Help finding unique/romantic restaurant...

[Magnificat2005]

...preferably in the D.C. Metro area.

Our good friends are celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary. I'd like to get them a $50 gift certificate to someplace a little unique and romantic. Also, I'd like for the cover a least two entrees with the gift certificate. Suggestions?

[Jacey]

Well, if you want to give a gift certificate you could go down the route of a wine/small plates place. How about a place, like Cork, so they can both get a couple of glasses of wine and maybe share 1-2 small plates depending on the price?

[ViolentScarlet]

Perhaps Little Fountain Cafe in Adams Morgan? I'm not positive if they issue gift certificates b/c they are very small, but it's easy to call and ask. It's often overlooked so there's a good chance they haven't been and $50 should cover two entrees, and it's quite a nice little place with good food.

[Julie G]

It isn't fancy but it definitely fits with your requirements for unique and romantic. Fontaine Caffe and Creperie is a wonderful new spot in the heart of Old Town (119 Royal Street). Small with only a few tables, its quiet and quaint and I think for $50 bucks they would be able to get two savory dinner crepes and could share a dessert crepe. Drinks, tax and tip might put you over a bit but your gift would certainly pay for the bulk of the dinner. Here's the email address: www.fontainecaffe.com

[pikawicca]

My favorite romantic spot with excellent food is 1789.

[monavano]

Check out Marcel's in DC. It's romantic and one of the city's nicest restaurants. They are pricey, but have a pre theater menu that your friends can take advantage of.

[DCDOLL]

if you are hoping to cover JUST the entrees (no seafood or high end beef) you might be able to get away with $50 but apps, tax, tip, drinks, etc will likely take the bill in any nice, anniversary-quality DC restaurant to at least $150 but more like $200.
Having said that, good suggestions would be: Proof, Tosca (which might be the best deal of all if they go before 7 and order the pre theater $35 menu), Montmartre, Acadiana.

[Magnificat2005]

Sigh...I know, I know! While I'd love to spring for an entire meal, it's just not in my budget right now. I've heard of some nice places outside of the city...I think one may have been a small hotel in MD. Does that ring a bell?

I could get them a gift, but they're in a 1 bedroom and have a lot of stuff already. I'm in an apartment and I personally don't like to get more stuff.

[DCDOLL]

i think your idea is quite good...maybe you could give them the certificate to buy a bottle of wine to go with their meal? just a thought. At some of the places i mentioned i think they could get something quite good for that.
The only hotel i know in MD is the 1844 Antrium Inn i think it's called but it's like $69 PP. This city is an expensive place to eat, no doubt about it...

[ktmoomau]

Tosca has a really good pre-theater (except I am not crazy about their desserts) and they do half portions of almost any pasta on the menu which makes it nice. You could do somewhere with a pre-theater, there have been threads on that perhaps you could pick a place with a pre-theater menu so if they wanted they could stretch the gift a little farther.

If not what about somewhere more low key that could be in their neighborhood that they like to go? What neighborhood do they live in? I would love it if someone gave me a gift certificate for somewhere in my neighborhood that was more low key it means I could use it sooner and not save it for when I wanted to supplement. If you gave us a neighborhood we might be able to think of spots like that?

[Magnificat2005]

Thanks for your help! They live near Friendship Heights Metro. I think Leah's is close to there, no?

So you really wouldn't mind something more low key? I know I wouldn't mind!

[ktmoomau]

I am not sure what exactly is in Friendship heights, exactly, but that is near Betheseda, you could maybe do Blacks, or that sushi place up there that is good, oh I forget the name will have to look it up, I have heard Cava is good or Grapeseed, but haven't been you could search some Bethesda threads. I think low key is great. My favorite date nights sometimes are just like the good ethnic places around us in Arlington that are fun to try, or the mid level places near us. If someone gave me $50 at places near us like the Italian Store, Sette Bello, Lebanese Taverna or etc and we'd be really happy. Someone gave us a gift certificate to five guys and the Great American Restaurant Group both were quickly used!

[Elyssa]

A few places to check out: Restaurant Eve (particularly the bistro would be good for this price range), Equinox, Palena (they could use it for the front cafe or fancier back room), PS7, and Cashion's Eat Place.

There is also the new Co Co Sala. I haven't been yet but its certainly unique and I hear that certain seating areas are perfect for dates.

[Magnificat2005]

Sadly, they've been to all of those places with the exception of Co Co Sala which I will take a look at. Thank you!