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Kaila Yu is an LA-based luxury food, travel and culture journalist.
Dec 9, 2024,04:54pm EST
Northern Virginia is celebrated for it’s rich history and proximity to the nation’s capital. But beyond landmarks, it’s home to a diverse and robust dining scene thats rapidly gaining renown. Known as Virginia’s Cultural Region, North Viriginia is known for it’s diverse communities. Here are some of most notable restaurants and where you can find them.
Arlington
This North Virginia region is known for global flavors and unique dining concepts solidifying itself as a standout culinary destination in the DMV area. The region offers diverse culinary experiences such as food halls, waterfront dining, renowned restaurants, and intimate cocktail spots.
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Dama
This restaurant has been a cornerstone of Ethiopian dining and cherished social gathering spot since 1999. Beyond traditional dishes beloved by locals, Dama is also a bakery and café offering an array of vegan desserts. Diners come for authentic Ethiopian delicacies such as their stellar injera (soft, tangy Ethiopian flatbread) and savory wats (stews).
Bayou Bakery
Led by chef David Guas, Bayou Bakery brings the vibrant flavors of New Orleans to Northern Virginia. Highlights include it’s iconic beignets and gumbo alongside the arm drip sandwich—a sloppy roast beef po-boy smotheredin gravy, made with fluffy French bread flown in from Leidenheimer Baking Co.
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Other notable picks include: Latin fusion at Sabores and Buena Vida Gastrolounge, Southern comfort food at Ruthie’s All-Day, a waterfront food hall at Water Park and a food hall atmosphere at UPSIDE on Moore. For drinks head find local brews and bites at Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza and Astro Beer Hall, wine tasting at Whino in Ballston, and innovative cocktails and mocktails at Surreal.The video player is currently playing an ad.
Alexandria
Known for its independent restaurants housed in charming historic buildings, find trendy hotspots and family favorites in Alexandria. Dubbed the Ice Cream Cone Capital of the United States by Forbes, this vibrant city attracts dozens of new restaurants openings each year.
Josephine
This French-inspired brasserie and bar that also boasts a hidden bar and lounge, offering an intimate retreat within an elegant hideaway. Popular picks at Josephine include classically prepared French dishes like duck confit, escargot, steak frites and foie gras making it a go-to for those searching for an authentic brasserie experience.
BARCA Pier and Wine Bar
This riverside outdoor eatery, inspired by Barcelona’s beach bars combines rustic Spanish cuisine with Potomac River views. At BARCA Pier and Wine Bar, guests can enjoy an intimate wine bar space with a curated selection of unique wines from around the world. Enjoy Spanish classics like pan con tomate (ciabatta tomato bread), gambas al ajillo (Spanish garlic shrimp), and mini Spanish sandwiches.
Also, watch out for the highly anticipated winter 2024 opening of Cooper Mill, a market and tavern set to open in one of Old Town’s last waterfront warehouses.
Fairfax County
Fairfax County features a feast of globally inspired cuisine with options ranging from Uyghur to Australian, to Afghan and Ethiopian. This culinary diversity reflects the county’s multicultural population with dining options allowing diners to explore the world without leaving the area.
Yechon
Fairfax County’s Annandale neighborhood is home to Washington, DC area’s most respected Korean food scene and boasts the third-largest Korean American population in the country. It’s such a Korean food destination that Korean food tours are available. Yechon is one of the area’s mainstays, serving Korean-Japanese food and serving over 200 dishes on the menu. Popular picks include bibimbap (rice with assorted toppings), galbi jjim (braised beef rib) and japchae (Korean glass noodles)
Joon
In Tysons, discover the sophisticated Persian/Iranian concept led by Michelin-starred chefs Christopher Morgan and Najmieh Batmanglij, which has been garnering critical acclaim. Standouts options at Joon include the sour cherry rice with chicken, hummus and Persian love cake.
Other notable restaurant picks include Celebrity chef David Guas’s first full-service restaurant, Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, Iraqi dessert at Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee, all-day Pakistani breakfast at Desi Breakfast Club, and the first and only Ethiopian honey wine tasting room in the U.S at Negus Wines. Also opening soon is Ebbitt House, which serves American classics.
Loudoun
Known as DC’s Wine Country®, Loudoun is home to 50 wineries and at thriving community of family farms committed to sustainable agriculture and ethical growing practices focused. The region produces over 25 varietals from Tannat and Nebbiolo to Albariño and Chardonel.
The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm
This landmark restaurant is one of the nation’s first farm-to-table restaurants and Virigina’s first certified organic farm with stunning Potomac views. Known for it’s beautifully plated dishes and and prix fixe menus it showcases fresh ingredients straight from the farm. Popular highlights at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm include a summer tuna and watermelon dish and creative fig-based dishes from the farm’s fig trees.
Other options for farm-fresh cuisine include Magnolias at the Mill or The Wine Kitchen.
Prince William County
Named the 10th Most Diverse County in the United States, Prince William County’s dining scene reflects worldwide flavors against a historical backdrop. From gluten free bakeries to authentic Turkish fare, it’s offerings are as varied as its community.
My Cravingz
Located in Manassas, My Cravingz is a family-owned and run bakery bringing Turkish flavors to the heart of Prince William County. Popular dishes include simit (Turkish sesame bread), borek (a flaky pastry filled with cheese) and other pastries.
The Red House Tavern
Fine dining meets small-town charm in Haymarket, Virginia at The Red House Tavern. Located inside the Hilton Garden Inn this stellar restaurant is run by three-star Michelin chef Chef Joel Valente. Come for the cheeseburger, tuna crudo and charred octopus.
Also, find award-winning wine at The Winery at La Grange and gluten-free treats at Honey & Ivy.