Each year, we ask the experts — our readers — to tell us their favorite spots in NoVA in these categories: Food, Drinks, Things to Do, Shopping, Beauty, and Fitness. Here are this year’s results.
By Amy Ayres, Angie Buck, Maggie Roth, and Debbie Williams
JUMP TO: FOOD | DRINKS | THINGS TO DO | SHOPPING | BEAUTY | FITNESS
Best of NoVA: Food
We’re lucky to have a vast variety of foods available at our fingertips: Eateries selling bagels and doughnuts, wings and fried chicken, and cuisines from around the globe dot NoVA’s landscape.
Bagels
WINNER: Call Your Mother Deli
Pick up your bagels and bagel sandwiches at this fast-growing local chain. The stores are always fun and colorful, and each location has a “unique pop,” says co-owner Andrew Dana. A new spot in Ballston is currently in the works. Alexandria, Arlington, Gainesville, McLean, Reston, Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Main Street Bagel Deli
Fairfax, mainstreetbageldeli.com
Breakfast Diner
WINNER: Bob & Edith’s Diner
This NoVA chain of 24/7 diners was started in 1969 when Bob and Edith Bolton bought a dinette on Columbia Pike in Arlington. Today, the classic diners are run by one of their sons, Greg, and his children — but you can still find Southern dishes like country fried steak or biscuits and gravy. Alexandria (three locations), Arlington (two locations), Manassas, Springfield
RUNNER-UP: Chloez Café
Fairfax Station
Brunch
WINNER: Tuscarora Mill
Set within a historic mill, “there’s no greater bounty to be had” at Tuskie’s than its weekend brunch, says our food critic, Alice Levitt. “It’s possible to not only have a varied meal here, but to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in one,” she says. Leesburg
RUNNER-UP: Agora Tysons
McLean
Butcher
WINNER: Oliver’s Corner Butcher Shop
When you shop at this neighborhood butcher, you’ll know exactly where your meat came from. Small independent farms provide much of its inventory, including beef, pork, poultry, wild game, and more. Gourmet sausages are made in-house, and customers can find meat aged in the shop’s dry-aging cabinet. Great Falls
RUNNER-UP: The Organic Butcher of McLean
McLean
Cheesesteak
WINNER: Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
Take a trip to Philly without leaving Herndon with a Philly Cheesesteak from Jimmy’s. Served on Amoroso rolls shipped fresh from the City of Brotherly Love, the sandwich is made with fried onions and a choice of cheese styles: Cheese Whiz, provolone, or white American. Herndon
RUNNER-UP: George’s Steak N’ Things
Fairfax Station
Chinese
WINNER: Mama Chang
A favorite of The Inn at Little Washington’s legendary chef Patrick O’Connell, this is a winner on repeat for our readers — and our food critics. Try the scallion bubble pancake, Ganghood fried chicken, and the three-pepper beef tenderloin. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Peter Chang
Arlington, Herndon, McLean
Deli/Sandwich Shop
WINNER: The Italian Store
What’s as satisfying as an Italian sub? You’ll find freshly cut deli meats with provolone and all the fixings when you get your made-to-order sub or gourmet sandwich at locations in Westover or Lyon Village. While you’re there, look for wines and other products sourced from Italy. Arlington (two locations)
RUNNER-UP: Celebrity Delly
Falls Church
Doughnut Shop
WINNER: Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
Choose from classic doughnut flavors like honey dip and cinnamon sugar or go for something more unusual like cookies and cream or mocha espresso. Plus, you’ll find seasonal specials and mini doughnuts — all housemade. Arlington (two locations)
RUNNER-UP: Yoder’s Dutch Delights
Manassas
Farmers Market
WINNER: Falls Church Farmers Market
Vendors gather here every Saturday, year-round, to serve the community. You can find fresh produce, flowers, meats, baked goods, and other treasures in the heart of Falls Church. Plus, the monthly Chef Series features chefs developing recipes using locally sourced, seasonal foods. Falls Church
RUNNER-UP: Old Town Farmers’ Market
Alexandria
Food Truck
WINNER: Flavor Hive
A viral social media sensation, Northern Virginians have access to this flavorful food truck right in their backyards. Bring your favorite bag of chips to create a delicious walking taco with ground beef, chicken, steak, or veggies — or pile your favorites on a rice or salad bowl. Alexandria (three locations), Annandale (brick and mortar store only), Manassas
