Best Of NoVA 2020: Food

Al Fresco Dining

Hunter’s Head Tavern

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

Kalypso’s Sports Tavern

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

Bob & Edith’s Diner

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

First Watch

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

Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant

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

Meaza

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

Founding Farmers

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

The Organic Butcher of McLean

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

Arrowine

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

Cheesetique

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

Falls Church

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

Old Town Alexandria

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

Ciao Osteria

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

Trattoria Villagio

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

Amoo’s

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

Moby Dick House of Kabob

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

Chopt

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

Sweetgreen

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

Barcelona Wine Bar

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

Jaleo

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

Sunflower Vegetarian

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

True Food Kitchen

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