The best restaurants in Arlington

62 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 62 places · showing the latest additions first

Uchi DC

Restaurants

Uchi DC brings a nontraditional, chef-driven take on Japanese dining with signature tastings, seasonal omakase, innovative sushi, and…

1700 M St NW (Washington)

Uchi DC brings a nontraditional, chef-driven take on Japanese dining with signature tastings, seasonal omakase, innovative sushi, and standout bites like hama chili yellowtail, wagyu hot rock, and the cult-favorite fried milk. Feeling hands-on? Chef-led maki rolling classes land Sunday, August 9 and Sunday, August 16.

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Big Buns

Restaurants

When you need a fast, joyful reset this week, the original Big Buns in Ballston delivers made-to-order signature stacks, rotating burger…

4401 Wilson Blvd

When you need a fast, joyful reset this week, the original Big Buns in Ballston delivers made-to-order signature stacks, rotating burger drops, and slurpable shakes that hit the spot. It’s the kind of neighborhood staple you keep in your back pocket when only a great burger will do.

From the Arlington newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Casual restaurant specializing in traditional Italian dishes like lasagna, penne and ravioli.

1990 M St NW (Washington)

Casual restaurant specializing in traditional Italian dishes like lasagna, penne and ravioli.

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Palette 22

Restaurants

Modern street food spanning the globe is served in a bustling art studio & gallery atmosphere.

4053 Campbell Ave

Modern street food spanning the globe is served in a bustling art studio & gallery atmosphere.

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Cowboy Cafe

Restaurants

Convivial, Western-inspired joint serving up burgers & other pub grub with a kick plus drinks.

4792 Langston Blvd.

Convivial, Western-inspired joint serving up burgers & other pub grub with a kick plus drinks.

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Televised sports, beers & wings, plus chances to score points playing games like foosball.

4213 Fairfax Dr

Televised sports, beers & wings, plus chances to score points playing games like foosball.

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Hal & Al's BBQ

Restaurants

Halal barbecue joint located in a food court, known for its brisket and brisket chili, plus ribs and chicken sandwiches.

Quarter Market on Level C of Ballston Quarter Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd Ste 104

Halal barbecue joint located in a food court, known for its brisket and brisket chili, plus ribs and chicken sandwiches.

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Quaint, casual restaurant turning out pizza, pasta dishes & other traditional Italian entrees.

558 23rd St S

Quaint, casual restaurant turning out pizza, pasta dishes & other traditional Italian entrees.

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Wing Zone

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain offering wings with an array of signature sauces & other fast fare.

4110 Mt Vernon Ave (Alexandria)

Casual counter-serve chain offering wings with an array of signature sauces & other fast fare.

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Epic Smokehouse

Restaurants

Clubby smokehouse pairing upmarket, globally accented meat & seafood with craft cocktails & wine.

1330 S Fern St

Clubby smokehouse pairing upmarket, globally accented meat & seafood with craft cocktails & wine.

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Handcrafted burgers, fries & shakes dished up in trendy industrial surroundings.

2110 Crystal Dr

Handcrafted burgers, fries & shakes dished up in trendy industrial surroundings.

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Big Buns

Restaurants

Craft drafts, boozy shakes & customized burgers in a mod counter serve setting with a bar & tables.

4251 Campbell Ave

Craft drafts, boozy shakes & customized burgers in a mod counter serve setting with a bar & tables.

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Pho 75

Restaurants

No-nonsense eatery fixing up Vietnamese soups with a variety of meat & veggie toppings. Cash only.

1721 Wilson Blvd

No-nonsense eatery fixing up Vietnamese soups with a variety of meat & veggie toppings. Cash only.

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Contemporary eatery dishing up grilled cheese sandwiches plus fried fare & charcuterie.

1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW (Washington)

Contemporary eatery dishing up grilled cheese sandwiches plus fried fare & charcuterie.

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Traditional pastas, pizza, Italian entrees & a full bar offered in a casual, rustic atmosphere.

519 23rd St S

Traditional pastas, pizza, Italian entrees & a full bar offered in a casual, rustic atmosphere.

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Farm-inspired American fare, plus sushi & cocktails served in sleek, eco-chic digs with river views.

The Washington, Harbour at The Georgetown Waterfront, 3000 K St NW (Washington)

Farm-inspired American fare, plus sushi & cocktails served in sleek, eco-chic digs with river views.

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PHO 54

Restaurants

Casual, clean-cut eatery turning out a range of Vietnamese staples such as pho noodle soup and Pad Thai.

1197 20th St NW (Washington)

Casual, clean-cut eatery turning out a range of Vietnamese staples such as pho noodle soup and Pad Thai.

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Green Pig Bistro

Restaurants

Scot Harlan's nose-to-tail ethos turns out American-French dishes in a modern, kitschy spot.

