Arlington holds many important accolades. It’s home to the Pentagon, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and importantly, countless adorable dogs in its parks. But what you really need to know about Arlington is that it’s best-known for being home to countless exceptional restaurants, from modern American spots serving exquisite tasting menus, to old-school Italian trattorias.
But that’s not all—you’ll also find a bar with a truly winning old fashioned, a date-ready sushi counter, plus Virginia’s best brunch and best burger on its streets.
Trade Roots, Fair Trade Gift Shop, Coffee House, & Wine Bar
$ | (571) 335-4274 | WEBSITE
We’ve heard there’s an ongoing debate among Arlington locals who think Trade Roots has the best coffee in the area, and ones who back the other spots all the way. We’re undecided which takes the number one spot for us, but once we tried their cappuccino in a proper mug, we understood why there were such loyal divides over this place. It’s a cozy, welcoming spot with visitors sipping a Turkish coffee, and friends sharing the last empanada whether it’s the weekend or a Tuesday afternoon.
Peking Pavilion
$ | (703) 237-6868 | WEBSITE
Peking Pavilion is a reliably welcoming, consistently delicious Chinese restaurant, which has been a local favorite for 25 years. You can count on it for excellent egg drop soup with the right consistency and a flavorful punch, being a place to bring family when one of them has a craving for those highly praised vegetarian dumplings, and for quiet meals with friends where plates of steaming sesame beef are shared and the sweet and sour chicken is highly recommended.
As for what’s good on the menu of Chinese classics, the clue is in the atmosphere of the restaurant. The service, described as impeccable and attentive, and the family-run warmth, from the recently added pictures of regulars to the shared parking that’s never a problem, are excellent.
SmoothieFRESH Bubble Tea
$ | (410) 381-0011 | WEBSITE
SmoothieFRESH Bubble Tea is the refreshing oasis we all need in our lives. This place will serve you some of the best boba in the whole of Arlington and a consistently tasty bubble tea to boot. The little, low-key bubble tea spot works for mates, dates, and just to satisfy that general urge we all sometimes get to sip a load of their winning flavors solo. With Velma’s super service, customers always feel welcome and cared for.
Once you try this kindness-meets-deliciousness situation, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
King Of Koshary
$$ | (571) 317-7925 | WEBSITE
Very close by to Arlington’s bustling corridors, King Of Koshary is a compact, warmly lit space that’s a treasure trove of authentic flavors, soft Egyptian music, steaming plates, and countless regulars tucked into cozy booths. Whether you opt for a generous platter of hummus and falafel or a bowl of the traditional koshary with lentil soup, the prices here tend to be very reasonable no matter which table you make your home for the evening.
It’s an excellent shout for a meal with someone whose full dietary preferences you don’t yet know, or as a last-minute option for those of us who genuinely thought that dinner plan was happening tomorrow.
Inca Social
$$ | (571) 312-7664 | WEBSITE
Inca Social is the essence of celebration. It’s there in the friendly staff, the ceviche platter already catching your eye when you walk in, and the change you can get from a twenty. Most of all, it’s from the exciting Peruvian dishes. A sampler of zesty ceviche and flaky empanadas with housemade sauces is an ideal shared starter, as is the creative special of the day. Or come on Thursday evening, like most Arlington regulars do, to enjoy the lively ladies’ night.
Make sure to ask Emilio for guidance because the festive spot—all warm lighting, and vibrant textiles—isn’t quiet.
Quincy Hall
$$ | (703) 686-5228 | WEBSITE
Quincy Hall is constantly buzzing, cheering, ordering, playing, and laughing. Mobile orders zipping to tables soundtrack the room, enormous pizzas float past like edible comfort blankets, and flame-topped S’Mores pies are constantly sliced and served. It’s a riot any day of the week (so make sure you arrive early), but no visit is quite as fun as a group gathering in the spacious main hall.
With some careful planning, you and your family or friends can find yourselves enjoying a sumptuous, quick-served feast of steak and cheese sandwiches, truffle fries, and espresso martinis.
