Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Virginia - DC Suburbs

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Virginia - DC Suburbs? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern

4.8

4.8 (3050)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

Our Culinary Team highlights fresh ingredients from Virginia’s Piedmont, featuring seasonal game and seafood dishes rooted in classic techniques. Enjoy optional wine pairings in The Dining Room, plus a curated selection of local and global beverages inspired by our setting in Virginia wine country.

Whether savoring an intimate four course dinner in The Dining Room or pub fare and handcrafted cocktails in The Night Fox Pub, each experience offers a distinct atmosphere and attentive service from start to finish.

Top review

David

Dined 5 days ago

One of the most delicious meals we have ever experienced. Truly amazing food. Wish the chairs were more comfortable and the restaurant used tablecloths. I yhink the food would have presented better on something other than charcoal grey plates. The staff were wonderful.

Claire's at the Depot

4.8

4.8 (3720)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Warrenton

About the restaurant

In a casual yet elegant atmosphere, set in a recently remodelled century old historic train station, Claire's passion is great food and outstanding service. Offering contemporary American cuisine - local, seasonally focused - with a Southern flaire. The renovation honors the historic character of the Warrenton Train Depot, resulting in a warm, comfortable environment for casual meetings with friends, or special occasions and intimate family meals. The warm, elegant Garden Room provides seating for intimate meals, while the Tavern Room features a more casual dining experience in luxurious surroundings. A rotating selection of craft beers is available on tap, and the wine service is regularly expanded. Outdoor dining is available in season, and private events can be hosted in one of several areas in the restaurant. Awarded "Best of Warrenton" every year since 2006.

Top review

Ann

Dined 6 days ago

We love to go to Claire's. The food quality has been consistent - and always delicious!

Conservatory at Goodstone

4.5

4.5 (302)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

The Conservatory at Goodstone Inn offers an unforgettable upscale dining experience, blending the finest farm-to-table cuisine with the charm of our historic Hunt Country setting. Helmed by Chef Paul Verica, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, our culinary team crafts exquisite seasonal menus showcasing ingredients grown on our property and sourced from local farms. Complement your meal with selections from our Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, curated to enhance every bite. Tasting Events and memorable Dinner Experiences are scheduled throughout the year.

With an ambiance of refined elegance, The Conservatory invites guests 18 and older to enjoy elevated dining in a welcoming atmosphere. While ties and jackets are not required, we recommend smart business casual attire for an experience as sophisticated as it is inviting. Reserve your table and savor an authentic taste of Hunt Country luxury.

The Conservatory is open for dinner Wednesday - Sunday from 5 - 8:30 pm.

Top review

Stephanie

Dined on May 18, 2025

The ambiance and service were both exceptional. They do a wonderful job with the acoustics too- we could hear each other perfectly but couldn’t hear the other tables nearby and overall didn’t notice a lot of background noise. My husband and I did the three course option. The tenderloin (likely around 3-4oz) was the highlight of the meal, the scallop was also delicious but was just a single scallop. I wasn’t a fan of the recommend asparagus starter- it was very heavily dressed and with the combination of a lightly poached egg was just a bit… wet… for me- that’s just a personal preference. My husband started with the carrot curry soup and enjoyed that. Overall we enjoyed the experience but felt the meal was a touch overpriced. Including a cocktail and half bottle of wine, our meal was $380 with tax/tip. Would selectively recommend.

The Ashby Inn

4.8

4.8 (1896)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Paris

About the restaurant

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant is fully committed to supporting the farmers and artisans that live and work in this region. Our menus represent the freshest, seasonal products that can be sourced locally from sustainable operations. The offerings will change daily dependent on what our local farmers and nature provide. Our pledge to you is to provide a quality dining experience founded on food and drink from sources we know and trust.

Top review

Julian

Dined 5 days ago

From the very moment I stepped into that enchanting restaurant, I was captivated by an atmosphere brimming with history and charm. Each corner of the establishment seemed to whisper tales from the past, inviting us to experience not just a meal, but a journey through time. The décor, with its elegant furnishings and soft lighting, created a warm embrace around us, making it feel like we were nestled in a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As for the culinary experience, it was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish we tasted was carefully curated, and the way the food and wine were paired together was simply unparalleled. Every bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, perfectly complemented by the exquisite wines that danced harmoniously on our palates. It’s as if the chef had crafted each element with a deep understanding of how they would coexist, creating a symphony of taste that I will not soon forget. To add to the magic of the evening, the service was impeccable. The staff was not only attentive but also genuinely warm and engaging, making us feel like cherished guests rather than mere patrons. Their passion for hospitality was evident in every detail, from their thoughtful recommendations to their genuine smiles. The ambiance around us was equally breathtaking, blending soft music with the gentle hum of conversation, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in this delightful experience.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon & Lobster

4.8

4.8 (2364)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Falls Church

About the restaurant

TRIO Grill is a modern American restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia, offering the finest steaks and freshest seafood, an extensive cocktail and spirits program and an award winning wine list. TRIO blends urban sophistication with the relaxed ambiance of a neighborhood grill. Perfect for date night, after-work drinks, or your next private dining occasion.

