Pistachio is having a big moment. As restaurants and cafes incorporate it into everything from chocolate bars to cocktails, the flavor has had a surge in popularity this summer. We’re not complaining. The nut brings a subtle sweetness and earthiness that complements other flavors well — not to mention, the bright green hue is always fun to look at. If you want to get a taste of the popular flavor, head to one of these five NoVA eateries to find pistachio treats.
Dubai Chocolate Bar at Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee
You may recognize this trendy confection from your social media feeds. The Dubai chocolate bar is filled with a mixture of vibrant, sweet pistachio cream and crunchy bits of phyllo pastry, for a rich, luxurious treat. You don’t want to miss out on the lokma at Lily’s, either — it’s an Iraqi dessert of fried dough balls and sweet toppings. Try the pistachio version. It comes filled with milk chocolate cream and covered in pistachio sauce and pieces of nuts. 175 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; 631 King St., Alexandria
Pistachio Espresso Martini at Láylí
Diners at Láylí, the new Mediterranean spot that opened this summer in Clarendon, will find pistachio incorporated into the menu where they may not have expected: the cocktail list. Pistachio is mixed with espresso and vodka for a nutty take on the classic espresso martini. 3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Pistachio Latte at Shotted Specialty Coffee
Forget hazelnut: The new must-have coffee flavor is pistachio. Try a latte with pistachio syrup at Shotted in Tysons for a sweet caffeine fix. The drink is available hot or iced. Pair it with a pastry like a babosa, a coconut milk cake topped with pistachio cream. Tysons Galleria: 2001 International Dr., Tysons; Tysons Corner Center: 860 Tysons Corner, Tysons
Pistachio Cannoli at Bisnonna Bakeshop
This Arlington bakery makes and fries all its cannoli shells in-house, and the tasty Italian treats come in plenty of fun flavors beyond just the classic ricotta filling. The pistachio version has a thin, crispy shell, and the ricotta center is combined with Sicilian pistachio butter. To finish, it’s dipped in white chocolate and rolled in real chopped nuts. The shells and filling are packaged separately so you can fill it at home and the shell won’t get soggy. Pre-order only. 10782-D Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Pistachio Ice Cream at Jake’s Ice Cream
Pistachio ice cream is a timeless dessert. Jake’s Ice Cream, a Vienna neighborhood staple, offers a version that packs a flavorful punch. The ice cream base is infused with ground honey-roasted pistachios for a strong, nutty flavor throughout, then chopped nuts are mixed in for an added crunch. 6353 Columbia Pk., Vienna
Feature image of pistachio lokma courtesy Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee
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