Throughout Northern Virginia, decadent baked goods, juicy burgers and steaks, and restaurants with fantastic views await. For even more reader favorites, check out our full list of 2025 Best of NoVA winners.
Bagels
WINNER: Call Your Mother Deli
Stop in to this colorful shop to get a variety of bagels and schmears, generously sized sandwiches, and (in some locations) freshly roasted coffee. Co-founders Andrew Dana and James Beard–nominated chef Daniela Moreira started the “Jew-ish” deli in 2018 and now have close to 20 locations in the DMV and Colorado. Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Reston, Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Chewish Deli
Alexandria
Bakery/Pâtisserie
WINNER: Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
Owners Carla and Wolfgang Büchler have been making connections with generations of area families in the 50 years their Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe has been baking for their special occasions. Today, Büchlers’ children work alongside them at the German bakery making goodies that include cakes, cookies, and breads. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: Chateau de Chantilly
Chantilly
BBQ
WINNER: Hammerdown Barbeque
Make sure you get to this BBQ joint, started by Marine veteran Ken Soohoo and his brother Bing, before it sells out for the day. Choose from a wide array of meats, including sliced brisket and chopped pork, to pile on a locally made brioche roll. Aldie
RUNNER-UP: Smokecraft Modern Barbecue
Arlington
Breakfast Diner
WINNER: Bob & Edith’s Diner
Grab a stool at the counter and start your day with a classic breakfast at one of eight Bob & Edith’s NoVA locations. The 24-hour diner has been around for 55 years and offers eggs with a variety of sides, omelets, griddle greats, and Southern comfort food like biscuits and gravy. Alexandria (three locations), Arlington (three locations), Manassas, Springfield
RUNNER-UP: Chloez Café
Fairfax Station
Brunch
WINNER: Chloez Café
Enjoy brightly painted walls and a tropical flower in your latte at this beach-themed spot. Try the waffles or pancakes with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a hearty omelet with a side of home fries, beignets with dipping sauces, or a breakfast sandwich. And don’t skip out on the fresh smoothies. Fairfax Station
RUNNER-UP: Palette 22
Arlington
Burger
WINNER: Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers
Bite into a huge, juicy burger made from hand-trimmed, aged Angus beef that’s ground in-house daily. There are about 20 burgers on the menu, including a create-your-own option, so you’re sure to find one to cure your burger craving. You can return every month to try a new creative burger of the month — and the shake of the month to go with it. Leesburg
RUNNER-UP: Social Burger
Vienna
Butcher
WINNER: Oliver’s Corner Butcher Shop
Stop by this shop to create your next artisan cheese and charcuterie board. You’ll find gourmet sausages made in-house as well as beef, pork, poultry, wild game, seafood, and more. The store chooses much of its inventory from local, small, independent farms that put an emphasis on sustainability, and the butchers here can give customers advice on cuts of meat and cooking techniques. Great Falls
RUNNER-UP: The Whole Ox
Marshall
Cheesesteak
WINNER: Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
If you’re looking for a tasty Philly-style cheesesteak, our readers love them at this Herndon pub, where the fresh Amoroso rolls are shipped right from the City of Brotherly Love. For the gooey topping, choose from Cheese Whiz, provolone, or American cheese — each a favorite in different parts of Philadelphia. Herndon
RUNNER-UP: Big Tony’s Pizza
Arlington
Chinese
WINNER: Mama Chang
This Fairfax spot is No. 9 on our 50 Best Restaurants list, selected by our food critics — and readers love it, too. The homestyle Chinese cooking here celebrates the women in chef Peter Chang’s life. Try the hand-pulled noodles with beef brisket, share the Peking duck, or sample the scallion bubble pancake. Fairfax
RUNNER-UP: Peter Chang
Arlington, Fredericksburg, Herndon, McLean
Crabs
WINNER: Quarterdeck
Get your Chesapeake Bay and Louisiana blue crabs year-round at this busy spot with a vintage vibe. The shells are flavored with layers of J.O. crab seasoning and served with drawn butter and vinegar. If you prefer, you can also get your crab fix in the form of crab balls, crab soup, or crabcakes. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: Captain Pells Fairfax Crabhouse
Fairfax
Deli/Sandwich Shop
WINNER: The Italian Store
You can’t go wrong with a sub from one of The Italian Store’s Arlington locations, like The Milano, made with two kinds of Italian ham, provolone, and Genoa salami; or The Roma, with prosciutto, mortadella, Genoa salami, and provolone. Plus, you can stock up on some Italian specialties while you’re there. Arlington (two locations)
RUNNER-UP: Union Sandwich Co.