TAQUERIA LA CEIBITA
$ | (703) 598-3452 | WEBSITE
This taqueria is a no-frills feast in a well-worn space. Yes, you could question Taqueria La Ceibita’s cleanliness level—there are more signs of wear than we could count on one hand and a lingering sense of neglect in the restrooms. Or you could embrace the straightforward service and hardworking woman behind the counter, and take it all perfectly seriously. While some of the food reads a bit average, like the run-of-the-mill traditional options, for the most part it’s satisfying.
But this isn’t where you come for a life-changing culinary revelation. This is where you come for a solid burrito and that must-try in-house salsa picante, with plans to sample the birria tacos next time.
La Bettola Italiano
$$ | (703) 271-0032 | WEBSITE
Sure, we regularly call ourselves HASHTAG BLESSED whenever we manage to enjoy a rich meal without feeling overly stuffed. But when it comes to this wonderful Italian restaurant in Arlington, you’re truly blessed if you live in the neighborhood. Whether you stop by for a plate of the perfect spaghetti carbonara or indulge in the heavenly tiramisu for dessert, we can guarantee you’ll leave with a meal you love.
Also, the chicken alfredo pasta with salmon is one of the best ways you can spend around thirty dollars in Virginia.
Thai Treasure Restaurant and Bar
$ | (571) 312-7795 | WEBSITE
Thai Treasure Restaurant and Bar is a vibrant gem in the local dining scene, offering a modern setting and exceptional service. The restaurant has a cozy vibe and provides a warm atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. The Crab Rangoon appetizer is a delightful start to a culinary journey, while the Lava Beef and Pad Kee Mao are bold and unforgettable dishes. The Panang Chicken Curry is a spicy, comforting delight that balances flavors perfectly.
Guests have enjoyed dishes such as the Thai Tea, Spring Rolls, and Pineapple Fried Rice with Tofu, all praised for their flavor and generous portions. The beverage menu is inventive and refreshing, featuring options like ginger honey tea and a smokey old fashion that includes a chili pepper. The ambiance is inviting, with big windows and a pleasant atmosphere, though it can get a bit noisy, especially during happy hour.
Service is attentive, with standout staff members like Fern and Milk being noted for their kindness and dedication. While delivery is available through UberEats and self-pickup via DoorDash, customers appreciate the comfortable seating and nice room. Notable menu items include Duck Kapow and Massaman Curry, though some customers have found the rice portions to be smaller. Overall, the restaurant offers great food, drinks, and thoughtful touches, making it a favorite spot worth returning to.
Highline RxR
$$ | (703) 413-2337 | WEBSITE
The best thing about being in Arlington is imagining you might spot a senator grabbing lunch. The second best thing is settling into Highline RxR, a cool independent spot with a feelgood atmosphere, craft beers, and vegan roasted veggie tacos that make us want to ghost bland takeout forever. Throughout the rest of the week, you’ll find quinoa and avocado salads, signature cocktails, and tarted-up versions of comfort classics.
Plus plenty of interactive games you can enjoy in their industrial-chic space, complete with soft lights and a low hum of chatter.
Mexican Gorditas
$ | (703) 861-5719 | WEBSITE
Mexican Gorditas is one of those places that makes every bite taste really, really authentic. Maybe it’s the 10/10 handmade gorditas, or maybe it’s the ever-welcoming weekend-only hours, but every dish here always tastes like it’s coming straight from a kitchen called ‘xxx_MexicoCityFlavor_xxx’. The flavors are bold, the corn flour is fresh, and the experience is genuine without teetering into touristy.
Outside of the food, this popular spot also has a friendly service situation and first-rate agua frescas.
&pizza – Ballston
$ | (571) 609-6657 | WEBSITE
One of Arlington’s most reliable pizza spots, &pizza in Ballston has been around for years. The flatbread-style pizzas are great, in particular the vegan options—a creative and satisfying combination of fresh toppings. Paired with their quick service, it’s a winning combination. This friendly and casual spot is perfect for a quick meal with family over a variety of toppings, though parking can be a bit challenging due to the reserved spots for Gold’s gym.
