25 Essential Alexandria Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Alexandria.
Osteria Marzano
Virginia
Varied Italian fare & brick-oven pizza served in a smart space with modern decor & a full bar.
Carlyle
Virginia
Roomy New American brasserie decked out in art deco-esque decor with a bar & upstairs dining area.
Silver Diner
Virginia
Modeled after the classic American diner, this regional chain supplies comfort fare & jukebox tunes.
Bozzelli's Italian Deli-Newington
Alexandria, Virginia
Outpost of a local chain doling out pizza, subs, salads & cannoli, plus beer & wine.
Bonefish Grill
Alexandria, Virginia
Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks & cocktails.
Thai Square
Alexandria, Virginia
Thai standards are plated at this eclectic, cozy dining room that also does a business in takeout.
Belle Haven Pizzeria "The Haven"
Alexandria, Virginia
Cozy eatery with pizza, sandwiches & local craft brews, plus TVs, weekend brunch & an outdoor patio.
Aldo's Italian Kitchen
Alexandria, Virginia
Unassuming hideaway serving breakfast, pizza & homestyle Italian plates in cheery surrounds.
Boru Ramen
Alexandria, Virginia
Relaxed Japanese restaurant serving ramen, donburi & more in a stylish, narrow space.
RAWR Sushi
Alexandria, Virginia
Small, simple sushi bar turning out familiar rolls, plus Japanese kitchen entrees & bento boxes.
CAVA
Alexandria, Virginia
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
Southern Style Chicken & Waffle
Alexandria, Virginia
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
&pizza
Alexandria, Virginia
Modern pizzeria chain serving gourmet pies with diverse sauces, plus dessert pizzas & house sodas.
Shawarma Taco
Alexandria, Virginia
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
El Paso Mexican Restaurant
Alexandria, Virginia
Upbeat cantina offering familiar Mexican dishes & margaritas amid colorful decor.
Denny's Restaurant
Alexandria, Virginia
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Taiko Sushi
Alexandria, Virginia
Relaxed Japanese restaurant serving sushi & hibachi fare in a narrow, trendy setting.
The Majestic
Alexandria, Virginia
Gourmet American comfort food is offered at this family-friendly spot in an updated diner setting.
Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita
Alexandria, Virginia
Colorful counter-serve for flavor-packed Mexican soft tacos, tortas, quesadillas & street food fare.
Del Ray Café
Alexandria, Virginia
Farm-to-table French-American cuisine served from morning to night in a quaint, converted house.
Linjee Thai
Alexandria, Virginia
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
Silver Diner
Alexandria, Virginia
Modeled after the classic American diner, this regional chain supplies comfort fare & jukebox tunes.
Su Pollo
Alexandria, Virginia
Homey eatery specializing in seasoned rotisserie chicken, fried yucca & other Peruvian staples.
Spice Kraft ( Alexandria )
Alexandria, Virginia
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Southside 815
Alexandria, Virginia
Traditional Southern eats are served at this bustling establishment with draft beer & a patio.