Arlington, Virginia, a thriving city just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., is a food lover’s paradise. With its diverse culinary scene, Arlington offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional American comfort food to international cuisine, and from fine dining to casual eats, Arlington has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Arlington, VA, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the city’s vibrant food scene.
Arlington’s Neighborhoods: A Guide to the Best Eats
Arlington is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. From the bustling streets of Clarendon to the trendy boutiques of Ballston, each neighborhood offers a distinct dining experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to eat in each neighborhood:
Clarendon
Clarendon is one of Arlington’s most popular neighborhoods, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse dining options. Some of the best places to eat in Clarendon include:
- The Liberty Tavern: A modern American bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
- Northside Social: A popular spot for brunch and breakfast, with a menu that changes seasonally.
- Blue Moon Diner: A retro-style diner serving up classic American comfort food.
Ballston
Ballston is a trendy neighborhood with a mix of old and new restaurants. Some of the best places to eat in Ballston include:
- The Partisan: A modern American restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
- Ballston Quarter: A food hall with a variety of vendors serving everything from tacos to sushi.
- La Tasca: A Spanish tapas restaurant with a wide range of small plates and paella.
Shirlington
Shirlington is a charming neighborhood with a small-town feel. Some of the best places to eat in Shirlington include:
- The Village at Shirlington: A food hall with a variety of vendors serving everything from burgers to salads.
- Shirlington Dogwood: A farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
- La Parrilla: A Mexican restaurant with a wide range of traditional dishes and a fun atmosphere.
Arlington’s Best Restaurants: A Guide to Fine Dining
Arlington is home to a number of excellent fine dining restaurants, offering a range of cuisines and dining experiences. Some of the best fine dining restaurants in Arlington include: (See Also: Where to Eat in Pilsen? Flavorful Finds)
Italian Cuisine
Arlington is home to a number of excellent Italian restaurants, offering a range of traditional dishes and modern twists. Some of the best Italian restaurants in Arlington include:
- Il Canale: A modern Italian restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
- Fiola: A fine dining Italian restaurant with a focus on traditional dishes and a extensive wine list.
- Il Fornaio: A family-owned Italian restaurant with a focus on traditional dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
Steakhouses
Arlington is home to a number of excellent steakhouses, offering a range of cuts and cooking methods. Some of the best steakhouses in Arlington include:
- The Capital Grille: A fine dining steakhouse with a focus on dry-aged steaks and a extensive wine list.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House: A classic American steakhouse with a focus on high-quality steaks and a cozy atmosphere.
- Old Ebbitt Grill: A historic steakhouse with a focus on dry-aged steaks and a extensive wine list.
Arlington’s Best Brunch Spots
Arlington is a great place to enjoy brunch, with a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. Some of the best brunch spots in Arlington include:
Breakfast and Brunch
Arlington is home to a number of excellent breakfast and brunch spots, offering a range of options from classic eggs and pancakes to more adventurous dishes. Some of the best breakfast and brunch spots in Arlington include:
- Northside Social: A popular spot for brunch and breakfast, with a menu that changes seasonally.
- Blue Moon Diner: A retro-style diner serving up classic American comfort food for breakfast and brunch.
- The Breakfast Club: A popular spot for breakfast and brunch, with a menu that features a wide range of options.
Brunch with a View (See Also: Where to Eat Dinner in Kl? Top Food Spots)
Arlington is home to a number of excellent brunch spots with a view, offering a range of options from rooftop bars to restaurants with outdoor seating. Some of the best brunch spots with a view in Arlington include:
- The Wharf: A waterfront restaurant with a focus on seafood and a beautiful view of the Potomac River.
- The Rooftop at The Westin Arlington: A rooftop bar with a focus on craft cocktails and a beautiful view of the city.
- The Roof at The Ritz-Carlton: A rooftop restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a beautiful view of the city.
Arlington’s Best Food Trucks
Arlington is home to a number of excellent food trucks, offering a range of cuisines and dining options. Some of the best food trucks in Arlington include:
International Cuisine
Arlington’s food trucks offer a range of international cuisines, from Mexican to Korean to Mediterranean. Some of the best international food trucks in Arlington include:
- El Taco Loco: A Mexican food truck with a focus on tacos and burritos.
- Seoul Food: A Korean food truck with a focus on bibimbap and other traditional dishes.
- Mediterranean Delights: A Mediterranean food truck with a focus on falafel and shawarma.
Recap: The Best Places to Eat in Arlington, VA
Arlington, VA, is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional American comfort food to international cuisine, and from fine dining to casual eats, Arlington has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a quick bite on the go, Arlington’s diverse dining scene has you covered. Here are some of the best places to eat in Arlington, VA:
- The Liberty Tavern: A modern American bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
- Northside Social: A popular spot for brunch and breakfast, with a menu that changes seasonally.
- Il Canale: A modern Italian restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and craft cocktails.
- The Capital Grille: A fine dining steakhouse with a focus on dry-aged steaks and a extensive wine list.
- El Taco Loco: A Mexican food truck with a focus on tacos and burritos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best restaurants in Arlington, VA?
A: Some of the best restaurants in Arlington, VA, include The Liberty Tavern, Northside Social, Il Canale, and The Capital Grille.
Q: What are the best food trucks in Arlington, VA?
A: Some of the best food trucks in Arlington, VA, include El Taco Loco, Seoul Food, and Mediterranean Delights. (See Also: Where to Eat in Topsham? Best Kept Secrets)
Q: What are the best brunch spots in Arlington, VA?
A: Some of the best brunch spots in Arlington, VA, include Northside Social, Blue Moon Diner, and The Breakfast Club.
Q: What are the best steakhouses in Arlington, VA?
A: Some of the best steakhouses in Arlington, VA, include The Capital Grille, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Old Ebbitt Grill.
Q: What are the best Italian restaurants in Arlington, VA?
A: Some of the best Italian restaurants in Arlington, VA, include Il Canale, Fiola, and Il Fornaio.