Alexandria has no shortage of choices when it comes to finding a romantic restaurant. A stroll along King Street in historic Old Town Alexandria will reveal a vibrant and eclectic restaurant scene where you will find just about any cuisine that takes your fancy. Almost all the restaurants use fresh seasonal produce from local farms, artisan cheese-makers and seafood producers.
Bastille
Bringing the flavors and aromas of France to Old Town Alexandria, Bastille Brasserie and Bar is a popular family-owned restaurant which has been pleasing palates since 2006. The restaurant is owned by chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux, who bring their own unique twist to traditional French bistro dishes, inspired by whatever is fresh and seasonal. You can choose to dine at an intimate table for two in the dining room or opt to enjoy a lighter meal at the bar. The restaurant offers three and four-course fixed price menus or you can choose individual items from the a la carte menu. There are daily specials for bargain hunters including their French Quickie special for lunch from Tuesday to Friday.
Bastille, 606 N. Fayette Street, Alexandria, VA22314, Phone: 703-519-3776
Bistro Sancerre
Sancerre is known for its innovative take on classic French cuisine. The interior of the bistro is large, sleek and modern and there is also a romantic patio for good-weather dining. You can get started by ordering a few of their appetizers which include classic French favorites like escargot and Foie Gras given a brand new twist. Main courses include popular choices like Filet Mignon, Braised Lamb Shank and a fragrant seafood Cassoulet of roasted monkfish and shrimp. If you visit for lunch you will find a lighter menu offering burgers, crepes and Croque Monsieur. An extensive wine list completes the picture.
Bistro Sancerre, 1725 Duke St, Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-634-2720
Blackwall Hitch
Offering a coastal-inspired theme, Blackwall Hitch is a sleek modern venue with just the right ambiance to make it perfect for a special lunch or night out. The name of the restaurant comes from the special Blackwall Hitch knot which the original immigrants from England used to tether their ships to the docks on the Virginia and Maryland coasts back in 1862. you can expect the food to be fresh, tasty and seasonal, inspired by whatever is locally available on the day. The menu will always include a selection of salads and soups, fresh seafood from the Raw Bar, tasty roasted flatbreads, burgers and some fabulous entrees and sides.
Blackwall Hitch, 5 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-739-6090
Brabo Brasserie
Brabo Brasserie brings the chic Paris food scene to Old Town Alexandria, offering Sunday brunch and daily dinner in the Brasserie as well as casual French delights in the all-day Tasting Room. For a special date night you can order (in advance) the house specialty Le Grand Duck Flambé to share with your partner. The Brasserie a la carte menu features all the popular classic French dishes (alongside some surprises), all beautifully prepared using seasonal locally-sourced ingredients – think Beef Bourguignon, Confit Duck Leg and Trout Almandine. If you choose to eat in the more casual Tasting Room you can feast on local cheeses, delicious small plates for sharing and soups, salads, mussels and French Tarts.
Brabo Brasserie, 1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-894-3440
Cedar Knoll
Located on a stretch of land which once formed part of George Washington’s farm, Cedar Knoll overlooks the magnificent Potomac River, offering three separate areas where you can enjoy lunch, dinner or brunch. The sumptuous décor in the Presidential Room perfectly sets the scene for a romantic dinner prepared from the best locally sourced seasonal produce. The menu is full of tantalizing options to suit all tastes; perhaps you would care to start with some wonderful fresh local oysters or Pan Roasted Mussels before moving on to a delicious main. The lunch and brunch menu (usually served in the beautiful Botanical Room) features lighter fare including several breakfast favorites like Poached Eggs in Potato Nests.
Cedar Knoll, 9030 Lucia Lane, Alexandria, VA 22308, Phone: 703-780-3665
Chart House
A stunning waterfront location on the banks of the Potomac River sets the Chart House apart as one of the best choices in Alexandria for a romantic night out. You may choose to dine indoors or alfresco on the patio on good-weather days, feasting your eyes on the sweeping views of the river and the city beyond. The nautical theme continues through to the menu which features a long list of mouth-watering seafood dishes including Coconut Fried Shrimp, Fresh Oysters, Crab Cakes and Lobster, but carnivores have not been neglected and can order Prime Rib, a variety of steaks and sides or chicken.
