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. 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. 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
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  • 6. 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
  • 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. 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
  • 9. 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
  • 10. 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
  • 11. 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
  • 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. 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
  • 14. 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
  • 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. 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.
  • 17. 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
  • 18. 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.

    3195 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia, 22201, USA
    703-465–9360
  • 19. 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
  • 20. 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.

    7 S. King St., Leesburg, Virginia, 20175, USA
    703-777–9463

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