The area’s most romantic places

A little candlelight is no substitute for spark, but these heady restaurants, outdoor tableaux and fun date destinations can certainly help bring the heat.

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Romantic restaurants: Little Serow

Forgo the menu and perhaps forget the whole idea of white-tablecloth dining, and just give yourselves over to this basement nook where servers in dainty '50s housedresses and one of the city's best chefs ship out course after course of hot, sour cuisine from the Issan region of Northern Thailand on plates meant not only to be shared, but to be sopped up. At $45 a person, dining at Little Serow is a relative bargain, but reservations aren't accepted; would-be diners must wait it out for seating. Improve your odds by trying a weeknight. (1511 17th St. NW. www.littleserow.com.)

Scott Suchman for The Washington Post /

Blue Duck Tavern

Clean, modern decor proves a surprising complement to the fine American farm-to-table cuisine turned out by chef Brian McBride. Save this one for a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday, and definitely save room for dessert. (1201 24th St. NW, in the Park Hyatt, 202-419-6755. www.blueducktavern.com.)

/ Blue Duck Tavern

Proof

Luxe booths, plates meant for sharing and a superlative cocktail and wine program have made Proof, a restaurant and wine bar in Chinatown, one of Washington's go-to venues for a romantic night out. Make reservations, or rough it and grab two seats at the intimate bar. (775 G St. NW. 202-737-7663. www.proofdc.com)

Darko Zagar

The Inn at Little Washington

A dinner for two in the four-star enclave of chef Patrick O’Connell is roughly the price of a weekend getaway -- whether a couple opts for a few courses or nearly 10, the tab nearly always nicks $600 -- but it's just as transportive. For gastronomic tourists, the truffle-dusted popcorn, lobster perfectly paired with gnocchi and green grapes, and superlative service make this a destination worthy of the biggest celebrations. (Middle and Main streets, Washington, Va. 540-675-3800. www.theinnatlittlewashington.com)

Gordon Beall

Plume

Plume, in the luxe Jefferson Hotel, is the rare restaurant where entrees outshine first courses. Fashion trends are bypassed in favor of tradition. Picture lobster thermidor and a proper veal chop, the meat cooked just the shade you request and served as a fan of slices on the bone. (1200 16th St. NW. 202-448-2322. www.jeffersondc.com.)

James M. Thresher for The Washington Post

Fiola

It makes sense that one can feel the love emanating from this modern Italian restaurant -- it's a husband-and-wife team, chef Fabio Trabocchi and his wife, Maria, who are at its core. Come for the meal, but don't forget dessert: Go for the Italian doughnuts known as bomboloni, which arrive boxed, like the gift they truly are. (601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-628-2888. www.fioladc.com.)

Scott Suchman for The Washington Post

Room 11

Room 11 is expanding into the space next door, but it isn't likely to undo the dimly lit magic that the Columbia Heights cubbyhole has created in its few short years. A tiny kitchen turns out big-idea food: charred cauliflower salad swimming in a garlic and tahini confit, a wedge of soy-glazed pork belly, and lamb and chorizo kebabs. The scene is casual, and the best seats remain around the bar, making it easy for couples and gal pals to stroll in solely for a French press or a glass of wine and a scoop of the goat-cheese cheesecake tarted up with seasonal fruit. Don't miss it. (3234 11th St. NW. 202-332-3234. www.room11dc.com.)

Evy Mages for The Washington Post

Sonoma

This cavernous Capitol Hill hangout brought sophisticated decor, wines and enormous cheese boards to grown-ups tired of intern happy hours and games of flip-cup. Even after several years in business, it still charms. (223 Pennsylvania Ave, SE. 202-544-8088. www.sonomadc.com)

Andrea Bruce / The Washington Post

Woodberry Kitchen

Everything about this bustling Baltimore restaurant telegraphs earthiness, from the deceptively dilapidated exterior -- it’s housed in a former mill -- to the Chesapeake Bay oysters, sweet potato dumplings served with pork fatback, and dessert offerings such as buttermilk sorbet. Rich, homey and locally sourced, dinner at Woodberry Kitchen hits all the right notes without breaking the bank. (2010 Clipper Park Rd., No. 126, Baltimore. 410-464-8000. www.woodberrykitchen.com)

/ Sean McCormick

The date outdoors: The Lincoln Memorial

After the tourists head back to their hotels -- or better, at dawn, long before they arrive -- there may be no place more serene or lovely in all of Washington than the towering memorial. It's no wonder couples regularly plant themselves along the columns to await the sun (and regularly choose the place for very public proposals). (23rd Street NW and West Potomac Park. 202-426-6841. www.nps.gov/linc.)

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

The Washington Monument in Boonsboro, Md.

Near Old South Mountain Inn, hit the Appalachian Trail to hike to the peak of Old South Mountain and see the 30-foot Washington Monument built by town residents in 1827. Afterward, a stop at the inn is a must for refueling. (Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittlestown Rd., Middletown. 301-791-4767.)