Alexandria
Doughnut Shop
WINNER: Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
Bet you can’t stop at just one doughnut at Good Company — and you’re not alone. There are always seasonal treats to be had, and you can grab a honey dip, a cinnamon sugar, or a doughnut topped with chocolate, coconut, maple bacon, or plenty of other choices. (There are lots of other pastry options, too.) Arlington (three locations)
RUNNER-UP: Just Fine Donuts
Alexandria
Farmers Market
WINNER: Falls Church Farmers Market
On Saturday mornings throughout the year, you can browse the goods from up to 50 different vendors with seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, and flowers. The market sets up shop in the Falls Church City Hall parking lot and often includes musical acts to add some tunes to your shopping. Falls Church
RUNNER-UP: Reston Farmers Market
Reston
Farm-to-Table Restaurant
WINNER: The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm
This restaurant brings the farm-to-table concept to life with ingredients right from its Lovettsville property. The tasting menu changes with what’s fresh on the working farm to include produce picked that day by the farmer. Bites of watermelon, tomatoes, or sweet corn may explode in your mouth, depending on when you visit. Lovettsville
RUNNER-UP: Local Provisions
Sterling
French
WINNER: L’Auberge Chez François
Be transported to Alsace at this Great Falls institution situated on 6 acres. It’s been in this fairy-tale location for nearly 50 years, since chef Jacques Haeringer’s father relocated it from DC. The traditional French restaurant’s menu includes Chateaubriand de L’Auberge for two, Papa’s Bouillabaisse, and the legendary hot soufflés for dessert. Great Falls
RUNNER-UP: Café Colline
Arlington
Fried Chicken Sandwich
WINNER: Wooboi Chicken
Dial up the heat as high as you can stand it on The Sando (fried chicken topped with coleslaw) or chicken tenders served with the popular Comeback Sauce at Wooboi. The heat ranges from mild to the blindingly spicy Code Blue. Make sure you order some waffle fries to pair with your chicken. Alexandria, Fairfax, Herndon
RUNNER-UP: Ghosted Concepts
Haymarket
Indian
WINNER: Celebration by Rupa Vira
At this creative modern Indian restaurant, don’t miss chef Rupa Vira’s Calamari 65, chipotle gosht, and the Celebration Special — a dessert with a creamy makhan malai served with dry ice and topped with rose petals and edible gold. You’ll eat it all under a dreamy purple glow in the dining room. Ashburn
RUNNER-UP: Bansari Indian Cuisine
Vienna
Italian
WINNER: Carbonara
Chef and restaurateur Mike Cordero opened this old-school Italian restaurant on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington in March 2024. It’s quickly become a favorite — especially the delicious pasta prepared tableside in a Parmesan cheese wheel as Rat Pack classics play over the speakers. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: Trattoria Villagio
Clifton
Korean
WINNER: Ingle Korean Steakhouse
Several Korean steakhouses have opened in NoVA recently, but Ingle is still our readers’ favorite. That might be because of the top-notch wagyu beef in to-die-for cuts like the marinated zabuton, which our food critic calls “meat candy.” The mouthwatering prix fixe meal is a sure bet. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Honest Grill
Centreville
Modern American
WINNER: 2941 Restaurant
One of our top restaurants, 2941 is a surprise tucked away in an office park in Falls Church. It has grand windows that look out over a beautiful view and a packed koi pond. But the atmosphere is only the beginning. The real winner is the food, the work of chef Bertrand Chemel, who creates contemporary American cuisine with French and Mediterranean accents. Falls Church
RUNNER-UP: Red’s Table
Reston
New Restaurant
WINNER: Evelyn Rose
This eatery is new, but it’s like an old friend: It comes from two Clarity alumni. Chef Nick Palermo and co-owner Sam Schnoebelen opened Evelyn Rose last year on Vienna’s Church Street, in the space long occupied by Bazin’s on Church. It’s named for their grandmothers and has made a name for itself with its friendly, welcoming vibe and scrumptious housemade pasta. Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Carbonara
Arlington
Outdoor Dining
WINNER: Barca Pier & Wine Bar
Barca is located right on the Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria with a focus on outdoor dining so you can take in the fresh air. Make a reservation for weekend brunch or stop in for the wine bar happy hour. Enjoy sangria or a menu of Spanish wines while you sample a wide variety of Spanish-Mediterranean tapas. Alexandria
RUNNER-UP: Trattoria Villagio
Clifton
Oyster Bar
WINNER: King Street Oyster Bar
Order your fresh oysters at the Middleburg or Leesburg locations, where you can choose from more than 10 varieties, which may include War Shore from Chesapeake Bay, Sweet Jesus from Maryland, or Riptide from Massachusetts. Oysters from the East Coast arrive at King Street Oyster Bar within 24 hours of being out of the water. Leesburg, Middleburg
RUNNER-UP: Hank’s Oyster Bar
Alexandria
Peruvian Chicken
WINNER: El Pollo Rico
Get charcoal-broiled chicken that’s perfectly spiced with skin that’s “reliably crunchy” at this Arlington mainstay with locations in Fairfax and Woodbridge. The Wilson Boulevard location was opened in 1988 by Victor and Nelida Solano, who were inspired by the street vendors in their native Peru. Options for sides include fried plantains and fried yuca. Arlington, Fairfax, Woodbridge
RUNNER-UP: Crisp & Juicy
Arlington, Falls Church
Pie
WINNER: Acme Pie Co.
