Date Night Ideas: Romantic Restaurants in Virginia

There’s no better date night than the classic dinner and a movie. The movie is the easy part, but where should you take your sweetie out to eat? Someplace that’s intimate, cozy, and candlelit is always a good choice. We’re here to help take the guesswork out of date night dinners with this list of romantic foodie destinations. All of the restaurants listed here have delicious food, and a romantic setting–perfect for romancing the special someone in your life.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Marigold at Keswick Hall–Keswick

Marigold is the on-site restaurant for Keswick Hall, one of the most luxurious resorts in Central Virginia. The restaurant offers a romantic dining experience through its elegant "rustic chic" design, featuring black and white stone, rustic hardwood floors, a distinctive bar with fluted tile design, and a stone fireplace. Marigold's commitment to fresh, local, and organic ingredients, with a menu that changes seasonally, enhances the intimate atmosphere. Guests can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, with the latter providing stunning countryside views, making it an ideal setting for a romantic evening.

Other Romantic Options in Central Virginia:

• Acacia Mid-Town in Richmond: Classy atmosphere with great seafood and wine selection.
• Fleurie Restaurant in Charlottesville: Their themed Sunday Dinner events are peak date-night material.
• The Dining Room at Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison:  Don’t miss the prix fixe menu at Early Mountain Vineyards, where each expertly crafted, stunningly arranged dish is paired with an exceptional Virginia vintage. In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the elegant ambiance and dedication to showcasing the best of Virginia's culinary offerings make Early Mountain an ideal destination for couples seeking a memorable meal.
• The Ivy Inn Restaurant in Charlottesville: Fresh, thoughtful food in a charming historic house setting.
• Helen’s in Richmond: A Richmond staple since 1935, Helen’s is a cozy, intimate spot for foodies. They have small plates for sharing with your sweetie, in addition to yummy full-sized entrees if your date is not the food-sharing type.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Lucky–Roanoke

Manhattan-style fine dining in Southwest Virginia? Lucky merges these two styles in an unforgettable way. Fresh, local food, hand-crafted cocktails, and muted amber lighting creates the perfect setting for a relaxing romantic evening. If you and your mate are on the stylish side, Lucky is a great place to wine and dine.

Other Romantic Options in Southwest Virginia:

• Hickory at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards: Helmed by James Beard Semi-Finalist Chef Travis Milton, Hickory serves elevated Appalachian fare.
• Palisades Restaurant in Eggleston: Contemporary Southern restaurant located in an historic landmark building. Source most of their meats, fish, and produce from nearby purveyors in the New River Valley, resulting in fresh fare served in a cozy, unfussy setting.
• The Tavern in Abingdon: Housed in a historical building dating to 1779, The Tavern is a local favorite in the Abingdon area. If the weather allows, dine on the patio, where strings of lights create a romantic, welcoming setting.  

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

Field & Main–Marshall

Field & Main provides hearth-inspired, locally sourced, globally inspired cuisine in the heart of the Marshall Historic District. The menu changes seasonally and features whimsically creative and thoughtfully curated dishes.

Other Romantic Options in the Shenandoah Valley:

• Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza in Harrisonburg: You’ll find a warm, inviting atmosphere and incredibly delicious pizzas to split with your honey at Bella Luna.
• The Shack in Staunton: Critically acclaimed Southern eats with a cozy atmosphere, The Shack (and sister restaurant Maude & The Bear) serve some of the finest fare in the Shenandoah Valley.
• Osteria 510 in Front Royal: Dine on classic Italian food in a quaint setting at Osteria 510.
• La Table Provençale in White Post: Inside luxury bed and breakfast L’Auberge Provençale, La Table Provençale serves French cuisine with carefully chosen wine pairings.
• Local Chop and Grill House in Harrisonburg: Hyper-local, expertly prepared dishes. Looking for a nightcap? Their onsite bar, The Local Bar, is one of the most highly reviewed bars in the Shenandoah region.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Joon–Vienna

Sample exotic flavors in an international atmosphere at Joon in Vienna. Named one of the top 50 places to eat in America in 2024 by the New York Times, this upscale yet intimate restaurant serves Persian cuisine, including seafood dishes from the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf regions to lamb and duck dishes found in other parts of the Middle East.

Other Romantic Options in Northern Virginia:

• The Inn at Little Washington in Washington: Sample top-notch food in luxurious and warm space at this Three Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Claire’s at the Depot in Warrenton: Fine dining in a stylish, refurbished train depot.
• 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church: Nestled amidst serene landscaping with koi ponds, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. 2941’s culinary offerings are equally enchanting, with a menu that blends French and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
• Vermilion in Alexandria: Modern American cooking with exceptional service and a warm atmosphere.
• Field & Main in Marshall: Field and Main’s hearth provides a warm, romantic atmosphere, and getting the chance to eat quality hearth-fired food is always a win.
• The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville: Upscale farm dining with an unbeatable view.

COASTAL VIRGINIA

The Colonnade at the Hope & Glory Inn–Irvington

Located inside the Hope & Glory Inn, a nationally recognized boutique inn in the charming coastal town of Irvington, the Colonnade provides an intimate setting for your next romantic dinner. The oysters are a must--pair them with a vintage from the inn's on-site micro-vineyard for a truly unique dining experience. 

Other Romantic Options in Coastal Virginia:

• Gabriel Archer Tavern at the Williamsburg Winery in Williamsburg: Fine wine and Southern-inspired food with cozy colonial feel.
• Zoës Steak & Seafood in Virginia Beach: Beachfront dining with a classy, inviting atmosphere.
• Orion's Roof in Virginia Beach: Asian-fusion fare with innovative cocktails and prime views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Boardwalk from 183 feet above the ground--the best views in Virginia Beach. 
• LeGrand Kitchen in Norfolk: A self-styled “finer diner” in the heart of Norfolk’s Highland Park neighborhood. Its cozy 28-seat footprint and ever-changing, seasonally-focused menu have made LeGrand the ultimate date-night destination for Norfolk residents. The friendly staff and attention to detail are sure to impress your date and keep you coming back for more. 
• Todd Jurich’s Bistro in Norfolk: Award-winning food served in a casually elegant setting.

Eating an excellent meal with your special someone is truly the best way to spend an evening. Add a few glasses of wine and something sweet for dessert, and everyone will be feeling the love. Hopefully, our list of the most romantic restaurants in Virginia will inspire you to treat your sweetie to a night of good food and good company. Bon Appétit!