RUNNER-UP: S&P Burger
Sterling
French
WINNER: L’Auberge Chez François
You’ll be transported to Alsace at chef Jacques Haeringer’s picturesque French restaurant in Great Falls. Order the soufflé for dessert when you first sit down, then relax with the prix fixe dinner as you look out over 6 bucolic acres and are spoiled by the excellent service. Great Falls
RUNNER-UP: Bastille Brasserie & Bar
Alexandria
Fried Chicken Sandwich
WINNER: Wooboi Chicken
Next time you’re craving a fried chicken sandwich, head to Wooboi, where you can choose your heat level, from no heat to the super spicy Code Blue. The Sando (fried chicken topped with cider slaw, butter pickles, and Comeback Sauce) is the way to go. Don’t forget to add a side of waffle fries to your order. Alexandria, Fairfax, Herndon
RUNNER-UP: Ruthie’s All-Day
Arlington, Fairfax
Happy Hour
WINNER: Barrel & Bushel
Grab a spot outdoors or by the plentiful windows at this Tysons restaurant. The Happiest Hours menu is available daily from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Offerings ranging from $7 to $12 include the pimento grilled cheese bites, crispy mushroom sliders, and petite crab cakes. Drink specials are $6 to $7. McLean
RUNNER-UP: Mama Tigre
Oakton
Ice Cream
WINNER: Nathan’s Dairy Bar
This family-owned seasonal ice cream stand is known for its soft serve and hand-scooped flavors that vary from week to week. Named for the owner’s son, this retro spot with plenty of umbrella-covered tables outdoors announces its weekly flavors on Facebook. Manassas
RUNNER-UP: The Dairy Godmother
Alexandria
Indian
WINNER: Celebration by Rupa Vira
Bathed in lavender, every day is a celebration here. This modern Indian restaurant also ranked No. 9 in our Best Restaurants list in 2025. Make sure to try the self-trained chef’s kale and palak chaat (a compelling dish that showcases stark contrasts), tandoori salmon, and Chocolate Explosion cake. Ashburn
RUNNER-UP: Jaipur Royal Indian Cuisine
Fairfax
Korean
WINNER: Ingle Korean Steakhouse
In NoVA, there’s tough competition in this category. Ranked No. 7 on our Best Restaurants list, Ingle is also our readers’ favorite Korean restaurant. Sit back and enjoy the tender wagyu beef cuts grilled to perfection at your table — and don’t skip the appetizers. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Meokja Meokja
Fairfax
Modern American
WINNER: 2941 Restaurant
Chef Bertrand Chemel’s 2941 may be located in an office park, but it’s anything but boring. Ranked as our No. 1 restaurant of 2025, guests love it for the massive windows overlooking the koi pond and the woods — and for Chemel’s fresh, creative tasting menu, which changes monthly. Falls Church
RUNNER-UP: Trio Grill
Falls Church
Outdoor Dining
WINNER: Trattoria Villagio
With its fireplace, dappled sunshine, and cozy vibe, you might feel like you’ve escaped to Europe in the idyllic piazza behind this Clifton favorite. The outdoor space is usually available in the cooler months, too, and keeps customers warm with fire pits, heat lamps, and igloos. Order the arancini and the stuffed meatballs. Clifton
RUNNER-UP: Barca Pier & Wine Bar
Alexandria
Oyster Bar
WINNER: King Street Oyster Bar
Any time you head to King Street, you’ll find a dozen varieties of raw East Coast or West Coast oysters. If you prefer them cooked, that’s an option, too. At happy hour, oysters are available for just $1.50 each when ordered in increments of three. Leesburg, Middleburg
RUNNER-UP: The Salt Line
Arlington
Peruvian Chicken
WINNER: El Pollo Rico
Step into this busy eatery to indulge in a perfectly spiced, charcoal-broiled chicken available in whole, half, or quarter sizes and white or dark meat (or a combination of both). Indulge in the sides, too: fried plantains, fries, rice, beans, or coleslaw and sauces. Arlington, Fairfax, Woodbridge, elpollorico.com
RUNNER-UP: Crisp & Juicy
Arlington, Falls Church
Pie
WINNER: Mom’s Apple Pie Company
Brave the lines for pies at this bakery at Thanksgiving, and you won’t be disappointed. But you don’t need a special occasion to get dessert here. Make any day pie day when you pick up a chocolate pecan, strawberry rhubarb, or the eponymous apple pie. Leesburg, Round Hill
