Hey all, my mom’s birthday is coming up and I’d love to treat her to a special pre fixe, tasting, or otherwise special/unique dining experience. Are there any options out there that won’t cost an arm and a leg? Open to NOVA and/or DC.
Thank you!
Brasserie Royale in Sterling has a winter tasting menu at $78 pp without wine. I believe wine was +35. It’s newly opened. We just went. Highly recommend the halibut. Prices are reasonable and it has a French bistro feel with pretty holiday decor. For a weekend you have to book weeks in advance-very busy this time of year.
It depends on how you define “decently affordable”.
Lutèce, Red Fox Inn, L’Auberge Chez François, Causa, Ashby Inn, Sumac, Field & Main, and The Dabney all offer prix fixe tasting menus for under $150 a person.
China Chicano in DC. It’s a nice-ish place and I took my husband there for a birthday a few years ago. The tasting menu is $40/person so you can really go all out with drinks and extras. Might not be nice enough for a birthday depending on the vibe you’re going for
The Conche has three different Chef's Tasting Menus, depending on your level of hunger or excitement, with the option of wine parings per course. They also have a Brunch course menu on Sundays.
Email Jason at Ah So in Ashburn. He’s the chef/owner, and has an incredible background (he worked at 2941 and opened Clarity). I’m sure he’d be happy to create whatever experience you’re looking for.
Vermillion in Alexandria. It is $75 per person and they give you more food than the menu online says as they are "gifts from the kitchen." It is farm to table and everything is sourced locally.
If you go mon-thur, 2941 prix-fixe menu is $75
Thank you so much!
2941 is a great restaurant! Went there for my anniversary.
Great experience!
Clarity in Vienna has a tasting menu that was about $100 per person when my wife and I tried it. Love that place.
Thank you!
Love that place as well!
Brasserie Royale in Sterling has a winter tasting menu at $78 pp without wine. I believe wine was +35. It’s newly opened. We just went. Highly recommend the halibut. Prices are reasonable and it has a French bistro feel with pretty holiday decor. For a weekend you have to book weeks in advance-very busy this time of year.
Thank you — she loves French food so this is great
Maple Avenue Restaurant in Vienna is tasty and reasonable.
This looks excellent — thank you!
They have great food, really good service. But make sure to reserve in advance.
It depends on how you define “decently affordable”.
Lutèce, Red Fox Inn, L’Auberge Chez François, Causa, Ashby Inn, Sumac, Field & Main, and The Dabney all offer prix fixe tasting menus for under $150 a person.
Here to suggest Lutece. cute place and the chefs table experience was really nice.
Chez Francois prices have skyrocketed, it was nearly $500 for my wife and I the last time we went a couple months ago.
Elyse in Fairfax. $140 5 course tasting menu. Worth it!
Ellie bird & Evelyn rose - both are under $100 per person
China Chicano in DC. It’s a nice-ish place and I took my husband there for a birthday a few years ago. The tasting menu is $40/person so you can really go all out with drinks and extras. Might not be nice enough for a birthday depending on the vibe you’re going for
$65 at Ellie Bird. Also fabulous.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61bba2dc697342326b52f3bf/t/691e193bfc3d8b4e02109e42/1763580219523/EB+Prix+Fixe+11.19.25.pdf
In Fairfax: 2941 has both pre fix and a full tasting menu. In DC I recommend Zantinya
Elyse.
Evelyn Rose in Vienna is great. I prefer it over 2941.
Caruso’s
The Conche has three different Chef's Tasting Menus, depending on your level of hunger or excitement, with the option of wine parings per course. They also have a Brunch course menu on Sundays.
I came to recommend rooster and owl - it’s 85 for tasting menu Tuesday - Thurs & it’s got one michelin star
Alias in Warrenton. $145 without wine.
Email Jason at Ah So in Ashburn. He’s the chef/owner, and has an incredible background (he worked at 2941 and opened Clarity). I’m sure he’d be happy to create whatever experience you’re looking for.
Vermillion in Alexandria. It is $75 per person and they give you more food than the menu online says as they are "gifts from the kitchen." It is farm to table and everything is sourced locally.