Al Fresco Dining
British food doesn’t have to be stuffy. Eating bangers and mash or fish and chips on a tree-shaded patio can lighten up even the heaviest meal of English classics. // 9048 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville
Greek food is meant to be eaten outdoors, preferably on the water. Watching a server light the flame on an order of saganaki as you overlook Lake Anne will make you shout, “Opa!” // 1617 Washington Plaza N., Reston
Breakfast
Chocolate chip pancakes, chicken and waffles, French toast with bacon and eggs? Bob & Edith’s has got it all at this lovable greasy spoon. // Multiple locations
This chain focuses on serving seasonal ingredients, whether it’s omelette fillings or the toppings on a healthy quinoa power bowl. // 13027 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Chantilly and 9600 Main St., Suite S, Fairfax
Ethiopian
The ultra-fresh injera, spongy sourdough that does double duty as plate and utensil, has diners ordering takeout and curbside pickup from this restaurant over and over again. // 275 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon
There’s more to Ethiopian cuisine than stews on top of injera. This restaurant knows it. Take a break from the usual with spaghetti topped with the meat of your choice. // 5700 Columbia Pike, Falls Church
Brunch
Sit in the uniquely decorated indoor space or on the patio for brunch that doesn’t have to include a crab cake Benedict, but probably should. // 1904 Reston Metro Plaza Drive, Reston and 1800 Tysons Blvd., Tysons
Editor’s Pick: Ambar
Brunch and a nap? For $34, order unlimited plates (and 25-cent drinks) with a Balkan twist. You’ll deserve a rest after all those eggs. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Butcher
From certified-humane filet mignon to whole rabbits, this traditional full-service butcher shop can provide you with whatever flesh you crave. // 6712 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Editor’s Pick: The Wine’ing Butcher Market
You’ll find abundantly marbled beef, exotic meats and homemade sausages here, but also perfect pairings, including wine, beer and cheese. // 20915 Ashburn Road, Suite 120, Ashburn
Cheese Shop
Wine might be in the name here, but don’t count out the curds. Classes give cheeseheads the expertise to choose a new favorite every time. // 4508 Lee Highway, Arlington
This emporium of all things gooey and creamy isn’t just a store. Customers who really want to learn more about cheese can stay and dine at the restaurant. // 4024 Campbell Ave., Arlington and 2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Farmers Market
Whether it’s healthy juices or less-than-virtuous doughnuts, there’s lots to try beyond produce here. But don’t miss that either. // 300 Park Ave., Falls Church
The oldest farmers market in the country is located right in front of City Hall for an extra dash of history. At peak season, there are more than 70 vendors selling their wares. // 301 King St., Alexandria
Italian
Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and subs keep the lunch crowd happy, but diners with a special occasion in mind can sup on filet mignon or veal Milanese. // 14115 St. Germain Drive, Centreville
Anyone who’s been to Italy has likely spent their share of time in train stations. This historic building is intended to approximate one. The pasta stands out too. // 7145 Main St., Clifton
Kabob
The name means “Uncle’s” and the food here is suitably homey. Whichever kabob you choose, don’t miss upgrading with rice covered in cherries or barberries. // 6271 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Whether it’s a juicy jujeh kabob, a well-seasoned kubideh or a combination, NoVA is lucky to have easy access to Persian skewers thanks to this sleek chain. // Multiple locations
Salad
The world is in a healthy bowl here. “Destination” salads focus on individual countries to give veggies international flavor, from China to Mexico. // Multiple locations
For many fans, this sustainable chain is a way of life. Seasonal bowls allow devotees to try flavorful new combinations on the regular, but the kale Caesar will always be there. // Multiple locations
Tapas
Spanish wines, meats and cheeses are just the beginning. Pair your glass with bacon-wrapped dates, meatballs and other tapas classics. // 12023 Town Square St., Reston
José Andrés may be doing his best to save the world, but at heart, he is still a chef. Thank him for giving us a place to dig into small plates, from crispy fritters to ham. // 2250 Crystal Drive A; Arlington
Vegetarian-Friendly
You don’t have to be on a macrobiotic diet to appreciate this healthy, Asian-inflected restaurant. You won’t miss the meat when you dig into these curries. // 2531 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna
Owner Dr. Andrew Weil wants you to eat an anti-inflammatory diet, and here you’ll actually want to. It just feels good to order a colorful teriyaki quinoa bowl. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1110, Arlington and 2910 District Ave., Suite 170, Fairfax
Dress Casual
Barbecue
Mission BBQ // Multiple locations
Editor’s Pick: The Pit Stop // Aldie and Sterling
Burger
Five Guys // Multiple locations
Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers // 525 E. Market St., Leesburg
Deli/Sandwich Shop
The Italian Store // 3123 Lee Highway, Arlington
Editor’s Pick: Lost Dog Café // Multiple locations
Diner
Bob & Edith’s Diner // Multiple locations
Silver Diner // Multiple locations
Fries
Eugene’s Sausage and Fries // 15111 Washington St., Suite 113, Haymarket
Five Guys // Multiple locations
Pizza
Pupatella // 5104 Wilson Blvd. and 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington
Tony’s New York Pizza // Multiple locations
Tacos
Taco Bamba // Multiple locations
Editor’s Pick: bartaco // 2920 District Ave., Fairfax and 12021 Town Square St., Reston
Wings
Glory Days Grill // Multiple locations
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern // 697 Spring St., Herndon
Feast of the East
Chinese
Peking Gourmet // 6029 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Peter Chang // 2503 N. Harrison St., Arlington and 1771 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg
Dim Sum
Hong Kong Pearl // 6286 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church; 703-237-1388
Mark’s Duck House // 6184-A Arlington Blvd., Falls Church; 703-532-2125
Indian
Dishes of India // 1510-A Belle View Blvd., Alexandria
Haandi Indian Cuisine // 1222 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Pho
Pho 75 // 1058 Elden St., Herndon
Editor’s Pick: Nam Viet // 1127 N. Hudson St., Arlington
Ramen
Jinya Ramen // 2911 District Ave., Suite 140, Fairfax
Marumen // 21438 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling and 3250 Old Pickett Road, Fairfax
Korean Barbecue
Honey Pig // 13818-B Braddock Road, Centreville and 7220-C Columbia Pike, Annandale
Editor’s Pick: Meokja Meokja // 9619 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
The Finer Things
Fine Dining
Clarity // 442 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
L’Auberge Chez François // 332 Springvale Road, Great Falls
Modern American
Clarity // 442 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Flavor on Main //137 S. Main St., Suite 103, Culpeper
Seafood
Ford’s Fish Shack // 25031 Riding Plaza, Suite 150, Chantilly; 44260 Ice Rink Plaza, Ashburn; 19308 Promenade Drive, Leesburg
Hot N Juicy Crawfish // 116 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Steak
DC Prime Steaks // 20120 Lakeview Center Plaza; Ashburn
Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks // 8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
Sushi
Sushi Yoshi // 101 Church St. NW, Vienna; 703-242-1350
Yume Sushi // 2121 N. Westmoreland St., Suite A-2; Arlington
Wine Shop
Arrowine // 4508 Lee Highway; Arlington
Total Wine & More // Multiple locations
