Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia

‍Finding the perfect restaurant in Northern Virginia can be overwhelming. With hundreds of options across Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and beyond, many diners struggle to separate truly exceptional restaurants from those with just good marketing. Online reviews can be misleading, and 'best restaurant' lists often skew toward the most expensive options, leaving out hidden gems and affordable favorites.

Our weighted 10-point scoring system for Northern Virginia's dining scene balances food quality, service excellence, and value for money. Too many 'best restaurant' listings end up being mostly expensive restaurant listings. We wanted to offer something different – a guide that's useful for all budgets and occasions.

Each listing includes price indicators and neighborhood context to help you find the perfect spot for your specific needs, whether it's a quick lunch in Tysons, a business dinner in Arlington, or a special celebration in Old Town Alexandria.

Our assessment combines expert critiques, diner feedback, and firsthand evaluations. Scores above 9.00 denote Northern Virginia's best dining experiences.