Located in an elegant Federalist townhouse, Elizabeth’s has been a vegan DC fine-dining destination since opening in 2009. Chef Francisco Hernandez whips up an artful, six-course tasting menu that could include raviolo with grilled sunchoke sauce and summer truffle, plus organic wine or non-alcoholic cocktail pairings. Grab a seat at the intimate bar in the cozy dining room with peach-hued walls and gold-framed paintings for creative à la carte snacks, like a vegan “caviar.”

Shareable and spice-forward Ethiopian dishes make this Georgetown staple ideal for intimate special occasions. A milestone meal in this romantic townhouse isn’t complete without a bottomless basket of injera (spongy flatbread), made for dunking in tender chicken stew. But the 2021 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient is also a go-to for its spectacular meat-free options like red lentils and mushroom “tibs.” Sleek, elegant lines and lush fabrics dial up the luxe, celebratory factor.

Open since 1983, Filomena Ristorante is one of the District’s most beloved landmarks. Regularly topping Washingtonian’s list of the best Italian restaurants in the city, Filomena’s is a celebration staple for its attentive, tuxedo-clad servers and cozy, old-school vibe. The chicken parmesan is the special occasion MVP, as is the gnocchi, fettuccine, and eggplant lasagna. Visit in December for over-the-top holiday decor—think hundreds of twinkling lights and nutcrackers.

Acclaimed chef José Andrés’s China Chilcano is where you go for a pisco party with friends. The Chinese, Japanese, and Criollo-accented menu is as festive as the boldly designed dining room. Choose from shareable dim sum and dishes like a crispy fried rice pot, or go all in with one of two chef’s tasting menus. High ceilings, red glass lamps, and neon lights provide a striking backdrop for photos and make this one of the top upscale restaurants in DC for large groups and birthday celebrations.

Soft lights, wine-colored leather booths, and sparkling chandeliers set the tone for extra-elegant celebrations at this two-story surf-and-turf haven. The Houston transplant stays true to its everything-is-bigger-in-Texas ethos with a massive menu starring global seafood, expertly broiled steaks, and solid vegan options like plant-based bolognese pappardelle. Add in flaming desserts and a deep wine list, and you’ve got one of the swankiest special occasion spots in town.

Wife-and-husband duo Ellen Kassoff and Todd Gray are behind this plant-forward fine-dining legend, one of the best fancy restaurants in DC. In addition to an elegant, five-course vegetarian tasting menu, expect always-changing seasonal, mid-Atlantic-centric dishes that could include a mushroom-based “Wellington.” The best part: the restaurant’s nearly zero-waste kitchen composts and regrows ingredients used in day-to-day operations, so you can feel good about celebrating here.

Tailor-made for large and lively gatherings, Mala Tang is a cook-your-own Sichuan food star. Go with friends or family to do justice to the spectacular soups, which come with dippable ingredients like prawns and fish balls. Multiple broth types—ranging from mild to tongue-numbing spicy (Sichuan peppercorns and chile oil)—let you and your crew order mains according to heat tolerances. Bonus points for the customizable dips, which you can mix and match at the dedicated sauce bar.

With a 14-seat chef’s counter and two nightly tastings, two-MICHELIN-Starred Jônt is one of DC’s most intimate fine-dining experiences. The ever-changing tasting menu by acclaimed chef Ryan Ratino is nothing short of a culinary adventure, fusing French techniques with Japanese ingredients and global flavors. Settle in at the chef’s counter to watch the team expertly transform seasonal ingredients into edible art, from cloud-like foams to perfectly seared meats.

At Moon Rabbit, James Beard Award-nominated chef Kevin Tien’s ambitious fine-dining menu combines the flavors of his Vietnamese heritage and Louisiana upbringing. Decked with personal mementos and photographs, the minimalist yet cozy Penn Quarter space sets the stage for bold, made-for-sharing dishes like bánh canh cua, a sweet potato tapioca gnocchi with crab fat and fermented sausage. Or opt for a full tour of Tien’s inventive fare with the chef’s tasting menu.

An intimate, parlor-like setting makes every meal memorable at Tabard Inn, one of the District’s longest-running employee-owned hotels. Chef Matthew Zafrir’s commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients shines in elegant dishes that could include duck confit with Carolina gold rice or seared scallops with corn succotash. Enjoy rare whiskies (and live music on Sunday and Monday evenings) in the cozy fireside lounge, or book a table on the charming garden patio with ivy-covered brick walls.

The sibling cocktail bar to Clyde Restaurant Group’s acclaimed restaurant 1789, Fitzgerald’s is a throwback, sports-inspired escape in the heart of Georgetown. Settle into a plush leather banquette or grab a seat at the stylish mahogany bar to sip on sophisticated cocktails like a brown butter old fashioned. The playful snacks—think Korean-style chicken wings and wagyu tartare with quail egg—are made for sharing. The bar dials up the festive factor with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.