Pizzato Pizza
$ | (703) 312-0055 | WEBSITE
A cozy pizzeria tucked away in Arlington, Pizzato Pizza has been serving a truly epic butter chicken pizza that redefines what a pie can be, and delightfully spicy fajita with chicken tikka since it first opened. This spot specializes in halal-friendly fusion cooking and the warm, friendly servers, including the owner’s son, will guide you through the compact menu featuring standout dishes that mean ‘you absolutely should order this’.
First stop, the stromboli loaded with savory fillings, then on to the life-affirming butter chicken pizza that marries Indian flavors with classic pizza comfort.
WHINO
$$ | (571) 290-3958 | WEBSITE
Head up to the second floor of the mall any weekend evening and you’ll catch the sound of live music mixing with the clink of wine glasses as groups share plates of wagyu beef sliders and spiced fried chicken. WHINO feels like a vibrant art gallery with a bar, and is as much for a lively happy hour with colleagues as it is a casual dinner date. In both cases, the shareable dishes are consistently satisfying and the punches among the best in Arlington.
Starbucks
$ | (571) 205-7963 | WEBSITE
Arlington has no shortage of reliable coffee shops, but this Starbucks is one of our favourites. This bright, spacious location is a bit of a standout, with new brew machines that unlock all flavours on demand, and free coffee cake samples appearing like little surprises. But efficiency aside, the service is really great. Our go-to order is whatever seasonal special they’re pouring, paired with that friendly, attentive vibe from the baristas.
While the space is big enough to accommodate the inevitable crowds, the lots of windows and clean environment scream productivity. There’s a ‘convenient work spot’ energy to this place, where you’re just as likely to settle in with a laptop as you are to grab a quick coffee on the go.
East West Cafe
$ | (571) 800-3905 | WEBSITE
East West Cafe is another Arlington spot which serves a truly delightful Turkish breakfast. The Turkish breakfast platter is the go-to move, thanks to its generous portions and authentic flavors. Every morning, the two-parts cozy, one-part bustling cafe is filled with remote workers typing away on laptops, friends catching up over Turkish coffee, and at least three regulars you’ll see enjoying the sunshine at outdoor tables.
It’s got a proper neighborhood feel, and if you happen to be in the area during the rest of the day, it’s still worth stopping by for a coffee, a nibble on solid Turkish meze, and some prime people-watching from their spacious patio.
We, The Pizza
$ | (703) 415-7992 | WEBSITE
We, The Pizza is a proper neighborhood spot. The casual space, with its warm lighting and simple wooden tables, is a place for easy evenings with friends grabbing slices at the counter and families settling into the cozy booths, and a mix of office workers and locals chatting in the laid-back room. When dinnertime rolls around, get the pepperoni pizza with its crispy edges; a creamy white pizza with garlic and ricotta; and flavorful Greek pizza with feta and olives.
We’re also into the light, fluffy crust that holds up all those premium toppings.
Chelsea Market & Deli
$ | (703) 750-2448 | WEBSITE
Unsurprisingly, Chelsea Market & Deli serves some really amazing cheesesteak sandwiches. Perfectly toasted bread, tender, flavorful meat, all generously topped with melted cheese, this hefty sandwich arrives with a side of crispy fries. Know you can choose from their huge selection of snacks and drinks. Come with a group and take one of the outdoor tables along the courthouse plaza, or head in for a quick solo meal—we suggest a chicken salad sandwich while enjoying the super clean interior.
Just make sure you get the Chelsea sandwich too.
Taco Bamba Ballston
$ | (571) 777-1477 | WEBSITE
Taco Bamba Ballston is, no surprise, a taco joint. On a bustling Arlington corner, this spot is an ideal Virginia weeknight hangout. While the limited seating and street parking can feel like a bit of a scramble, it’s a fantastic place for a round of margaritas, some vibrant energy, and a lot of tacos. The taco selection is especially stellar, and sharing a basket of chips and guac to start is highly recommended.
