Eat
Nobu. Photo courtesy of restaurant.
Stuck on Where to Eat This 14th? 14 Dining Options For You + Your Valentine
January 23, 2024 @ 11:00am
While you may not be visiting the city of love this Valentine’s Day, that doesn’t mean you can’t treat you and your loved one to an indulgent dining experience. D.C.’s food scene is ready to kick romance up a notch. Whether you’re down for sharing a bowl of pasta in classic “Lady and the Tramp” style or branching out into some new cuisine, check out these exclusive Valentine’s Day destinations.
L’Ardente
Martinis topped with caviar? Strawberry Champagne mousse and mignardises? Lasagna and lobster? Sign me up. L’Ardente has everything you need to make your luxurious dinner for two one to remember. 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; lardente.com // @lardentedc
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All Set Restaurant & Bar
Looking for a romantic coastal New England meal that doesn’t break the bank? Look no further than All Set Restaurant & Bar in Silver Spring. 8630 Fenton St. Plaza 5, Silver Spring, MD; allsetrestaurant.com // @allsetdtss
Lupo Verde Osteria Palisades
This vintage, Italian neighborhood hotspot is offers everything from lamb shank and lobster risotto, and you won’t be disappointed with the starters and dessert. Feeling thirsty? Try their wine pairings too. 4814 MacArthur Blvd. NW, DC; lupoverdeosteriaalimentari.com // @lupoverdeosteria
Salamander DC
Spoil yourselves this Valentine’s Day at Salamander. Choose from a selection of fancy Champagne, start with a seafood tower for two and enjoy an entree of petit filet mignon or black Chilean sea bass. And nothing says romantic dessert like a Godiva chocolate lava cake topped with fresh raspberries. 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, DC; salamanderdc.com // @salamanderhoteldc
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Immigrant Food
Say you don’t want to deal with the traditional, crowded restaurant this February 14. Then make your way to the Planet Word Museum. The night ends in fondue, of course. 925 13th St. NW, DC; immigrantfood.com // @immigrantfood
Bindaas
How does Indian street cuisine sound? Absolutely delicious to me. Try their lamb stew, chicken wada pao and shrimp biryani. Multiple locations. bindaasdc.com // @bindaasdc
Blue Duck Tavern
Allow chef de cuisine Andrew Cleverdon to cook you up some romantic specials for Cupid’s big day at The Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt. For the savory and sweet lovebirds, try your hand at their Sicilian pistachio olive oil cake for dessert. 1201 24th St. NW, DC; blueducktavern.com // @blueducktavern
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Nobu
Not everyone is a goin’ out type of gal, I totally get it. And so does Nobu. Try their specially curated packages for pickup. Their boxes for two include picks from chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s menu, so if you’re into sushi and other Japanese cuisine — as well as avoiding the rush of Valentine’s Day—make sure to reserve your order at Nobu. 2525 M St. NW, DC; noburestaurants.com // @noburestaurants
Ambar
Celebrate at either of Ambar’s locations with a feast from the Balkan Peninsula. The best part? You can dine on unlimited small plates and drinks from their extensive menu for $100 per person. Unlimited! So go get your money’s worth and try some new food while you’re at it. Multiple locations. ambarrestaurant.com // @ambar_restaurants
Modena
Executive Chef Benjamin Lambert will be preparing only the finest Italian cuisine for the 14th. And I can’t end the description without mentioning dessert, which includes parmesan cake and amaro crème brûlée. 1199 H St. NW, DC; modenadc.com // @modenadc
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The Bombay Club
Make your loved one feel especially loved by reserving a seat in the White House dining room this year. Or just about…The Bombay Club is close enough. 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; bombayclubdc.com // @bombayclubdc
SABABA
Ever tried modern Israeli cuisine? If not, perhaps you should try it this year on V-Day. Make sure to try their date tahini caramel tart or strawberry pudding. 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; sababauptown.com // @sababadc
The Imperial
Treat your loved one to a five-course meal at a Mid Atlantic-meets-French, Michelin-honored eatery. 2001 18th St. NW, DC; imperialdc.com // @theimperialdc
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Lulu’s Winegarden
Do you know how to identify wine using only your senses? If you don’t have this superpower, consider taking a wine-tasting journey at Lulu’s Winegarden this Valentine’s Day. And rightfully so, your wine will be paired with a shareable spread of dips curated by chef and partner Cable Smith. 1940 11th St. NW, DC; luluswinegarden.com // @luluswinedc
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Meredith Shimer
A soon-to-be graduate of journalism at American University, Meredith is excited to be writing about the D.C. life and culture scene as an editorial fellow at District Fray. She is just starting her venture into the full-time work force and the communications industry and cannot wait to expand her experiences.