Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Virginia!
When you land at Washington Dulles International Airport, you arrive in the beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia. And, if you’re here on a long layover or feeling famished after a day of travel, consider this your invitation to dip your toe into Fairfax County's incredible dining scene. Luckily, there are many great options to choose from close to the airport, from vibrant Korean dishes to flavorful Turkish specialties. They may even make you want to extend your stay.
Here are a handful of the closest restaurants near Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Come enjoy a little taste of Fairfax County!
Jump to: Within 5-6 Miles of IAD | Within 7-10 Miles of IAD
✈️WITHIN 5-6 MILES OF DULLES AIRPORT (IAD)
Taco Bamba
Courtesy of Taco Bamba's Facebook
Taco Bamba, a Mexican taqueria founded by award-winning chef Victor Albisu, has grown into a popular local chain. Known for its inventive menu, Taco Bamba offers unique creations like the "Small Biggie Burger," a burger tucked inside a taco, and the flavorful Pork Vindaloo taco. Are you craving something beyond tacos? The taqueria's signature Mexican sandwiches, or Tortas, are a must. Packed between two fluffy buns, these sandwiches offer mouthwatering combinations of meats and cheeses, including ham, all-beef frank, carne asada, chorizo, al pastor, beef Milanese, chicken Milanese, and Chihuahua cheese. If you like everything mentioned, the Torta Bamba is calling your name.
Chao Phra Ya Thai
Courtesy of Chao Phra Ya's Facebook
If you are in the mood for home-cooked Thai food, set your GPS to Chao Phra Ya. Cooking up classic dishes with some flair, Chao Phra Ya's rice and noodles are proven to be delicious, but the curry dishes are a standout. The Pineapple Thai Red Curry is as creamy as it gets. For vegetarians, the Panang Curry is a fantastic choice. Have you ever tried Thai desserts? Now’s your chance! Thai coconuts take pudding and ice cream to a whole new level.
Jimmy's Old Town Tavern
A staple of the Herndon community, Jimmy's Old Town Tavern is a must-visit to see why they were crowned King of Wings and won Best Cheesesteak in NoVA Wars. This sports bar offers homemade lunch every day of the week, along with dinner options ranging from Surf and Turf to Veggie Lasagnas to Pierogies. Whether you’re enjoying a beer or dining in, relax in their year-round outdoor beer garden.
Alo Vietnam
Photo Courtesy of Alo Vietnam's Facebook
All menu offerings at Alo Vietnam are crafted by skilled Vietnamese chefs using one-of-a-kind recipes. On those chilly days or when you need something cozy after braving the cold on an airplane, a comforting bowl of pho is just what the doctor ordered. A nice comforting bowl of pho with a side of spring rolls is waiting for you at Alo. You cannot go wrong with extra crispy fried rice, and luckily, they have crab and pineapple fried rice with your name on it!
Desi Breakfast Club
Photo Courtesy of Desi Breakfast Club's Facebook
Breakfast for dinner? Name a better concept! At Desi Breakfast Club, the joy of breakfast is combined with a sense of community. As the first halal breakfast restaurant in Virginia, they specialize in Pakistani and Indian breakfast favorites. Their brunch menu features unique dishes like Curry Pakora and Anda Paratha—an egg-filled lacha paratha. They also have the classics of buttery milk pancakes and melt-in-your-mouth French toast.
✈️WITHIN 7-10 MILES OF DULLES AIRPORT (IAD)
Heirloom Restaurant
Hidden speakeasy-style in Open Road Distilling Co. is a secret door that leads to Heirloom Restaurant, a 1940s-style dining gem. Here, you’ll find handcrafted cocktails and classic dishes with a modern twist. This cozy spot is the perfect escape from the airport, offering an intimate ambiance and delicious food. Pull up a seat and order made-from-scratch pastas like the short rib and wagyu beef Bolognese or one of the many other spectacular dishes.
PassionFish
Courtesy of PassionFish's Facebook
Devoted to showcasing the fresh flavors of global coasts, from ceviche to crispy whole fish, PassionFish has it all. With an outstanding raw bar, a dedicated sushi chef, and an extensive 'fresh catch' fish menu every day, this local favorite restaurant just had to be mentioned. Each plate carries seasonal fresh seafood, remarkable flavors, and elegant presentations to represent its tri-coastal seafood theme. Come enjoy flavors from the Mediterranean, Europe, Asia, and the Americas at PassionFish, located at the Reston Town Center.
Red's Table
Three brothers who grew up in the area came home to make their neighborhood proud by creating a welcoming dining spot for everyone to relax and enjoy. Grab a seat on the stunning outdoor patio at Red's Table, offering breathtaking waterfront views, and savor a fantastic lunch or dinner. If you land earlier in the day, don’t miss the brunch, where you can order made-from-scratch Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or the Chicken & Lemon Ricotta Belgian Waffle.
Don Churro Cafe
Courtesy of Don Churro Cafe's Facebook
Have you ever tried a flight of South American empanadas? And before you start questioning - yes, each country's empanada has its own unique twist. Don Churro Cafe is proving that theory with its Empanadas Sudamericana menu: Colombian-style fried empanadas, Peruvian-style baked empanadas, Bolivian-style baked empanadas, and Chilean-style empanadas. If you're still craving more, try the restaurant's Peruvian version of the paella or the Spanish-style thin-cut steak, served with chorizo, rice, beans, sweet plantains, fried egg, and avocado. You cannot leave without trying their infamous churros filled with dreamy flavors like dulce de leche and Nutella!
Moda Cafe & Bakery
Find Mediterranean comfort food at Moda Cafe & Bakery! Whether your flight is in the morning or late afternoon, Moda Cafe has brunch and dinner options for every appetite. Taste something extraordinary during the brunch special, showcasing dishes like their Turkish Breakfast with their signature Turkish Sesame Bagel and stuffed flatbread for cheese lovers and potato fanatics. For dinner, you can't go wrong with Mom’s Kofte Kebab or the Turkish Dumplings and take a peek at their wide display of desserts! Might as well order the Tahini Walnut Baklava while you're at it, it’s a must!
For even more restaurants close to Dulles Airport, check out the restaurants in Chantilly, Centreville, Herndon, and Reston for your best bets.
Layovers don't have to be a hassle; they are hidden opportunities to see what Fairfax County has to offer. Hop on the Metro and start exploring because there are loads of things to do near Dulles Airport to make the most out of your travel day, from dining out to outer space adventures. Share your layover experience on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
