The re-do was some time ago. The new decor is very plain generic. And to get to it you have to go through either the cafe (even plainer) or the little market space up front.
I'm sure the food is fabulous. I haven't tried it. Just can't get up for that location for anything other than lunch. If the request was "great cooking" I wouldn't speak up, but for "romantic" I just don't see it.

Anonymous wrote:Palena? Really?

The cooking's good and all, but it's a plain white dining room next to an Exxon. Doesn't really scream special occasion to me.

Were you in the back room? I haven't been in a while and I heard the redid it but at one point it was pretty much Louis XIV shabby chic. I wouldn't pick it but it's not a bad suggestion.

Palena? Really?

The cooking's good and all, but it's a plain white dining room next to an Exxon. Doesn't really scream special occasion to me.

CityZen is on par with any of the Michelin starred restaurants I have been to in Napa, SF, NYC or Tokyo. Well maybe not Tokyo, but kaiseki is a totally different matter. Michelin just hasn't done a guide for DC yet, that's why you won't find any rated restaurants. As much of a carnivore as I am, even I have found my tastes of the vegetarian tasting menu to be amazing. They also allow your table to split your meal so one can order the tasting menu and the other can order a la carte.

Marcels is also nice, though haven't been there since kids. It's particularly nice to combine with a night at the Kennedy Center.

We've always liked Adour, except Alaine Ducasse is withdrawing from involvement at the end of this month, for what that's worth since he was never really there, but the chef in charge developed under Ducasse's tutelage.

Mintwood, recommended by a PP, is actually a great place to take your kids as they even have a kids menu. Just get there at 5:30 when they open.

WestEnd Bistro at the Ritz Carlton, Ris, Blue Duck--all three in the west end.

Rasika. Palena. Citronelle.

Palena for romantic. I also like Proof for a bit more buzz.

1789 in Georgetown will always be my favorite for special dinners in the city. I love CityZin but its my go to for dinner with clients not my spouse. Happy Birthday OP!

Hamilton is for just a normal night out-- not a "special" one. I would go somewhere that isn't at any time kid-friendly. Komi, Marcels, any steakhouse, Courderoy, 1791, Tosca

For romantic, I'd go with Restaurant Eve (either bistro or tasting room--both are good, depends which you and your wallet prefer), or Vermilion (both in Alexandria).

I've been wanting to try Mintwood, but haven't made it yet so can't say firsthand.

I'd recommend The Hamilton (http://www.thehamiltondc.com/) or Brasserie Beck (http://www.beckdc.com/). Both are favorites of ours.

I think for romantic maybe City Zen, Marcels or Restaurant Eve (of those City Zen is my favorite).

Depends on what kind of food you like... we haven't been to Komi, my favorute DC restaurant for romantic night w/ hubby is Marcel's. I also love fiola, but it's a bit louder than I like. Marcel's really makes you feel "intimate" and like you're having a great time just the two of you.

Inn at Little Washington is also fab if you want to go away for the night. But, I can't imagine trying to schlep out there and back for just dinner.

Anonymous wrote:We recently moved to DC from NYC. DH and I would like to go out to a nice dinner sans kids. We rarely go out without the kids. Would like to go to an upscale romantic restaurant with excellent food. Wanted to go to a Michelin starred restaurant but realized DC doesn't have any.

Inn at Little Washington

L'Auberge Chez Francois

La Cote D'Or

Komi is fabulous but difficult to get reservations. We also really like Cityzen and Fiola. If you are okay with less romantic either of the Rasika restaurants are very good. A very romantic restaurant with good but not phenomenal food is Tabard Inn.

We recently moved to DC from NYC. DH and I would like to go out to a nice dinner sans kids. We rarely go out without the kids. Would like to go to an upscale romantic restaurant with excellent food. Wanted to go to a Michelin starred restaurant but realized DC doesn't have any.