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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Arlington

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208 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant
1. Filomena Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(17163)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 182 times today
Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!
A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
2. Old Ebbitt Grill
4.8
Exceptional(29700)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 279 times today
Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, DC's oldest saloon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the city, just steps from The White House, this historic landmark offers a timeless blend of classic American cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. Old Ebbitt Grill promises a memorable visit filled with a warm ambiance and a seasonal menu spanning from freshly shucked oysters to house-made pastas and perfectly prepared steaks & chops. From the Rooftop Terrace to the Atrium or Cabinet Room, Ebbitt's private dining spaces are ideal for celebrations ranging from small and intimate to grand and stylish.
A photo of The Hamilton restaurant
3. The Hamilton
4.7
Exceptional(11833)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 171 times today
The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
4. La Grande Boucherie - DC
4.4
Awesome(1301)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 134 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.
A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant
5. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom
4.5
Awesome(34452)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foggy Bottom
Booked 333 times today
Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday neighborhood restaurant.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
6. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19383)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 326 times today
Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.
A photo of dLeña restaurant
7. dLeña
4.7
Exceptional(2000)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 77 times today
Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past. The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino. CHEF'S TABLE EXPERIENCE:Book an exclusive dining experience at our chef’s table tucked behind the main bar facing into the open kitchen. Chef will prepare eight courses for 160.00 per guest, with an optional beverage pairing for 75.00 per guest. Please visit our Chef's Table OpenTable page to book:https://www.opentable.com/r/dlena-chef-table-washington
A photo of Ambar - Arlington restaurant
8. Ambar - Arlington
4.6
Exceptional(4057)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Arlington
Booked 140 times today
Welcome to Ambar, the gem of Arlington, where you are invited to explore the dynamic flavors of Balkan cuisine. What distinguishes us, is our well-curated, exclusive 'Dining Without Limits' experience, which brings you the soul of Balkan dining traditions. Our extensive menu boasts a variety of shareable small plates, perfectly paired with a vast selection of premium Balkan wines. Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, celebratory weekend brunch, or an evening of indulgence, our unlimited dining menu promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey. We excel in serving individual guests, as well as larger groups, and private events. At Ambar, our custom catering services add that extra sparkle to your events. At Ambar, we are revolutionizing dining with inventive Balkan cuisine that blends tradition and innovation, seamlessly. We ensure an unforgettable gastronomic experience with award-winning, extraordinary hospitality. Step into Ambar, the pinnacle of Balkan dining.
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
9. The Dabney
4.7
Exceptional(265)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 14 times today
Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.
A photo of Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown restaurant
10. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown
4.4
Awesome(13834)
Price: Moderate
• American • Georgetown
Booked 268 times today
Farmers Fishers Bakers - DC is a special place perfect for all occasions. As one reviewer puts it, 'Truly fantastic food experience. Everything from the meal selection, drink and appetizers far exceeded expectations. Highly recommend for all occasions.' It's a place where 'quality is all aspects', with top-notch food and great service. Plus, the ambiance is described as 'festive, clean and relaxed', making it the perfect spot for a 'little special dinner'. So whether you're celebrating a birthday, graduation, or just want to treat your loved ones to a special dinner, this restaurant is the place to be.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • margaret
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went for Christmas dinner. Foggy Bottom was one of the two locations that had the a’ la carte menu which was why I picked the location. It was a little crowded waiting for our reservation time and they were behind but we expected that and didn’t mind. There were three of us and we all were happy with our meals. We had wings and the corn bread skillet for appetizers. The wings were really good. I’m not a fan of corn in my cornbread but it still tasted good. I had fried shrimp with fries, coleslaw and corn bread. The shrimp and fries were really good. The coleslaw was a little blah. Our other two diners had a platter with ribs, cheeseburger sliders and fried chicken and coleslaw. They both loved theirs but also were not fans of the coleslaw. The staff was friendly and professional and fast. We enjoyed talking to them and the two different sets of patrons sitting beside us. We had a great Christmas dinner despite it not being an “traditional” Christmas dinner and would come back again.
    More info
    Founding Farmers DC: Foggy BottomPrice: Moderate• American• Foggy Bottom
    •
    4.5
  • Rima
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We visited La Grande Boucherie during Christmas day. - restaurant looked very festive and cozy. - live music - food 4 stars out of 5. Oysters were amazing. french onion soup was ok, but nothing special. I ate FILET MIGNON and it was really good. My husband had STEAK FRITES and said it was nothing special, not going to eat it next time. For the desert we ordered PROFITEROLES it was tasty and alot! Overall experience was nice, we will come back!
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
    •
    4.4
  • Cynthia
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Christmas Eve dinner at OEG is a 24-year tradition for my daughter and me. As always, the food was awesome. My daughter and I were quite surprised and disappointed by the lackluster greeting and overall experience when we walked in. The word "dismissive" comes to mind. Because our previous experiences were fabulous, I will look at this visit as a "one-off" one. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025!!!
    More info
    Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Cara
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great atmosphere and delicious food! Almost canceled our 9:30 pm reservation but so glad we didn’t. The place was packed but the service was efficient. We had both kinds of gnocchi, vegetable frites, Caesar salad and fusilli with three kinds of meat- it was all excellent!
    More info
    Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
    •
    4.8
  • C.VIP
    Las Vegas •109 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We were greeted with a big smile at the front stand and promptly seated. This vibrant spot featured fresh, well-prepared sushi and an array of American and Italian selections. Every dish we selected was excellent. Though the place was packed and the noise level was predictably high, I had requested a quiet table when reserving and we were seated in a private booth complete with a door and coat hooks - the closest thing to our own dining room. The star of the evening was was our server Brian S. He was cheerful, informative, professional, welcoming, and everything one wants to insure a good experience when dining out. Kudos to The Hamilton - everyone got everything right!
    More info
    The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    •
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Arlington

Discover the perfect dining destinations for special occasions in the Arlington, Virginia - DC Suburbs area. Whether celebrating milestones, romantic evenings, or festive gatherings, these restaurants in Arlington offer a memorable experience with their unique atmospheres and exceptional cuisine. From upscale steakhouses to cozy Italian spots, and innovative international cuisine, each establishment is tailored for unforgettable events. The dining scene in Arlington is diverse, featuring a mix of modern elegance and traditional charm, making it ideal for any celebratory meal. Guests consistently praise the attentive service, beautifully crafted dishes, and ambient settings that elevate every dining occasion. These restaurants not only provide fine dining but also ensure that every visit is special, with thoughtful touches like personalized menus and complimentary desserts. If you're looking for a venue that combines great food with a festive atmosphere, Arlington's array of restaurants has you covered for any special occasion.

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