Choosing its name to honor a historic year in Washington, D.C.'s history, the Georgetown venue harks back to days gone by. American antiques, paintings and china decorate the six dining rooms which add to the venue's historic ambiance. The restaurant prides itself on shunning commercial produce in favor of local fare. Start off with appetizers like crispy lobster, grilled Spanish octopus and pheasant ballotine. Move on with entrees such as sherry-glazed eggplant, Mediterranean sea bass and New Zeland venison. Men are no longer required to wear jackets but it is suggested. This destination will make you want to wear your very best. METRO: Foggy Bottom.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: In a district that loves history, this venue pairs days gone by with a delicious menu.
Gina's expert tip: Save some room for dessert because the artisanal cheese board is not to be missed.
Named for Chef Aaron Silverman's paternal grandmother and his desire to provide a warm, casual and hospitable environment for guests, this venue is one of the district's favorites. Guests start off with a menu where each guest 'chose their own adventure' by picking two dishes. A table of four will have eight dishes on the table for the meal. Some recent choices include Mentaiko spaghetti, pork and lychee salad, and poached lobster. The adventure also includes their bread service as well as a 'slightly ridiculously sized dessert.' Hope you saved room for an old school chocolate soufflé or chess pie. METRO: Eastern Market
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: One of the most buzzed about restaurants over the past several years, this venue offers superb hospitality and delicious dishes.
Gina's expert tip: Times are tough for many folks and the team at Rose's Luxury knows that. For every meal eaten at the venue, they will donate .25 cents to WFP-USA which feeds hungry children across the world.
You will find a taste of Puglia right here in the district after stepping into Nick Stefanelli's Union Market-based restaurant featuring traditional yet modern Italian dishes. Masseria has a prix fixe menu offering between four to five courses. For those that are really hungry, try the La Cucina Menu which is a six-course tasting menu created for each guest. Whichever course you chose, don't leave without trying one of their signature cocktails. Sure, the names are fun (Like Pizza Dude's Got 30 Seconds anyone?) but the taste is what will bring you back again.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Forget the passport! Italian food is in the nation's capital at this Union Market destination.
Gina's expert tip: When making dinner reservations, be sure to ask for a table in the section you prefer. Try the pergola, their converted indoor dining section which was formerly an outdoor experience or sala, their traditional dining room.
For those of us who can't afford a romantic getaway to France, this restaurant is a great way to feel like you are there. Executive Chef Brendan L'Etoile has put together a Southern French cuisine menu that is fine dining in taste but won't leave your wallet reeling. Entrée choices include confit de canard (crispy moulard duck leg), loup de mer (sea bass) and queue de porc (slow-braised pork shank. Try their handcrafted cocktails such as Dandy featuring Rittenhouse Rye and Rose Window showcasing Capotoline Rose Vermouth to add some fun to the night. Be sure to check out their sister wine bar called Bar a Vin located by their outdoor patio.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Looking for an intimate venue for you and your sweetheart? Head to this Georgetown restaurant where French food and well paired wine will bring romance.
Gina's expert tip: If you are planning to bring a large group here, be aware the venue does not accept reservations for parties larger than 6 due to limited space. Large parties for private events are allowed.
Reopened in 2013 under the direction of executive chef Anthony Chittum, this venue dates back to the days of the Civil War when it was used as stables for its cavalry officer owner. Today, the original carriageway hosts the bar and year-round dining area and features a cozy courtyard complete with grapevines and wisteria. Focusing on Mediterranean inspired mezze driven dishes, a winter entrée menu recently featured oak grilled yellowfin tuna, roasted chestnut cappellacci and trumpet mushroom carbonara. As a way to say goodbye to the weekend, check out their brunch offerings such as lemon ricotta pancakes, olive oil fried eggs and roasted pepper lumache. METRO: Dupont Circle
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: With a gorgeous patio and garden and unforgettable modern Mediterranean menu, your loved one is sure to be impressed.
Gina's expert tip: The apple crumb cake is not to be missed. Order two so you don't have to share with your significant other!
Nestled in Washington, Va., this cozy yet elegant venue is the perfect spot to bring that special someone for a romantic getaway. The Inn features 24 bedrooms and suites â" some with picturesque views of the historic, untouched land. Patrons will find a decadent American-inspired menu at the restaurant including mouth-watering classics such as carpaccio of herb-crusted elysian fields baby lamb loin, cavatelli pasta with chanterelles and seafood sausage. The wine cellar has more than 14,000 bottles so you will surely find one (or more) to pair with the meal. Be sure to take a walk through the campus to watch the sunset on the Perimeter Path, buy some presents at the gift shops or meander through the cutting garden.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: A romantic getaway that offers great food and a charming place to stay after your meal.
Gina's expert tip: Cell phone service is very limited in this rural area so be sure to have incoming calls forwarded to your room if you stay onsite.
Housed inside a former row house in Shaw, this romantic dining destination will make you feel like you have walked into an upscale farmhouse thanks to the wood-burning hearth, open kitchen and exposed historic brick walls. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne has focused his menu around sourcing ingredients from Mid-Atlantic farms and purveyors and even growing some onsite on their patio and rooftop garden. You'll find a different four-course dinner menu every day. Diners start with snacks like a half dozen oysters or radicchio salad. The meal moves to a first course (celery root, foie gras parfait) and a main course (heritage chicken, Chesapeake rockfish). Guests end with a choice of dessert and may also add side dishes to their meal. Don't leave without checking out their drink menu including cocktails, ciders, wine and beer.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: A wood burning hearth gives you the feeling of home without having to cook or clean up. Head here for a romantic date night.
Gina's expert tip: Dessert is a must for a romantic date so try the sticky toffee pudding featuring preserved plums and bourbon brown sugar ice cream.
