Best Fine Dining Restaurant Around Here

Need a great restaurant recommendation (other than Tuskies or Parallel Wine Bistro which we already frequent), for a special occasion milestone birthday dinner. Love Italian food or any type of fine dining with good wine selection. Prefere within a 30 minute drive from here.

Also, not Chez L'Auberge, we've been there a few times. Would love someplace with a fun ambiance too.

 

I posted a similar question a few months back and got a lot of good suggestions:

http://www.broadlandshoa.org/hoaforum/showthread.php?t=23013

 

I can't believe not a single person in that link recommended Willow Creek Farm!!!! We're new to the area as of a few months ago and were so, so disappointed in all the restaurants we tried around here until we discovered this gem on our own. We usually try to stay away from chains, and since this is part of the Clyde's restaurant group, it is technically a chain, but does not feel that way. A great ambiance (even a kid-free dining area I've heard if you're celebrating a special night sans children) in an old farm-house and FANTASTIC food & service. The crab-cakes are fabulous! The best part is that it is only 3 minutes from Broadlands! Highly recommend!!

http://www.clydes.com/main/RestaurantsDetail.cfm?Restaurant=Willow_Creek_Farm&Section=Main


(p.s. We tried Lightfoot in Leesburg last week and also had a terribly snooty and rude server. Not sure we'll go back after that surprising experience.)

 

I think Clydes in Broadlands has wonderful ambience and it's so beautiful, however, food is just average in my book, it's ok, nothing great and if you just want great atmosphere and don't care about the meal, then by all means go there. It's not one of my "go to" places, but then I don't eat out that often. I'm picky restaurant eater, I expect at least the food to be as good, if not better than what I cook at home.

 

When we want Clyde's, we go to Reston. I think the food is better, personally.

For high end, we like Texas de Brazil at Fair Oaks Mall. It's a Brazilian steakhouse- you have to go hungry. If you sign up for their email list they send you awesome deals.

Also, there's always the Melting Pot in Reston.

 

I completely agree with your thinking.

 

Italian- Bonarati in Vienna- beyond fantastic
Dante Ristorante in Great Falls- also excellent but no Bonarati

Market Table Bistro in Lovettsville
Patowmack Farms also in Lovettsville
Lightfoot in Leesburg

BIG Milestone? Inn at Little Washington- everyone should go ONCE.

FWIW- NONE of these are my clients- they are all simply excellent dining ptions!

 

That happened to us there a couple of years ago and we have not gone back. That place is NOT WORTH IT.

We love Vintage 51, the one in Leesburg. Also Domani's in Tysons, or NAGOYA!!!! I love Nagoya!!

 

May want to consider going into dc. In DC, my 2 favorite Italian restaurants are Bibiana and Potenza. Bibiana has a better atmosphere for a 'special occasion' type dinner and I think the food is a bit better than Potenza. Both are excellent though. If you like meat, my favorite these days, is The Prime Rib on K St. I usually get the end cut and it's really good. If you like seafood, there's Oceanaire or Kinkeads.

 

Probably at the edge of your 30 minute time, but have been to 2941 in Falls Church several times and have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Given the price, definitely only a special occasion place. It is right inside the beltway on Fairview Park Road between 50 and Lee Highway.

 

Okay, I have to weigh in.
I think that one needs to define "fine dining" first. Some of the places people have listed are certainly okay but IMO are not fine dining. "Fine dining" is more than just a good meal. It is ambience, restaurant character and yes, the other patrons. I do not want children around, I do not want others customers in jeans, t-shirt and flip-flops, I do not want the wait staff chatting me up, and I surely do not want flying shrimp littering the air (sorry Sunny).

 

I would say...to try something different at a place like Patowmack Farm........http://www.patowmackfarm.com/

 

Something I think of as a hidden gem (not many people talk about it) is Flemmings in Tysons. Always great food, great staff and great food! Their wine selection is extensive.

 

It's a little more than your desired 30 minutes, but we've always enjoyed L'Auberge Provencal in White Post. (Note: This is not L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls.)

 

x2. Great, great restaurant.

If you up for going to DC, try Graffiato (Top Chef guy's place, excellent reviews).

 

I will give my recommendation as well for 2941. Special birthday dinner there last February and it was amazing............wish we had a reason to go back more often! We're thinking of hitting Inn at Little Washington for a milestone birthday this year. These are what I think of when I think of fine dining.

Enjoy your dinner, wherever you choose!

 

I liked Eiffel tower in Leesburg, Colvin Run in Tysons, 2941 in Tysons, though the best was indeed L'auberge chez francois but you have already frequented that one! Also the Maestro at The ritz is supposed to be v. good though we have NOT been to that one.

 

Colvin Run Tavern in Tyson's was very good but unfortunately closed due to some landlord problems. Heard that a Chef Geoff's opened up in the space. Also believe that Maestro is gone but not sure.

 

You are kidding that Colvin Run Tavern closed.. Did they move elsewhere? Good place!

 

Capital Grille in Tysons. Hands down.

Restaurant Eve in Alexandria too.