Pies are made daily in small batches at Acme, which recently moved to a new location on Columbia Pike in Arlington. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always count on a crisp and flaky Southern-style crust and 12 to 15 fruit pies, along with some savory options, to choose from. Take a seat at the counter and sip a cup of coffee with your pie. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: Mom’s Apple Pie Company
Leesburg, Occoquan (The Golden Plum), Round Hill
Ramen
WINNER: Umai Ramen & Rice Bowl
The popular Herndon location now has a larger sister restaurant in Tysons. Umai offers popular Japanese dishes that its Thai chefs, Preeyaporn Aroonchokthawon and Sirinda Liwlompaisan, infuse with Southeast Asian flavors like coconut milk and lemongrass. The Umai Curry Ramen has a coconut-based broth that’s topped with fried noodles, Aroonchokthawon’s take on her native khao soi. Herndon, Tysons
RUNNER-UP: Jinya Ramen Bar
Arlington, Fairfax, Reston
Restaurant with a View
WINNER: The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm
You’ll arrive on a steep and winding driveway to reach this special spot (No. 1 in our 50 Best Restaurants), situated on a hilltop overlooking the Potomac River in rural Lovettsville. Take in the view while you eat your meal in the indoor conservatory, outdoors under a tent, or in the picturesque gazebo. Lovettsville
RUNNER-UP: The Ashby Inn & Restaurant
Paris
Steak
WINNER: D.C. Prime
Executive chef Brad Weideman, who previously served as an executive chef for The Capital Grille, ensures you’ll find sumptuous steaks at this 10-year-old steakhouse. Diners can choose from filet mignon, New York strip, rib-eye, and porterhouse. D.C. Prime is also known for its award-winning wine list to pair with your meal. Ashburn
RUNNER-UP: Guerra Steakhouse
Arlington
Sushi
WINNER: Yume Sushi
Be sure to dine at the counter, where you can watch the artful preparation by the chef — and get a good look at the graffiti mural. The kitchen is led by chef Saran Kannasute, who was born in Thailand and honed his skills in his family’s small restaurant. He’s been an executive chef at different sushi restaurants since 2002. Arlington
RUNNER-UP: Modan
McLean
Thai
WINNER: Sense of Thai
Get your Thai favorites at this stylish restaurant in One Loudoun and Chantilly. Order chef Porntipa Pattanamekar’s street fried rice packed with sausage and the som tum, a crunchy papaya salad. The menu includes dishes from the Chumphon province in Southern Thailand to northern specialties, all with bold flavors and friendly service. Ashburn, Chantilly
RUNNER-UP: Sisters Thai
Alexandria, Fairfax (two locations), Tysons
Vietnamese
WINNER: Rice Paper
The Eden Center is a destination for Vietnamese cuisine, and Rice Paper is a top contender for your dinner plans. Try the authentic hot pot with chicken, seafood, rice, and vegetables or go for a North Vietnamese specialty, grilled fish with dill. Simple salads bring big taste here, too. Falls Church
RUNNER-UP: Nue: Elegantly Vietnamese
Falls Church
Wings
WINNER: Chi Mc Chicken & Beer
The name of this spot means chicken and beer in Korean, and that’s exactly what you’ll get. The crispy, juicy fried chicken wings are topped with your choice of soy-garlic or hot sauces — or a combination of the two. While you’re there, taste some of the other Korean menu items like bulgogi, japche, or tteokbokki. Alexandria, Burke, Centreville, Sterling, Vienna
RUNNER-UP: Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
Herndon
Feature image of Quarterdeck by Rey Lopez
NoVA Wars Winners
So far this year, we’ve held NoVA Wars competitions for the best pizza and taco. Our readers have voted in these winners.
Pizza
The Don’s Wood-Fired Pizza
This family-owned Sterling business has been serving tasty Neapolitan and New York–style pizzas since 2005. Try the highly recommended original cheese pie or Margherita pizza. The menu also features calzones, strombolis, salads, and oven-baked sandwiches. Sterling
Taco
Don Sebas Taqueria
Find authentic Mexican tacos and fresh ingredients at this Woodbridge taqueria. Taco lovers can indulge in steak, chicken, pork, and vegetarian options — all served in housemade corn tortillas. Still hungry? Try the restaurant’s enchiladas, fajitas, norteñas, or an accompaniment of sides. Woodbridge
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
