FAIRFAX COUNTY
The French Evolution: Experience Fairfax County’s Contemporary Take On Classic French Cuisine
When François Haeringer fulfilled his long-time dream of opening a traditional French auberge— a family inn serving the native flavors of his hometown and upbringing in the Alsatian countryside, he created a local staple for expertly prepared, classic French fare. Currently run by son and Chef de Cuisine, Jacques Haeringer, L’Auberge Chez François retains its historic appeal as a family-run tribute to tradition, humbly inspiring heartfelt loyalty among locals and visitors alike. L’Auberge Chez François offers the full embodiment of François Haeringer’s fierce love for heritage with the authentic, simple spirit and undeniable craft of artisanal French cuisine.
2941 is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the metropolitan area. The restaurant is nestled in the Falls Church section of Fairfax County surrounded by lush landscaping, koi ponds, waterfalls, world-class artwork, and a lakeside view. Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel presents bold French flavors accented by contemporary American cuisine. Named by numerous area publications as a top Washington-Area restaurant, 2941 continues to charm gourmands with its sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, outstanding service, and inventive cuisine.
Caught a case of crepe-love? So have the culinary craftsmen at Crepe Amour. Take a bite of the sweet and savory selection from this friendship-founded tribute to their favorite French classic. With freshly-made crepes folded in full view of the café’s customers, Crepe Amour puts France’s staple snack right in the spotlight, with a mouth-watering supporting act of equally-delicious dessert waffles, ice cream, and a variety of other European baked goods.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
On The Waterfront: Enjoy The Crave-Worthy Coastal Flavors of Prince William County
Tim’s Rivershore restaurant rests on one of the widest points of the Potomac River, offering panoramic views from both the indoor dining room and outdoor, riverside deck. Visitors can enjoy an entire waterfront experience from fresh crabs, oysters, scallops, shrimp, mussels, and fish, to American classics such as steaks, burgers, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, to full-moon bonfires and live music on the restaurant’s torch-lit tiki bar and beach.
Showcasing signature “crab-shack” décor, the seafood hideaway is identified by its blue tin roof and white Christmas lights that shine all year round. Experience an eclectic selection of southern fare with alligator bites, crawfish, and fried frog legs, or try more traditional seafood staples such as fresh crabs, seasonal fish, and hush puppies. Live music on the backyard bar is the perfect happy hour setting, and their menu offers a variety of options available to share at home.
Located in a historic American small town with cascading views of the Occoquan River Madigan’s Waterfront encourages guest to dine al fresco on the deck while watching the sunset. Whether it’s the romantic glow of candlelight or the fresh open air of dinner under the stars, Madigan’s Waterfront offers a shining local experience with signature seasonal plates, scenic riverside views, outdoor bar with live music, and inviting dance floor.
LOUDOUN COUNTY
Plates With Personality: Get Fresh With Loudoun County’s Creative Cuisine
If you’re planning a visit to Virginia’s Cultural Region this May, look for the Pink Elephant. Explore the flavors of Belgium’s storied history with recipes spanning centuries of Belgian craft and culture. Offering a menu of small bites, lunch, and dinner options, along with a list of artfully crafted Belgian brews, Delirium Café intends to become an international destination for gastro-tourism, inviting locals and travelers from around the world to experience new flavors of the first Delirium Café in the United States.
The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm
As one of the first farm restaurants in the U.S., The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm presents a unique dining experience straight from the heart of Northern Virginia’s wine country. The venue includes a glass conservatory, gazebo and open-air tent, and provides the perfect frame for one of the most spectacular views in Loudoun County. The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm welcomes guests to enjoy unforgettable organic, local, progressive cuisine while taking in the surrounding fields and rolling hills. Enjoy fresh flavors, straight from the farm, made with seasonal, earth-to-table, local ingredients.
If you’re looking for a Taqueria with a twist, then you mustache about Señor Ramon’s on your next visit to Virginia’s Cultural Region. Señor Ramon offers a menu of traditional and Argentinian interpretations of South American favorites, and has captured the attention of local and regional attention for its signature beef empanadas. Catch a cold beer in Señor Ramon’s beer garden, or explore a selection of handcrafted tacos on the outdoor patio. Locations in Leesburg and at Crooked Run Brewing in Sterling. Additional location in Fairfax County’s Chantilly area. As Señor Ramon simply states, “If you like tacos, this is your place to be.”
