The best restaurants in Alexandria
146 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
Browse another shelf: all of Alexandria’s best · Bakeries & Sweets · Beauty · Nightlife · Arts & Culture · Home & Garden · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Entertainment · Shopping · Pets · Services · Sporting Goods · Parks & Outdoors
Pinned in Alexandria today
This spot is open today.
Two pinned places a day in Alexandria — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Chadwicks
RestaurantsSince 1979, Chadwicks has been Old Town’s go-to for scratch-made brunch classics, hearty burgers, and casual American fare in a historic…
Chadwicks
RestaurantsDCity Smokehouse
RestaurantsMake a quick run to DCity Smokehouse this week for serious barbecue from a proudly Black-owned crew serving brisket and ribs smoked for 8…
DCity Smokehouse
RestaurantsUchi DC
RestaurantsUchi DC brings a nontraditional, chef-driven take on Japanese dining with signature tastings, seasonal omakase, innovative sushi, and…
Uchi DC
RestaurantsBig Buns
RestaurantsWhen you need a fast, joyful reset this week, the original Big Buns in Ballston delivers made-to-order signature stacks, rotating burger…
Big Buns
RestaurantsPines of Florence
RestaurantsCasual restaurant specializing in traditional Italian dishes like lasagna, penne and ravioli.
Pines of Florence
RestaurantsPhở Kim Restaurant
RestaurantsPho soups & other Vietnamese staples are the calling cards of this unassuming outlet.
Phở Kim Restaurant
RestaurantsCucina MORINI
RestaurantsPasta, seafood dishes (including squid ink varieties) in a casual setting with a bar for drinks.
Cucina MORINI
RestaurantsPalette 22
RestaurantsModern street food spanning the globe is served in a bustling art studio & gallery atmosphere.
Palette 22
RestaurantsUnconventional Diner
RestaurantsIndustrial-chic bistro and bar for upscale comfort fare, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.
Unconventional Diner
RestaurantsCowboy Cafe
RestaurantsConvivial, Western-inspired joint serving up burgers & other pub grub with a kick plus drinks.
Cowboy Cafe
RestaurantsKoChix Chicken
RestaurantsBasic restaurant specializing in Korean chicken wings, plus burgers & cheesesteaks.
KoChix Chicken
RestaurantsTable Talk Restaurant
RestaurantsThis casual spot earns fans with classic American diner eats like omelets & pancakes.
Table Talk Restaurant
RestaurantsFirst Down Sports Bar & Grill
RestaurantsTelevised sports, beers & wings, plus chances to score points playing games like foosball.
First Down Sports Bar & Grill
RestaurantsHal & Al's BBQ
RestaurantsHalal barbecue joint located in a food court, known for its brisket and brisket chili, plus ribs and chicken sandwiches.
Hal & Al's BBQ
RestaurantsBastille Brasserie & Bar
RestaurantsChic brasserie with a patio, a bar & a cafe serving modern French fare & international wines.
Bastille Brasserie & Bar
RestaurantsRocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company
RestaurantsSmall, no-frills joint serving wood-only barbecue & American comfort-food sides, plus beer & wine.
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company
RestaurantsFamous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsOutlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
RestaurantsKura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsServes an extensive menu of rolls, nigiris, soups, plus desserts on a conveyor belt.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsLa Bettola Italiano
RestaurantsQuaint, casual restaurant turning out pizza, pasta dishes & other traditional Italian entrees.
La Bettola Italiano
RestaurantsPLNT Burger
RestaurantsPlant-based, casual burger joint dishing up sandwiches, nuggets and fries, along with ice cream.
PLNT Burger
RestaurantsWing Zone
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain offering wings with an array of signature sauces & other fast fare.
Wing Zone
RestaurantsMason Social
RestaurantsThis hip spot boasts an industrial feel & a menu of elevated American dishes, plus craft cocktails.
