Our 6 Favorite Restaurants in Arlington
Arlington, VA, is home to a variety of world-class attractions and cultural institutions, such as:
- The Arlington Art Center
- The Air Force Memorial
- Arlington National Cemetery
- The Signature Theater
- And much more!
If you’re visiting any of these locations, you’re probably going to need a bite to eat at some point. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the area or a temporary visitor, there are several popular restaurants in Arlington that should be on your must-visit list. Keep reading to learn about six of our favorite Arlington restaurants!
1. Green Pig Bistro 🐖
Winner of the 2023 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award, Green Pig Bistro is a great place to visit for a unique blend of French and American cooking. With full brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, diners can choose from options ranging from croque madame and steak frites to cheeseburgers and ribeye steaks.
🏠1025 N Fillmore St STE D, Arlington, VA 22201
Actual Customer Review: “I have been to Green Pig multiple times and I keep finding my way back. Every guest I bring with me loves the place. …Well worth a try :)” –Michael L.
2. Mele Bistro 🍝
After spending the day shopping in the historical center of Arlington, take some time to relax and enjoy the finer things in life at Mele Bistro. This restaurant specializes in all forms of Italian cuisine and changed its name in 2014 to reflect this focus.
Mele Bistro offers a plethora of menu options to fit any dining experience you’re looking for, including charcuterie, crudo, and, of course, delicious wine and cocktails!
The restaurant dedicates a portion of its website to describing the ethos behind its menu. They source exclusively fresh ingredients and work with local food suppliers to provide as close to a farm-to-table experience as possible. Seafood lovers will find several menu items to choose from, as will those looking for world-class pasta and smoked meats.
🏠1723 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
Actual Customer Review: “Mele Bistro is a real GEM! …The outdoor seating area was comfortable and pleasant, and the wait staff was both friendly and entertaining… We really enjoyed our meal here and look forward to returning on future trips to Arlington.” –Jarret S.
3. SER Restaurant 🥪
According to its website, the name of SER Restaurant comes from the phrase, “Simple, Easy, Real.” And that’s exactly what they aim to serve up with their menu full of authentic Spanish comfort foods. Winner of the Ballston Ballston Business Improvement District’s 2014 Restaurant Challenge, SER has had the honor of being named one of the best restaurants in Arlington by several major local news outlets.
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, SER is a great place to go for a casual lunchtime sandwich or for a full three-course dinner. Plus, the restaurant donates to the Arlington Food Assistance Center for every meal they serve to a customer; you can have a delicious meal out at a local restaurant and give back to the community at the same time!
🏠1110 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
Actual Customer Review: “…The standout dish for me? The seafood paella- it’s bursting with clams, shrimp, octopus – you name it. Every dish is a must-try. But beware of the bread, it’s dangerously tasty for a pre-meal treat 😉…” –Wei H.
4. Ambar Clarendon 🍲
If you’re looking for Balkan Cuisine in the D.C. area, look no further than Ambar. This unique restaurant was voted among the best places to have brunch in 2022 by the Northern Virginia magazine. It’s known for providing a true taste of Balkan cuisine and has gained international acclaim for its menu.
Ambar serves unlimited brunch, dinner, and lunch; for one set price, you can try as many plates as you’d like. It’s the perfect place to try something new with low risk. If you don’t like what you ordered the first time, you can order new dishes until you find the perfect fit!
For a more low-key dining experience, they also have a daily happy hour menu with discounts on drinks and appetizers. They also have specials that change daily, so you’ll want to keep coming back to discover all the culinary experiences that Ambar has to offer!
🏠2901 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Actual Customer Review: “Ambar Clarendon is one of my favorites in the Arlington area. Everything on the menu is delicious and the ambiance is superb. …” –Ladun O.
5. Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro 🍷
If you’re the kind of diner who’s always on the hunt for the perfect food and wine pairing, Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is the perfect place for you. Another American and French-inspired eatery, you won’t find much better than Grand Cru for fine dining in Arlington.
The starter menu includes such delights as cheese fondue, lobster fritters, and potato gnocchi. For your main course, you have your pick of amazing dishes made with steak, duck, chicken, salmon, and scallops. Finally, you can finish your evening with one of several mouth-watering desserts.
Visitors to the restaurant praise its great service, extensive menu, and excellent wine options.
🏠4301 Wilson Blvd #100, Arlington, VA 22203
Actual Customer Review: “Hidden gem in Ballston! Great wine selection and the menu is extensive for a wine bar. It’s actually a full French bistro and more!” –Dimitry B.
6. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar 🍯
Tupelo Honey got its start as a farm-to-table restaurant in Asheville, NC, over two decades ago. The Arlington location of today still holds the same values that the original restaurant did: a scratch kitchen with locally and responsibly sourced ingredients for all of its dishes. They even list their farms, breweries, and other suppliers on their website so that you can see exactly where your food is coming from!
Tupelo Honey has all the main dish options you’d expect from Southern cooking, including:
- Fried pickles
- Chicken & waffles
- Shrimp & grits
- Fried chicken
- Po’boys
- Pecan pie
Grab some friends for brunch and discover for yourself why this is one of the best restaurants in town.
🏠1616 N Troy St, Arlington, VA 22201
Actual Customer Review: “The fried chicken was perfectly crispy, the biscuits tasted like someone’s grandma made them, and everything else was just superb. It was such a nice brunch! I will definitely be coming back.” –Ashley L.
Visit the Best Local Restaurants in Arlington
From Balkan cuisine to homestyle Southern cooking, the restaurants in Arlington provide a culinary variety rivaled by few other cities in the nation. Whether you’re in the mood for delicious seafood, homemade pasta, or the best in French cuisine, one of the restaurants on this list is sure to have exactly what you’re looking for.
When you’re out for a fun night on the town, you don’t want to worry about the health of your roof at home. Before you head out for craft cocktails or great food, give ARCH Exteriors a call to schedule an appointment for your roof inspection, repair, or replacement. No matter what service you need, we’re the roofing team for you.
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