What was your favorite meal of the year? Was it a showstopper with gueridon service or a healthy bowl at a fast-casual spot that simply hit all the right spots at the right time? From salad to my favorite new dessert of 2024, I charted out my ideal meal to end the year. Here are the 10 best dishes of 2024.
Entries are listed in order of when I would consume them, starting with breakfast and ending in dessert, not in order of preference.
Turkish Breakfast at Moda Café & Bakery
Need to start your day by digging into eggs scrambled with spiced sujuk sausage? It’s only $11 at this gorgeous Chantilly bakery. But there’s nothing wrong with a little excess. Bring your favorite person and split the $58 full Turkish breakfast, which includes your choice of eggs and all the dips your heart could desire, along with cheese, olives, and so much more. 14513 Route 50, Ste. J, Chantilly
Mixed Green Salad at Modan
I can hardly think of a more boring dish than a mixed green salad. At least anywhere but Modan, Tysons’ new purveyor of dry-aged fish. But trust chef Chico Dator to make magic with even the most simplistic-sounding ingredients. His salad explodes with truffled sesame flavor that combines harmoniously with crispy shiitakes for a healthy-ish starter that’s sure to create a habit. 1788 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Roti Canai with Dhal at Southeast Impression
My husband often says that one of the best ways I changed his life was introducing him to roti canai. The flaky Malaysian flatbread, something like if naan and a croissant procreated, could make anyone’s existence a little brighter. The best one in NoVA is at this eye-appealing Fairfax restaurant. Get it with the compellingly spiced lentil stew and try not to finish every bite. 9530 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Whole Milk Ricotta Cavatelli at Evelyn Rose
In a region where Italian food is a strong suit, the best Bolognese I’ve sampled is at Vienna’s newest modern American restaurant. Featuring a mix of braised brisket and pork shoulder that melt into their tomato-based sauce, it doesn’t hurt that there are meatballs to sweeten the deal. All this is poured over toothsome pasta that’s finished with 24-month-old Parmesan. 111 Church St. NW, Vienna
Bun Cha Hanoi at Chay
Have a vegan friend who deserves a gift this year? They already got one, in the form of this meatless Falls Church restaurant. The dish that I find myself ordering over and over is this customizable platter of purple-hued brown rice vermicelli with crispy yuba and meat-free patties, tangy sauce, and more fresh vegetables than even the healthiest eater can handle in a single meal. 6351 Columbia Pk., Ste. 201, Falls Church
Chicken Parmigiana Alla Vodka at Carbonara
Can you amplify food just as you would a guitar? Chef-owner Mike Cordero proves that you can with one of the signature dishes at his Arlington hot spot. With a fun, table-side presentation and a creamy, cheesy finish, this take on chicken parmigiana will cure any doubts that a classic plate can go electric. 3865 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Braised Spicy Pork Ribs with Cheese at JMT Kitchen + Bar
Annandale is a destination for Korean barbecue, bubbling bowls of tofu soup, and yummy fusion desserts. Until now, I wouldn’t go out of my way to head there for a sports bar. But chef Mark Chang changed the game the moment I heard of blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce over tender ribs and stretchy cheese. The reality is even more memorable than the description. 4316 Markham St., Annandale
Fajitas de Res con Todo at Ometeo
If I could pick only one dish to call the best this year, it would be this full-on assault of Tex-Mex perfection in Tysons. For folks like me for whom mere marinated skirt steak, smoky from the grill, isn’t enough, there’s this fajita combo, which also includes New York strip and melting bone-in short rib. Watching your corn and flour tortillas being made in front of you only adds to the appeal of the charred vegetables and crisped cheese. 1640 Capital One Dr., Tysons
Heirloom Burger at Heirloom
Reston’s $32 burger may be pricy, but it’s an experience that should be on every NoVA resident’s bingo card. Between layers of egg-washed brioche, diners find a thick wagyu patty from Ovoka Farm. The luxury continues with white truffle aioli, roasted mushrooms, crispy onions, and melted Gruyère. You won’t miss the fries when you try the accompanying herbaceous potato pavé. 1871 Fountain Dr., Ste. 300, Reston
Chocolate Lava Cake Service at Surreal
Though I wasn’t completely won over by this new Arlington restaurant’s mains, its desserts were among my favorites this year, with the Chocolate Lava Cake Service the easy top dog. Not only is the cake itself as good as it gets, it’s served beneath a table-side pour of salty dulce de leche, with a giant swirl of housemade vanilla soft serve. 2117 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Feature image of Ometeo by Shannon Ayres
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