The 8 Best Restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia

Since its founding in 1749, the port city of Alexandria, Virginia, has welcomed sea captains, merchants and even presidents—we’re looking at you, George Washington. And that well-traveled group brought a taste for variety. Today, the best restaurants in Alexandria are a winning mix that includes seafood restaurants in Old Town, cozy cafes serving authentic tastes from all over the world and a neighborhood kitchen that rivals some of America’s best diners.

Of all the city’s Italian restaurants, this West End favorite is one of the best places to eat in Alexandria when you’re craving red sauce favorites like chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs, homemade manicotti, and buttery garlic bread. Like any good Italian kitchen, Aldo’s is almost always open (lunch starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. while dinner service begins at 4 p.m.); pizza is also available from open until the restaurant closes at 8 p.m. It’s casual, too, so come as you are and bring the kids.

Casual, welcoming and stylish, Brabo is the place to go when you want a taste of France but without the airfare. And whether you’re looking to dig into a big plate of steak frites or want to nibble on a platter of cheese and charcuterie, you’ll find that it arrives beautifully prepared and artfully served in one of the best restaurants on King Street. Brabo might also be home to the best brunch in Old Town Alexandria: Specialties include omelets stuffed with lump crab, waffles drenched in tropical fruits and eggs Benedict with zesty French 75 cocktails. For the best coffee in Alexandria, order a cup spiked with Grand Marnier and topped with whipped cream.

Also among the best restaurants in Alexandria is the ever-so-tiny Caphe Banh Mi, where you’ll find some of the freshest Vietnamese bites around. Enjoy Tamarind rolls with all the crunch of spring rolls, and make sure to order an extra serving of the veggie-stuffed treats just for the addictive dipping sauce that comes with them. Banh mi arrives stuffed with aromatic chicken, pork or other delights; traditional accompaniments like pickled daikon radish and cilantro give these baguette sandwiches a flavor all their own. There’s also frozen yogurt for the kids.

There are a number of seafood restaurants in Alexandria, but you won’t find fresher fish or colder beer than at the Fish Market. Start with clam chowder—it’s made with a secret recipe that’s been delighting customers since the historic Alexandria restaurant opened in 1976 in a building that once housed an actual fish market. The huge menu features nearly every seafood dish you can imagine, as well as plenty of options for fans of other meats. Have your meal in the dining room or, to see how your team is doing on Sunday afternoons, in the Anchor Bar, where big-screen televisions line the exposed brick walls.

Hard Times Café may not be the most historic restaurant in Alexandria, but it is certainly one of the most beloved: Open since 1980, the flagship location of this small local chain welcomes natives and visitors alike with four kinds of chili that you can taste for free (owners Fred and Jim Parker based each recipe on traditional chili styles), grilled wings, burgers and all kinds of deep fried delights. No matter where you sit, take the time to explore the restaurant, where you’ll find original historic photos of the western U.S. from the owner’s family, a chili museum, a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox and a collection of vintage comic strips.

If you’re only going to allow yourself an occasional hotdog, make it count and get it at Haute Dogs and Fries. Beyond top quality beef, chicken and veggie dogs with all the trimmings—including hand-cut fries, tater tots and onion rings—you’ll find sausages of every ilk and handcrafted burgers at this popular Old Town Alexandria restaurant. As for toppings, go with what you know, or let the pros turn you on to signature combos like the OBX, which arrives overloaded with chili, coleslaw and yellow mustard.

Not all of the best restaurants in Alexandria are fancy. Though surrounded by high rises and luxury condos, Table Talk is a classic diner that’s been serving up eggs, bacon, grits, pancakes and a whole lot more from the same location for more than 40 years. And it turns out that breakfast isn’t the only meal worth ordering at this popular gathering spot. Turkey and dressing, oversized Greek salads, homemade soup, plus a huge variety of sandwiches and hot, comforting meals are available for lunch and dinner.

This former granary (and later, bookstore) is the place to go for updated tavern food served in a stylish setting, featuring exposed wooden beams, brick walls and a spacious upstairs overlooking both the Potomac and the scenery of Union Street. This Alexandria waterfront restaurant’s all-day menu ranges from familiar favorites—creamy crab dip, crispy calamari, spicy blackened fish—to more adventurous fare like wild boar chops and an umami burger made rich with smoked bleu cheese and truffle aioli. But don’t skip the cocktails: The extra-minty julep celebrates the city’s Southern heritage while the blackberry-sage mule deliciously turns a classic on its head.

Now that you know where to eat in Alexandria, start booking your trip today!