RUNNER-UP: Pie Gourmet
Vienna
Pizza
WINNER: Andy’s Pizza
New York pizza fans, this spot is for you. Owner Andy Brown, a self-taught pizza maker, lets his dough ferment for 72-plus hours, creating an unbeatable crust. He tops it with tomatoes grown and canned in California and crisply cupped pepperoni, then it’s all cooked just right in stone ovens. Alexandria (two locations), Arlington, Fairfax, McLean
RUNNER-UP: Pupatella Neapolitan Pizza
Alexandria, Arlington (two locations), Chantilly, Fairfax, Leesburg, Reston, Springfield
Ramen
WINNER: Jinya Ramen Bar
The rich broths for the ramen at Jinya simmer for 20 hours in-house. The noodles are handcrafted, and the flavorful toppings are authentic. Ramen lovers enjoy the birria ramen and the vegan Flying V Harvest with vegan miso broth and Impossible meat. Arlington, Fairfax, Reston
RUNNER-UP: Umai Ramen & Rice Bowl
Herndon
Seafood
WINNER: The Salt Line
New England–style seafood meets the Chesapeake at the Arlington outpost of The Salt Line. Our food critics have recommended it as some of the best seafood in our region, and they especially like the flaky rainbow trout, pimiento crab dip, and Portuguese stew — not to mention the plump, briny fresh oysters from both the Chesapeake and New England. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: Blue Ridge Seafood Restaurant
Gainesville
Steak
WINNER: Guerra Steakhouse
The showstopper at this Arlington steakhouse is the 38-ounce tomahawk for two, topped with rosemary and herb wine butter then flambéed tableside with brandy. But that’s not your only option. The menu includes about a dozen cuts of steak, offered with three different preparations and a choice of seven sauces. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood
Alexandria
Sushi
WINNER: Yume Sushi
At this perennial favorite of our food critics (ranked No. 4 last year), snag a seat at the bar to watch chef Saran Kannasute in action. While you’re there, you can also get a great view of the mural by the bar. Order the Monster Trio to get a true sense of the chef’s creativity. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: Ariake
Fairfax, Reston
Tacos
WINNER: Taco Bamba
Chef Victor Albisu is a NoVA native and a taco master. There are 10 locations in NoVA alone — but no two are alike. Each features the staples as well as menu items specific to that area and special décor. The Sterling location offers the Doña Rosi, a Peruvian chicken taco that serves as a tribute to Albisu’s mother. Alexandria, Arlington (two locations), Fairfax (two locations), Falls Church, Herndon, Springfield, Sterling, Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Anita’s New Mexico Style Mexican Food
Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Leesburg, Manassas, Springfield, Vienna
Thai
WINNER: Sense of Thai
These festive eateries dress up for special occasions like Christmas and cherry blossom season. But consistently great food is a mainstay. Try the bolan larb gai, a minty minced chicken salad in lime-chile dressing for a little kick, or order the pillowy braised pork in sweet-and-sour tom yum broth. Ashburn, Chantilly
RUNNER-UP: Bangkok 54 Restaurant & Bar
Arlington
Vietnamese
WINNER: Rice Paper
Eden Center is the place to go for Vietnamese food, and you can’t go wrong with a visit to Rice Paper. You’ll likely find a line outside, but it’s with good reason. Luckily the service is swift, and the vibe is unpretentious. Order the coconut salad with shrimp and pork or the lemongrass chile chicken. Falls Church
RUNNER-UP: Nue: Elegantly Vietnamese
Falls Church
Wings
WINNER: Velocity Bar + Kitchen
Choose from boneless, traditional jumbo wings, or hand-breaded crispy fried Velocity wings served with the sauce on the side. Speaking of sauce, there are nearly 30 options on the menu here in a range of heats and flavors including mango habanero, chipotle raspberry, and spicy blue cheese. Fairfax, Manassas, Purcellville
RUNNER-UP: Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
Herndon
NoVA Wars: Italian Edition
WINNER: Thompson Italian
Our inaugural “NoVA Wars: Italian Edition” bracket-style online competition did not disappoint. The field started with 32 eateries, and it came down to Thompson Italian and Sterling’s Urbano Modern Italian in the final round.
