Pumpkin season is here, and the gourds aren’t just for carving or to spice up your latte. All sorts of sweet and savory dishes can be made with pumpkin, and right now it’s the star of many fall menus around NoVA. You can eat and drink pumpkin from morning to late night; for those who want to do just that — or just want to find the best version of their favorite pumpkin preparation — here are some NoVA area restaurants serving pumpkin dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Try them over the course of the season or all in one day for a perfect pumpkin-themed day.
Breakfast
Susie’s Scones’ Pumpkin Scones
Head to this scone shop in Haymarket or find the treats at the Haymarket or Warrenton farmers markets on select weekends to taste the pumpkin spice white chocolate scone. Made from scratch in-house, this sweet treat will put a skip in your step for the rest of the day. 15704 Foleys Mill Pl., Haymarket
Call Your Mother’s Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese
This “Jew-ish deli” now has three Virginia locations, so you won’t have to go too far for its creamy pumpkin pie cream cheese. The shop is very generous with its schmears, so the pumpkin will shine through on any bagel you choose. 6232 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean; 1300 King St., Alexandria; 205 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Lunch
Panjshir’s Kadu Chalow
For a hearty dish on a cool fall day, devour a plate of Panjshir’s kadu chalow. Hunks of pumpkin are cooked in a cumin- and coriander-infused tomato sauce, then drizzled with a cool minty yogurt dressing. Served with a side of spinach rice, the dish presents a delightful contrast between the warmly spiced pumpkin and the cool, tangy yogurt in this homestyle dish. 6357 Rolling Rd., Springfield
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar’s Spiced Pumpkin Bisque
Want to try a pumpkin dish with a southern twist? Indulge in cup or bowl of Tupelo Honey’s spiced pumpkin bisque. Topped with a spoonful of sour cream, a sprinkling of chopped chives, and kernels of popped sorghum, this velvety soup has just the right balance of savory and sweet. 1616 N. Troy St., Arlington
Dinner
All Rice Thai’s Pumpkin Curry
Pumpkin curry is a popular Thai dish, and the one at All Rice Thai is especially intoxicating. Heady, spicy green curry is laden with braised pumpkin and veggies like snap peas and bell peppers. This fall dish is almost guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. 7001 L Manchester Blvd., Alexandria
Circa’s Pumpkin Ravioli
This list would not be complete without a pumpkin ravioli. Soaked in a silky brown butter sauce, adorned with fried sage, and sprinkled with parmesan, you may find yourself coming back to Circa more than once to eat this divine dish. 3010 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 1625 Silver Hill Dr., Tysons
Dessert and Drinks
Vermillion’s Pumpkin Pie Sundae
Your dreams have come true: there is a pumpkin pie sundae. Scoops of creamy pumpkin ice cream are capped with crushed pie crust, sweet bourbon-soaked raisins, crunchy toasted pecans, and a generous amount of rich caramel sauce and whipped cream. Nothing says autumn like this dessert. 1120 King St., Alexandra
Caboose Tavern’s Pump Up the Jam Cocktail
Still room for more pumpkin? Go for a night cap and order this autumnal cocktail at Caboose Tavern. The drink combines gin with pumpkin sauce, a squeeze of lemon, a simple syrup, and a dash of nutmeg. Served up in a martini glass, it’s the perfect end to a pumpkin-themed day. 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna
Feature image of Pump Up the Jam cocktail courtesy Caboose Tavern
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