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

The terrace at the Kennedy Center

Before a performance or just because you're in the neighborhood, slip out from the Kennedy Center's Grand Foyer onto the terrace with a couple of glasses of wine and soak up the stellar view of the Potomac River. On Independence Day, smart folk looking for a new view of the fireworks flock here, too. On a more quiet night, consider it a prime spot for a proposal. (2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. www.kennedy-center.org.)

Dominic Bracco II for The Washington Post

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

In the winter months, new couples make their figure-eights amid sculptures by Joan Miro. In the summer, it's transformed as Jazz in the Garden turns the site into the hottest Friday night date going. The venerable museum offers its own charms for daters, but for a city full of apartment dwellers, the garden -- a virtual public space -- is a year-round lure. (700 Constitution Ave. NW. 202-216-9397. www.nga.gov.)

Matt McClain for The Washington Post

Yards Park

Waterfront views, a little pool for dipping your toes and plenty of green grass for picnicking are what have made this park on the Anacostia River a destination on lazy summer Saturdays. Nevermind the strollers and the tykes; claim a remote patch of the park for yourself. The park, which opened in 2010, has emerged as one of Washington's favorite public spaces. (Third and Water streets SE. www.yardspark.org.)

/ Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

You may have heard the oft-repeated rumor that Washington was built on a swamp; it's hard to imagine till one lays eyes on Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. The preserve, the area's last remaining swath of freshwater tidal wetland, is proof positive of our marshy past. Accessible from the George Washington Parkway near Alexandria, it's a haven for wildlife, not to mention for couples looking for a moment of respite or a way to get closer to nature. Bird walks are offered Sunday mornings year-round. (www.nps.gov/gwmp/dyke-marsh.htm)

Susan Biddle for The Washington Post

The National Arboretum

Walking among the original 1828 Corinthian columns from the U.S. Capitol feels like touring Greek ruins, and there's plenty more at the Arboretum that makes it a perfect couples' getaway in the city: a koi pond and bonsai; damp mossy forest; and perfectly manicured lawns. In the spring, find a quiet, seemingly undiscovered corner of the park, lay out a blanket and simply enjoy the day. (3501 New York Ave. NE. 202-245-2726. www.usna.usda.gov.)

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Go Ape!

Whether it stirs up a little fiery competition or romantic camaraderie, zipline courses such as Go Ape! in Rockville have a way of attracting couples. (Rock Creek Regional Park, 6129 Needwood Lake Dr., Rockville. www.goape.com)

Dayna Smith for The Washington Post

Theodore Roosevelt Island

A deep sense of privacy makes Roosevelt Island, seen here from the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, a great place to secretly plant a kiss on your beloved. (George Washington Parkway, north of Theodore Roosevelt Bridge and Interstate 66. 703-289-2500. www.nps.gov/this.)

Ann Cameron Siegal for The Washington Post

First-date destinations: The National Gallery of Art

A dose of culture is just the thing to escape the coffee-date doldrums, and between its East and West wings, the National Gallery has something for every artistic interest. Afterward, dip into the cafe for gelato or stroll the sculpture garden. (Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. www.nga.gov.)

Evy Mages for The Washington Post

The Bishop's Garden

The Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral was built to mimic the walled-off estates and grounds of medieval cathedrals, making its winding paths and rose garden a gorgeous setting for a spring picnic, and perhaps well down the road, a proposal. (Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW. 202-537-6200. www.nationalcathedral.org.)

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Co Co. Sala

Co Co. Sala is still a draw for sugar fans: The decor in the dining room is luxe, but keep it casual and go for a cocktail and dessert or split a bon bon sampler at the bar. (929 F St. NW. 202-347-4265. www.cocosala.com.)

Scott Suchman

Meridian Hill Park

On a warm day, finding a spot around the water at Meridian Hill Park is the start of a pleasurable afternoon getting to know each other. If all goes well, head down 16th Street NW to a bar such as Local 16 for a drink on the rooftop as the sun sets. (Bounded by Euclid, 15th, W and 16th streets NW. 202-619-7111. www.nps.gov/mehi.)

Stu Lillard

If you're at Meridian Hill Park on a Sunday, be sure to catch the drum circle, one of Washington's institutions. Musicians arrive to play in the impromptu performances till they end around dusk in the summer.

Chris Combs for The Washington Post

Domku

Domku in Petworth is a disheveled-chic, Scandinavian-themed haven with exposed brick walls, chandeliers and European fare cooked up by a former Peace Corps volunteer. For couples, there may be no better getaway at breakfast. (821 Upshur St. NW. 202-722-7475. www.domkucafe.com.)

