Your Guide to Dining in Alexandria and Arlington

Northern Virginia’s food scene rivals that of many large cities. Food and drink options from around the globe, specialty desserts and world-renowned chefs make for a truly memorable culinary experience in Alexandria and Arlington.

FOR BREAKFAST

Northside Social - An Arlington institution. The two-story neighborhood hangout has an outdoor patio. Come for the coffee, stay for the happy hour wine.

Metro 29 Diner - New York-style diner providing quality food, prompt service, and a warm, easygoing dining experience. Patrons are greeted by a glass case filled with layered cakes, cream pies, cheesecakes, and 18 different kinds of mouthwatering pastries.

Fontaine Caffe & Creperie - Located in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria serving authentic Brittany-style savory and sweet French crêpes, seasonal specials, and drinks in a casual European cafe setting.

Junction Bakery & Bistro - American bistro boasting fresh-baked bread and homemade goods. Grab a cup of Commonwealth Joe espresso and a pastry to fuel your morning.

Bob & Edith's Diner - Classic, family-owned 24-hour diner with multiple locations serving up all of your favorite dishes.

FOR BRUNCH

The Liberty Tavern - Features modern American cuisine paired with a diverse wine list, creative specialty cocktails, and a great selection of premium draft and bottled beer.

Evening Star Cafe - Specialties include a Bloody Mary garnished with a bite-sized grilled cheese sandwich and bacon, and blueberry pancakes with whipped brown sugar cream and toasted pecans.

FOR LUNCH

Busboys & Poets - Local favorite serving up everything from traditional meals to local spins on the classics as well as extensive vegetarian and vegan options.

Bastille - Award winning brasserie and wine bar, offering guests a contemporary spin on French cuisine and pet-friendly patio.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen – Upscale-casual Italian restaurant near the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria. House-made pasta, Italian sandwiches, charcuterie, and square pizzas.

Quarter Market – Quarter Market is the modern equivalent of a food court, with over a dozen restaurants located within the indoor/outdoor eatery space. For lunch, try Hot Lola's, Maizal, Jinya Ramen Bar, Bollywood Bistro, or Dumpling District.

Texas Jack's BBQ - Locally sourced, reclaimed wood and hand-forged metals lend a warm backdrop to their succulent, smoked meats. Pair them with a curated collection of craft cocktails, local beers, American bourbons, and whiskeys. 

FOR DINNER

Vermilion – Classic neighborhood restaurant and bar located in Old Town. Features a menu of contemporary American cuisine and bar with extensive list of specialty drinks.

Virtue Feed & Grain - Modern American tavern food on the Alexandria waterfront. Virtue Feed & Grain features soaring open windows, exposed brick, and giant iron girders.

Lebanese Taverna - Locally family owned restaurant featuring Middle Eastern cuisine. Offers many favorite dishes such as falafel, kabobs, and a large selection of vegetarian fare.

Palette 22 - Part restaurant, part art gallery. The menu features fusion cuisine from around the globe, all plated artfully and created in an open display kitchen.

Green Pig Bistro - Serves classic rustic French cooking with a decidedly American push. Solid and basic yet approachable dishes.

FOR SEAFOOD

Vola’s Dockside Grill - Waterfront dining in Old Town. A friendly, familiar place with a raw bar and the largest outdoor riverside patio where the food, atmosphere, service, and experience are always fantastic.

Mussel Bar & Grille - Offers a wide-range of casual dining fare that include grilled and wood-fired dishes and Belgian classics, iced seafood platters, and a Belgian beer list. 

Hank’s Oyster Bar – A local favorite serving coastal and New England beach fare classics like lobster rolls and daily fish specials. Lightly fried items such as the popcorn shrimp and calamari and clams balance Hank’s ice bar options.

FOR DESSERT

Nicecream - Combines fresh cream from grass-fed cows and local ingredients from nearby farms. Ice cream is frozen on the spot, creating the freshest handcrafted cup of ice cream you can get.

Buzz Bakeshop - A beloved Alexandria bakery. Features a myriad of sweets from freshly baked cupcakes and rich fudgy brownies to decadent cream cheese-filled pumpkin muffins.

Livin’ the Pie Life - Small-batch scratch bakery featuring fresh local ingredients and flaky handmade crust. Offerings include sweet and savory pies, old-fashioned cookies, cakes, and scones.

Dairy Godmother - Declared a "dessert destination" by the Washington Post. One-of-a-kind real Wisconsin-style frozen custard shop specializing in imaginative flavors both nostalgic and new.

Bayou Bakery - Serves Cajun classics, including Bayou’s beignets and king cake on Mardi Gras. Owner David Guas is a Louisiana native and a pastry chef, as well as a go-to chef for "The Today Show."

FOR COCKTAILS

National Landing Water Bar - Artisanal beverages and eats with a relaxed vibe. Enjoy a drink on the open-air terrace and take in views of the outdoor urban park. 

Copperwood Tavern - Farm-to-table restaurant serving locally sourced meats, seafood, and produce. Offers 20 draft beers, 30 small-batch whiskeys, superb wine selection and southern Virginia's white whiskey (aka moonshine). 

Captain Gregory’s - A secret spot serving innovative, award-winning handmade cocktails and tapas bites behind a secret sliding door in the Sugar Shack — in true speakeasy tradition.

Baba Bar - Exciting speakeasy cocktail bar, serving top notch cocktails by expert mixologists, weekend brunch, fun dining and decadent desserts.

FOR LOCAL CRAFT BREWS

Aslin Beer Co. - With experimental beers and craft brews, they offer weekly events and games throughout the brewery to create a culture of community. 

Port City Brewing Company - Artisanal brewery producing an exciting line of handmade, great quality, locally crafted ales.

The Board Room - Choose a board game from the brewery's library and pair with one of their award-winning craft brews for an evening of delight.

FOR WINE LOVERS

Cheesetique - The go-to spot for fine cheeses, food-friendly wine, and an eclectic, cheese-centric menu in Northern Virginia.

Sonoma Cellar - Features hand-selected wines from 180+ Sonoma County boutique wineries and 20+ Virginia-based wineries. Bistro menu features freshly prepared craft foods, designed to pair with the wines.

Screwtop Wine Bar - Wine and cheese bar, specializing in charcuterie. It also holds educational wine classes and tasting events. Serves an all-day menu plus brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Grand Cru Wine Bar & Bistro - Blends fine wine and excellent cuisine at a reasonable price. Exceptional food, great service and a world class selection of wines all in a quaint European style of dining.

Visit these restaurants in Arlington and Alexandria and find more awesome food experiences around the Commonwealth to eat & drink what you love in Virginia!