Visit Fairfax Bite of the Week
There's no shortage of great restaurants in Fairfax County, which can make for a tough decision come lunch or dinner time.
At Visit Fairfax, we get hungry too! We decided to put our grumbling stomachs to good use and compile a weekly list of where we're eating at Fairfax County restaurants to help you find new dining spots to choose from next time you are heading out to eat.
Check back weekly for new suggestions and in no time, you'll be a pro at pointing out all the hidden gems of restaurants in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Week of May 20: Clyde's
RestonThis week presented the perfect opportunity to enjoy some outdoor dining, and Clyde's of Reston delivered! Known for its locally-sourced foods and extraordinary menu of seafood, pastas, burgers and more, Clyde's has become a Washington-region institution! We enjoyed cold beers and some quirky, pickled vegetables before chowing down on crab cakes, salads, and swordfish! Located in the Reston Town Center (also in Tysons Corner and Alexandria).
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Week of May 13: Sea Pearl
Merrifield/Falls ChurchSea Pearl Restaurant & Lounge is inspired by the serenity of the open sea at sunset and offers American cuisine with an Asian accent. The menu ranges from signature sushi to fresh fish to spicy filets.
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Week of May 6: Open Kitchen
Falls ChurchOpen Kitchen in Falls Church welcomes you with a warm and inviting atmosphere to a bistro where you can eat, learn, lounge and cook! Check out their fresh menu with locally-farmed food, artisan-baked pastries and globally-inspired dishes. You can even take classes and watch chefs cook while you eat. It's another great dining experience to have in Fairfax County!
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Week of April 29: La Sandia Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Tysons/McLeanCelebrity chef Richard Sandoval's La Sandia is located in Tysons Corner Center and serves up some of the best table-side guacamole you could ask for, not to mention authentic Mexican cuisine to satisfy the hungriest guest. Go for happy hour and try the sangria, as well. It's a satisfying treat after a hard day of ... well, shopping!
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Week of April 22: Il Fornaio
RestonThis authentic Italian ristorante serves up the best fresh pastas, grilled steak and seafoods you can find outside of Italy. Join them also for a culinary expedition through the many regions of Italy with your very own Il Fornaio Passport - get it stamped each month as you try specially-crafted menus from each region of Italy. And don't leave without trying their wine!
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Week of April 15: Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro
MerrifieldThe newest Mosaic District restaurant is now open - Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro! Offering up stellar pizza combinations (ham & argula, chicken pesto, etc.) and their famous 3.6.9 burger sliders (topped with a pile of crunchy shoestring onion rings!), you can dine inside or out on the patio under the Angelika Film Center's giant outdoor screen on warm nights. Matchbox will surely become one of your new favorite dining spots!
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Week of April 8: Haandi Indian Cuisine
Falls ChurchThis little gem of a restaurant has been repeatedly named as a place with the best Indian cuisine in not just Virginia, but even the country! Nestled into a small Falls Church shopping center, you can enjoy lunch, dinner and drinks here, as well as munch on warm tandoori breads and delicious curry sauces. Try the samosas for a great appetizer!
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Week of April 1: Milano's Family Restaurant
SpringfieldMilano's Family Restaurant in Springfield has been serving delicious Italian and Greek specialties for local families for years. For a taste of both worlds, you could always go for the Greek Pizza!
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Week of March 25: Walker's Grille
AlexandriaThis family-owned restaurant was recently awarded the coveted LEED Gold certification and became the only restaurant in the Commonwealth to gain this distinction. They offer weekly specials, not to mention delicious food (try the crab cakes!), for an affordable price! This weekend, they are hosting an Easter Brunch that you just don't want to miss!
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Week of March 18: Freddy’s
FairfaxA big welcome to the neighborhood to Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers! Their newly opened Fairfax location is the largest Freddy’s restaurant in the United States and the restaurant's upbeat vibe, delicious frozen custard and (of course) their STEAKBURGERS are a welcome addition to our local restaurant scene.
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Week of March 11: Stone's Cove Kitbar
HerndonStone's Cove Kitbar offers a unique dining experience with an open kitchen/bar-style setting. It's a place to unwind and enjoy innovative food choices, from the appetapas to the entrees, in an engaging atmosphere, designed to reflect family-style eating arrangements. Enjoy!
