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! Here’s a sampling of dining options:
Beignets at Bayou Bakery. (Photo by Scott Suchman/For the Washington Post)
Bayou Bakery
1515 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington 703-243-2410 bayoubakerydc.com
Does that southern drawl always reel you in…? 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 NBC’s “The Today Show” and the Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.” It’s okay: Oprah says bread is permissible again, so…
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 Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant” nod. Opened by seasoned restauranteur Mike Isabella, whose Graffiato and Kapnos are among D.C.’s 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 Chef’s culinary range.
Livin’ the Pie Life
2166 North Glebe Rd., Arlington 571-431-7727 livinthepielife.com
Do you prefer to bring a slice back to your hotel? Recently named “Best Pies” 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
“You’ll have what she’s having” at Arlington’s 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, it’s 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? You’re an individualist when it comes to your brew. That’s why Arlington’s 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.
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 Snedden’s 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
There’s something about a Spanish accent…! This neighborhood restaurant in Ballston is an authentic Spanish “food house.” As opposed to a tapas restaurant, SER serves up hearty helpings of Spanish comfort food from in a casual and friendly environment. It’s 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 “make-it-yourself” 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 “book” can be bound with anything from cinnamon sticks to string. Download the recipes for free, and try it at home (…then compare them with the originals on your next stay in Arlington)!
