5 Best Restaurants in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia

Opened in 1999, the Lightfoot occupies a historic bank building, lending traces of vintage architecture to the chic design—the marble staircases are the first tip-off (and the wine cellar is in the old vault). But people flock here for the upscale dining experience, focusing on creative American-style cuisine: lobster and shrimp pasta in rosemary cream sauce; braised pork, shrimp, and grits; filet mignon with horseradish-chive butter and crispy onions. The desserts are just as heavenly.

It goes without saying that romance is in the air at this chocolate-themed restaurant, enhanced by low lighting and tucked-away booths. Chocolate may not be used in every dish, but why opt for anything else? The crispy calamari is prepared with a cocoa beer batter, while the burger comes with chocolate barbecue sauce. Even the Caesar salad is sprinkled with cocoa nibs. As you can imagine, the desserts are decadent, as are the specialty cocktails (the “moussetache,” for example, has vodka, baileys, and four forms of chocolate including crème de cacao and chocolate mousse). The secret is the conche—a machine that refines the chocolate to perfection.

Part of the romantic Goodstone Inn, which sits on 265 rolling acres near Middleburg, The Conservatory serves exquisite dishes using ingredients literally fresh from the farm. You’re in for a treat, with options including Miyazaki A5 Wagyu (a splurge worth every penny), guinea hen with Périgord truffle, and New Zealand venison with sour-cherry jus. Of course, it depends on the season and what’s fresh that day. The wine menu is extensive, and the setting resembles a greenhouse, with windows bringing in the surrounding nature.

Patowmack Farm has been growing produce since 1986, which explains why its ever-changing menu is full of fresh, innovative, thoughtful dishes that follow the seasons. But it's more than that—chef Vincent Badiee approaches his forward-thinking dishes like artwork, in which presentation is just as impressive as taste. Dinner, available Thursday through Saturday, comprises nine or so courses served “progression” style. You might enjoy mountaineer mushroom pie, country brisket, and a dessert called chocolate + malt. A casual Sunday supper is also served. Be forewarned: The spectacular views of the Potomac looking across Point of Rocks will vie for your attention.

Tuskie’s, as locals call it, is a Loudoun institution. Opened in 1985 in historic downtown Leesburg, it occupies a restored 1899 grist mill. Owner Kevin Malone was a proponent of the “buy local” movement from the start, and the New American menu—with dishes like grilled flank steak with bourbon molasses, slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary sauce, and jumbo lump crab cakes with lemon-leek aioli—reflects this philosophy. You can get salads and sandwiches too; the Barn Yard “Au Jus” smoked beef brisket and pork sandwich is a local favorite.