Alexandria Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Alexandria - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

Sort by: 24 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Hank's Oyster Bar Old Town

    $$$ | Old Town

    This classic raw bar is consistently busy thanks to a nice mix of locals and visitors. No doubt it's because the oysters, clams, and lobster rolls are incredibly fresh, and the wine list is great. The restaurant also offers several daily specials highlighting local and seasonal ingredients, as well as fantastic soups, salads, and small plates. The rooftop dining area is superb.

    818 N. Asaph St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-739–4265

    Known For

    • Amazing oysters
    • Non-seafood dinner specials
    • Daily raw bar deals

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 2. Mason Social

    $$ | Old Town

    The depth of Mason Social's seasonal menu has made it a hit since its opening in 2015. Adventurous eaters will relish options like the marrow burger while those happier with more traditional staples will be delighted with the fried green tomatoes or pan-seared rockfish. A mix of signature and classic cocktails provides plenty of boozy drinks to choose from.

    728 N. Henry St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-548–8800

    Known For

    • Brunch
    • Long list of craft cocktails
    • Bone marrow burger
  • 3. Vermilion

    $$$ | Old Town

    Be sure to make reservations because foodies flock here for a taste of its award-winning Modern American cuisine. Vermilion favors locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, though quality trumps local here, so you may find Parisian gnocchi alongside Maryland crab croquettes on this mid-Atlantic menu. Don't miss the fantastic homemade pasta, bread, and desserts.

    1120 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-684–9669

    Known For

    • Casual, hip interior with exposed brick and gas lamps
    • Popular weekend brunch
    • Homemade pastas

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Thurs., Reservations essential
  • 4. Ada's on the River

    $$$$ | Old Town

    The first thing you notice, whether you’re sitting outside on the breezy dock or inside in the window-filled dining space, are the spectacular Potomac River views. But what sets Ada’s apart is the fact that most of the dishes touch the grill before leaving the open kitchen—so you have wood-fired steaks and smoked swordfish, but also singed gem lettuce and charcoal-burned brioche. The combination promises an unforgettable meal. The name is an homage to 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace.

    3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314-3968, USA
    703-638--1400

    Known For

    • Large bar
    • Breathtaking river views
  • 5. BARCA Pier & Wine Bar

    $$$ | Old Town

    Shipping containers floating atop the Potomac River comprise this Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant in Old Town. The lunch and dinner menus feature small plates: patatas bravas, ham croquetas, and Spanish octopus salad. You can also savor meats and cheeses from Greece and Spain, miniature sandwiches, and more. The summery drink menu features ciders, beers, and wine—though order the stone fruit sangria to put you in a beachy kind of mood. The indoor wine bar is nice especially in winter.

    2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314-3968, USA
    703-638--1100

    Known For

    • Dogs welcome
    • Happy hour
    • Waterfront views
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Bugsy's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar

    $$

    With a huge salad bar and a large, ever-changing assortment of good, hot pizzas, this is a great place to stop for a late dinner Friday or Saturday. Every day, this pizza place also offers an all-you-can-eat pizza and salad lunch buffet for $9.25. Upstairs, the authentic sports bar is loaded with interesting memorabilia, heavy on hockey—the personable owner used to play in the NHL. Catch every game you can imagine on their 16 TVs.

    111 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-683–0313

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 7. Cheesetique

    $$

    Fans of cheese and wine will fall in love with this adorable retail shop and restaurant. With more than 200 cheeses from local and domestic creameries, a large selection of less available wines, and an extensive menu that covers every fan favorite from grilled cheese to mac 'n' cheese, visitors will find themselves in cheese heaven. Chat with experienced cheese mongers to find new delights or delicious staples. Enjoy cheese boards with wine pairings. Make room in your suitcase for a variety of dry goods and adorable cheese and wine essentials.

    2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, 22301, USA
    703-706--5300

    Known For

    • Wide variety of both domestic and international cheeses
    • Great wine selections
    • Cheese boards with wine pairings
  • 8. Columbia Firehouse

    $$ | Old Town

    Built in 1883 in the heart of Old Town and used as an actual firehouse, this historic building now just off bustling King Street houses a popular brasserie with a barroom, atrium, and patio.

    109 St. Asaph St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-683–1776

    Known For

    • Good staples like fish-and-chips, beef bourguignon, and steak frites
    • Beautiful interior
    • Separate bar menu of seafood and sandwiches
  • 9. Don Taco

    $ | Old Town

    As its name suggests, tacos of every variety are the specialty at this lively spot in the heart of Alexandria's busy King Street. From tacos to rice bowls, burritos, and small plates for sharing, Don Taco's menu will make you crave more than just one item. Save room for dessert and, of course, for the tequila selection. 

    808 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-518--8800

    Known For

    • Fun happy hour from 3 pm to 7 pm
    • Large tequila menu
    • Excellent desserts
  • 10. Gadsby's Tavern

    $$$

    In the heart of the historic district, this circa-1789 tavern provides a taste of the interior decoration, cuisine, and entertainment of the early Republic. A strolling balladeer usually makes the rounds on Friday and Saturday nights. The tavern was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who is commemorated on the menu: George Washington's Favorite is half a duck grilled with scalloped potatoes, corn pudding, rhotekraut (sweet and sour red cabbage), and a port wine orange glace. Brunch is served on Sunday.