Mason Social
RestaurantsHangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings
RestaurantsFast-food spot serving spicy Nashville-style chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, plus smoothies.
Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings
RestaurantsPho Viet USA - U ST
RestaurantsCasual eatery for pho and bánh mì sandwiches as well as noodle dishes and vegan options.
Pho Viet USA - U ST
RestaurantsEpic Smokehouse
RestaurantsClubby smokehouse pairing upmarket, globally accented meat & seafood with craft cocktails & wine.
Epic Smokehouse
RestaurantsThe Duck & The Peach
RestaurantsAiry restaurant with a modern vibe & patio seating offering appetizers, mains, cocktails & desserts.
The Duck & The Peach
RestaurantsFratelli Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned place offering Northern Italian specialties along with weekend brunch.
Fratelli Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsGood Stuff Eatery
RestaurantsHandcrafted burgers, fries & shakes dished up in trendy industrial surroundings.
Good Stuff Eatery
RestaurantsBig Buns
RestaurantsCraft drafts, boozy shakes & customized burgers in a mod counter serve setting with a bar & tables.
Big Buns
RestaurantsVermilion Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsKnown for its tasting menu & wine pairings, this hip spot serves up fresh New American fare.
Vermilion Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsDave & Buster's Springfield
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.
Dave & Buster's Springfield
RestaurantsAldo's Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsUnassuming hideaway serving breakfast, pizza & homestyle Italian plates in cheery surrounds.
Aldo's Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsPho 75
RestaurantsNo-nonsense eatery fixing up Vietnamese soups with a variety of meat & veggie toppings. Cash only.
Pho 75
RestaurantsLove, Makoto
RestaurantsEatery serving sushi and wagyu dishes alongside cocktails and sake.
Love, Makoto
RestaurantsNasime Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsGinza-trained chef offers broad-ranging Japanese tasting menu in lovely, traditional surrounds.
Nasime Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Grande Boucherie DC
RestaurantsClassic brasserie offering familiar French fare such as steaks, escargot and profiteroles amid Art Nouveau-inspired decor.
La Grande Boucherie DC
RestaurantsMISSION BBQ
RestaurantsCasual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.
MISSION BBQ
RestaurantsFounding Farmers Alexandria
RestaurantsCooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.
Founding Farmers Alexandria
RestaurantsYardbird
RestaurantsRelaxed chain outlet offering farm-fresh Southern dishes, a weekend brunch menu & a take-out option.
Yardbird
RestaurantsPork Barrel BBQ
RestaurantsNational BBQ champs run this counter-service joint famed for oak- & hickory-smoked barbecue.
Pork Barrel BBQ
RestaurantsHoly Cow
RestaurantsPopular counter-service eatery offering gourmet, customizable burgers, fries & milkshakes.
Holy Cow
RestaurantsThe Majestic by Santiago Lopez
RestaurantsGourmet American comfort food is offered at this family-friendly spot in an updated diner setting.
The Majestic by Santiago Lopez
RestaurantsTortino Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsTuscan-style trattoria offering pasta, meat & seafood dishes, plus a happy-hour menu.
Tortino Italian Restaurant
RestaurantsHangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings
RestaurantsCasual spot, part of a chain, dishing crispy fried chicken sandwiches and wings.
Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings
RestaurantsThe Burger Shack - Alexandria
RestaurantsCasual restaurant specializing in beef burgers (and chicken, turkey and lentil patties), wings and fries.
The Burger Shack - Alexandria
RestaurantsIchiban Izakaya
RestaurantsCasual dining room serving a variety of Japanese fare including sushi and ramen dishes.
Ichiban Izakaya
RestaurantsDel Ray Café
RestaurantsFarm-to-table French-American cuisine served from morning to night in a quaint, converted house.
Del Ray Café
RestaurantsThe Dabney
RestaurantsChef Jeremiah Langhorne serves Mid-Atlantic cuisine at this rustic spot set in a former row house.