Chart House, 1 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-684-5080
Columbia Firehouse
A stunning light-filled atrium and an interior enhanced by wood paneling, mirrors and mood lighting sets the scene in this historic building which was built in 1883. You can choose to eat in the sumptuous dining room, the atrium or the outdoor patio where you can enjoy an elegant dinner of refined American cuisine. Along with fresh salads and hearty soups you can choose from an excellent selection of fresh seafood including oysters, crab, mussels and sharing platters. Carnivores can choose from the best natural-raised Black Angus steaks and prime ribs served with your chose of sides. If you want something lighter you can visit the Bar Room for a selection of lighter dishes.
Columbia Firehouse, 109 St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-683-1776
Del Ray Cafe
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the Del Ray Café is your go-to eatery for organic, fresh local dishes prepared with French flair. The menu changes all the time in order to bring the best seasonal produce to your plate but you will always find a selection of cleverly-combined salads, a soup-of-the-day, a catch-of-the day fish dish and ever-popular favorites like escargot, salmon and naturally-raised steaks and burgers on the lunch menu. If you visit for dinner you will have a wider choice of entrees including Cassoulet, Bouillabaisse, Duck Confit and Stuffed Loin of Lamb. Gluten-free options are available on request.
Del Ray Café, 205 East Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, Phone: 703-717-9151
Fish Market Restaurant
Located in the heart of Historic Old Town Alexandria, the Fish Market Restaurant lives up to its’ name by offering visitors a great choice of fresh fish and seafood. To set the scene for a romantic dinner you can request a table on the balcony or patio where you will have scenic views and a more intimate dining area. The menu is extensive, starting with a choice of seafood soups and stews, a selection of your favorite seafood starters and salads and a long list of sandwiches, platters, house specialties and tasty sides. If seafood is not your favorite you can choose a burger or steak. There are eight craft beers on tap, house cocktails and several wines by the bottle or glass.
Fish Market Restaurant, 105 King Street, Old Town, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-836-5676
Il Porto Restaurant
Il Porto Restaurant was established in historic Old Town Alexandria in 1973 in a historic pre-Civil War building which has previously been home to many varied enterprises including a secret Prohibition distillery, a House of Ill Repute and a 1940’s Nazi radio network. The interior of the old building has been completely restored and offers a charming old-world ambiance. The food is firmly grounded in Northern Italy but has evolved over time to include modern American classics prepared from fresh local produce. Everything is hand-made on site including their pastas. The delicious food can be accompanied by a large selection of wines by the glass or bottle and regular wine evening are held.
Il Porto Ristorante, 121 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-836-8833
La Fromagerie Wine Bar and Bistro
La Fromagerie in Old Town Alexandria offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere conducive to a special date or night out. The restaurant is dedicated to work directly with local producers to ensure that the best seasonal produce finds its way directly from the farm to your fork. You can savor a variety of fresh and tasty small dishes and main courses or simply enjoy one of their famous cheese boards which showcase local artisan cheese makers. La Fromagerie offers an ever-changing menu of craft beers and an excellent selection of wines by the glass to accompany your dinner or lunch and every month a different Terrior is showcased to broaden your wine knowledge.
La Fromagerie Wine Bar and Bistro, 1222 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-879-2467
Landini Brothers Restaurant
Bringing the flavors and aromas of Tuscany to a delightfully rustic venue in Old Town Alexandria, Landini Brothers Restaurant is the ideal choice for a romantic night out. The restaurant opened in 1979 and has a loyal following of regulars who come to enjoy traditional Tuscan food and hospitality. The restaurant follows a philosophy of allowing the inherent flavors of simple ingredients to shine by using fresh locally-sourced ingredients and simple preparation techniques. The dinner menu starts off with a selection of fresh salads and appetizers including beautifully prepared artichokes, clams, shrimp and meat or tuna Carpaccio. These delights are followed by home-made pastas, veal scaloppini and other mains.
Landini Brothers Restaurant, 115 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-836-8404
Le Refuge
Bringing the fresh country flavors and aromas of France to Alexandria, Le Refuge has the perfect ambiance to set the scene for a romantic dinner. The restaurant is small and intimate, filled with framed photos and many treasures from days gone by. The menu is equally romantic, filled with the delightful flavors of a French country bistro. You can choose from their a la carte menu or select the daily fixed-price lunch or dinner menu. A few of the delectable dishes include a hearty French Onion Soup, Frog’s Legs or home-made Patés. On the mains menu you will find Sautee Trout with Almonds, Beef Wellington and perfectly roasted Rack of Lamb. Owner Jean Chaufour is proud of his excellent selection of reasonably-priced wines to accompany your meal.