    138 N. Royal St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-548–1288

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 11. Hank's Oyster Bar

    $$

    This King Street restaurant serves up New England comfort dishes with a Chesapeake twist—it’s where lobster rolls meet Maryland crabs and Old Bay fries. The menu changes daily, and a large chalkboard identifies the day’s oyster offerings, which include varieties from near and far. Hankering for a late-night bite? The raw bar is half-price from 10 pm–midnight. There are two Hank’s location in Washington, D.C. and a sister restaurant nearby in Alexandria, Hank’s Pasta Bar, which serves delicious pasta and Italian dishes.

    1026 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-739–4265
  • 12. Il Porto

    $$$

    Inside an old building just one block from the Potomac, Il Porto's interior is reminiscent of Italy, with plaster walls, exposed wooden beams, and checkered tablecloths. The menu includes traditional Italian versions of veal, seafood, pasta, and chicken. Healthful touches include whole-wheat pasta and organic wines. On weekend nights the cozy dining room can get crowded.

    121 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-836–8833

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 13. Kismet

    $$ | Old Town

    A spinoff of the posh Karma Modern Italian in D.C., Kismet offers a new take on Indian food: elevated dishes amid blue couches and booths, orb lights, and a mosaic-tiled bar. The menu follows the seasons, with favorites including red snapper peri-peri (hot sauce with red chilli peppers), lamb ghee roast, and tandoori pulled chicken with tartare sauce. On a warm-weather day, opt for the courtyard patio.

    111 N. Pitt St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-567--4507

    Known For

    • Artful plating
    • Relaxed vibe
    • Creative cocktails
  • 14. Le Refuge

    $$$ | Old Town

    At this local favorite, run by Jean François Chaufour and his wife, Françoise, for more than 40 years, lovingly prepared French country fare is served with beaucoup flavor. Popular selections include trout, bouillabaisse, garlicky rack of lamb, frogs' legs, and beef Wellington. Polish it all off with an order of profiteroles or crème brûlée.

    127 N. Washington St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-548–4661

    Known For

    • Authentic French cuisine with no pretension
    • Three-course prix-fixe lunch and dinner options
    • Tasty profiteroles for dessert

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 15. Matt's and Tony's All-Day Kitchen + Bar

    $$

    Brunch lovers unite over this lively Del Ray restaurant, serving French toast, eggs and waffles, and biscuits and gravy all day long. But there are plenty of other menu items as well, including lunchtime salads and sandwiches, and heartier comfort-fare dishes for dinner, including fried chicken and pork chops. Mimosas are de rigeur (though the “brunchy drink” menu has some interesting seasonal alternatives, including spiced pear mule and cassis spritz). Locals know chef Todd Miller as the originator of Ted’s pop tarts, a D.C. phenomenon.

    1501 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, 22301, USA
    703-429--4950

    Known For

    • Fun communal bar
    • Creative menu beyond steak and eggs
    • Earthy restaurant design

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 16. Nasime

    $$$$ | Old Town

    A tiny gem, Nasime serves an exquisite seven-course tasting menu of both traditional and contemporary Japanese flavors. The selections change frequently based on the season and availability of products, but it always includes a wonderful blend of raw, grilled, fried, and baked dishes, plus dessert.

    1209 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-548--1848

    Known For

    • Stunning, artistic dishes
    • Revolving menu of fresh sushi
    • Intimate seating

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 17. Restaurant Eve

    $$$

    An Irish chef serving Asian family-style food in a colonial home with whimsical decor; Restaurant Eve is all about bringing unexpected elements together. And it works. Diners can choose from an a la carte menu of seafood and meat, or opt for the chef’s tasting menus. Some of the produce comes from the restaurant’s garden, other ingredients come from nearby farms and waters. The dining room is intimate and romantic and the service is impeccable without feeling stuffy. Dinner here is best for a special occasion or date night; for something more casual try the $15 Lickety Split lunch.

    110 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-706–0450

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 18. Sweet Fire Donna's

    $ | Old Town

    A popular choice for locals, this barbecue joint is known for brisket, daily specials, and some of the best happy hour deals in town. If you're visiting for lunch, get there either on the earlier or later side to avoid the business crowds. When the weather is fine, enjoy a cocktail on their pup-friendly sidewalk patio.

    510 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    571-312–7960

    Known For

    • Barbecue
    • Fast service
    • Happy hour
  • 19. Taverna Cretekou

    $$ | Old Town

    Whitewashed stucco walls and colorful macramé tapestries bring a bit of the Mediterranean to the center of Old Town. The menu takes diners on a trip around Greece—each dish identifies its region of origin, and the whole country is represented. Favorites include exohikon (lamb baked in a pastry shell) and fish sautéed with artichokes. Thursday evenings bring live music, and if you are so moved, plates for breaking are free for the asking—opa! A buffet brunch is served on Sunday.

    818 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-548–8688

    Known For

    • Extensive Greek-only wine list
    • Live music on Thursday
    • Romantic canopied garden

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 20. Tequila & Taco

    $ | Old Town

    This popular neighborhood restaurant with funky decor is known for its weekend brunches and freshly squeezed margaritas. Tacos are a mix of traditional like carnitas and al pastor, as well as fun, such as fried chicken and cauliflower. The complimentary chips and salsa are surprisingly delightful.

    540 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-721–3203

    Known For

    • Weekend brunch
    • Fresh margaritas
    • Lively atmosphere

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video