The Dabney
RestaurantsGCDC Grilled Cheese Bar
RestaurantsContemporary eatery dishing up grilled cheese sandwiches plus fried fare & charcuterie.
GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar
RestaurantsGin Ramen & Asian Tapas
RestaurantsRelaxed option for Japanese ramen, plus sake and cocktails.
Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas
RestaurantsLandini Brothers Restaurant
RestaurantsA hearty Italian menu, a dimly lit space with exposed brick & a romantic patio draw local notables.
Landini Brothers Restaurant
RestaurantsFederico Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsTraditional pastas, pizza, Italian entrees & a full bar offered in a casual, rustic atmosphere.
Federico Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsThompson Italian
RestaurantsCasual Italian restaurant and dessert spot serving pasta, gelato, cocktails and wine.
Thompson Italian
RestaurantsPhở Factory
RestaurantsRelaxed restaurant featuring a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including popular pho soups.
Phở Factory
RestaurantsRPM Italian
RestaurantsPasta, steaks & seafood served in a sleek, group-friendly eatery backed by Giuliana & Bill Rancic.
RPM Italian
RestaurantsFounding Farmers Fishers & Bakers
RestaurantsFarm-inspired American fare, plus sushi & cocktails served in sleek, eco-chic digs with river views.
Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers
RestaurantsPHO 54
RestaurantsCasual, clean-cut eatery turning out a range of Vietnamese staples such as pho noodle soup and Pad Thai.
PHO 54
RestaurantsGreen Pig Bistro
RestaurantsScot Harlan's nose-to-tail ethos turns out American-French dishes in a modern, kitschy spot.
Green Pig Bistro
RestaurantsDCity Smokehouse
RestaurantsHip BBQ spot serving sandwiches & combo platters plus veggie sides, beer, wine & bourbon drinks.
DCity Smokehouse
RestaurantsFilomena Ristorante
RestaurantsPasta made in-house plus hearty Italian classics in an upscale restaurant with over-the-top decor.
Filomena Ristorante
RestaurantsAda's on the River
RestaurantsTrendy riverside venue serving steak & seafood, plus weekend brunch, cocktails & a robust wine list.
Ada's on the River
RestaurantsBonchon Arlington
RestaurantsCasual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.
Bonchon Arlington
RestaurantsArt and Soul at YOTEL Washington DC
RestaurantsHip eatery with a patio serving brunch staples & Southern comfort food, plus cocktails & draft beer.
Art and Soul at YOTEL Washington DC
RestaurantsThe Roost
RestaurantsCool venue with a variety of vendors doling out local & global bites, plus coffee, cocktails & beer.
The Roost
RestaurantsFrank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
RestaurantsCasual local pizzeria chain serving a menu of coal-fired pies, beer & wine since 1925.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
RestaurantsSweet Fire Donna's
RestaurantsThis relaxed joint offers traditional smoked barbecue with familiar sides, plus a full bar.
Sweet Fire Donna's
RestaurantsAmericas Best Wingstop
RestaurantsCasual, late-night spot for freshly made wings and a variety of other comfort food offerings.
Americas Best Wingstop
RestaurantsStan's DC Restaurant
RestaurantsLow-key, basement-level Downtown spot offers signature wings with "mumbo" sauce & strong drinks.
Stan's DC Restaurant
RestaurantsJoe Theismann's Restaurant
RestaurantsNeighborhood bar & grill decked out in sports paraphernalia & TVs showing the latest games.
Joe Theismann's Restaurant
RestaurantsMilk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen
RestaurantsMultilevel bistro serving New American fare, beer & cocktails in a chic converted-warehouse space.
Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen
RestaurantsKitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - DC
RestaurantsCasual restaurant and bar for brunch and Southern comfort food, plus cocktails and beer.
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - DC
RestaurantsAll About Burger
RestaurantsCasual burger spot offering beef, veggie and turkey patties plus fried dishes like onion rings.
