Best Restaurants In Arlington, Virginia

Steak with truffle oil fries on the side
Steak with truffle oil fries on the side | Photo by Tim Toomey on Unsplash
Cristina Villadóniga

Arlington, Virginia, offers a wide selection of restaurants ranging from casual places to eat to fine dining. Classic American dishes are combined with international delicacies. These are 10 of the city’s best restaurants.

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Jaleo

Jaleo Crystal City is one of the revolutionary restaurants under the direction of famed Spanish chef José Andres. This chef is a pioneer in bringing tapas to America and named among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2012. Jaleo’s menu is devoted to the inner flavors of Spain in the shape of its traditional small dishes, as well as paellas, sangría and a fine selection of Spanish wines. Simply prepared with the best ingredients available, these tapas reinvent the traditional dishes of Spain. They can be enjoyed in Jaleo’s casual and lively atmosphere.

Lyon Hall is a bustling brasserie serving classic French-German cuisine and a wide selection of some of the world’s most notable beers. These including 23 on tap and more than 50 bottled varieties. The menu features carefully sourced fish and meats, freshly baked bread, house-cured charcuterie and handcrafted cheeses. These are prepared on a daily basis by executive chef Matt Hill and sous chef Christopher Horton. Housed in a historic art deco building with an outdoor patio, Lyon Hall is a modern bistro. It offers the best produce of the season from local farms.

The Liberty Tavern

Located in the heart of the city, The Liberty Tavern is housed in a restored historic building. This popular restaurant offers a warm ambiance. Its modern American menu incorporates the highest quality seasonal products with in-house production, from bread and pasta, to sausages and desserts. The Liberty Tavern hosts an upstairs dining room along with a downstairs bar. It caters to those in search of a sophisticated, multi-course dinner, as well as those looking for a casual mid-week meal.

Rus Uz

Rus Uz is a cozy restaurant located in the ground floor of an apartment complex in the Ballston neighborhood. It presents a blend of Russian and Uzbek traditional cuisine by the hand of chef and owner Bakhtiyor Rakhmatullaev. Seasonal menus are prepared with high-quality ingredients. Offered are delicacies that embrace the best of both countries together with an inspired modern touch. Rus Uz serves robust and fine fare with an exquisite variety of dumplings and meat. There is also a careful selection of wines along with Eastern European beers.

Ray’s The Steaks

With a seasonally changing menu, Ray’s The Steaks specializes in the finest natural, farm raised, corn fed, premium Angus & Hereford beef. This steakhouse presents hand-carved meat grilled to order over a high-temperature and open-flame. These dishes are served with sides of mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The beef is aged in-house and all cuts are butchered daily. High-quality steaks and affordable prices make this restaurant a place to enjoy a delicious culinary experience in Arlington.

Green Pig Bistro

Green Pig Bistro has specialized in hearty, basic food since it opened its doors in 2012. This restaurant incorporates sustainably produced and locally sourced ingredients. It attempts to use every part of the animal from head to tail. The Bistro combines rustic, French cooking with an American flair while prices are kept affordable. Green Pig’s interior can be described as country chic. The communal chef’s table is made from repurposed barn wood and the kitchen utensils are antique. Meanwhile, the walls are covered with pages from culinary books.

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