The Most Romantic Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria
Are you looking for that perfect romantic place to take your special someone in Old Town Alexandria? Look no further! The Goodhart Group has rounded up the most romantic restaurants in Old Town Alexandria for you.
Bastille
606 N. Fayette Street
Open since 2006, Bastille offers a “contemporary spin on French cuisine set within a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere,” including a fabulous patio for outdoor dining. Bastille’s entrees include Moules Frites, Roasted Pork Loin and Fennel, and a Madiera duck breast. Pastry Chef Michelle Poteaux’s offerings include Profiteroles au chocolat, Crème Brulée à l’Orange et vanille, and a Fall Frangiapane. Visit for “Sundays Sippers” and enjoy select bottles of wine for just $20. Bastille also offers a Bistro Three Course Prix Fixe for $39 and a Brasserie Four-Course Prix Fixe for $49. Bastille is closed on Mondays.
Brabo
1600 King Street
Located in the Lorien Hotel, Brabo is the perfect pick for that special evening. Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier puts a “contemporary twist on classic French dishes” using fresh, seasonal ingredients from Virginia farmers. Enjoy Brabo’s excellent variety of cheese plates, steak frites, and mussels, as well as rotating daily specials. The Brabo bar offers a range of cocktails, wines, and beers and is known for its many variations on the French 75 cocktail (made with gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and sugar).
Chart House
1 Cameron Street
This spacious restaurant on the Old Town waterfront offers spectacular rivers views for you and your special someone to enjoy. Dine indoors or on the patio with expansive views of the Potomac River and the District. The Chart House menu focuses primarily on steak and seafood including Coconut Crunchy Shrimp, Spiced Ahi, Alaskan King Crab, Prime Rib, and New York Strip. The Chart House is open daily and offers Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4 – 6:30 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern
138 N. Royal Street
Dine by candlelight in this historic establishment which was frequented by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and other founding fathers. Gadsby’s Tavern Colonial dining rooms are the perfect complement to the menu offerings, which include Peanut Soup, Hot Smithfield Ham Biscuits, Gentleman’s Pye (a lamb and beef stew in a puff pastry), and George’s Favorite (grilled duck breast with a port wine orange glace). Open since 1770, this restaurant serves dinner daily and also offers Sunday brunch.
Il Porto
121 King Street
Since 1973, Il Porto has been an Alexandria favorite for traditional Italian cuisine. This cozy corner restaurant features stone walls and a welcoming fireplace Enjoy the scratch-made pasta made daily and other classic entrees like Veal Marsala and Chicken Piccata. Il Porto offers all of your favorite Italian sweets, including cannoli, tartufo, and spumoni, as well as an extensive offering of after-dinner drinks. Il Porto also offers a fabulous wine list!
Le Refuge
127 N. Washington Street
Old Town’s oldest French restaurant has been serving up romance and fine French cuisine since 1983. This intimate bistro will instantly transport you and your dining companion to Paris! Chef Chafour, who hails from Burgundy in the Loire Valley, creates all of your French favorites such as beef au poivre, salmon en croute, and bouillabaisse. Le Refuge offers a three-course, pre-or post-theatre pre-fixe meal ($34.95) Mondays through Thursdays (Le Refuge is closed on Sundays). Reservations are recommended.
Landini Brothers
115 King Street
This beautiful yet cozy space has been an Old Town favorite since 1979. Hosts Franco and Noe Landini offer Tuscan specialties such as Agnolotti alla Fiorentina, Calamari Fritti, and Linguine alle Pescator, as well as an extensive wine list. Its romantic atmosphere, complete with exposed brick, stone, and wood walls, can’t be beaten! Outdoor dining is also available. Landini Brothers are open for lunch and dinner daily.
LaPorta’s
1600 Duke Street
Do you and your special someone love jazz? Then head to this Alexandria spot known for its lineup of live jazz every evening. LaPorta’s menu offers something for everyone, including salad, pasta, burgers, chicken, steaks, and much more. Visit on a Monday or Tuesday night for specials, including ½ price bottles of LaPorta’s current vintage wine and a special of two entrees and a bottle of wine for just $28.99 per couple.
The Wharf
119 King Street
Located in a building more than 200 years old, The Wharf offers some of the best seafood in Alexandria. The Wharf has a cozy atmosphere, with stone walls and wood beams and columns that bear burn marks from a Civil War fire. Outdoor seating is also available. The menu offers “classic Chesapeake recipes with chef-inspired creations” such as horseradish-crusted salmon, whole Maine lobster, and grilled filet mignon. Open daily, The Wharf’s welcoming bar offers happy hour specials from 4 – 7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and an extensive wine list.
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