Eating Out in Arlington, Virginia: 10 Best Local Restaurants
Arlington, Virginia, might sound like a conservative sort of place, serving as it does as the headquarters to a large number of governmental and political agencies, including The Pentagon and the National Cemetery. However, the city also flaunts a number of innovative restaurants, featured previously on The Culture Trip. However, with ever-changing palates and trends, we’ve taken another look at Arlington, bringing you 10 more places to check out now.
1. Cava Mezze
Bakery, Restaurant, Greek, American
2. Clarendon Grill
Bar, Pub Grub, American, Contemporary, Wine, Beer
Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
Arriving on Wilson Boulevard in 2007, the Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro aims to fuse fine wine with excellent cuisine at reasonable prices. The menu is created with European flavours in mind, amplified by the list of international wines. Savoury crepes, fresh salads, sautéed Hawaiian butterfish and shrimp and tasty tapas treats are twinned with Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz from around the world. This bistro also offers ‘wine flights’ which bring diners on a tour of the world of white wines and red wines. There are also over 40 premium beers from international breweries if wine is not to your taste. Grand Cru Wine Bar & Bistro, 4401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 703 2437900
3. Green Pig Bistro
Bistro, Restaurant, American, French
4. Rus Uz
Restaurant, Russian, European
5. The Liberty Tavern
Bar, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan
Busboys and Poets Restaurant
Busboys and PoetsOpening in 2007, Busboys and Poets settled into its second location of Shirlington, a name which derives from a combination of Shirley Highway and Arlington. The neighbourhood is known as an ‘Urban Village’ and is one of the most up-and-coming areas of Arlington County. A smaller and more intimate venue than its Washington flagship, Busboys and Poets Shirlington is located near the Signature Theatre and the Shirlington Library, resulting in the perfect venue for afterhours cultural food, drink and discussion. Food includes a wide variety of breakfast, brunch and dinner fare, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. There is also a bookstore and local contemporary artwork dons the walls. For those who wish to be enveloped and immersed in a truly cultural experience, look no further than Busboy and Poets. Busboys And Poets, 4251 Campbell Ave, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 703 3799757
6. El Pollo Rico
El Pollo Rico
The fiesta and flair of Peru and Latin America is brought to Arlington by the renowned and well established El Pollo Rico. Famous for their charcoal broiled chicken, which they boast is the tastiest that you’ll ever have, El Pollo Rico also prides itself on other food favourites, such as their alfajores, flan and milhojas. Finishing off their main dishes is a selection of sides, such as coleslaw, rice, steak fries and signature mild and green hot sauces. For simple but satisfying food, El Pollo Rico delivers every time. El Pollo Rico, 932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 703 5223220
7. La Union Restaurant
Bar, Restaurant, Salvadorian, Mexican
8. Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria
Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria
When Enzo Algarme moved to America, it was his ambition to open his own pizzeria that truly captured the taste of his native Naples in Italy. Making the most of Neapolitan techniques of pizza making, and using the best imports from Italy, Pupatella Pizzeria succeeds in bringing the gastronomic experience of Italy to Arlington. The secret behind Pupatella’s famous pizzas is their special wood-fired oven, which uses oven bricks made from volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. The pizza’s ingredients are basic and simply prepared, and this no-fuss approach adds a rich flavour to Pupatella’s produce. You can even order a ‘white pizza, which either has no sauce or uses Italian cream instead. The pizzeria also serves panini and various friggitoria, or fried foods, such as calzone, stuffed risotto balls, zeppole and panzarotti. Pupatella’s is truly the little Italy of Arlington. Pupatella, 5104 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 571 3127230 By Julie Daunt
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