Northern Virginia Restaurants

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

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  • 1. 2941 Restaurant

    $$$$

    Soaring ceilings, a woodsy lakeside location, and a koi pond make this one of the most striking dining rooms in the area. Executive chef Bertrand Chemel's introduction to cooking began with an apprenticeship at a French bakery, and his flair for rising dough shows. The playful cuisine continually surprises with a five-course tasting menu that changes monthly. Diners can also order à la carte. 

    2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, Virginia, 22042, USA
    703-270–1500

    Known For

    • Romantic date-night dining
    • Gorgeous views
    • Elegant decor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 2. 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.
  • 3. Inn at Little Washington

    $$$$

    A 90-minute drive from the District takes you past hills and farms to the English-style country manor that is the site of this well-regarded hotel restaurant. The service matches the setting, and diners can choose items from two menus: Gastronauts (contemporary endeavors) or Good Earth (vegetarian), both of which have dishes that rotate daily. Wine pairings are offered for an additional price. Desserts are fanciful, and the smart cheese selections are overseen by a maître de fromage. There’s also a new, more casual restaurant, Patty O’s Café and Bakery, across the street. The inn also offers 23 sumptuous guest rooms created by Joyce Evans, a London stage and set designer.

    309 Middle St., Washington, Virginia, 22747, USA
    540-675–3800

    Known For

    • Themed (and pricey) tasting menus
    • Special-occasion dining destination
    • Old English manor vibe

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. (hotel closed Tues.), Reservations essential
  • 4. Jaleo

    $$$

    The Arlington outpost of star chef José Andrés’ beloved tapas bars brings Spanish flavors to downtown Crystal City. Small plates made for sharing include shrimp, scallops, and pork, as well as fritters, salads, and Spanish cheeses. Try the sangria (red and white), which is mixed table-side. High ceilings, bright colors, and designs on the walls contribute to an inviting and spacious feel. Stop in the wine shop—it’s the only one in the region to feature all-Spanish wines. There are other branches of Jaleo in D.C. as well.

    2250 Crystal Dr., Arlington, Virginia, 22202, USA
    703-413–8181
  • 5. Kabob Palace

    $

    Authentic, friendly, and local, the Kabob Palace is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The chicken, lamb, and spicy beef kabobs are cooked to perfection and best dipped in chutney sauce and chased with a bite of naan. The sides vary, but rice and chickpeas are usually favorites.

    2315 S. Eads St., Arlington, Virginia, 22202, USA
    703-486–3535

    Known For

    • Authentic kebabs
    • Crispy, chewy naan
    • Open 24/7
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  • 6. 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
  • 7. 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
  • 8. 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
  • 9. Ashby Inn

    $$$$

    If there's a recipe for a perfect country inn restaurant, chef Jonathan Martin and sommelier Stephen Elhafdi have it. Head about an hour west of D.C. into Virginia hunt country, and your reward is extraordinary comfort food. À la carte menu items—like thyme-roasted pork with sweet potato purée or pan-seared chicken breast with mushrooms and lentils—are made with fresh local ingredients and presented in an intimate setting. You can order à la carte or indulge in the chef's tasting menu, both of which change seasonally. The inn also offers ten rooms, some with fireplaces and all with made-to-order country breakfast.

    692 Federal St., Paris, Virginia, 20130, USA
    540-592–3900

    Known For

    • Intimate country inn dining
    • Views of the Blue Ridge
    • Prix-fixe menus with local ingredients

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Wed., Reservations required
  • 10. 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
  • 11. 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
  • 12. 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
  • 13. Chill Zone

    $

    The Vietnamese dishes at this small family restaurant are made from fresh, organic ingredients—as are their specialty smoothies, bubble tea, and coffee. The expected dishes are all deliciously there, but they’re always experimenting with something new, such as Viet shaking beef and salted egg shrimp. There’s even a keto section on the menu.

    2442 N. Harrison St., Arlington, Virginia, 22207, USA
    703-270--9466

    Known For

    • Neighborhood friendliness
    • Diverse Vietnamese menu including keto options
    • Creative frappes, smoothies, and shakes
  • 14. Clyde's of Tysons Corner

    $$

    A branch of a popular Georgetown pub, Clyde's has four art deco dining rooms, one or more of which may be devoted to private parties. The Palm Terrace has high ceilings and lots of faux greenery; less formal dining rooms adjoin each other and a couple of bars. Clyde's mostly attracts workers from the nearby corporate buildings, who appreciate the attentive service and high-quality fare. The lengthy, eclectic menu always includes fresh fish dishes, such as trout Parmesan. The wine list is equally long.

    8332 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, Virginia, 22182, USA
    703-734–1901

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 15. 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
  • 16. 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
  • 17. Eamonn's A Dublin Chipper

    $ | Irish

    A nod to his native Ireland, this fish-and-chips joint is chef Cathal Armstrong's most casual outpost in his growing Old Town Alexandria empire—he also runs such other acclaimed spots as Restaurant Eve and Society Fair. This 20-seat, counter-service, chipper-with-attitude serves up crispy cod and fries with your choice of seven different sauces from classic tartar to curry. Down it with a pint of Guinness or an Irish soda and finish with a piping hot fried Mars bar, a weird-but-wonderful dessert that's the perfect end to a battered meal. When the pirate flag is flying and a blue light glows at an unmarked door, head upstairs to the PX, a 21st-century speakeasy operated by Armstrong and his wife.

    728 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-299–8384
  • 18. 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
  • 19. 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
  • 20. 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

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