All About Burger
RestaurantsGhostburger
RestaurantsUnassuming eatery whipping up burgers, wings & sandwiches in a cool dining space with unique murals.
Ghostburger
RestaurantsBen's Chili Bowl
RestaurantsHistoric chain eatery that's famous for its spicy hot dogs, chili-cheese fries & milkshakes.
Ben's Chili Bowl
RestaurantsJINYA Ramen Bar - Arlington
RestaurantsJapanese restaurant serving ramen and other comfort food in a laid-back, social setting.
JINYA Ramen Bar - Arlington
RestaurantsPho House
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving pho, banh mi, and other Vietnamese staples, plus coffee and tea.
Pho House
RestaurantsJaleo
RestaurantsBuzzy Spanish spot from chef José Andrés serving tapas, paella & sangria in a striking, artsy space.
Jaleo
RestaurantsPhoWheels Union Market DC
RestaurantsPho and bahn mi joint inside Union Market for oxtail-filled takes on Philly style cheesesteaks, tacos and tacos.
PhoWheels Union Market DC
RestaurantsBasic Burger
RestaurantsTrendy outpost for Angus beef hamburgers, cage-free chicken sandwiches & milkshakes.
Basic Burger
RestaurantsSanté
RestaurantsBreakfasts, savory dishes, cocktails and tea service in the elegant Ritz-Carlton hotel establishment dining room.
Santé
RestaurantsFounding Farmers DC
RestaurantsCooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.
Founding Farmers DC
RestaurantsBodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge
RestaurantsSpanish wines & small plates blend with bullfight decor at a romantic dark-lit wine bar & eatery.
Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge
RestaurantsMia's Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsUpscale Italian dining & drinks in a stylish, two-story setting, with a pizza bar & sidewalk patio.
Mia's Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsToryumon Japanese House
RestaurantsGrilled dishes, ramen, sushi & bento lunch specials round at the menu at this contemporary option.
Toryumon Japanese House
RestaurantsCity Kitchen
RestaurantsLaid-back, industrial-chic gastropub with a menu inspired by popular dishes from American cities.
City Kitchen
RestaurantsKing & Rye
RestaurantsClassic Southern dishes get a contemporary kick at this hotel spot with modern yet quirky decor.
King & Rye
Restaurants&pizza
RestaurantsModern pizzeria chain serving gourmet pies with diverse sauces, plus dessert pizzas & house sodas.
&pizza
RestaurantsGrazie Nonna
RestaurantsPopular restaurant with an upscale feel offering an array of Italian specialties plus beer, wine, and cocktails.
Grazie Nonna
RestaurantsBugsy's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar
RestaurantsNeighborhood staple with deep-dish pizza & beer, with sports memorabilia lining the walls.
Bugsy's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar
RestaurantsTrue Food Kitchen
RestaurantsRelaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.
True Food Kitchen
RestaurantsPho Bowl
RestaurantsDown-to-earth, family-owned restaurant serving a variety of pho soups & other Vietnamese fare.
Pho Bowl
RestaurantsGordon Ramsay Street Pizza - Washington D.C.
RestaurantsSourdough-pizza joint with a hip vibe for handcrafted pies, beer and cocktails, plus games and a photo booth.
Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza - Washington D.C.
RestaurantsLe Diplomate
RestaurantsOld-fashioned restaurant with outdoor seating, serving familiar French fare, brunch staples, and drinks.
Le Diplomate
RestaurantsOld Ebbitt Grill
RestaurantsIconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.
Old Ebbitt Grill
RestaurantsAll About Burger
RestaurantsFast-food eatery known for its huge selection of milkshakes, plus burgers, hot dogs & cheesesteaks.
All About Burger
RestaurantsHawkers Asian Street Food
RestaurantsCasual restaurant and bar providing Asian small plates and quick bites, plus beer and cocktails.