When the votes were tallied, Thompson Italian came out on top. With its menu of housemade pasta and local produce, we can see why foodies love it — and why it’s a regular on our 50 Best Restaurants list.
Regulars recommend starting your meal with the roasted garlic bread with marinara and Parmesan. For your entrée, choose between the rigatoni with beef Bolognese — a favorite that’s always on the menu — or one of the ever-changing seasonal pastas. If you still have room, a piece of olive oil cake from co-owner and James Beard–nominated pastry chef Katherine Thompson is a must. Alexandria and Falls Church
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Best of NoVA: Drinks
With an array of breweries, wineries, cafés, and bars, you can quench any thirst at one of these winning Northern Virginia establishments.
Brewery
WINNER: Port City Brewing Company
Since 2011, Port City Brewing Company has been serving a lineup of year-round beers alongside seasonal and specialty brews. Located just outside Old Town Alexandria, the family- and pet-friendly brewery has indoor and outdoor seating and offers regular tastings, tours, and events. Alexandria
RUNNER-UP: 2 Silos Brewing Co.
Manassas
Bubble Tea
WINNER: TeaDM
TeaDM offers a selection of classic bubble teas, Vietnamese coffee, milk teas, and smoothies. You’ll find flavors like lychee, mango, peach, and passion fruit. You can get your fix until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the Vienna store and until midnight at the other three NoVA locations. Fairfax, Falls Church, Sterling, Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Teas’n You
Vienna
Cocktail Bar
WINNER: Heirloom
You’ll find an extensive wine menu, cocktails, and tasty bites at Heirloom, a stylish speakeasy in Reston’s Open Road Distilling Co. Stop by for dinner or weekday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Try cocktails like the signature, mezcal-forward Heirloom or the Bees Knees, a citrusy gin concoction with honey foam. Reston
RUNNER-UP: MacMillan Whisky Room
Fairfax
Coffeehouse
WINNER: Weird Brothers Coffee
This veteran-owned and -operated coffee shop sells hot, cold, and blended coffees, plus dozens of sweet sips on the “mischief menu,” such as the Luck Dragon with toasted marshmallow and coconut or the White Witch with lavender and white chocolate. You can pair your drink with a breakfast sandwich, gluten-free cookie, croissant, muffin, or scone. Herndon (two locations), Leesburg
RUNNER-UP: De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich
Fairfax, Reston
Irish Bar
WINNER: The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Restaurant
The Auld Shebeen has been serving authentic Irish food and drink in Old Town Fairfax since 2004. Traditional pub fare includes fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, and shepherd’s pie. Wash it down with a Guinness or traditional Irish coffee. Brunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Ireland’s Four Provinces
Falls Church
Rooftop Bar
WINNER: Starr Hill Biergarten
Located on top of Tysons’ Capital One Center, this family-friendly craft brewery features a wide section of draft beers, plus cocktails, wine, and food, including burgers, chicken tenders, pretzels, and wings. Starr Hill offers live music several days a week, but hours are weather-dependent, so check Instagram or Facebook for updates. McLean
RUNNER-UP: The Lost Fox Hideaway
Ashburn
Sports Bar
WINNER: Open Road
Now a five-time Best of NoVA winner, this sports bar features dozens of draft and bottled beers, an impressive whiskey and bourbon collection, seasonal handcrafted cocktails, and red and white wines. Open Road’s daily specials include $2 burgers on Mondays and $1 oysters on Tuesdays. Sports fans can watch games on multiple TVs while enjoying live music. Falls Church, Reston
RUNNER-UP: Crystal City Sports Pub
Arlington
Winery
WINNER: Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery
This 78-acre Piedmont estate features 30 acres of vineyards and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Barrel Oak grows 10 varietals including Norton, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and petit verdot. The venue is also family- and dog-friendly and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and parking. Delaplane
RUNNER-UP: Stone Tower Winery
Leesburg
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Best of NoVA: Things to Do
In a region as rich with entertainment as Northern Virginia, there’s really no excuse to be bored. Check out the best places for kid-friendly fun, live music, and more.