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Week of March 4: American Tap Room
RestonOld meets new at American Tap Room. Meant as a gathering place for friends and family, the Tap Room offers delicious weekend brunch options, as well as lunch and late night menus. If you're just looking for a place to grab a beer and watch the game, then this is also the perfect spot for you! We munched on the turkey avocado club and a Sam Adams!
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Week of February 25: BonChon Chicken
FairfaxA neat little joint featuring out-of-this-world Korean fried chicken wings and a variety of side dishes for your dining pleasure. The wings were cooked crispity crunchity delicioius and the side order of calimari was on point! I'll be seeking out a support group to curb my instant addiction to this place.
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Week of February 18: J.Gilbert's
McLeanJ. Gilbert's wood-fired grill leaves you wanting more. The filet mignon, seared in truffle butter and served with grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes was a huge hit for us, especially when paired with the Maryland crab bisque and a berry dessert. We'll definitely be returning to J.Gilbert's and you should too!
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Week of February 11: Pie Gourmet
ViennaThis is the week for all things love, sweetness, and feeling good because of Valentine's Day. So what better way to celebrate than to enjoy some of the best pies and cupcakes in the Captial Region? Pretty much anything you choose will be delicious, but we can vouch for the Banana Creme Pie which was so good words can't do justice in describing the joy it brings into your life.
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Week of February 4: Silverado
AnnandaleThis down-home TexMex restaurant is always a good choice for hungry families. With homemade soups, sandwiches and their
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Week of January 28: Wasabi Modern Japanese Cusine
Tysons CornerIf you're looking for sushi, and feel like trying something new, check out Wasabi located on the lower level of Tysons Corner Center Mall. Not only does this place have great waitstaff and food, but they have an awesome conveyer belt system that contantly brings fresh sushi and other fare right by your table and you just pick what you want...brilliant!
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Week of January 21: Plaka Grill
ViennaIf you're a fan of Greek food, you should head straight for this tiny treasure in Vienna. With authentic spit-roasted meats, fresh ingredients and beautiful Grecian decor, you might just think you're in the heart of Athens. First-timers: make sure you try the Plaka Gyro ... you won't be disappointed.
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Week of January 14: Mount Vernon Inn
Mount VernonThere's only 1 week until the Presidential Inauguration, so this week as you prepare to visit our area for the events, check out the Mount Vernon Inn for lunch or dinner. Located at Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens, the 18th Century charm of the Inn starts with the decor, and extends to the menu, the staff and the atmosphere. Some of George & Martha's favorite foods grace the menu ... but whatever you do, don't leave without trying the peanut soup!
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Week of January 7: Cafe Rio
ChantillyCafe Rio is known for its delicious handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients, but you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Try the giant burritos, or the crispy tostadas and whatever you do, don't forget the guacamole! Before you leave, grab a frozen fruit colada for the road! Vegetarian/vegan friendly and other locations in Burke and Falls Church.
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Week of December 31: Genghis Grill
AlexandriaFor a total Mongolian experience, check out Genghis Grill in Alexandria where you can build your own stir fry bowl filled with veggies, meats, seasonings and noodles or rice. You fill your bowl with veggies and starches and hand it over to the grill cooks to fry up, putting a unique spin on the fast-casual approach. Also located in Chantilly.
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Week of December 24: Texas de Brazil Churrascaria
Fair OaksWe had a lovely gathering at Texas de Brazil the other night and had to recommend it to you for a delicious, authentic Brazilian-American meal! Make sure you go on an empty stomach as the never-ending selection of steaks and chicken the gauchos bring to your plate are definitely mouth-watering. The gourmet salad bar also offers a full selection of salads, meats, veggies and cheeses.
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Week of December 17: Mad Fox Brewing Company
Falls ChurchMad Fox Brewing Company offers a unique dining experience to the DC area with their upscale, casual food and drink menu. With house-brewed beers, and renowned pizzas, burgers and even seafood dishes (like this mango-shrimp encrusted salmon with sweet potato puree!), this place is not to be missed. During the holidays, try their Punkinator beer or the Festivus Ale for a spiced, delicious brew.