2900 Wilson Blvd

Scot Harlan's nose-to-tail ethos turns out American-French dishes in a modern, kitschy spot.

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Pasta made in-house plus hearty Italian classics in an upscale restaurant with over-the-top decor.

1063 Wisconsin Ave NW (Washington)

Pasta made in-house plus hearty Italian classics in an upscale restaurant with over-the-top decor.

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Casual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.

2201 N Pershing Dr Ste E

Casual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.

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Casual, family-run eatery for American-style barbecue fare, including brisket, chicken and burgers.

5731 Langston Blvd.

Casual, family-run eatery for American-style barbecue fare, including brisket, chicken and burgers.

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Japanese restaurant serving ramen and other comfort food in a laid-back, social setting.

4238 Wilson Blvd Ste 150

Japanese restaurant serving ramen and other comfort food in a laid-back, social setting.

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Basic Burger

Restaurants

Trendy outpost for Angus beef hamburgers, cage-free chicken sandwiches & milkshakes.

1101 S Joyce St

Trendy outpost for Angus beef hamburgers, cage-free chicken sandwiches & milkshakes.

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Santé

Restaurants

Breakfasts, savory dishes, cocktails and tea service in the elegant Ritz-Carlton hotel establishment dining room.

1250 S Hayes St

Breakfasts, savory dishes, cocktails and tea service in the elegant Ritz-Carlton hotel establishment dining room.

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Cooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.

1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW #3607 (Washington)

Cooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.

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Spanish wines & small plates blend with bullfight decor at a romantic dark-lit wine bar & eatery.

3116 M St NW (Washington)

Spanish wines & small plates blend with bullfight decor at a romantic dark-lit wine bar & eatery.

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Grilled dishes, ramen, sushi & bento lunch specials round at the menu at this contemporary option.

1901 Pennsylvania Ave NW #0001 (Washington)

Grilled dishes, ramen, sushi & bento lunch specials round at the menu at this contemporary option.

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&pizza

Restaurants

Modern pizzeria chain serving gourmet pies with diverse sauces, plus dessert pizzas & house sodas.

3924 Wilson Blvd

Modern pizzeria chain serving gourmet pies with diverse sauces, plus dessert pizzas & house sodas.

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Relaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.

4238 Wilson Blvd Ste 1110

Relaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.

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Small, no-frills joint serving wood-only barbecue & American comfort-food sides, plus beer & wine.

2418 Wisconsin Ave NW (Washington)

Small, no-frills joint serving wood-only barbecue & American comfort-food sides, plus beer & wine.

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Old Ebbitt Grill

Restaurants

Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.

675 15th St NW (Washington)

Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.

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All About Burger

Restaurants

Fast-food eatery known for its huge selection of milkshakes, plus burgers, hot dogs & cheesesteaks.

3325 Wilson Blvd

Fast-food eatery known for its huge selection of milkshakes, plus burgers, hot dogs & cheesesteaks.

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Casual restaurant and bar providing Asian small plates and quick bites, plus beer and cocktails.

4201 Wilson Blvd #0170

Casual restaurant and bar providing Asian small plates and quick bites, plus beer and cocktails.

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Blue Duck Tavern

Restaurants

New American preparations of locally sourced ingredients served amid handcrafted furnishings.

1201 24th St NW (Washington)

New American preparations of locally sourced ingredients served amid handcrafted furnishings.

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Laid-back restaurant for premium meat cuts such as Wagyu beef grilled at the table, plus sushi.

4300 Wilson Blvd Ste 150

Laid-back restaurant for premium meat cuts such as Wagyu beef grilled at the table, plus sushi.

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KYOJIN Sushi

Restaurants

Cozy, non-traditional sushi restaurant serving Japanese small plates, sake, beer, and wine.

3315 Cady's Alley NW Ste B (Washington)

Cozy, non-traditional sushi restaurant serving Japanese small plates, sake, beer, and wine.

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Casa Teresa

Restaurants

Seasonal Spanish fare served in a cozy space, plus a large selection of wine.

919 19th St NW (Washington)

Seasonal Spanish fare served in a cozy space, plus a large selection of wine.

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Toastique

Restaurants

Casual restaurant spotlighting healthy offerings, such as toasts, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices.

1899 N St NW (Washington)

Casual restaurant spotlighting healthy offerings, such as toasts, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices.

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Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.

1823 L St NW (Washington)

Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.

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Casual eatery whipping up sandwiches, smoked meats & seafood, plus weekend brunch & craft cocktails.

1051 N Highland St

Casual eatery whipping up sandwiches, smoked meats & seafood, plus weekend brunch & craft cocktails.

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Boqueria Dupont

Restaurants

Marc Vidal's light, wood-paneled Spanish tapas destination, with lots of wines for pairing.

1837 M St NW (Washington)

Marc Vidal's light, wood-paneled Spanish tapas destination, with lots of wines for pairing.

