VA, DC Venues Among Best Wine Restaurants In US

WASHINGTON, DC – New York City is the best place in the country for foodies who love wine, but four Virginia and Washington, D.C., venues elbowed their way onto a prestigious list. Filomena Ristorante, Le Diplomate, and Old Ebbitt Grill in the District, plus L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, all won praise from the authors.

OpenTable's list of the 100 Best Restaurants For Wine Lovers in America, released this week, names 11 NYC eateries, that's more than any other city or state. California is next in line, with 10.

The list was compiled from more than 12 million reviews of 28,000 restaurants by OpenTable users between August 1, 2017, and July 31, 2018, the online reservation website's representatives said.

"Whether you're a wine aficionado or a novice looking to expand your palate, this year's list showcases a variety of restaurants that carefully curate the finest wine selections to complement their menus," said Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer at OpenTable. "From deep dives with sommeliers to approachable tastings to find the perfect pairing for any meal, these winning restaurants have earned rave reviews for their stellar dining experiences and impressive wine offerings."

Of Filomena Ristorante, a review on Open Table said: "Six month anniversary dinner, food was delicious and service was amazing. We will be returning soon!"

The Logan Circle eatery Le Diplomate also made the list. "Very attentive service! Great atmosphere! We sat at this cozy corner by the widow and it just felt like you were sitting in a Parisian bistro at a charming walkway in Montmartre," wrote a customer.

Also popular in DC is Old Ebbitt Grill, which earned this praise: "My husband and I went to dinner for our anniversary here. We loved it, reading the history and taking in the decor, the food was upscale Americana and was delicious. Service was exceptional especially considering how packed it was."

A Virginia restaurant — L'Auberge Chez Francois — also made the list. A patron said, "Amazing food and presentation. The food and ambiance were fantastic."

The complete Open Table list can be viewed here.

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