Top review

Matthew

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Trio never disappoints, food and service are always excellent!

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4.7

4.7 (371)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Discover our Modern American menu inspired by Chef Tomas Chavarria’s Mesoamerican heritage and training. Our regionally sourced plates such as Korobuta Pork Belly and Seven Hills Farms Center Cut Steak are complimented by our library of classic cocktails. Grab your favorite sip and savor attentive service, a luxe atmosphere, and live entertainment in a boutique hotel.

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

High quality food with fantastic customer service! Cocktails paired well with my meal. The live piano music was a great touch as well.

Harrimans Grill

4.7

4.7 (1665)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

Take a culinary carriage ride through Virginia’s Piedmont region at Harrimans Grill. In the heart of DC’s wine country, discover a local bounty of bold, fresh and flavorful dishes sourced with the highest quality ingredients and celebrate the rich resources and history of Virginia’s most fertile region. Whether you are hosting a private chef’s dinner in our interactive Cooking Studio, enjoying a pre-dinner stroll through the Culinary Garden or relaxing with an after-dinner cordial by our fire pit, at Harrimans, it always feels like Saturday night.
We encourage Harrimans reservations to be made 2-3 weeks in advance.

Top review

SaraVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Having eaten at several Michelin-star restaurants throughout the country, Harriman’s was a culinary experience that I would rate among my top 10. Service seemed a bit inexperienced for fine dining. Enjoyed the opportunity to experience some rare east coast delicacies such as Morel Mushrooms and Huckleberry jam. Halibut was melt in your mouth, and the Orange Brioche French Toast was divine!

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Experience

Harriman's Afternoon Tea

Experience

Harriman's Afternoon Tea

Experience

Harriman's Afternoon Tea

The Conche

4.7

4.7 (1244)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Leesburg

About the restaurant

The Conche Is an exclusive chocolate theme boutique restaurant in Village at Leesburg, featuring an array of artisan handmade chocolate confections, desserts and chocolate infused savory cuisine, hand crafted cocktails, using the finest ingredients
We are here to deliver exceptional experience, It’s with pleasure to share with you our passion for making life’s every moment, and every occasion memorable by indulging in chocolate.
By Chef Santosh Tiptur

Top review

Michelle

Dined 3 days ago

Jason was an amazing server. He wrote a very nice Happy Anniversary card upon our arrival. He explained all the dishes and the history of the chocolate. Everything was innovative and delicious. Highly recommend!!

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4.7

4.7 (4708)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Virtue Feed & Grain is a modern American dining room and bar located near the Potomac River in Old Town, Alexandria. Our menu offers an array of original recipe, flavorful, scratch-made dishes, along with extensive selections from the bar, like handcrafted cocktails, craft and small-batch beers, and an impressive wine list. The rustic elegance of our large, two-story restaurant provides a vibrant atmosphere for any dining experience, as well as private and semi-private spaces for private events, celebrations, weddings, business meetings, and gatherings of all types. The seasonal outdoor patio on historic Wales Alley offers views to the Potomac and a fun, casual destination.**

*Unfortunately we do not take advance reservations on our outdoor patio, but we will do our best to accommodate requests as space is available.

Top review

Betsy

Dined 2 days ago

Virtue is always great. Salads are terrific and the specials are excellent. Two of us enjoyed the chicken wrap and were very please. I had the Tuna Poke and it was delicious! Emily was a great server

Jula's on the Potomac

4.6

4.6 (3360)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Best known for its spectacular panoramic views, Jula’s on the Potomac is one of the most sought-after dining spots in Metro DC. Offering exquisitely crafted cocktails, an ever-evolving wine list, and an impressive array of alcohol-free options, you can be sure to find something to fit your taste. The menus feature American cuisine classics with an innovative approach to brunch, lunch and dinner. Whether you’re dining for business or pleasure, a meal at Jula’s is sure to make a lasting impression.

Top review

Beth

Dined 4 days ago

Beautiful view! Food was amazing and service top notch!

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Popular dish

FRENCH TOAST BREAD PUDDING

Explore Diners' Choice best of Virginia - DC Suburbs