Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Causa

4.9

4.9 (96)

$50 and over

Peruvian

Shaw

About the restaurant

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.

Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included). Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.

If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to info@causadc.com prior to booking.

Gift Card? Please use a credit card to book hold your reservation and we will refund you upon completion of your meal. Causa accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

Top review

Teresa

Dined 5 days ago

We went to cause for a celebration and it was the perfect place. The Peruvian-Nikkei food was delicious, the service was great, they paid much attention to details and the ambiance was elegant. Would highly recommend to try a new cuisine or for a special (or not that special) occasion.

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Experience

Causa Six Course Experience - Table Seating

Experience

Causa Six Course Experience - Counter Seating

Experience

Causa Four Course Experience - Table Seating

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern

4.8

4.8 (3049)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

Our Culinary Team highlights fresh ingredients from Virginia’s Piedmont, featuring seasonal game and seafood dishes rooted in classic techniques. Enjoy optional wine pairings in The Dining Room, plus a curated selection of local and global beverages inspired by our setting in Virginia wine country.

Whether savoring an intimate four course dinner in The Dining Room or pub fare and handcrafted cocktails in The Night Fox Pub, each experience offers a distinct atmosphere and attentive service from start to finish.

Top review

KevinVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The food was superb! The glazed rabbit is a “must try”. Excellent blend of savory and sweet. The service was attentive and polite. All in all a great experience.

Silver Social

4.8

4.8 (187)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

Silver Social by Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst offers a creative menu of elevated comfort food and contemporary American sharing plates to complement our craft drink menu.
Located on the second floor above Silver Diner, Silver Social’s unique feature is a 50-seat covered outdoor terrace overlooking Nationals Park.

Rules & Restrictions: 16+ accompanied by an adult till 9:00pm. 21 and Up only after 9:00pm

Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties up to 6 people. The entire party must be present to be seated. If you can’t make your reservation, please cancel it 30 minutes in advance.

We accept online reservations for parties of 1 to 6 persons. For parties of 7 to 9 persons, please call the restaurant for availability. For any larger groups please contact our Event Planner Rebecca Morris at rmorris@eatatsilver.com

Top review

OliviaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

My server, Jay, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable with suggestions. Prompt and a joy. The hostess Char'dai (sp) was extremely friendly and helpful. Quick with a smile and happy to accommodate.

The Alchemist

4.8

4.8 (73)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

McPherson Square

About the restaurant

Step into the clandestine world of The Alchemist, an elusive speakeasy where craftsmanship and libation unite. Immerse yourself in a realm of handcrafted cocktails featuring smoke and fire, where we infuse spirits seasonally and boast over 150 carefully selected bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. Uncover the art of mixology and savor the allure of rare spirits at The Alchemist DC

Top review

Jeff

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

Fantastic staff, delicious drinks, great vibe. Went on a Friday on a first date and it was kind of perfect.

Eatopia Eatery

4.8

4.8 (25)

$31 to $50

Ethiopian

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review

Marni

Dined on Apr 4, 2025

The food was delicious and authentic. (Although I do not like eating without utensils). Give it a try!

The Study

4.7

4.7 (363)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Discover our Modern American menu inspired by Chef Tomas Chavarria’s Mesoamerican heritage and training. Our regionally sourced plates such as Korobuta Pork Belly and Seven Hills Farms Center Cut Steak are complimented by our library of classic cocktails. Grab your favorite sip and savor attentive service, a luxe atmosphere, and live entertainment in a boutique hotel.

Top review

Rosario

Dined 4 days ago

Food was amazing and excellent service. Small and cozy and great drinks.

The Melting Pot - Reston

4.7

4.7 (3204)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Reston

About the restaurant

Gourmet cheeses, crisp salads, juicy meats, fresh seafood, and decadent chocolate—all these delicious selections await you at The Melting Pot. But a meal at our Reston restaurant is about more than just the food (even though the food is amazing); it’s an interactive and fun experience that gives you the opportunity to reconnect and grow closer with friends and family. Pick up a skewer, and dip fruit, veggies, meats, marshmallows, and more into a warm pot of fondue. Choose 1 or 2 of your favorite courses (cheese and chocolate please!), or indulge in the full 4-Course Experience. And don’t forget to complement your meal with a glass of wine, a cocktail or craft beer. You’ll find our restaurant in the Plaza America Shopping Center near Reston Town Center.

Reserve your table and get ready to enjoy some fondue!

Top review

BeverlyVIP

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

The food was exceptional. It seems that this set of meats/seafood was some of the best we've had at the Melting Pot. The Cheese Fondue was a little thicker than we remember. The Chocolate Fondue was thinner than previously. We use the Melting Pot for special occasions!

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Chocolate Explosion

Cafe Riggs

4.7

4.7 (176)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

In the grand tradition of French cuisine, Café Riggs presents a contemporary American brasserie that reimagines classic dishes within a vibrant setting.

Top review

MortVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Everything about our experience was perfect. My wife and I shared a 6-shrimp cocktail and a beet salad. She had onion soup for her entree; I had the beef bourguignon. Her soup was very rich and cheesy; my beef was tender and hearty. We also had a baguette and a bottle of wine. I finished with 3 scoops of sorbet. The service was impeccable. The ambience was comfortable. The must was perfect. We will definitely be back!

Mercy Me

4.7

4.7 (35)

$30 and under

South American

Foggy Bottom

About the restaurant

Inside Yours Truly DC Hotel, Mercy Me is a vibrant blend of South American flavors, inventive cocktails, and lively energy. More than a restaurant, it’s a place where tradition and innovation collide, celebrating the evolution of Latin America’s dynamic food scene.

This season, step onto the patio behind Mercy Me for our latest transformation—The Blossom Garden, inspired by the beauty of Japanese Sakura Blossoms. While our menu stays rooted in South American flavors, we’re introducing a Nikkei-inspired section, paying homage to the Japanese influence on Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine.

Here, delicate Japanese techniques meet bold Latin ingredients, blending umami depth with bright, citrusy spice. Of course, you’ll still find the Mercy Me favorites you love, alongside new dishes that bridge continents in unexpected ways.

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The cherry blossom room was lovely and the food & service was amazing

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4.7

4.7 (44)

$50 and over

Seafood

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience that focuses on an entirely seafood driven menu. Please allow 2.5 hours for this experience.

Our Reverie Tasting Menu is offered at $245 per guest exclusive of beverage, service charge, taxes, or gratuities. Our abridged Prelude Experience is offered at $180 per guest. Corkage is offered at $75 per 750ml.

We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com. We are unable to provide dairy-free or fully vegetarian versions of our experience.

Top review

Susan

Dined on Apr 9, 2025

Wonderful experience. Food was beautiful and service was kind and knowledgeable.

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