8 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. 

A 90-minute drive from the District takes you past hills and farms to the English-style country manor that is the site of this well-regarded hotel restaurant. The service matches the setting, and diners can choose items from two menus: Gastronauts (contemporary endeavors) or Good Earth (vegetarian), both of which have dishes that rotate daily. Wine pairings are offered for an additional price. Desserts are fanciful, and the smart cheese selections are overseen by a maître de fromage. There’s also a new, more casual restaurant, Patty O’s Café and Bakery, across the street.

The inn also offers 23 sumptuous guest rooms created by Joyce Evans, a London stage and set designer.

The first thing you notice, whether you’re sitting outside on the breezy dock or inside in the window-filled dining space, are the spectacular Potomac River views. But what sets Ada’s apart is the fact that most of the dishes touch the grill before leaving the open kitchen—so you have wood-fired steaks and smoked swordfish, but also singed gem lettuce and charcoal-burned brioche. The combination promises an unforgettable meal. The name is an homage to 19^th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace.

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.

Set in the Virginia countryside, this sprawling restaurant serves the German-influenced cuisine of Alsace. The decor is romantic—a fireplace dominates the main dining room, and red-jacketed waiters courteously guide you through the all-inclusive six-course meal. Choucroute (sausage, duck, smoked pork, and foie gras served atop sauerkraut), and Le Chateaubriand de L'Auberge (beef served with fresh vegetables, béarnaise, and truffle sauce) are just two of the generously portioned entrées. You are asked in advance whether you'd like a soufflé. Say yes, unless the Alsatian plum tart is calling you instead. Make dinner reservations up to a month in advance.

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.

Part of the romantic Goodstone Inn, which sits on 265 rolling acres near Middleburg, The Conservatory serves exquisite dishes using ingredients literally fresh from the farm. You’re in for a treat, with options including Miyazaki A5 Wagyu (a splurge worth every penny), guinea hen with Périgord truffle, and New Zealand venison with sour-cherry jus. Of course, it depends on the season and what’s fresh that day. The wine menu is extensive, and the setting resembles a greenhouse, with windows bringing in the surrounding nature.

Patowmack Farm has been growing produce since 1986, which explains why its ever-changing menu is full of fresh, innovative, thoughtful dishes that follow the seasons. But it's more than that—chef Vincent Badiee approaches his forward-thinking dishes like artwork, in which presentation is just as impressive as taste. Dinner, available Thursday through Saturday, comprises nine or so courses served “progression” style. You might enjoy mountaineer mushroom pie, country brisket, and a dessert called chocolate + malt. A casual Sunday supper is also served. Be forewarned: The spectacular views of the Potomac looking across Point of Rocks will vie for your attention.