La Refuge, 127 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-548-4661
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
Located in the historic 1871 Corn Exchange Building on King Street, Mia’s Italian Kitchen brings with it a long history of Italian farm-to-fork home cooking. The menu has been designed to reflect the essence of rustic Italian farm fare, using locally sourced fresh produce wherever possible. The interior of the restaurant is both warm and welcoming, and subdued mood lighting sets the scene for a relaxed romantic date night. All the pasta dishes feature fresh house-made pasta and the authentic brick-oven pizzas are available by the slice for those with smaller appetites. Mia’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-997-5300
MoHo Kitchen and Cocktails
Located in the elegant Morrison House Hotel in Old Town, MoHo Kitchen and Cocktails is a popular meeting place which has an up-market vibe perfect for date night. The main dining area is sleek and modern and there is an outdoor patio area for good-weather days. You can get your evening off to a great start by ordering a couple of their interesting house-crafted cocktails with a literary theme. The menu features mainly American classics made from locally sourced and foraged ingredients. Some of the most popular items on the menu include their fresh Atlantic seafood dishes, Rib-eye Steak with Brussels sprouts and Crab-cake sliders.
MoHo Kitchen and Cocktails, Morrison House Hotel, 116 S Alfred St, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-838-8000
Nasime Japanese Restaurant
Nasime Japanese Restaurant brings upscale yet affordable authentic Japanese cuisine to King Street’s restaurant scene. This is a small and intimate eatery presided over by Chef Yuh, who has over fifteen years experience in the kitchen and is waiting to tantalize your taste buds with made-from-scratch Japanese delicacies. The fixed-price menu changes daily to showcase whatever is fresh on the day but you can always expect at least five courses, one of which will be a sashimi and one a delicious frozen dessert. Try sipping one of the sakes from their large selection to add a distinctly exotic touch to your meal. If you would like to watch the chef in action you can book seats at the bar in front of the open kitchen.
Nasime Japanese Restaurant, 1209 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-457-0146
The Light Horse Restaurant
Another of King Street’s popular meeting places, the Light Horse is two venues in one. Upstairs you will find a boisterous sports bar offering drinks, snacks and entertainment while downstairs there is a quieter restaurant perfect for date night dining. The menu features a good selection of classic American dishes, including choices for both small and large appetites. There are salads, soups and other appetizers to start with, followed by a choice of pastas, burgers and mouth-watering entrees and side dishes. You can order wines by the glass and there is a very large selection of bottled and draft beers and a fun list of cocktails.
The Light Horse Restaurant, 715 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-549-0533
The Warehouse
A warm welcome awaits you at The Warehouse, located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, where Chef Sert Raumthong brings his very unique combination of French/Asian/Cajun influences to the table. Chef Sert takes full advantage of the abundance of fresh local ingredients to bring you a selection of inspired fresh seafood and other dishes. A few of the most popular dishes on the menu include Broiled Lobster Strudel, Pecan crusted Rockfish and a mouth-watering Hazelnut Crème Brulee. On Saturday and Sundays you can come and enjoy a wonderful brunch menu.
The Warehouse, 214 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-683-6868
Vermilion Restaurant
Loads of exposed brick work, subdued lighting and brightly colored (Vermilion) booths provide an intimate and romantic ambiance at Vermilion Restaurant in King Street where Chef Thomas Cardarelli shares his extensive culinary expertise with guests. You can choose a selection of beautiful courses from the seasonal a la carte menu or put your trust in the chef and settle in to enjoy the 5 course Chef’s Tasting Menu, available with or without wine pairing. (There is a special Tasting Menu for vegetarians too). You can choose from an excellent menu of wines by the glass or select from an international selection of beers and spirits. The restaurant hosts regular Brewery and Farm Table dinners.
Vermilion Restaurant, 1120 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-684-9669
Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge
If you both love seafood then Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge is the perfect destination for a romantic night out. Vola’s is located in the old Torpedo Factory in the Old Town Waterfront, which is also home to over 160 artists who work and exhibit in the building. You can choose to eat outside on the deck overlooking the harbor when the weather is good. There is a very extensive menu of seafood dishes on offer including favorites like fresh oysters from the Raw Bar, Shrimp and Grits, Seared Scallops, Crab Cakes and King Street Seafood Stew. The Hi-Tide lounge is the ideal spot for pre-dinner cocktails or post dinner night-caps.
Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge, The Torpedo Factory, 101 N. Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-935-8890
