You could say it’s the perfect food. Parmigiana upends the food pyramid in one dish centered around crispy fried goodness topped with blistered cheese. It’s our critic’s favorite comfort food — just right for emotional eating during both highs and lows. Here are some of her favorite specimens, from high-end to hole-in-the-wall.
Giovanni’s NY Pizza
The platonic ideal of a New York pizzeria Parm lives at this humble strip-mall purveyor. Get it made with chicken, eggplant, veal, or shrimp. Whatever you choose, a thick layer of browned cheese will cover both your fried favorite and some of your choice of pasta. We like the extra-thin pounded chicken the best. 520 E. Market St., Leesburg
Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano
Since 1982, this neighborhood spot, formerly known as Joe’s Pizza & Subs, has dished out Southern Italian classics. The best part? You don’t have to decide on just one Parm here. Combo plates combine the cheesy powers of eggplant and protein. Giuseppe’s Southern Italian includes veal Parmigiana and fresh fettuccine, while Giuseppe’s Sicilian has chicken and baked ziti. 15120 Washington St., Haymarket
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
The homespun fare served at the end of historic King Street belies the fact that this spot is part of Alexandria Restaurant Partners, the company behind Ada’s on the River and Barca, among many others. The oversized portion of chicken or eggplant here is served alongside rigatoni pomodoro with Calabrian chiles for a punch of heat. 100 King St., Alexandria
Pistone’s Italian Inn
The old-school interior is as much a part of the appeal as the eggplant Parmigiana at this quirky establishment. A time capsule to its 1974 debut, you’ll even still find a phone booth inside. And dinner? The sylph-like eggplant is layered high and served with a tangle of saucy spaghetti. 6320 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Ristorante Bonaroti
You could go more upscale with dishes like truffled Spaghetti Chris Cooley, but we understand that a yen for Parm can strike even when the tablecloths are white, not checkered. You’ll still feel fancy ordering chicken, veal, or eggplant under a blanket of mozzarella. 428 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Surreal
The veal Parmigiana here is as unusual as the name implies. In fact, the dish is actually identified on the menu as Veal MacParm. That’s because broiled mozzarella is replaced by a hearty helping of mac-and-cheese on top of an equally outsized breaded veal sirloin. Expect leftovers. 2117 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Trattoria Villagio
It’s double trouble when you can order Parmigiana for an appetizer or an entrée. The flash-fried eggplant can start your meal right, but if you want a side of pasta, get the chicken, which comes with a side of tomato-coated pasta. Either way, this consistent member of our 50 best restaurants list allows you to enjoy your comfort food in style. 7145 Main St., Clifton
Feature image of Giovanni’s NY Pizza by Alice Levitt
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