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Week of December 10: Peking Gourmet Inn
Bailey's CrossroadsThis restaurant has served former U.S. Presidents, Ambassadors, foreign Heads of State and now...Visit Fairfax! People drive from miles around to get the house specialty which is the Peking Duck. The duck is carved tableside and comes with homemade pancakes, hoisin sauce, and spring onions. If duck isn't your thing try the Szechuan Beef Proper or the Kung Pao Shrimp.
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Week of December 3: Main Street Pub
CliftonNestled in the back of the Clifton General Store, the Main Street Pub is a small, but beloved, local establishment that serves up great burgers, sandwiches, salads and late-night appetizers. Make sure if you see the owner, Judy McNamara, you tell her Visit Fairfax sent you and you'll be sure to get a smile!
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Week of November 26: The Wiener's Circle
HerndonIf you're in the mood for some authentic New York and Chicago style gourmet hot dogs and sausages then GO HERE NOW. The condiment bar has awesome fixens for your dog AND if your up early enough this place serves breakfast sandwiches and biscuits and gravy too! We chowed down on the Chili Mac Dog with a side of onion rings.
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Week of November 19: Elevation Burger
Falls ChurchThe great thing about Elevation Burger is that they provide quality ingredients in all of their food, from organic, grass-fed beef to french fries cooked in olive oil and some truly delicious shakes & malts. Now you don't have to feel so guilty when ordering the double cheeseburger, right? At least we didn't! Locations in Falls Church, Tysons Corner and Fairfax.
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Week of November 12: Santini's Deli
OaktonSantini's New York Style Deli offers delicious pizzas, deli sandwiches, hot sandwiches, salads, calzones and more and is a hoppin' lunch spot located not just in Oakton, but also Reston and Chantilly. Get there early to beat the line and make sure you get a side of those superb Santini's fries!
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Week of November 5: Lost Dog Cafe
Dunn Loring/FairfaxThe Lost Dog Cafe's brand new location has just opened up in Dunn Loring/Fairfax and has some of the best specialty sandwiches and gourmet pizzas around. They also have over 100+ delicious beers on the menu. We stopped by and tried the San Diego sandwich with tuna salad, avocado and bacon with an Octoberfest Ayinger beer.
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Week of October 29: Seasons 52
Tysons CornerThis fresh food-inspired grill has excellent cuisine, and nothing on the menu is over 475 calories! Their rotating menu of weekly specials offers a fresh taste of something new each time you visit, like this incredible Greek Lamb Gyro flat-bread that we enjoyed this week! Located inside Tysons Corner Center on the first floor.
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Week of October 22: Jimmy's Old Town Tavern
HerndonIf you haven't been to Jimmy's during football season you don't know what you're missing! It's one of the country’s foremost outposts for Buffalo Bills fans, and has the best Beef on Weck outside of Western New York. Well done Jimmy, well done.
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Week of October 15: Sweetwater Tavern
Falls ChurchA visit to Sweetwater Tavern is a must on your next trip to Fairfax County, especially if you've been craving a good steak. Try the Drunken Rib-eye (marinated for 24 hours!), paired with a loaded baked potato and a sampler of the brewery's popular beers. If steak isn't your style, the Tavern offers everything from chicken, seafood, salads and delicious appetizers.
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Week of October 8: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
FairfaxYou may think of Ruth's Chris' as a fancy steakhouse, but don't miss their happy hour specials on weekdays. We stopped by at the Fairfax location (they are also located in Tysons Corner) one evening to sample the Sizzle, Swizzle & Swirl menu (items such as burgers, lobster rolls, and martinis for $7) ... and trust us, it's a well-deserved end of day treat!
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Week of October 1: Smashburger
FairfaxThe hit burger joint out of Denver, CO has just opened its first Virginia location right here in Fairfax! We stopped by for a taste of freshly smashed burgers, some topped with avocado or BBQ sauce, and hand-spun milkshakes (Butterfinger or Nutter Butter anyone?). Smashburger also offers chicken, salads and beers from local breweries.
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