25 Essential Fairfax Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Fairfax.
bartaco
Virginia
Branch of a festive, beachy East Coast chain serving tacos, rice bowls & carafes of margaritas.
Joe's Cafe
Virginia
Unfussy eatery serving simple American fare, including pancakes, omelets, burgers, gyros & subs.
Pizza Boli's
Virginia
Down-to-earth Italian chain restaurant serving up pizzas, sandwiches, wings & salads.
Gregorio's Trattoria
Fairfax, Virginia
Comfy, kid-friendly eatery offering pizza & Italian-American favorites, plus gluten-free choices.
CAVA
Fairfax, Virginia
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
Jimmys Old Town Tavern
Fairfax, Virginia
Locals gather in cozy vintage tavern for drinks, pool & pub grub. Outpost for Buffalo sports fans.
Dante Ristorante
Fairfax, Virginia
Set in a historic Victorian mansion, this restaurant serves up sophisticated Italian meals.
Jackson's Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge
Fairfax, Virginia
Dimly lit restaurant serving American classics in a large space with 1940s-inspired decor.
Deli Italiano Herndon
Fairfax, Virginia
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
SK Shawarma - Suhair's Kitchen
Fairfax, Virginia
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
Fairfax, Virginia
Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.
Coastal Flats
Fairfax, Virginia
Colorful maritime decor & seafood classics lure crowds to this bustling restaurant.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Fairfax, Virginia
Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.
Taco Bamba Vienna
Fairfax, Virginia
Chef-y takes on tostadas, nachos, tacos & cocktails in cool, no-frills, modern surroundings.
Ocean8 Restaurant & Hookah
Fairfax, Virginia
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Live music, Sports. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Artie's
Fairfax, Virginia
A varied menu of American seafood & meat classics, plus a bar & boathouse decor with scale models.
The Taco Shop & Bar
Fairfax, Virginia
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Sports. Popular for: Lunch.
CAVA
Fairfax, Virginia
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
First Watch
Fairfax, Virginia
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Fairfax, Virginia
Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.
Guapo's Cocina & Bar
Fairfax, Virginia
Lively eatery serving sizable burritos, tacos & other classic Tex-Mex eats, plus margarita pitchers.
Courtside Thai Cuisine
Fairfax, Virginia
Traditional eats are served in a relaxing setting with vibrant colors & outdoor patio seating.
Andolini's Pizza
Fairfax, Virginia
Pizza & subs are available for dine-in, carryout & delivery from this neighborhood venue.
Plaka Grill
Fairfax, Virginia
Greek cafe with gyros, souvlaki & other traditional favorites in a casual, colorful space.
Spice Circle Desi Tadka™ - Ashburn
Fairfax, Virginia
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Live music. Popular for: Solo dining. Accessibility.