5 Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia, Virginia

Soaring ceilings, a woodsy lakeside location, and a koi pond make this one of the most striking dining rooms in the area. Executive chef Bertrand Chemel's introduction to cooking began with an apprenticeship at a French bakery, and his flair for rising dough shows. The playful cuisine continually surprises with a five-course tasting menu that changes monthly. Diners can also order à la carte. 

If there's a recipe for a perfect country inn restaurant, chef Jonathan Martin and sommelier Stephen Elhafdi have it. Head about an hour west of D.C. into Virginia hunt country, and your reward is extraordinary comfort food. À la carte menu items—like thyme-roasted pork with sweet potato purée or pan-seared chicken breast with mushrooms and lentils—are made with fresh local ingredients and presented in an intimate setting. You can order à la carte or indulge in the chef's tasting menu, both of which change seasonally. The inn also offers ten rooms, some with fireplaces and all with made-to-order country breakfast.

At this local favorite, run by Jean François Chaufour and his wife, Françoise, for more than 40 years, lovingly prepared French country fare is served with beaucoup flavor. Popular selections include trout, bouillabaisse, garlicky rack of lamb, frogs' legs, and beef Wellington. Polish it all off with an order of profiteroles or crème brûlée.

A tiny gem, Nasime serves an exquisite seven-course tasting menu of both traditional and contemporary Japanese flavors. The selections change frequently based on the season and availability of products, but it always includes a wonderful blend of raw, grilled, fried, and baked dishes, plus dessert.

It goes without saying that romance is in the air at this chocolate-themed restaurant, enhanced by low lighting and tucked-away booths. Chocolate may not be used in every dish, but why opt for anything else? The crispy calamari is prepared with a cocoa beer batter, while the burger comes with chocolate barbecue sauce. Even the Caesar salad is sprinkled with cocoa nibs. As you can imagine, the desserts are decadent, as are the specialty cocktails (the “moussetache,” for example, has vodka, baileys, and four forms of chocolate including crème de cacao and chocolate mousse). The secret is the conche—a machine that refines the chocolate to perfection.