Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area? 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 favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Hillbrook Inn

4.9

4.9 (78)

$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

ChrisVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding good. Amazing ambiance. Friendly people. Will definitely be back!

Jônt

4.9

4.9 (115)

$50 and over

French / Japanese

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

At Jônt, we are a team of young and inspired chefs taking down the walls between kitchen and guests and taking you on a culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in a progressive tasting menu focusing on the simple, yet luxurious, ingredients around the world with deep inspiration from Japanese cuisine.

We challenge the seasons, navigate beyond the limits of time and break with tradition— getting playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.

Jônt has been recognized with two Michelin stars since 2021.

Top review

AliaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

I recently celebrated my daughter’s 21st birthday at JONT, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The team went above and beyond to make the evening incredibly special, ensuring every detail was perfect. The 30+ dishes were an absolute culinary masterpiece—each bite bursting with flavor and showcasing incredible attention to detail. The personalized touches and the staff’s warmth made the entire evening feel intimate and unique. We also appreciated the thoughtful gestures, like taking great pictures for us at the end of the night, which added a wonderful keepsake to the memories. Every step of the experience was carefully crafted to be exceptional, and JONT delivered in every way. This was more than just a dinner—it was a journey of flavors and hospitality that my family will cherish forever. Highly recommended for any special occasion!

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Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu

Experience

$295 Chef's Tasting Menu

Experience

Valentine's Week : Love & Luxury

Cafe Renaissance

4.8

4.8 (3105)

$31 to $50

French

Vienna

About the restaurant

For lovers of food, wine and romance,
Cafe Renaissance is your first choice in
intimate dining. Located in the heart of downtown Vienna, Cafe Renaissance
offers a quiet and charming ambiance
that will complement any dinner.

Top review

WayneVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Cafe Rennaissance is a lovely resturant with very good food. The service was excellent.

Carmello's Of Old Town Manassas

4.8

4.8 (1039)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Manassas

About the restaurant

Carmello's Of Old Town Manassas is a family owned and operated restaurant in Historic Manassas, which specializes in Contemporary Cuisine with Italian and Portuguese Fusion. The restaurant features a seasonal menus with locally sourced items from local farms. We are proud to be featured as one of the 50 best restaurants in Northern Virginia By Northern Virginia Magazine.

To accompany your dinner, select from our 2010-2023 Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List. Come try our extensive Portuguese wine list and taste for yourself what everyone will be talking about. We currently carry over 75 Portuguese wines from such regions as Alentejo, Douro, Doa, Estremadura, and Vinho Verde. Our list of Portuguese wines is one of the finest in the DC Metropolitan area and is comparable to many of the top Portuguese wine lists in the America.

Top review

AnneVIP

Dined on Jan 11, 2025

Took my dad here for his 80th birthday. The restaurant is lovely and staff were incredibly nice and attentive. Our waiter was so kind and patient with my dad who is a bit high maintenance. We started with the oysters Rockefeller, pork belly and salads, which were all very good. Waiter kept bringing me rosé instead of vinho verde which was not a big deal. I had the veal scallopini, which I found a bit chewy and greasy for my taste. The gnocchi served with it however, was delicious. My husband had the vieras del minho which was good, but a little bland. My dad didn’t like his mahi mahi, but the staff was very accommodating in getting him another piece of fish that was more to his liking. I should have left more room as the dessert menu is extensive. My dad had the chocolate brownie which he said was excellent.

Yayla Bistro

4.8

4.8 (783)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Arlington

About the restaurant

Yes, we are open! Dine in & Outdoor Seating.
Online Ordering for pick up & delivery : http://www.yaylabistro.com

Top review

PaulVIP

Dined on Jan 10, 2025

My wife and I went to Yayla’s just after the new year and enjoyed it very much. So we decided to invite friends. They absolutely enjoyed their meals and the restaurant as well.

The Alchemist

4.8

4.8 (66)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

McPherson Square

About the restaurant

Step into the clandestine world of The Alchemist, an elusive speakeasy where craftsmanship and libation unite. Immerse yourself in a realm of handcrafted cocktails featuring smoke and fire, where we infuse spirits seasonally and boast over 150 carefully selected bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. Uncover the art of mixology and savor the allure of rare spirits at The Alchemist DC

Top review

Terri

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

I gave 3 stars for food but we had cocktails, not food. The cocktails were 5/5!

The Melting Pot - Fredericksburg

4.7

4.7 (912)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Fredericksburg

About the restaurant

The Melting Pot is Fredericksburg’s premiere fondue restaurant. We offer both a romantic and family friendly atmosphere for your fine dining fondue experience. Our staff operates with one goal in mind - to provide you with the perfect night out.

Top review

Leah

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

Always a pleasure. I love having meals here as a family experience <3 Great conversations, unique flavors, fun preparation and core memories achieved :)

Il Piccolo Morso

4.7

4.7 (530)

$30 and under

Italian

Leonardtown

About the restaurant

Il Piccolo Morso - Serving delicious Italian food and cocktails in Leonardtown, Maryland. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

DianeVIP

Dined on Jan 11, 2025

Great food, service and ambiance! Highly recommend.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Tyson's Corner

4.6

4.6 (2207)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Tysons Corner / McLean

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Vienna, VA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

Dan

Dined 2 days ago

Celebrating 3 family members birthdays and the 6 of us, including our 3 year old granddaughter had a wonderful experience. Great service, food and ambience.

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4.6

4.6 (88)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Arlington

About the restaurant

At Gyusan Japanese BBQ, offer high-quality cuts of meat, that are known for their tenderness, flavor, and overall premium quality, which include cuts such as Wagyu beef, dry-aged beef, prime rib, and other premium cuts of beef, as well as premium cuts of pork, lamb, and other meats.Wagyu beef, for example, is known for its high level of marbling, which gives it a rich, buttery flavor and a tender texture. Dry-aged beef is beef that has been hung in a cool, dry place for several weeks, which helps to intensify its flavor and tenderize the meat.Our focus is often on using the highest quality and freshest ingredients, including premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and organic vegetables.From salad to sashimi and yakiniku to noodles, your friends and family are bound to find something to enjoy together.

Top review

Camellia

Dined on Jan 9, 2025

On a delightful outing, I ventured in for a quick meal with a family member who had just flown in from out of state. Eager to sample a bit of everything, we opted for the all-you-can-eat option, and it certainly lived up to its promise. Our experience was a feast for the senses, from the enticing display of dishes on the table to the engaging cooking experience right before our eyes. The restaurant buzzed with a constant flow of delicious food, making it feel like a celebration at every turn. Our attentive waitress ensured we were well taken care of, adding to the warmth of our dining experience. Overall, this was a charming and memorable outing we highly recommend to anyone looking to indulge in a culinary adventure. Dr. Cam

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