Indoor Amusement
WINNER: Level99
Level up a night out at this interactive adult gaming experience at Tysons Corner. The venue features more than 50 immersive rooms that challenge visitors both mentally and physically. After the action, refuel at Level99’s Victory Brewing, a full-service restaurant and bar. McLean
RUNNER-UP: Lucky Strike – Tysons Corner
McLean
Kids Classes (Arts, Dance, Music)
WINNER: Potomac Music
Now based in the Workhouse Arts Center, Potomac Music offers instruction in string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, as well as vocal lessons. Kids can take private or group classes, and Potomac Music also offers summer camps for ages 4 to 17. Lorton
RUNNER-UP: Encore Performers
Chantilly
Kids Indoor Entertainment
WINNER: Lego Discovery Center
Kids can immerse themselves in a world of imagination at this family attraction. Lego Discovery Center features 12 interactive zones, including the 4D Cinema, the Imagination Express ride, and Mini World, where visitors can see intricate city dioramas made of millions of Lego blocks. Springfield
RUNNER-UP: Up! Ultimate Adventure Park
Ashburn
Kids Party Venue
WINNER: ZavaZone – Sterling
Kids can bounce, jump, climb, and play at ZavaZone’s high ropes and ninja warrior courses, giant slides, parkour zone, trampolines, and more. The indoor adventure park offers several options for parties, from a basic one-hour booking to an all-inclusive package with food and drinks. Sterling
RUNNER-UP: Romp n’ Roll
Fairfax
DUAL WINNER: Live Music Venue and Outdoor Concert Space
WINNER: Wolf Trap
Founded in 1966 as the country’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts, Wolf Trap is an iconic Northern Virginia institution. It hosts national touring artists and local musicians across its three venues, offering an experience for everyone. Catch a show on the lawn of the Filene Center or inside the historic Barns at Wolf Trap. Or enjoy a family-friendly show at the nature-surrounded Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. Vienna
RUNNER-UP (Live Music Venue): Capital One Hall
McLean
RUNNER-UP (Outdoor Concert Space): Jiffy Lube Live
Bristow
Museum
WINNER: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
There are more than 3,000 aviation and space artifacts at the Chantilly outpost of the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum. Stroll through the two hangars to see fighter jets and the iconic Space Shuttle Discovery. Or stop by for free events like sungazing and story times. Chantilly
RUNNER-UP: George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon
Pick-Your-Own Farm or Orchard
WINNER: Great Country Farms
Whether it’s apples in the fall or strawberries in the spring, Great Country Farms is a go-to spot for pick-your-own fun. It hosts regular festivals to celebrate the different harvests, and the market is a must-visit for tasty snacks and jarred goods. Bluemont
RUNNER-UP: Burnside Farms
Nokesville
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Best of NoVA: Shopping
Whether you’re looking for a special home decor item, a consignment deal on luxury apparel, or one-of-a-kind gift, these winning Northern Virginia retailers have you covered.
