Washington D.C.'s most romantic restaurants

Romance is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get. The scrumptious, chocolate-based meals at Co Co Sala, however, are always reliable, whether your love life is sailing smoothly or on the rocks. Co Co Sala offers a number of bite-sized ‘main’ courses, like blue cheese beef sliders and mac and cheese, but the focus here is on the three-course desserts. Dishes like “A Passage to India” and the “Aztec Experience,” will satisfy even the most avid chocolate lover’s cravings. Complete with a swanky lounge-like atmosphere, Co Co Sala is one of the sweetest date spots in the city.

The cozy Tabard Inn, located in three converted row houses in Dupont, has cornered DC’s market on charm. The elegant, faintly-worn lounge area is dimly lit, perfect for an intimate conversation over drinks. With any luck, entrees like jumbo lump crab cake and braised bison short ribs will tempt you to stay for dinner, as long as your date is equally alluring. If your paramour is still around come morning, Tabard Inn also offers one of the best brunches in the city.

Treat your date to a taste of old-world Italian food at Filomena in Georgetown, where the homemade pasta can't be beat. When you walk into the restaurant, you'll see the Pasta Mammas rolling dough for the pasta in a small, windowed area. The gnocchi in Bolognese meat sauce and Penne pasta with Italian sweet sausage are patron favorites. The décor is kitschy, and the restaurant goes all out with decorations during the holiday seasons. Be sure to make reservations; Filomena can get quite crowded. You may want to request a quieter table to provide a more intimate setting for your date.

You can’t go wrong with savory, upscale Mexican food and tart margaritas at Casa Oaxaca. Latin American-style artwork decorates the walls at this warm and inviting Adams Morgan Restaurant, and the staff is friendly and laid-back. Encourage your date to try a dish served with one of the restaurant’s excellent mole sauces, which are famous in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Casa Oaxaca is an original and fun date choice that will make for a night to remember.

The gourmet Italian fare at Café Milano in Georgetown would cause any true foodie to swoon. The candle-lit restaurant is also a wonderful place to take a date if you’re in the mood to people-watch. Café Milano is a favorite of the ‘Georgetown cocktail party crowd’ that received so much attention this election season. They offer outdoor patio dining, complete with heaters during colder months. If you’re in the mood for an expensive treat, you can purchase romantic truffles, which will cost between $70 and $120.

If there’s one thing Italians do well, that’s amore. Al Tiramisu, a quaint Dupont date spot, is no exception. The restaurant serves up traditional Italian fare, including an excellent scallop and wild mushroom appetizer and seasonal specials. Dating a politico? You could run into any number of inside-the-Beltway celebrities here. High-profile Hill types like Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and former Sen. Fred Thompson both have dined at Al Tiramisu. Finish off a perfect D.C. evening. by trying some of the restaurant’s famous dessert.

Bring your newest love interest to Tryst, a comfy coffee house in Adams Morgan. Tryst is the perfect place to linger over a latte or late-night drinks and get to know your date better. The restaurant also offers great people-watching. Looking to impress an environmentally-conscious lover? Make sure to mention that Tryst purchases electricity from a wind-power supply grid.

Show a little love for Mother Earth and your date by heading over to Founding Farmers. The restaurant, which is owned by the North Dakota Farmers Union, is located in an eco-friendly building and focuses on free-range and organic fare. Plenty of farm-fresh basics are available, like fried chicken and Yankee pot roast. A creative drink menu and fun atmosphere in this modern farmhouse make for a great evening out on the town.

In wine, there is truth. By that logic, if you want to get to know your date better, you may want to check out Mendocino Grille & Wine Bar, which offers an impressive list of domestic wines. Located in the heart of Georgetown, this tiny M Street restaurant also serves up wonderful cheese pairings. Patrons rave about the rabbit pate as well. Call for reservations, because this restaurant fills up quickly.

Glover Park’s Bistro Lepic is a hidden gem on the D.C. restaurant scene. The food at this charming French spot is outstanding, and the staff gives excellent wine recommendations. The dining room is softly lit and a quaint mural decorates the wall creating an intimate atmosphere. Bistro Lepic is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a romantic tête-à- tête.

Nothing says love like melted cheese and chocolate but in D.C., fondue can be hard to find. Take your date to The Melting Pot in Dupont Circle as proof of your affection. They'll be sure to swoon over savory entrees like filet mignon and the restaurant's decadent desserts. Flambéed chocolate s'mores, anyone? I think yes. Be sure to make a reservation; The Melting Pot becomes crowded early and often entertains large groups.