Arlington is a city in Virginia that is full of fun and exciting attractions, from fascinating museums to interactive aquariums and terrariums.
This is also home to global cuisine, where you can try a bit of every dish from any corner of the world without breaking the bank!
This town has tons of dining options that showcase many cuisines that foodies are sure to enjoy sampling.
Dive into some of the best restaurants in Arlington VA you gotta eat at!
1. SER Restaurant
Serving authentic cuisine from Spain in a casual and friendly setting, SER Restaurant is going to take you on a gastronomical journey and cultural adventure throughout every region of Spain. Once enter, you’ll be seduced by the vivid color palette – hues of butterscotch, coral, and turquoise – which evokes the vibrancy of Spanish seaside towns.
Start it right with Octopus Á La Gallega. It comes with thinly sliced, ultra-tender coins of tentacles, served with tiny, boiled potatoes, and garnished with some olive oil and smoked paprika, which packs a nice kick.
The perfect Al Dente Tagliatelle mingled with shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid in a rosemary-flecked tomato and garlic sauce; and the tender mussels steamed in a hearty tomato sauce made with capers, onions, and Albariño wine are sure to please your taste buds!
What to order: Octopus Á La Gallega, Al Dente Tagliatelle, Chipirones a la Plancha
Address: 1110 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
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2. Ruthie’s All-Day
Located at the corner of Glebe Road and 5th Street South, Ruthie’s All-Day offers you satifying coffee, lunch, brunch, and dinner service with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. Pay a visit and get pulled by their upbeat ambiance!
Literally, you can find any of your favorite dishes here, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Mr. W’s Biscuit is one of the best bets at breakfast – this sausage and scrambled egg biscuit has the option to top it with cheddar or goat cheese.
For lunch, you can pick the messy juicy Rad Burger with some finger-licking good smoked spare ribs.
For dinner, Ruthie’s All-Day offers a modern take on meat with 100% wood-smoked barbecue and grilled meats. Give yourself a try with some super tasty dishes, such as skillet cornbread, hot hushpuppies with shrimp and roasted jalapeno, and wood-grilled oysters. Pair with a glass of classic cocktails or craft beer that is available all day!
What to order: Rad Burger, Wood Grilled Oysters, Brunswick Stew, Skillet Cornbread, Biscuit
Address: 3411 5th St S, Arlington, VA 22204
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3. Ambar Restaurant
Ready for some crazy good Mexican dishes? Join us at Ambar Restaurant! Being an epicenter of strong Balkan energy, Ambar can immerse you totally in its inviting décor and vibrant cuisine. From grilled meats, fine cheeses, different blends of kaymak, local wines, and an expansive collection of rakia, you can have them all at Ambar Restaurant.
There are tons of items you can order from Ambar Restaurant, such as dips and salsas, tacos, ceviches, slow-cooked meat dishes like carnitas or ribs, vegetables, seafood plates, and more. Must-try includes Sudzuk Beef Salami, Beef Prosciutto, Spicy Pork Salami, and Beef Tzatziki.
They are all flavorful, and tender, and the pork salami has a lively and intense flavor of chili that can make you feel like a firework in your mouth. The Cheese Pie is surprisingly awesome as well, which is not only the cheesy filling – it’s also encased in a crumbly cream cheese pastry.
What to order: Sudzuk Beef Salami, Beef Prosciutto, Spicy Pork Salami, Beef Tzatziki, Cheese Pie
Address: 2901 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
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4. Cafe Colline
Featuring regional French-inspired cuisine by chef Brendan L’Etoile, Cafe Colline is the perfect place for leisurely lunches, first dates, or just a wonderful evening of delicious food and drinks.
The Marseille-style fish soup at Café Colline is absolutely a must-try! Packed with halibut, salmon, prawns, loads of fresh herbs, and a big splash of lemon juice, it arrives with grilled French bread, shredded Gruyere cheese, and bright yellow saffron aioli on the side. Your taste buds will thank you for this!
If you go with a group of friends, share a pot of mussels steamed with pastis, cream, shaved fennel, and tarragon. This classic bistro dish comes with frites and a trio of dipping sauces, including mayo, ketchup, and a house-made club sauce featuring kimchi. The duck leg confit à l’orange on a bed of farro, wild rice, and kale is no less delicious!
What to order: Sweet Corn Soup, Marseille-style Fish Soup, Duck Leg Confit, Steamed Mussel
Address: 4536 Langston Blvd., Arlington, VA 22207
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5. Mele Bistro
Mele Bistro is a beloved Arlington spot to the locals for a reason. It’s hard not to fall for their excellent Mediterranean menu and basic yet classic decor in a homey ambiance.
