The weather is crisp and days are shorter. Your appetite no doubt will welcome these new NoVA restaurants for dynamic dining and compelling cuisine.
Arlington
Padaek Arlington Ridge
Family-owned Padaek showcases Lao and regional Thai cuisine. This second location brings generations-old family recipes of noodles, rice, curry, soup, and signature dishes. Fan favorites like spring rolls, satay, and drunken noodles round out the menu. 2931 S. Glebe Rd., Arlington
Ryu Izakaya
Ryu Izakaya offers traditional Japanese small dishes, tapas-style small plates, sushi, and fusion food. Dine on a classic meal set or ramen bowl, along with an outstanding sake selection from the full service bar. 3030 Columbia Pk. Arlington
Tiger Dumplings
Housemade dumplings are the name of the game here, with a vast variety of options for fans. Try cod, wagyu beef, spicy pork, or shrimp celery dumplings at this Clarendon spot. Diners also dig in for inventive appetizers, soups, noodles and rice. 3225 Washington Blvd., Arlington
Ashburn
Rai’s Rendezvous
Guests at Rai’s can share small plates, with offerings like lobster deviled eggs, shrimp ceviche, and grilled lamb chops. Or, try large plates with curated dishes like short rib pappardelle, PEI mussels, or fried chicken and fawaffle. 44042 Pipeline Plz., Ashburn
Centreville
Seo Chon
Fans of Korean cuisine may want to sample from the bonanza of offerings of traditional dishes. Try popular menu items, including Korean-style pancakes, spicy kimchi stew with braised back rib, or vegetable wraps with braised pork belly and garlic sauce. 14215 Centreville Sq., Ste. S, Centreville
Falls Church
The Falls
The Falls is the name of Liberty Barbecue reimagined. The new menu is more sophisticated, with a seasonal, artisanal approach to mid-Atlantic cooking, with a focus on seasonal vegetables and housemade baked goods. Dine on fresh approaches to swordfish, hanger steak, crab cakes, or burgers. 370 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Godfrey’s Bakery & Café
Godfrey’s baked goods look mouthwatering. Godfrey’s uses old-world, artisanal techniques and farm-fresh ingredients to create wholesome and flavorful fare. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this cozy spot, complete with a diverse menu — tempting sandwiches, quiche, salads, and pizza. 421 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Fairfax
Amore 99
Get your fix of traditional Taiwanese cuisine, street food, bubble tea, and shaved ice at this no-frills Fairfax spot. Order dishes like fried chicken leg, eel rice, squid thick soup, and stewed pork rice. 10780 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Commonwealth Brewing Company
Commonwealth Brewing Company’s newest taproom and restaurant offers its innovative beers, seltzers, and limited releases while feeding hungry guests. Order up a wood-fired pizza, burger, salad, or freshly made sandwich to wash it all down. 10426 Main St., Fairfax
Kreole
Kreole introduces Southern comfort food infused with spicy Asian cuisine. Dive into lobster, crab, crawfish, and shrimp, and customize the meal with its signature sauces (garlic butter, spicy Korean, Cajun) for a personalized experience. 2985 District Ave., Ste. 115, Fairfax
Gainesville
The Culture Cup
Drink coffee and gain perspective. The Culture Cup coffee shop honors the history of Prince William County’s African American communities. The menu features drinks inspired by Black pioneers, like literary figure Toni Morrison’s Maple Morrison; a cinnamon and maple-infused latte that memorializes the late author’s Song of Solomon novel. 8002 Crescent Park Dr., Gainesville
Herndon
Uncle Jalapeno
Stop by this Tex Mex eatery sizzling fajitas, tacos, chalupas, burritos, tostadas, and more. Enjoy lunch, dinner or happy hour with authentic guacamole and margaritas. 13005 Worldgate Dr., Herndon
Oakton
Taco Rock
Street taco connoisseurs jive at this rock ’n’ roll restaurant with blue corn tortillas. Embrace classic tacos like carne asada, pollo, or el pastor, or step out of your comfort zone with macha shrimp, fried avocado, or blackened salmon. 2930 Chain Bridge Rd., Ste. 102, Oakton
Warrenton
Alias
Alias offers a curated tasting menu experience accompanied by an optional wine pairing, imitation pairing, or custom cocktail. Savor this intimate and upscale dining experience with that special someone, sampling plates with bison, short rib, chicken, and pasta. 7150 Farm Station Rd., Warrenton
Feature image courtesy Kreole
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