With more than 90 languages spoken, Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most diverse communities in the highly international D.C. metropolitan area. Of course it stands to reason that the cuisine follows suit with something to satisfy every taste and purse! Hereโs a sampling of dining options:
Beignets at Bayou Bakery. (Photo by Scott Suchman/For the Washington Post)
Bayou Bakery
1515 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington ย 703-243-2410 ย bayoubakerydc.com
Does that southern drawl always reel you inโฆ? Bayou Bakery offers so much more, from salads to sandwiches with a southern twist. New Orleans-born chef David Gaus is widely familiar from his frequent appearances on NBCโs โThe Today Showโ and the Travel Channelโs โAmerican Grilled.โ Itโs okay: Oprah says bread is permissible again, soโฆ
Kapnos Taverna
4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-243-4400, kapnostaverna.com
Are you always on the hunt for something new? Kapnos Taverna recently captured Arlington Magazineโs โBest New Restaurantโ nod. Opened by seasoned restauranteur Mike Isabella, whose Graffiato and Kapnos are among D.C.โs hottest spots, Kapnos Taverna in Ballston showcases a dazzling array of Greek-inspired mezze (small plates). He also owns Yona and Pepita, just around the corner, if you want to sample this Top Chefโs culinary range.
Livinโ the Pie Life
2166 North Glebe Rd., Arlington 571-431-7727 ย livinthepielife.com
Do you prefer to bring a slice back to your hotel? Recently named โBest Piesโ 2016 by Washingtonian Magazine, these tasty tarts are made by hand in small batches often using locally sourced ingredients. This makes delicious pie, but limits capacity. To ensure that you can get pie when you want it, please consider ordering it online by Tuesday at 8 p.m. for Friday or Saturday pickup.
New District Brewing Company
New District Brewing Company
2709 S. Oakland St., Arlington, 703-888-5820 newdistrictbrewing.com
โYouโll have what sheโs havingโ at Arlingtonโs first package brewery in 100 years, New District Brewing Company is committed to offering high quality craft beer. Located in an industrial area in Shirlington, itโs surrounded by several car repair shops, a dog park, black box Theatre on the Run and a storied recording studio. Just add beer and it sounds like the recipe for a great night out!
Northside Social Patio
Northside Social
3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-465-0145, northsidesocialarlington.com
No chains for you, right? Youโre an individualist when it comes to your brew. Thatโs why Arlingtonโs Northside Social is for you. Thanks to Director of Coffee, Seth Cook, N.S.S. has become a favored crossroads for locals and visitors alike (a great place for people watching). From fresh salads to the Nutella Pop Tart, the food is en pointe too. ย
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.
3471 Washington Blvd., Arlington, 703-528-9663, rocklands.com
Do you like it done low and slow? Then Rocklands is the BBQ spot for you. Recently celebrating 25 years, the institution boasts pitmaster John Sneddenโs trademark red-oak-and-hickory blend that strikes all the right chords.
Shirlington Dining at Night
SER
1110 North Glebe Rd., Arlington 703-746-9822, ser-restaurant.com
Thereโs something about a Spanish accentโฆ! This neighborhood restaurant in Ballston is an authentic Spanish โfood house.โ As opposed to a tapas restaurant, SER serves up hearty helpings of Spanish comfort food from in a casual and friendly environment. Itโs a gastronomical journey and cultural adventure throughout every region of Spain.
They take their cuisine seriously in Arlington, but they also know how to have fun with food. Recently, Arlington Arts commissioned artist Sushmita Mazumdar to design a โmake-it-yourselfโ cookbook: Columbia Pike Recipes for You 2016. Featuring recipes on the front from restaurateurs along the diverse Columbia Pike corridor, with their inspiring personal stories on the reverse, the โbookโ can be bound with anything from cinnamon sticks to string. Download the recipes for free, and try it at home (โฆthen compare them with the originals on your next stay in Arlington)!