Enjoy a shared plate of roasted Mediterranean vegetables or split a charcuterie board of cured meats and cheeses. Then enter your meal with the Living In The Garden Salad with mache, radicchio, Belgian endive, locally farm-grown apples, fresh mango salad, hearts of palm, and raspberry dressing. And of course, the famous In-house Smoked Seafood Ravioli with roasted scallops-creme sauce is never to be missed!
Finish your Mele experience with an almond pear tart or gelato and a cup of coffee, or have another glass of your favorite chardonnay and you’re all set!
What to order: Charcuterie Board, Living In The Garden Salad, In-house Smoked Seafood Ravioli, Blackened Sea Scallops Pizza
Address: 1723 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
6. Green Pig Bistro
Serving classic rustic French cooking with an American inspiration, Green Pig Bistro is the place where you’ll find the comfort food you crave with an urban, rustic vibe. Come with a few friends, sit at one of the large communal tables, take in the smells coming from the open kitchen, and prepare for a meat-heavy meal!
Make sure that you’ll always have the Meatballs & Pork Shank, this rich-tasting stew with shredded pork shank meat and spiced pork meatballs is an aromatic, French-inspired dish that’s worth the try!
Continue with the packed-with-flavor Smoked Pork Shoulder Ravioli made with roasted mushrooms, and heirloom potatoes then served in sherry mushroom broth. For a meaty one, the crispy, garlic-y Pork Cassoulet is sure to please you!
What to order: Bibb & Blue Cheese Salad, Smoked Pork Shoulder Ravioli, Pork Cassoulet, Bacon Cheeseburger
Address: 1025 N Fillmore St Suite D, Arlington, VA 22201
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7. Thai Square
Thai Square is a hidden gem on Columbia Pike that serves up delicious Thai classics, which is definitely a must-try for those who love Thai cuisine or simply love the combination of sour – spicy – salty tastes.
Fan favorites include Crispy Squid Basil, Green Curry, and Floating Market Noodle Soup. The squid is super aromatic and made with a lot of chilies, garlic, and basil leaves. People usually have them with rice or crispy fried egg, a perfect choice for lunch or dinner!
The Green Curry is considered the most popular curry in Thai cuisine, which flavor is dominated by lime, cilantro, and kaffir lime leaves. While the Floating Market Noodle Soup comes with a bowl of wide rice noodles filled with a dark soup accompanied by fresh herbs, beansprouts, and pork crackling.
You’ll be amazed by its aromatic and rich soup supported by lean pork, bouncy noodles, fragrant basil leaves, and green onions!
What to order: Pad Thai, Green Curry, Crispy Squid With Basil, Somtum, Tom Yum Koong
Address: 3217 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
8. Carlyle
Carlyle is a 40-year-old American bistro that has a bit of everything for everyone. This high-energy place is bustling with activity at brunch, lunch, and dinner. And in case you haven’t known yet, Carlyle is a perennial brunch favorite to the locals! Enjoy yourself with their award-winning food in a vibrant, spacious atmosphere.
If you’re here for brunch, don’t hesitate to have the Buttery Beignets and Brioche French Toast. They are the reason why people line up to get a seat at Carlyle. Other highlights include Jambalaya Pasta, Mango Chicken & Spiced Pecan Salad, and Bacon Cheeseburger.
Their Jambalaya Pasta is like a treat to our taste buds, with sautéed chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage with red onions, roasted poblano, and red peppers. While the Bacon Cheeseburger is cheesy, messy, and meaty as ever!
What to order: Crispy Point Judith Calamari, Mango Chicken & Spiced Pecan Salad, Bacon Cheeseburger, Jambalaya Pasta.
Address: 4000 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
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9. CIRCA at Clarendon
In search of a fancy place for lunch, dinner, and even brunch? Search no more, because CIRCA at Clarendon is here to help! Offering an inviting menu for brunch, lunch, and also dinner in a warm and intimate space, CIRCA is also famous for locating on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience.
Drop by and enjoy your meal along with an extensive wine list, a seasonal cocktail list, and rotating local craft beers!
Fresh plating like a citrus-marinated grilled Atlantic salmon served over pearl risotto is always ideal to start with. Or the lightly fried, tossed in a sweet spicy sauce Shotgun Shrimp can also do you good.
The highlight of the menu must be the Barbecue Chicken, with chicken breast cooked directly from the grill, and flavored with secret house sauce. You will wish to know this badass sooner!
