Planning a romantic dinner? Or a night out with some aesthetically motivated friends? Either way, it takes more than what’s on the plate to set a scene. These prettiest restaurants will seduce diners into a gorgeous night even before they look at the menus.
The Black Sheep Restaurant
A circa-1929 barn is the welcoming shell for this “rustic industrial” destination. Chandeliers light many of the tables in the expansive seating area, where diners might find themselves dressing up for bacon tower that’s torched tableside, or down in shorts for an American Kobe burger with bacon jam and spicy gochujang dipping sauce. 9935 Discovery Blvd., Manassas
Café Renaissance
From the Degas-inspired murals to the tableside Bananas Foster, this 30-year-old restaurant is decidedly Old World. Owner Saeed Abtahi presides over every detail, dressed to the nines. It makes each bite of that chateaubriand or duck à l’orange feel all the more momentous. 163 Glyndon St. SE, Vienna
Nue
One of the guiding forces at this modern Vietnamese restaurant is the spirit of artist Le Pho, owner Tuyet Nhi Le’s great-granduncle. It’s not surprise then, that artistic inspiration figures in prominently to more than just dishes like pho pâté and pappardelle inspired as much by a trip to Italy as by Le’s mother’s bò kho. 944 W. Broad St., Falls Church
The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm
The greenhouse, strung with festive lights, is casual compared to the highly curated food that’s served, but when dining on a farm, the beauty comes from the great outdoors. Schedule a meal for a warm night when the gazebo is open, for a river view looking toward Maryland. The natural beauty almost beats out the impact of the eight-course tasting menu. Almost. 42461 Lovettsville Rd., Lovettsville
2941
Park in the woods and take the short walk up past the manmade koi pond and waterfall. Not convinced yet? You will be when you see the towering ceilings and walls filled with memorable modern art. To optimize the experience, order from the chef’s tasting menu, five courses that bring both color and flavor to the proceedings. 2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church
Ada’s on the River
You’ll see portraits of Ada Lovelace, the pioneering mathematician for whom the restaurant is named, on the walls, but it’s likely you’ll be far more captivated by the views of the Potomac River. High ceilings and unusual color combinations titillate the eye, as do dishes like seared tuna with dollops of avocado mousse and an effervescent pour of blood orange soda. 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria
Feature image of Nue by Shannon Ayres
For more food stories, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food newsletter.
