perfect. The staff is very attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Another diner enjoyed the FBI (Full Blooded Italian) dish, describing it as rich and delicious.
Guests appreciate the nostalgic feel of the restaurant, reminiscent of how restaurants used to be. One reviewer felt a true romantic Italian experience and highly recommends trying the Soprano brunch, describing the food as blissful. Overall, Federico Ristorante Italiano is a must-visit spot for a great date night in Arlington.
Sfoglina Rosslyn is worth visiting for a great date night experience. Visitors say that the noodles and meats are incredibly fresh, successfully avoiding the heavy feeling that can sometimes come with Italian cuisine. Even after enjoying multiple courses, guests say they don't feel weighed down.
The restaurant provides a wonderful dining experience, with a quiet and relaxed atmosphere during the lunch rush. Service is quick, and the restaurant is nicely decorated, creating a great vibe for couples on a date. Despite being a bit pricey, guests find the overall experience to be worth it.
Sfoglina Rosslyn is conveniently located near hotels, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to unwind after a long day. Seating at the bar is available, which can be perfect for a cozy and intimate setting for two. Prosecco is also served upon sitting down, adding a touch of luxury to the dining experience.
The Pinemoor is an easygoing restaurant serving sandwiches, steak, and fish dishes, along with craft cocktails and weekend brunch. Guests rave about their incredible Tomahawk Steak, claiming it to be the best steak they've ever had in their lives. Served with chimichurri sauce on the side and their homemade steak sauce, the steak is so delicious that it needs no additional condiments.
The attentive and friendly server, Roger, ensured a wonderful dining experience. Additionally, the restaurant values efficiency, as they promptly seated guests with reservations and provided excellent service throughout the night. The diverse menu includes delicious popcorn and delectable coffee.
With a caring staff that is always present and welcoming, The Pinemoor is a place worth returning to for a delightful dining experience.
Yayla Bistro is a Turkish restaurant that offers a stylish and contemporary setting, making it a great option for a date night. Visitors have praised the cleanliness and pleasant atmosphere of the restaurant, noting that the soft lighting creates a beautiful and romantic dining space at night.
The staff at Yayla Bistro are described as nice, friendly, and attentive, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well taken care of. While one reviewer mentioned that the restaurant can get crowded, this did not detract from their overall positive experience.
The food at Yayla Bistro receives high praise, with comments about the excellent quality and taste. Dishes that have been particularly enjoyed by patrons include the lahmacun, cheese pide, and branzino. So, if you're looking to try something new and delicious, Yayla Bistro is definitely worth considering for a memorable date night.
Family owned since 1970, The Portofino Restaurant is a place worth visiting in Arlington VA. People say it is an amazing restaurant with great food, a wide selection of wines, and a very friendly staff. Visitors have mentioned that they stopped here while on vacation in the area and would definitely go back.
On the recommendation of a friend, guests made reservations for a Saturday night and were immediately greeted and sat outside. They enjoyed a specialty cocktail called the cherry blossom martini and raved about the clam chowder appetizer, considering it to be the best they had ever had.
Both guests had the dinner special, lobster ravioli with shrimp, which they described as excellent. To cap off their experience, they had a yummy dessert to share, a neapolitan ice cream ball covered in... Guests on a business trip also had a great experience at The Portofino Restaurant.
They mentioned that the service was friendly, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was nice and quiet. They particularly loved the mango dessert, which tasted very fresh. One guest had the lobster vodka ravioli and thoroughly enjoyed it, while their boss had the fish and found it to be good.
The only minor drawback was that the server served Pepsi instead of Coca Cola when asked for it, and it would have been nice if they had been informed beforehand that they don't serve Coke.
SER Restaurant is a fantastic dining spot that offers an extraordinary culinary experience. Guests rave about the amazing variety of dishes they serve, with particular praise for the langosteen and raw tuna selections. The restaurant also stands out for its rare offering of whole grilled sardines, a delicacy that is hard to find in the area.
While the fried shark bites received mixed reviews, the salted cod fritters were unanimously described as wonderful. In addition to the exceptional food, SER Restaurant also boasts an impressive global wine list and specialty cocktails. Visitors appreciate the attentive service provided by the staff and the great recommendations, with specific mentions of Christian and Bryan brightening the overall dining experience.
If you're looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure, SER Restaurant is undoubtedly worth a visit.