Their cocktails are phenomenal! Especially the Foggy Bottom with a fresh, citrusy, herbal-ish taste from lemon, rosemary, and cucumber. For a heavier one, go for Blackberry Margarita, delicious but dangerous as ever!
What to order: Shotgun Shrimp, Bruschetta, Barbecue Chicken, Foggy Bottom, Blackberry Margarita
Address: 3010 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
10. Guapo’s
Welcomes you with friendly service and a homey ambiance, Guapo’s is a casual Mexican eatery that served up a variety of delicious dishes. This place is absolutely a must for those who have pets as they have outdoor tables, so now you can enjoy your meal while letting your pets explore and have fun in the area.
Start off with the Ceviche Mixto with shrimp, calamari, and scallops, marinated in fresh lemon juice with red onions, cilantro, ginger, and jalapenos, garnished with sweet potatoes. Fresh, full of texture, and exceptionally flavorful!
Next, go for the Pollo Saltado with strips of grilled chicken breast sautéed with tomatoes, onions, celery, green peppers, jalapeño peppers, French fries, and cilantro; the hearty and full of umami taste Ropa Vieja. Or chow down on the Tacos Oxaquennos – three tacos of your choice.
What to order: Pollo Saltado, Ropa Vieja, Seafood Enchiladas, Chicken Burrito.
Address: 4028 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
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11. Yayla Bistro
Yala Bistro is your next go-to place to find the most delicious Mediterranean food in Arlington. Being a traditional-with-a-twist Turkish restaurant, Yayla Bistro is going to surprise you with its stylish, contemporary menu that caters to a health-conscious crowd.
Must-try are Yayla Soup, Mixed Grill Platter, and Steak Wrap. You can never go wrong with these items. Start off with the signature Yayla Soup made from lemon rice soup with a touch of mint and yogurt, a great balance of sweet-sour taste that is just enough to wake up your palate.
Continue with their juicy, fresh, and flavorsome Steak Wrap with grilled marinated steak with tomatoes, mixed greens, onions, and chipotle aioli sauce. To share, you can choose the Mixed Grilled Platter. This is absolutely amazing with a variety of filet mignon skewer, lamb chop, Adana kebab, and Mediterranean chicken. You can also choose rice pilaf, bulgur pilaf, and seasonal vegetables to pair with that meaty dish.
What to order: Yayla Soup, Mixed Grilled Platter, Steak Wrap, Spinach Pie
Address: 2201 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213
12. Sushi-Zen
Sushi-Zen has been a favorite spot for the locals since 1997 with a focus on natural, fresh food, and a relaxed atmosphere. By offering the finest Japanese cuisine in the Arlington metro area with innovative and healthy menu items, Sushi-Zen has been recognized multiple times as Best Arlington Restaurant and Best Sushi Restaurant by local community members in Arlington.
If you love sushi, this place is a must!
Sushi-Zen provides a variety of Japanese delicacies, including a wide variety of sushi and sashimi, artistically prepared and presented. But the rolls that make them so special. Try out their famous Cherry Blossom Roll with fresh salmon, and avocado inside wrapped with tuna, and topped with spicy eel sauce. A flavor bomb by all means!
Want to give it some heat? Go for the Fireworks Roll, a savory blend of spicy tuna, and shrimp tempura topped with seared crabstick, mayo, scallions, and eel sauce. Of course, if you’re here for some stunning, fresh, raw fish, then the Signature Combo Platte can do you good!
What to order: Fireworks Roll, Cherry Blossom Roll, Signature Combo Platter, Veggie Platter
Address: 2457 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
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13. El Pollo Rico
El Pollo Rico is the best place in Arlington to offer charcoal-broiled chicken with crispy skin amped up by house-made sauces. This Arlington VA joint is no stranger to lines out the door, but don’t worry, the service is quick, friendly, and will pass off your meal to you in no time at all.
Start with, of course, chicken! If you’re coming in a group, don’t hesitate to have the Whole Chicken Meal, which is unbelievably juicy, spicy, and just bursting with flavor! Have it with some tortilla, and grilled onions, salsa, and you’re all set!
You can also go for the Papa Asada with charcoal-broiled chicken placed in a corn tortilla and topped with guacamole, onions, chili peppers, and lime. Vibrant and spicy! Or the Chicken Taco Plate is sure to impress you!
What to order: Whole Chicken Meal, Papa Asada, Flautas, Chicken Taco Plate
Address: 932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
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There are plenty of choices to consider for a night out in Arlington, and we bet you have got yourself some ideal ones. If Seattle is your next stop, explore our Best Restaurants In Seattle now!
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