Wine Spectator has released its 2026 Restaurant Awards, and several spots across Northern Virginia have earned honors. The annual program celebrates top destinations for wine and hospitality.
This year’s awards recognize 4,012 global dining destinations. “The restaurant industry is rapidly transforming as diners become more selective about when, how and what they drink. As wine drinkers grow more mindful, restaurants are adapting with creative wine programs,” Marvin R. Shanken, chairman and CEO of Wine Spectator said in a release.
The Inn at Little Washington was once again on the list. It’s the only Virginia restaurant to have received the Grand Award, Wine Spectator’s top honor, which was bestowed in 1995.
“About 70 miles from Washington, D.C., the Inn is a destination for great food and wine, thanks to chef and owner Patrick O’Connell,” Wine Spectator wrote. “The team is constantly seeking cutting-edge wines from up-and-coming producers to enhance the 2,200-label list.”
NoVA-Area 2026 Restaurant Award Winners
Other NoVA-area restaurants awarded for their wine programs include:
- The Ashby Inn & Restaurant in Paris
- Barcelona Wine Bar in Reston
- The Capital Grille in Fairfax and McLean
- Fahrenheit 132 in Fredericksburg
- Grayson’s at Goodstone in Middleburg
- Harrimans Grill in Middleburg
- Pazzo Pomodoro in Vienna
- Carmello’s in Manassas
- Chima Steakhouse in Tysons
- Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Reston
- Echelon Wine Bar in Leesburg
- Eddie Merlot’s in Ashburn
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood in McLean
- Landini Brothers in Alexandria
- Lightfoot Restaurant in Leesburg
- Morton’s in Arlington and Reston
- Oak Steakhouse in Alexandria
- The Palm Tysons Corner in McLean
- The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg
- Seasons 52 in McLean
- Tashi in McLean
- Trio Grill in Falls Church
- Tuscarora Mill in Leesburg
- Vinicola Wine Bar & Bottle Shop in Front Royal
Feature image, Olga/stock.adobe.com