Bridal Shop
WINNER: Brooke’s Bridal & Ball
This family-owned bridal shop in historic downtown Fairfax strives to provide an elevated, memorable shopping experience. In addition to wedding dresses, Brooke’s Bridal & Ball sells options for wedding parties, flower girls, and mothers of the bride and groom. Special Sunday Champagne appointments include bubbly, charcuterie, and desserts. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Zoya’s Atelier
Falls Church
Children’s Clothing
WINNER: Mon Chouchou Baby & Child
Located in an airy space above downtown Leesburg’s Goosecup coffee shop, Mon Chouchou offers timeless, high-quality children’s clothing for newborns through age 12. Owned by a local couple, the shop features brands like The Beaufort Bonnet Company, Little English, Pink Chicken, and Minnow. Leesburg
RUNNER-UP : Posh Pixies Kidswear
Middleburg
Clothing Boutique
WINNER: Mode on Main by Mara
You’ll find “pre-loved” and vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories in a variety of styles and brands at this Fairfax boutique. Mode on Main also stocks beauty products and small-batch perfumes, candles, incense, and soaps. Personal styling services and private shopping experiences are available. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Zest Clothing & Co.
Leesburg
Consignment Shop, Adults
WINNER: Wardrobe Rescue
Shop high-end designer brands like Gucci, David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior at discount prices at this upscale women’s consignment shop. Located in downtown Vienna, Wardrobe Rescue curates quality items from thousands of consignors and adds new pieces daily. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Blossom & Buds
Arlington
Consignment Shop, Kids
WINNER: 529 Kids Consign
This Alexandria store offers the latest trends in children’s and maternity clothing at discount prices and only consigns quality, name-brand pieces. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X to see new daily offerings. Alexandria
RUNNER-UP: Lemon Lane Consignment
Falls Church
Furniture
WINNER: Belfort Furniture
Find everything you need to furnish your space at Belfort’s 150,000-square-foot showroom. This family-owned retailer carries dozens of brands in a range of styles, including modern, industrial, midcentury modern, rustic, and traditional. And Belfort’s design professionals will help walk you through the entire process. Sterling
RUNNER-UP: Green Front Furniture
Manassas
Jewelry
WINNER: Ketterman’s Jewelers
A Leesburg staple since 1998, this family-owned shop carries a wide assortment of pieces from 150 designers, including engagement rings, necklaces, watches, and earrings. Plus, you’ll find specialty items like jewelry boxes, hair clips, wallets, picture frames, and clocks. Ketterman’s also offers jewelry repair, custom designs, and engraving. Leesburg
RUNNER-UP: Midtown Jewelers
Herndon
Lingerie
WINNER: Trousseau
With more than 180 sizes and 5,000 in stock, Trousseau can help you find the perfect bra. Visit this store for a professional fitting and shop the plethora of available styles, including smooth, lacy, wireless, strapless, and sports bras. The shop also offers high-quality lingerie and sleepwear. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Best Rack Around
Leesburg
Outdoor Shopping District
WINNER: Mosaic District
This retail, dining, and entertainment district has become a thriving Fairfax destination. Mosaic features more than 30 retailers, including national brands and independent boutiques, as well as dozens of dining choices. Entertainment options include the Angelika Film Center and Muse Paintbar, and you’ll also find spa services and fitness centers — all in one convenient location. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Fairfax Corner
Fairfax
Vintage Clothing Boutique
WINNER: Nostalgia
With a welcoming environment, personal shopping services, and new inventory added daily, Nostalgia is the perfect shop for vintage clothing, antique furniture, and home décor. In addition to a selection of women’s clothing and accessories, you’ll also find bow ties, ties, and socks for men. Purcellville
RUNNER-UP: Mode on Main by Mara
Fairfax
Vintage Home Finds/Antiques
WINNER: Lucketts Store
This family-owned business has become a Leesburg institution for its ever-changing inventory of hip, eclectic, vintage furnishings and home accessories. Open daily, the three-story building and its outdoor pavilions are home to 25 vendors, award-winning designers, and one-of-a-kind pieces. You never know what treasure you might discover at Lucketts Store. Leesburg
RUNNER-UP: Middleburg Antique Gallery
Middleburg
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Best of NoVA: Beauty
Ready for a refresh? NoVA boasts an array of options, from luxury salons and spas to vibrant barbershops and specialty boutiques, offering relaxation and self care for all.
