Virginia's diverse culinary landscape ranges from down-home Southern fare to global cuisine offerings borrowing talent from the legendary diversity of Washington, D.C.'s culinary scene. Diners in Arlington and Alexandria can enjoy outposts of popular D.C. restaurants like pan-Asian favorite TenPenh or acclaimed Spanish-style tapas joint Paploma, acclaimed as some of the region's best international fare. Falls Church is home to a unique and diverse culinary scene, featuring local favorites like Fava Pot, which serves up authentic Egyptian-style fare. In Fairfax, hip taproom High Side showcases some of the best brews of the Virginia and D.C. beer scenes alongside Taiwanese-style street fare offerings.
Nostos Restaurant
Nostos Restaurant is a delicious Greek-style restaurant in Vienna, named in honor of the Greek word for nostalgia, which carries connotations for a return to one's origins. The restaurant, which was opened in 2011 by restaurateur Despina Pagonis, has been a perennial award-winning favorite for years for its hearty Greek entrees and extensive international wine list.---> You can enjoy fresh takes on modern Greek dishes, including entrees prepared with Mediterranean fish selections like dorado, branzino, and sardines.
8100 Boone Blvd, Vienna, VA 22182, Phone: 703-760-0690
Mia's Italian Kitchen
Mia's Italian Kitchen is a delicious Alexandria restaurant opened in 2018, inspired by restaurateur Dave Nicholas' childhood relationship with his great-grandmother, which was primarily anchored around food due to a language barrier. The restaurant uses Nicholas' family traditions from Naples in all of its menu offerings, including delicious housemade pastas, pizzas, and hearty Italian-style sandwiches. Diners can select from pasta favorites like rigatoni alla Calabrese, jumbo shrimp fra diavolo, spaghetti alla carbonara with guanciale, or bucatini cacio e pepe, served up throughout the day on all-day menus. House specialties like chicken parmesan, veal piccata, and bistecca alla Fiorentina are also served, along with classic meatball sandwiches, brick-oven pizzas by the slice or by the pie, and shareables like zucchini fries, stuffed calamari, and egg yolk raviolo.
100 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-997-5300
Fava Pot
Fava Pot is one of Falls Church is most unique dining destinations, originally opened by restaurateur Dina Daniel in 2013 as a food truck. Since 2018, it has operated at its counter-service brick-and-mortar location, serving up delicious Egyptian-style delicacies with modern twists. Diners can choose from favorites like koshary bowls, stuffed with lentils, Egyptian rice, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce, or enjoy platters of grilled favorites like lamb kofta, chicken kebabs, and fava bean falafel. Signature entrees include oven-roasted stuffed artichokes, breaded veal escalope with macaroni bechamel, chicken molokheya, and lamb chops cooked with stuffed grape leaves. Desserts like om ali pudding, kunafa, and Egyptian-style miniature cookies made with ghee and cane sugar round out the menu.
7393 D Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042, Phone: 703-204-0609
High Side
High Side is a hip taproom in Fairfax that was opened to the public in 2018, known for its selections of cult favorite brews and locally-produced ales. The taproom's craft beer offerings rotate regularly, but frequently feature selections from breweries throughout North America, ranging from renowned favorites like Stillwater Artisanal Ales to up-and-coming microbreweries like Drekker Brewing Company, The Veil Brewing, Horus Aged Ales, and Modern Times Beer. Styles range from fruit-forward sour beers and barrel-aged ciders to dense, malty stouts and refreshing pilsner varieties. Food menus highlight Taiwanese-style street food offerings, including fried chicken bao buns, pork belly rice bowls, roti johns, and Malaysian-style tamarind shrimp platters.
4009 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, Phone: 703-865-8181
ROOTS 657
ROOTS 657 is a charming cafe and local market in Leesburg, opened in 2016 by executive chef Rich Rosendale. The locally-inspired market offers dine-in and takeout services throughout the week, serving up regionally-curated dishes at lunch and dinner. Diners can enjoy excellent housemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, including Chesapeake favorites like Maryland crab and corn soup. Signature burgers range from classic double cheeseburgers to health-conscious black bean burgers topped with grilled vegetables and smoked corn salsa. Visitors can also carry out meats by the pound prepared on site, including country pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, and signature beef brisket. Local wines are served up by the glass alongside a tap list of regional and national craft brews.
42301 Spinks Ferry Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176, Phone: 703-779-9657
Pamplona
Pamplona is a delicious dining destination in Arlington named in honor of the Spanish city of the same name, which is best known for its annual Running of the Bulls festival. The restaurant, which was opened in 2017 by the restaurant team behind D.C. favorites Provision 14 and Bonfire, brings delicious Spanish tapas to a beautiful 3,600-square-foot space on Clarendon Boulevard, which features stunning romantic decor inspired by the works of Alexander McQueen and Paul LaCroix. Diners can enjoy an excellent selection of Spanish-inspired tapas, which are available individually by the plate or as part of a $35 all-you-can-eat Taste of Spain experience. Selections range from classics like patatas bravas and albondigas to signature recipes like chicken paella croquetas and gambas al ajillo in white wine butter sauce.
3100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, Phone: 703-685-9950
Sense of Thai
Sense of Thai offers indoor and outdoor dining spaces, including a romantic patio strung with ambient twinkling lights and a bar adjacent to its lively cooking station. Decor elements are meant to evoke the vibe of authentic urban Thai restaurants, showcasing a repurposed Thai dining cart that has been converted into a host stand and replicated Thai-style temple doors.
Sense of Thai, 20413 Exchange St, Ashburn, VA 20147, Phone: 703-858-1980