Kera Carpenter

Buzz Bakery

You can now find the nostalgia-inducing oatmeal cream pies and “hostess cupcakes” of pastry chef Tiffany MacIssac at restaurants including Birch and Barley, but her temples of sugar in Northern Virginia -- mod, stylish little cafes in Alexandria and now Ballston -- remain destinations for dessert devotees. Make a date for pie and coffee, or just some zany bacon cupcakes and a glass of wine. You’ll want to order one or two to share, and two more to go. (901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria. 703-600-2899; 818 N. Quincy St., Arlington. 703-650-9676. www.buzzbakery.com.)

Amber Pfau

Toki Underground

Maybe slurping down noodles in front of a cute stranger isn't your idea of fun. If that's the case, go for the dumplings. But go. Toki Underground on H Street NE has hip decor and music, and just the kind of worldly flavor a savvy dater wants to project. And nearly every seat in the place feels like an intimate spot at the bar; no use trying to fight the breach of your personal space. Just go with it. (1234 H St. NE. 202-388-3086.)

Matt McClain for The Washington Post

Sportrock

It may not be prime first date material -- it's hard to talk when you're dangling several feet off the ground -- but a third or fourth date? Sportrock in Alexandria certainly will get your hearts pumping: A little friendly competition can be highly flirty. (5308 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. 703-212-7625.)

Susan Biddle for The Washington Post

Great Meadow

Come spring, polo is in full swing at this field in The Plains, about an hour outside of the District. If you're getting to know each other, try Twilight Polo, held weekends in summer; if you're officially a couple, don your fascinator and preppy best and hit the races -- at the see-and-be-seen Virginia Gold Cup. (5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains. 540-253-5001. www.greatmeadow.org.)

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

Pinkberry

Fro-yo has yet to loosen its grip on Washington. Evidence: This California-based franchise opened two D.C. shops and one in Clarendon in 2011, and in Dupont, it has become a nightly ritual for couples to settle into the Philippe Starck seats and whisper sweet nothings over cups of blood-orange yogurt. Easy on the budget and the waistline, and open till midnight, the shop makes a perfect post-dinner spot for 20-something daters. (1213 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-419-3443; 3288 M St. NW. 202-333-0043; 2930 Clarendon Blvd. 703-312-9433; 11942 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax.703-266-1113; 1606 Village Market Blvd. Suite. 100, Leesburg. 703-771-3345. .www.pinkberry.com.)

Lavanya Ramanathan / The Washington Post

Jackie's Sidebar

High-end cocktails, black walls, swanky chandeliers -- you'd think you were at a D.C. club, but this magic happens at Jackie's Sidebar in Silver Spring. Happy hour is a perfectly acceptable time to meet a new love interest; between 5 and 7 p.m., cocktails are $6. (8081 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. 301-565-9700.)

Evy Mages for The Washington Post

Tabard Inn

Tabard Inn has charm in spades: Historic elegance, a garden in the back, great cocktails and a fireplace-lighted lounge near the entryway all make it a wonderful place to have a drink or a long romantic brunch. (1739 N St. NW. 202-331-8528. www.tabardinn.com.)

Jay Premack

Great Falls

A outdoorsy date, a workout, and a little bit of alone time are all afforded by the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls. The trail is as hard as you want it to be; the most bustling, is the nearly 2-mile A section of the trail. But it offers prime views. (11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac. 301-299-3613.)

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Bethesda's Kenwood neighborhood

During peak bloom for the abundant cherry trees in this tony neighborhood, visitors come to stroll the streets, picnic and daydream about living amid such beauty. (Little Falls Parkway and River Road, Bethesda. 301-215-6660.)

Jahi Chikwendiu / THE WASHINGTON POST

Dumbarton Oaks

What a difference a couple of blocks make. The din of shoppers quickly gives way to an idyllic street lined with trees and stunning Georgetown homes near the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks, which sit on 10 acres at the highest point in Georgetown.The spot feels like a secret sanctuary, between the near silence of the surroundings and the fantasia of vibrant flowers. The property begs for exploration to fully appreciate the varied landscaping -- the daylilies on Crabapple Hill, the sprawling forsythia along the northern perimeter, the 900-flower rose garden and the orchard of peach, apple and cherry trees. Although picnicking is not permitted there, visitors can take their baskets of food to Montrose Park, which is just a short walk down R Street. (1703 32nd St. NW. 202-339-6401. www.doaks.org.)

Lavanya Ramanathan / THE WASHINGTON POST

Cashion's Eat Place

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema says, "Before I fell for a reluctant gourmet, Cashion's was my go-to date spot; these days, the restaurant is where I head when I'm meeting a fellow chow hound or, really, anytime I want to be reminded of the power of a great meal." (1819 Columbia Rd. NW. 202-797-1819. www.cashionseatplace.com.)

Evy Mages / For The Washington Post

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D.C.-area nightlife, events and dining

The area’s most romantic places

A little candlelight is no substitute for spark, but these heady restaurants, outdoor tableaux and fun date destinations can certainly help bring the heat.

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES