Best D.C. Restaurants for Valentine’s Day Date Night: City Center

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat your special someone to an unforgettable date night. If you’re in/around/near the DMV or Washington, D.C. area, look no further than the vibrant City Center area, which offers some of the most romantic dining experiences. Spend the entire night at one spot, or follow this curated itinerary with spots for dinner, drinks, appetizers, and dessert—all within walking distance of each other. Show her (or him) a magical Valentine’s Day evening in D.C. with the best D.C. restaurants that they won’t ever forget! (You can start at #1 or at #3 and circle back to #1). My best friend and I completed this little restaurant hop earlier this year and had an absolute BLAST. You’re in for a real treat!

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1. Start with Appetizers at 7 Reasons

931 H St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001

Start off with a selection of exquisite appetizers at 7 Reasons, one of the best D.C. restaurants for Latin inspired cuisine. This restaurant is known for its vibrant and authentic Latin American flavors and innovative dishes. This is the perfect place to set the tone if the vibe is indulgence. My recommendations? Share a few small plates. (My favorites are the tangy scallops curry and the latin falafel). But perhaps you’d like to try the crispy arepas or the octopus carpaccio, while sipping on a handcrafted cocktail? (Might I recommend the Passion over Perfection? Psst…they light it on fire!!!) The decor of the interior brings a unique and intimate ambiance, and the even more artistic plating will impress your date right from the start.

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2. Romantic Dinner at Centrolina

974 Palmar Aly NW, Washington DC 20001

For your main course, you’ll be heading over to Centrolina, an Italian gem in the heart of City Center. This elegant, yet cozy, eatery offers a farm-to-table experience (dairy and produce supplied locally by PA, MD, VA, NY farms) with an exquisite selection of handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and premium meats. Whether you opt for the rich tagliatelle Bolognese or the succulent branzino (my choice), each bite will transport you straight to Italy (Prego!). Pair your meal with a fine wine from their expertly curated list to enhance the experience, or opt for the classic Aperol spritz. There’s a reason that this spot made my list for best D.C. restaurants, and you’ll want to find out first-hand!

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3. Sip on Elegant Cocktails at Fig & Olive

934 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

After you’ve finished your dinner, transition into a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere over at Fig & Olive. The bar lounge is perfect for post-dinner drinks, and offers a menu of Mediterranean-inspired cocktails as well as an extensive wine reservoir. Whether you prefer a refreshing French 75, a smooth Old Fashioned, or a crisp glass of rosé, this location provides an ideal setting to continue the conversation and soak in all the vibes of the evening.

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4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at The Peach Cobbler Factory

1010 Massachusetts Ave NW suite 100, Washington, DC 20001

This certainly is a change in scenery, but well worth it, and just a 10 minute walk from the square. Also, no Valentine’s Day is complete without dessert, and there’s no better place to indulge than The Peach Cobbler Factory. In my opinion, this is one of the best D.C. restaurants for dessert. This cozy little haven specializes in rich, homemade cobblers in a variety of flavors, from classic peach to indulgent Nutella banana and peanut butter praline. If cobbler isn’t your thing, their warm cinnamon rolls and decadent brownies are just as swoon-worthy. Sharing a sweet treat is the perfect way to end your romantic night on a (sugar) high note. (Ps. I order take out from this place ALL the time, I swear by it).

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With Full Bellies, and even Fuller Hearts

City Center is the ultimate destination for a Valentine’s Day date filled with romance, ambience, and delicious food and holds some of the best D.C. restaurants out there. Through following this thoughtfully curated itinerary, you’ll impress your date with an unforgettable dining experience in some of D.C.’s best restaurants (all within walking distance)! It really doesn’t matter whether you’re celebrating a budding romance or years of memories, this date guide will help you create even more to last.

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Need a last minute gift or something to wear? Check out these Valentine’s Day outfit inspirations and Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas over on my Like To Know It!

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Are you planning a special Valentine’s Day in D.C.? I would love to hear about all of your favorite spots in the comments! (Remember, I’m still new to the area and always looking for something new to try out myself!)

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Join me next week where I’ll be discussing the “Rococco Era” style inspiration trend that’s popping up left and right. Not sure what that means? Even more reason to subscribe right now! If you’re interested in reading about that cherry red tone we’ve been seeing literally EVERYWHERE be sure to catch up and read last week’s article here.

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Until next time,

Xoxo, C

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