Barbershop
WINNER: Bearded Goat Barber
This brainchild of restaurateur Scott Parker has two locations in NoVA. Whether you need a haircut, a shave, gray blending, or beard shaping, this full-service barbershop has you covered. Relax, check out some sports, and “get fresh,” as the website advises. Arlington (two locations)
RUNNER-UP: The Standard Barbershop
Fairfax
Blowout
WINNER: Alya Salon & Spa
Nothing beats the look and feel of a fresh professional blowout, and Alya Salon & Spa is the place to get one. The stylists also offer a full gamut of hair and beauty services, from cuts and coloring to makeup application and facials. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Stylists at North
Alexandria
Brows
WINNER: Fairfax Brows
You can stop tweezing your own eyebrows; Fairfax Brows will take it from here. Options include ombre brows, nano brows, brow training, and microblading. Guests over 18 can also indulge in permanent makeup services such as lip blushing and eyeliner. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Renued
Falls Church
Eyelashes
WINNER: The Beauty Effect
The eyes are the window to the soul, the popular idiom claims — and if that’s so, yours deserve a beautiful frame. The Beauty Effect offers classic and volume eyelash extensions, as well as lash lift and tint services for clients looking for a natural look with less maintenance. Other services include hydrafacials, brow lamination, and spa gel manicures. Haymarket
RUNNER-UP: Lash Jolie Studio
Fairfax
Facial
WINNER: Azure Dream Day Spa
Looking for a glow-up? Try the Fire & Ice facial, which uses heat to exfoliate and cold to soothe, combined with extractions, LED therapy, and an ultrasonic blade. Other facial options include the Foaming Enzyme facial, utilizing papaya and pineapple enzymes, and the Magic Fix Facial, Azure’s proprietary treatment. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: Glowholic
Fairfax
Hair Color Services
WINNER: Salon deZEN
Both of this spa’s Metro-friendly Alexandria locations boast a full menu of color services ranging from root touch-ups to color correction or balayage. Clients rave about the eclectic, warm, and welcoming atmosphere; relaxing scalp massages; and personalized recommendations. Alexandria
RUNNER-UP: Salon Bisoux
Alexandria
Hair Extensions
WINNER: Bella Li Studio
Gone are the days of waiting years to grow your hair out — Bella Li Studio can deliver long, full locks in one visit, adding both length and volume to your style. The salon also assists clients recovering from cancer treatment or suffering from hair loss. Alexandria
RUNNER-UP: Salt + Light Hair Co.
Fairfax
Laser Hair Removal
WINNER: Metropolitan Med Spa
Get smooth and summer-ready at this med spa in Lorton. Laser hair removal offers long-lasting results, with each treatment session progressively reducing hair growth, saving time and money over temporary removal methods in the long run. Other services include body contouring, chemical peels, and facials. Lorton
RUNNER-UP: Skin Deep Laser Services
Burke
Mani/Pedi
WINNER: Constance Polish Lounge
Whether you are exploring the latest trends in nail art or simply looking for a relaxing pedicure, Constance Polish Lounge comes highly recommended by our readers. Other services include henna artistry for brows and hands, as well as bridal packages. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Nail Ritual
Vienna
Massage
WINNER: Champaka Thai Massage & Spa
At this family-run business, third-generation traditional Thai massage therapists utilize skills handed down from their grandparents. They offer traditional Thai massage, incorporating a series of yoga-like positions and acupressure along the body’s major energy meridians, as well as Ashiatsu massage, using the therapist’s feet to deliver continuous deep pressure. Gainesville
RUNNER-UP: Salamander Resort & Spa
Middleburg
Permanent Makeup
WINNER: Samira Brow Couture
Samira Brow Couture offers microblade eyebrows (implanting pigments into the skin with a fine blade), combination brows (microblading with light shading), or lip blush, a tattoo for your lips. Owner Samira holds more than 15 certifications in permanent makeup. Sterling
RUNNER-UP: Dalisay Beauty
Vienna
Tattoo/Piercing Shop
WINNER: Mister Finster’s Tattoo Studio & Body Piercing
If you are looking to adorn your body with a tattoo or piercing, head to this distinctive studio in Falls Church. There are five talented tattoo artists and two experienced piercing specialists on staff, so you’re sure to find the perfect creative fit. Falls Church
RUNNER-UP: Vienna Tattoo Studio
Vienna
Waxer
WINNER: Bare Skin Waxing
Planning your next beach vacation? Don’t forget to schedule an appointment at Bare Skin. Focusing exclusively on professional hair removal and skin care, they offer the full range of waxing services for both men and women, on any part of the body, designed to leave you smooth and hair-free. Alexandria
RUNNER-UP: Positively Body Waxing
Manassas
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Best of NoVA: Fitness
With nationally ranked facilities, outdoor classes, and boutique studios specializing in Pilates, cycling, and pickleball, Northern Virginia has a plethora of options to help you get in shape.
