Best Date Night Restaurants in Upper Marlboro

Tonight was wet and windy in DC. We left our last museum at 5:30pm. Our dinner reservation was not until 7pm. We walked to the restaurant thinking at a min we could dry out and have a pre dinner drink at the bar. When we arrived we explained that we were an hour early for our reservation but without a fuss we were seated immediately. The service was faultless. Our waiter was a bartender doing double duty. He was knowledgeable about the drinks (duhh) and the food and able to answer all of our questions - and my husband asks lots of questions. He oversaw service and was attentive without being bothersome. Our food was delicious. We ordered a variety of foods and were happy with everything we ate. Highly recommended this spot for a great meal with a loved one, good friend or family.

I am vegan and the server had no problem making sure my meal was dairy-free and meat-free. She even told me there was fish broth in the Miso Soup, which I didn’t order due to her honesty. I think the restaurant should include the fish broth on the list of ingredients on the menu. Every ingredient should be listed when it comes to meat, diary or any spice with heat (cayenne, chili, etc.). Good food, good service. I have never had a bad meal here.

There were so many items to choose from and they were all delicious. My favorite was the Tostada de Queso de Cabra con Miel (goat cheese and honey over bread). The waitress was super nice and knowledgeable. I will definitely be revisiting.

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Lee, who was incredibly kind and took the time to personally greet everyone. The staff were just as welcoming, demonstrating excellent communication and attentiveness. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy warmth. The course meal exceeded all expectations—each dish was thoughtfully designed with exceptional taste, creativity, and a seamless flow of service. The alcohol pairing was also expertly curated, enhancing the overall experience. What stood out most was Chef Lee’s dedication to sustainability in his restaurant. I recommend visiting the website prior to your visit to understand his intent with the non-profit org. His vision is truly inspiring, and I deeply respect his ambition. Highly recommended to everyone. - Isaac

I wanted a quiet atmosphere with good food because I knew that my colleague and I had much to discuss. Rips was positively wonderful.