38 Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia, Virginia

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.

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.

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.

Recommended Fodor's Video

The Liberty Tavern

$$
This place consistently wins praise for its upscale American menu and bustling neighborhood vibe. The restored brick building stands out from other more contemporary neighborhood eateries, with two levels of dining tables and a large bar on the ground floor. The sophisticated menu includes charred octopus and roasted duck breast, though the real standouts are the classic burgers and pizza. Liberty Tavern is also one of the neighborhood’s most popular brunch spots. Try to snag one of the sidewalk tables that line Wilson Boulevard—it’s a great place to sit and people-watch the Clarendon comings and goings.

The Warehouse

$$$ | Old Town
Situated in Old Town Alexandria, the casual yet elegant Warehouse specializes in prime aged steaks and seafood. The historic building that houses it features caricatures of the local gentry on the wall and an antique mahogany bar that's a great place to enjoy a drink.

The Wine Kitchen

$$
Loudoun County food and wine are celebrated at this cozy neighborhood eatery on downtown Leesburg’s main drag. The menu here changes as fresh ingredients are available—in fact, it’s not unlikely for diners to see farmers carting in produce straight from the fields----but expect twists on comfort food. The wine list includes a flight of local varietals. There are two other locations in Purcellville, VA and Frederick, MD.

Virtue Feed & Grain

$$ | Old Town

Housed in what was once a feed house in the 1800s (now beautifully restored with reclaimed wood, antique bricks, and glass panes), this lively American tavern serves an all-day menu and weekend brunch, and has a club-like feel on weekend nights. You can sample a wide variety of selections with a seasonal bent, from red wine–braised short ribs and pasta puttanesca to a grilled chicken BLT or a quinoa salad.  Make reservations, especially on weekends, because the large space gets packed quickly!

Whiskey & Oyster

$$ | Old Town
While the interior is sophisticated, the atmosphere is casual. The menu boasts, naturally, an impressive selection of whiskeys and oysters. When in season, diners can enjoy both Maine and classic lobster rolls, crabs, and more. Heartier dishes include seafood gumbo, lobster mac and cheese, and bourbon shrimp 'n' grits. The large, dog-friendly patio is ideal for a relaxed evening out.