Virginia's 10 Most Romantic Restaurants

Feeling all loved up? Then check out some of the beautiful and romantic restaurants that the state of Virginia has to offer. From tapas bars where you can while away an evening over seafood and drinks, to decedent French-inspired restaurants, here is our selection of Virginia’s top 10 romantic restaurants.

Terrapin

Terrapin is located just a short walk from the famous Virginia Beach boardwalk, which makes this the perfect spot for dinner followed by a romantic stroll. Ingredients are farm-fresh and there is outside seating available when the season allows. The menu is also dictated by seasonal availability and features the best of locally grown fruit, vegetables, and organic meat. When available, the sea scallops with black truffle oil are a must-have. For after-dinner drinks, the cocktail menu is so extensive that they include an iPad app to help you decide.

Terrapin 3102 Holly Road, Pinewood Square, Suite 514, Virginia Beach, VA, +1 757 321 6688

1. La Petite Auberge

Restaurant, French, European, American

La Petite Auberge is located at the heart of Fredericksburg’s next to picturesque bookstores and cafes. The restaurant specializes in traditional French cuisine served with elegance in an intimate atmosphere, which is accentuated by weekly jazz performances. They even run a special Valentine’s Day menu, which includes delicacies such as lobster soup, vodka lemon sorbet, and chocolate marquise. The wine list is extensive and includes an excellent range of Bordeaux Grand Cru.

2. Mangia

Restaurant, American, Italian

Located opposite the red bricked Randolph College, Mangia is one of the best places to go for a romantic brunch or late-night Happy Hour, when they have live music at weekends. They offer a great deal on mimosas and appetizers like calamari and hummus pitta bread are $2 after 10pm. Main menu highlights include authentic Italian classics such as spaghetti bolognese, eggplant parmesan and rich cheesecakes. The most romantic spot in the restaurant is the outside patio: make sure to place a reservation as it books up fast in the summer months.

3. FoodE

Restaurant, American, Dessert

FoodE is run by two best friends with a love for unpretentious, Southern-style dining. The casual but intimate atmosphere is accentuated by the fact that they don’t offer traditional table-side dining – all of their dishes are made fresh to order at the counter. Each of their lunch, dinner and brunch menus reflect this easy-going attitude by providing a huge range of flatbreads, gourmet grilled cheese, and rustic desserts. They also source as many of their ingredients as possible from local Virginia producers, which makes this a restaurant well-worth supporting even if you’re not looking for a table for two on date night.

Lucy’s Restaurant

Lucy’s Restaurant is conveniently located a few blocks from the local theater and offers healthy interpretations of all your favorite indulgent entrees, such as spaghetti and meatballs prepared with spaghetti squash. The brunch menu is particularly good, and includes a range of filling entrees such as catfish and grits, as well as brunch cocktails and house specials such as bacon doughnut holes. This is a cozy place to grab brunch for great value.

Lucy’s Restaurant 404 N. 2nd St. Richmond, VA 23219, +1 804 562-1444

2941

2941 is a picturesque restaurant in a truly stunning location. Set in the middle of Falls Church, the restaurant features koi ponds, waterfalls, and a lakeside view, all of which combined makes this a slice of paradise in the middle of Virginia. Menu highlights include the romantically named ‘Earth and Ocean’ lobster with mashed potatoes, and a decadent peanut butter baked alaska. They have an exemplary wine selection, which is presided over by the in-house sommelier. 2941 is a restaurant you can consider for a special night without breaking the bank: meals average out at around $40 per diner, which is incredible considering the quality of food and the location.

2941 Restaurant, 2941 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, VA, +1 703 270 1500

Lemaire

Complete with a brightly lit entrance hall, a tropical themed patio and white marble furnishings, Lemaire has one of the most stunning interiors in Richmond. The restaurant is also hailed as one of the areas best restaurants because of quality of ingredients and affordability. Executive Chef Walter Bundy has channeled a lifetime’s love of cooking wild game and fresh seafood into creating a delicious and varied menu that will suit all tastes. The dessert menu is absolutely unmissable, and features both traditional and liquid desserts to perfectly complement your meal.

Lemaire, 101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, +1 804 649 4629

Bookbinder’s Seafood and Steakhouse

Bookbinder’s Seafood and Steakhouse is converted from an old tobacco factory and pays homage to its historic past with exposed brick and wooden beams. Inside, the restaurant is beautifully lit and features a well-stocked bar. The menu has one of the best selections of seafood in town, and includes fresh oysters, live lobsters, and burgundy escargot. The restaurant’s crabcakes are legendary in the area and can be ordered as a side dish for any meal.

Bookbinder’s Seafood & Steakhouse 2306 E Cary St, Richmond, VA, +1 804 643 6900

Fleurie Restaurant

Fleurie Restaurant offers authentic French cuisine in the heart of Charlottesville. While the restaurant specializes in classic French dishes such as creme brulée and lobster bisque, the menu also offers more creative twists such as shrimp risotto and spaetzle with venison. There is also a tasting menu with optional wine pairings available.

Fleurie Restaurant, 108 3rd Street, NE, Charlottesville, VA, +1 434 971 7800

4. Bodega

Restaurant, Bodega, Tapas, Spanish, Mediterranean

Bodega is the perfect location for relaxed and casual dining in the heart of Norfolk. The restaurant specializes in Spanish tapas, making this a great place to order as many small plates as you like with a range of delicious drinks. The tapas menu includes all of your Happy Hour favorites, including focaccia with olive oil, as well as spanish tapa classics such as chorizo, empanada, and calamari. The dessert menu also includes a range of gelato and cheesecakes and the wine list is extensive without being overwhelming.