Barre
WINNER: Pure Barre – Fairfax
Blending elements of yoga, Pilates, and ballet, classes are offered in four formats targeting strength and power, muscle definition, and cardio. There’s also a welcoming introductory session that introduces barre technique in an intimate, small-group environment. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Barre3
Alexandria
Boot Camp
WINNER: Hodges Fitness
Looking for transformation? At this boot camp, you can choose an area of focus: metabolic conditioning, strength training, or mindset training. Classes are coach-led and structured with built-in accountability, and a future location in Falls Church is planned. Lorton
RUNNER-UP: Burn Boot Camp – Ashburn
Ashburn
Climbing Studio
WINNER: Sportrock Climbing Centers
Whether you’re new to climbing or an old pro, Sportrock is ready for you. One of the founding rock climbing gyms in the U.S., Sportrock provides some of the tallest rock walls in the country. Learn about sport climbing and improve your skills with classes for all levels. Alexandria, Lorton, Sterling
RUNNER-UP: Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness
Manassas, Vienna
CrossFit Gym
WINNER: Vitality Fitness
You don’t need motivation, you just need a coach, a community, and a plan. Sign up for group training, kids’ strength classes, and CrossFit training. You can also find the latest fitness trend, Hyrox, which is billed as “the world’s most accessible and rewarding race.” Centreville
RUNNER-UP: CrossFit Reston
Reston
Cycling Studio
WINNER: CycleBar – Ashburn
There’s an energetic class for every rider here, from the 30-minute Xpress session to the high-energy Connect class. New to cycling? Start with the Foundation Ride. Call ahead to see if your cleats are compatible with the studio’s pedals, or rent some there. Complimentary water, snacks, and lockers are provided at the Ashburn cycling studio. Ashburn
RUNNER-UP: SoulCycle – Clarendon
Arlington
Outdoor Fitness Class
WINNER: INERGY Kelly’s Bootcamp
Now that the weather is warmer, ditch your sweats and get outside. Outdoor classes include the Outdoor Run/Walk Club, with intervals of running or walking and strength training, or Outdoor Bootcamp, with cardio conditioning, resistance training, and weights. Chantilly
RUNNER-UP: Body by Ginny
Arlington
Pickleball Court
WINNER: The Pickleball Club of Tysons
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran competing regularly, six climate-controlled indoor courts hosting open play, lessons and clinics, tournaments, and private events are calling your name. The club has easy online court reservations and is open seven days a week. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Pickleballerz
Chantilly
Pilates Studio
WINNER: Club Pilates – Burke
Don’t let the equipment intimidate you — all are welcome to try the low-impact, full-body workouts offered at Club Pilates. A free 30-minute introductory class is available to learn the basics and familiarize yourself with the specialized studio equipment. Burke
RUNNER-UP: BE2 Pilates – Fairfax
Fairfax
Yoga Studio
WINNER: YogaSix – Burke
YogaSix offers six signature classes: Y6 101, Y6 Restore, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Signature (Hot and Warm), Y6 Power Flow, and Y6 Sculpt & Flow. Each class focuses on specific body benefits, including strength, agility, flexibility, and balance. Burke
RUNNER-UP: Beyond Hot Yoga – Centreville
Centreville
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Feature image courtesy Level99
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
