Nothing will warm you up quicker on a chilly autumn day than a hearty bowl of soup. And while a can from the grocery store never hurts, soup is just better when it’s been served fresh. Try one of these seven restaurants in Northern Virginia for a delicious bowlful, whether you’re inclined to try a classic French onion or a spicy turkey gumbo.
100 Soups
This Herndon kitchen crafts a wide range of nourishing, housemade soups. Choose from vegan options such as fire-roasted red pepper or red lentil dal, or meat options such as classic chicken soup or Brunswick stew. Soups come in 1-pint to-go containers to be heated up and enjoyed at home. 279 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, starting at $6.99
Avgolémono at Our Mom Eugenia
Take a classic chicken soup up a notch with this bright, flavorful Greek soup. It’s a chicken soup with egg and lemon, making a product that is delightfully fresh while still carrying all the comforting power you’d expect from a soup. Multiple area locations, $10
Clam Chowder at the Salt Line
The Salt Line has a knack for fresh, tasty seafood, and its clam chowder is no exception. It’s a thick, creamy soup with clams, bacon, potatoes, and celery. You can get just a cup before your meal, but it can hold its own as the main event if you want a bowl of it as the entrée. 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, $6 for cup, $11 for bowl
Soupe a l’Oignon at Café Colline
A classic French onion soup is a perfectly cozy, delightfully uncomplicated meal. At Café Colline, use this decadent soup as an appetizer — it’s a brothy soup of stewed, caramelized onions, covered in a thick crouton and a decadent layer of gruyère cheese — or try it for lunch. 4536 Langston Blvd., Arlington, $13
Lasagna Soup at Local Provisions
Lasagna is a quintessential cold-weather comfort food and turning it into a soup only makes it more so. This version from Local Provisions is a combination of beef and thick noodles with tomatoes, ricotta, and parmigiano for an end-product that’s filling and cozy. 46286 Cranston St., Sterling, $9
New Orleans–Style Turkey Gumbo at Earl’s Sandwiches
Get a taste of Louisiana cooking with this made-from-scratch gumbo of turkey that’s been roasted fresh in-house, andouille sausage, okra, green peppers, and onions. This homestyle deli makes all its soups from scratch, so it’s sure to be fresh and flavorful. Earl’s also offers a soup of the day. 2605 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, starting at $4.99
Ramen at Marumen
If anything is sure to warm you up on a cold day, it’s a big bowl of ramen. Marumen’s uses broth that’s been prepared for 14 hours. Choose a shio, shoyu, or miso version with pork belly; or a chicken or veggie option with a miso mushroom broth. Each bowl comes garnished, but don’t be afraid to pile on extras like kimchi, corn, or bamboo shoots. 3250 Old Pickett Rd., Fairfax, starting at $14
Feature image of soupe a l’oignon courtesy Café Colline
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