Hawkers Asian Street Food
RestaurantsBlue Duck Tavern
RestaurantsNew American preparations of locally sourced ingredients served amid handcrafted furnishings.
Blue Duck Tavern
RestaurantsGyu San Japanese BBQ & Bar
RestaurantsLaid-back restaurant for premium meat cuts such as Wagyu beef grilled at the table, plus sushi.
Gyu San Japanese BBQ & Bar
RestaurantsRoyal Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual breakfast eatery featuring diner classics, a bar and an outdoor patio.
Royal Restaurant
RestaurantsLucky Buns
RestaurantsBurgers & chicken sandwiches get exotic toppings at this casual eatery, with a well curated bar.
Lucky Buns
RestaurantsThe Club Burgers and Hot Chicken
RestaurantsA menu featuring build-your-own burgers, sandwiches, & classic sides in a modern, rustic space.
The Club Burgers and Hot Chicken
RestaurantsKYOJIN Sushi
RestaurantsCozy, non-traditional sushi restaurant serving Japanese small plates, sake, beer, and wine.
KYOJIN Sushi
RestaurantsCafé Riggs
RestaurantsSophisticated restaurant with a rooftop offering New American cuisine in an elegant setting.
Café Riggs
RestaurantsSUCCOTASH
RestaurantsChef Edward Lee's classy eatery melds Dixie & Asian flavors in an inventive menu.
SUCCOTASH
Restaurants90 Second Pizza
RestaurantsPizzeria chain serving up Neapolitan pies with a variety of toppings in 90 seconds.
90 Second Pizza
RestaurantsMatt & Tony's All Day Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsEnergetic eatery and bar for American fare such as all-day breakfast, classic brunch dishes and cocktails.
Matt & Tony's All Day Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsStracci Pizza
RestaurantsLaid-back pizzeria serving Roman-style pies, focaccia and craft cocktails with a beer and wine list.
Stracci Pizza
RestaurantsCasa Teresa
RestaurantsSeasonal Spanish fare served in a cozy space, plus a large selection of wine.
Casa Teresa
RestaurantsToastique
RestaurantsCasual restaurant spotlighting healthy offerings, such as toasts, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices.
Toastique
RestaurantsPisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
RestaurantsChic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
RestaurantsOsteria Marzano
RestaurantsVaried Italian fare & brick-oven pizza served in a smart space with modern decor & a full bar.
Osteria Marzano
RestaurantsSmokecraft Modern Barbecue
RestaurantsCasual eatery whipping up sandwiches, smoked meats & seafood, plus weekend brunch & craft cocktails.
Smokecraft Modern Barbecue
RestaurantsBoqueria Dupont
RestaurantsMarc Vidal's light, wood-paneled Spanish tapas destination, with lots of wines for pairing.
Boqueria Dupont
RestaurantsCarbonara
RestaurantsCozy eatery with an outdoor patio featuring spaghetti and meatballs, crab ravioli and espresso martinis.
Carbonara
RestaurantsMakers Union
RestaurantsAmerican restaurant serving comfort food and drinks with a pet-friendly patio.
Makers Union
RestaurantsSwizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers
RestaurantsCasual fast-food restaurant serving grass-fed beef burgers, plant-based burgers & housemade fries.
Swizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers
RestaurantsCasual, counter-service spot offering burgers, buffalo chicken sandwiches and fries.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsAn all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
RestaurantsMaison Cheryl
RestaurantsFrench and New-American favorite with an elegant vibe serving brunch, cocktails, and wine along with beer.
Maison Cheryl
RestaurantsBallston Local
RestaurantsBuzzing restaurant/bar offering burgers, pizzas & cocktails, plus happy-hour specials.
Ballston Local
RestaurantsNothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →
Showing the 120 most recent of 146. See what changed this month →
Listed here?
You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →
New spots land in the newsletter first
Free, every morning — this list is what we've already told Alexandria about.
One email a day. Unsubscribe anytime.