Restaurant Eve shed its Asian tasting menu—the best thing going for this Old Town Alexandria stalwart—in deference to Kaliwa, the restaurant group’s new Filipino, Thai and Korean eatery in D.C.’s much-hyped Wharf development. (Though not advertised, guests can call ahead to book the family-style Asian prix fixe.) But there are a few remnants on the a la carte menu, like tom kha pla. It’s breaded monkfish in a light coconut soup. The Thai flair is distinct, but it’s restrained and clarified in this white-tablecloth dining room. Another standout is a crispy pork belly that manages to evade the fatty trappings and stay in straight meaty territory, though it’s all really about the Mexican salsa roja, a shock of umami and a signal Eve survives without the jolt of Asian influence.
Restaurant Eve
Modern American | $$$$
110 S. Pitt St., Alexandria