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Carbonara

Restaurants

Cozy eatery with an outdoor patio featuring spaghetti and meatballs, crab ravioli and espresso martinis.

3865 Wilson Blvd

Cozy eatery with an outdoor patio featuring spaghetti and meatballs, crab ravioli and espresso martinis.

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Makers Union

Restaurants

American restaurant serving comfort food and drinks with a pet-friendly patio.

1450 S Eads St Ste 65

American restaurant serving comfort food and drinks with a pet-friendly patio.

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Casual, counter-service spot offering burgers, buffalo chicken sandwiches and fries.

2024 Wilson Blvd

Casual, counter-service spot offering burgers, buffalo chicken sandwiches and fries.

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An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.

1616 N Troy St

An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.

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Maison Cheryl

Restaurants

French and New-American favorite with an elegant vibe serving brunch, cocktails, and wine along with beer.

2900 Wilson Blvd Unit 104 Located on North Fillmore Street, between Clarendon BLVD and, Wilson Blvd

French and New-American favorite with an elegant vibe serving brunch, cocktails, and wine along with beer.

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Ballston Local

Restaurants

Buzzing restaurant/bar offering burgers, pizzas & cocktails, plus happy-hour specials.

900 N Glebe Rd

Buzzing restaurant/bar offering burgers, pizzas & cocktails, plus happy-hour specials.

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Long-running local chain serving classic American dishes & cocktails in a traditional setting.

1700 N Beauregard St (Alexandria)

Long-running local chain serving classic American dishes & cocktails in a traditional setting.

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Menu offering pho, vermicelli dishes, and other Vietnamese staples.

1732 Connecticut Ave NW (Washington)

Menu offering pho, vermicelli dishes, and other Vietnamese staples.

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Large rustic-modern hangout with woodsy feel serving Lone Star–style 'cue & unique sides.

2761 Washington Blvd

Large rustic-modern hangout with woodsy feel serving Lone Star–style 'cue & unique sides.

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Tavern with upstairs space serving changing New American fare & lively downstairs bar with pub grub.

3195 Wilson Blvd

Tavern with upstairs space serving changing New American fare & lively downstairs bar with pub grub.

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pie-tanza

Restaurants

Family-friendly pizzeria with open kitchen, thin-crust & wood-fired pies & other Italian standards.

2503 N Harrison St

Family-friendly pizzeria with open kitchen, thin-crust & wood-fired pies & other Italian standards.

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Ted's Bulletin

Restaurants

Bustling eatery for breakfast any time & American fare, plus a large menu of boozy milkshakes.

4238 Wilson Blvd #1130

Bustling eatery for breakfast any time & American fare, plus a large menu of boozy milkshakes.

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Casual, trendy, eatery offering a menu of Spanish and Latin American tapas, along with cocktails and wine.

2401 Columbia Pike

Casual, trendy, eatery offering a menu of Spanish and Latin American tapas, along with cocktails and wine.

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Refined Spanish cuisine & extensive wine list served in an opulent space with an outdoor patio.

1776 I St NW #255 (Washington)

Refined Spanish cuisine & extensive wine list served in an opulent space with an outdoor patio.

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Ris

Restaurants

High-end bistro serving seasonal upscale New American fare in a modern, sophisticated space.

2275 L St NW (Washington)

High-end bistro serving seasonal upscale New American fare in a modern, sophisticated space.

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DC Pizza

Restaurants

Cool, modern storefront where diners customize their pies & wait just a few minutes to chow down.

1103 19th St NW (Washington)

Cool, modern storefront where diners customize their pies & wait just a few minutes to chow down.

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Silver Diner

Restaurants

Modeled after the classic American diner, this regional chain supplies comfort fare & jukebox tunes.

4630 King St Unit A3 (Alexandria)

Modeled after the classic American diner, this regional chain supplies comfort fare & jukebox tunes.

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A Modo Mio

Restaurants

Family-owned restaurant with Neapolitan-style pizza, pastas & subs, plus an unlimited lunch buffet.

5555 Langston Blvd.

Family-owned restaurant with Neapolitan-style pizza, pastas & subs, plus an unlimited lunch buffet.

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Local chain outpost serving oak- & hickory-smoked barbecue & sides in a roadhouse-style setting.

3471 Washington Blvd

Local chain outpost serving oak- & hickory-smoked barbecue & sides in a roadhouse-style setting.

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Mele Bistro

Restaurants

Intimate, tin-ceilinged bistro serving Italian classics plus other European-style cuisine.

1723 Wilson Blvd

Intimate, tin-ceilinged bistro serving Italian classics plus other European-style cuisine.

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Ruthie's All-Day

Restaurants

Chill, light-filled, mid-century modern eatery offering homestyle cooking & a robust drink list.

3411 5th St S

Chill, light-filled, mid-century modern eatery offering homestyle cooking & a robust drink list.

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