37 Best Restaurants in Virginia, USA

Drab walls and communal tables may seem cafeteria-style, but that's part of what makes Pho 75 one of the most authentic Vietnamese restaurants in the D.C. area. Customers come from across the region to line up at this no-frills joint for the high-quality traditional noodle soup. Choose your bowl size and then what kind of meat (and how many kinds of meat) you want to cook in the soup, including flank steak, brisket, tendon, tripe, and eye-of-round steak. Pay at the counter as you leave—and don't forget to bring cash as Pho 75 doesn't take credit cards.

Locals love this family Italian restaurant and pizzeria that serves up pasta, fish, chicken, and veal dinners as well as subs and pizzas. It's a good choice for families who want to please the kids: parents can get quality "adult food" while their children graze on pizza and subs. The restaurant delivers free to nearby hotels. Families rave about Sal's, especially its family feast.

Set back from the street next to the water, this take-out place dishes out delectable made-to-order salads, sandwiches, and roll-ups, plus homemade soups and baked goods, much of it vegetarian or vegan. There are a few tables outside if you don't want to take away.

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.

Located at City Center, this is a great place for lunch. The interior has tall ceilings with exposed ducts and shelving with exotic sauces and dips to sample and buy. Affordable fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads can be made by their suggestions—or make up your own. The grilled chicken salad with grapes and celery is very Virginia. Add fresh cucumbers and balsamic vinaigrette for a twist. Other choices include Virginia ham, roasted red peppers, and Chesapeake crab cakes. The food is fresh and local, and they even have gluten-free choices. They offer boxed lunches to take while exploring the area and deliveries to hotel rooms.

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.