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. 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. 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
  • 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. 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
  • 5. 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
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  • 6. 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
  • 7. Kapnos Taverna

    $$$

    This isn’t your grandmother’s taverna—Kapnos ditches traditional elements like stucco white walls in favor of sleek concrete and steel, and a vibe that reminds you you’re in one of Ballston’s trendiest spots. This modern Greek eatery anchors Top Chef contestant Mike Isabella’s Arlington restaurant empire; around the corner you’ll find noodles at Yona and Mexican food at Pepita. The menu focuses on coastal-inspired dishes and food from the Greek Islands—there’s a raw bar and a wide range of mezze (small plates), with options ranging from falafel to spit-roasted lamb or swordfish kebab. There’s a sister restaurant in Washington D.C. with a menu that favors roasted meats and Northern Greek cuisine over seafood.

    4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia, 22203, USA
    703-243–4400
  • 8. 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.
  • 9. Lightfoot Restaurant

    $$$

    Housed in a Romanesque-Revival building (1888), this restaurant was the Peoples National Bank for more than half a century. Restored to its original grandeur, the restaurant was named in honor of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. One of the wine "cellars" is actually the bank's vault. The seasonal American cuisine, based on local ingredients, includes meat and seafood with a regional spin.

    11 N. King St., Leesburg, Virginia, 20175, USA
    703-771–2233

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 10. 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.
  • 11. 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.

    214 King St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
    703-683–6868

    Known For

    • Antique mahogany bar
    • Casual elegance
    • Great steak

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