Despite its classification as a self-proclaimed casual fine-dining experience, there’s nothing casual about the intense flavors of Mokomandy’s modern infusion of Korean, Cajun, and American flavors and the translation of those flavors into expertly paired cocktails. From the restaurant’s signature Kimchi to its expertly crafted, in-house prepared Tasso ham, smoked bacon, and sausage, Mokomandy delivers unique, award-winning flavor, cementing its position among the top restaurants recommended with a visit to Virginia’s Cultural Region.
ARLINGTON
Culinary Connection: Explore The Community, Heritage, And Fierce Friendship That Inspires Arlington’s Incredible Eats
Experience the best of the Balkans with Ambar’s unique blend of tradition, heritage, creativity, and modern design. Visitors are invited to enjoy unforgettable food, unbelievable drinks and an atmosphere that combines comfort and high style in Ambar’s Clarendon location. From rich food reflecting the finest Balkan fare, to first-class service, every detail is meticulously woven into a unique, and memorable experience of the New and Old World cultural flavors of the Balkans.
From food truck to four walls, chef Mikala Brennan enjoyed an evolutionary culinary career as both Virginia’s and Washington, D.C.’s only location for traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Carrying the flavors of her Hawaiian home, Hula Girl Bar & Grill now rests in a brick-and-mortar location after years on the road as a local food truck and instant favorite. Guests are encouraged to relax in the approachable, laid-back atmosphere of Hula Girl’s bright and inviting space. Enjoy weekly live Hawaiian music, sip some colorful cocktails, and explore the tropical flavors of Brennan’s easy, breezy, take on her Hawaiian heritage.
Translating to The Outsider’s Ramen Shop, this local hotspot opens its doors to all, and is the embodiment of Arlington’s #friendshipgoals. Founded and run by best friends Nicole and Tuvan, Gaijin Ramen Shop extends a warm welcome to anyone seeking a diverse gastronomic experience. A menu of self-identified Asian-fusion fare includes handmade ramen noodle and caters to palates of all preferences, offering some of the region’s only gluten-free ramen dishes. Gaijin Ramen Shop’s cool, colorful environment promises commitment to craft, serving cuisine carried straight from the heart to the bowl.
Welcome to your adventure in artful dining. Palette 22 is a gastronomical gallery, celebrating creative community and international culture under the roof of a 1943 original Art Deco building. The restaurant features interior design reflecting elements of industrial artist’s studio. Formed by a diverse team including chefs, scientists, artist, and mathematicians, with rotating gallery shows and programs, and with fantastic food reflecting a range of creative cultural fusion, Palette 22 provides an immersive, sensory culinary experience inspired by the coming-together of the whole community.
ALEXANDRIA
National Treasures: Discover How Old Town Alexandria’s Historically-Inspired Plates Preserve The Flavors of The Past
Reclaiming the building of a historic feed house from the 1800s, Virtue Feed & Grain is just as much a culinary destination as it is an effort to protect and preserve the region’s past. Constructed from the remains of multiple historic sites throughout the neighborhood, this modern American tavern invites visitors to experience the evolution of Alexandria trough a contemporary American-style menu and incredibly detailed, rustic, restored interior that gives a respectful nod to the region’s storied past.
At the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Columbia Firehouse is heating things up with a stunning collection of comfort food, combining familiar flavors with the palatable surprise of refined skill. Columbia Firehouse pays homage to its 19th– century namesake through a brilliant revival featuring four levels of fine dining, a meticulously reconstructed atrium, and a lamp-lit outdoor patio. Pay a visit to Alexandria’s past through the exquisite brass railing, floor-to ceiling dark wood, and subdued stained glass of the Firehouse barroom — complete with a list of 25 classic cocktails, a roster of regional craft beers, and a dozen compelling wines available by the glass.
Host to each of the nation’s first five presidents, and national site for the socialites of its era, Gadsby’s Tavern is a historical and national staple of Virginia’s Cultural Region. Experience the high-class, all-American menu, offering a range of traditional recipes generationally preserved over the course of America’s history. Enjoy an immersive meal in one of Gadsby’s Tavern’s elegant colonial dining rooms, and discover the flavors of a location successfully in operation since its debut in 1770.
Established in 1932, The Majestic has been an important landmark of Old Town dining for over 80 years. This historic spot and its iconic neon sign have beckoned visitors for generations, welcoming guests to explore its colorful story and enjoy a great meal. The Majestic offers a fresh, vibrant dining experience under the culinary and service direction of Corporate Executive Chef Graham Duncan. Contemporary bistro-style menus offer an array of seasonal selections that are carefully composed, with a rustic simplicity that showcases the authentic flavors of expertly balanced plates.