We Northern Viginians are a lucky bunch. Tucked away in a multitude of shopping centers and mini malls are a plethora of dining hot spots that cater to all tastes and moods. From low-down country ribs joints, to the finest of fine dining experiences, our region plays host to some of our nation’s most diverse and original culinary delights. And we've compiled lists of your top picks in each category.
BEST BBQCAROLINA BROS
20702 Ashburn Road Ashburn 703.437.3069
www.carolinabrothers.com
Carolina Brothers is a superb Carolina Style Pit BBQ restaurant that is also a fantastic choice for your home or office party. Not just for pork lovers, Carolina Brothers offers a full BBQ menu that includes chicken and beef dishes. If you want the best BBQ in town, look no further than Carolina Brothers in Ashburn.
BEST MEDITERRANEAN
MEDITERRANEAN BREEZE
20693 Ashburn Rd. Ashburn 703.726.1045
www.mediterraneanbreezeashburn.com
Mediterranean Breeze offers diners a diverse mixture of Greek and Italian dishes including gyros, souvakis, and pizza, as well as finer dining offerings including veal and lamb. Chef Terry Kasotakis, formerly of Sylvanas in Herndon, brings his masterful touch to Mediterranean Breeze’s fantastic menu and charming casual atmosphere.
BEST SUSHI
HOOKED
46240 Potomac Run Plaza Sterling 703.421.0404
www.hookedonseafood.com
Sushi is an art. Let’s face it, if anyone could do it, everyone would. But only a select few can do it with style, grace and class. Hooked is one of those places. Chic and stylish, Hooked is a where fish want to go when it’s their time. Call and make a reservation tonight and see just how amazing Sushi can be.
BONEFISH
43135 Broadlands Center Plaza
Ashburn 703.723.8246
www.bonefishgrill.com
If you and your family are in the mood for fresh fish and a perfect cocktail, look no further. Bonefish Grill offers diners classic yet innovative woodgrilled fish entrées that are sure to please your demanding palette. With a fantastic bar that mixes delicious and original cocktails, and a full list of appetizers that include the famed Bang Bang Shrimp,Bonefish Grill is a great place for any occasion.
BEST WINE BAR THE WINE KITCHEN
7 South. King St.
Leesburg, VA 20175
thewinekitchen.com
BEST GIRLS NIGHT OUT
SWEETWATER TAVERN
14250 Sweetwater Ln. Centreville 703.449.1100
www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/sweetmainster
Part of the growing Great American Restaurants Group, Sweetwater Tavern brings patrons its take on Southwestern cuisine and a full line of in-house brewed beers. With three locations in Northern Virginia, flawless service and exemplary menu items, Sweetwater Tavern is a must for anyone who likes good food, and great beers. Lively and fun, Sweetwater Tavern is a perfect spot for girls night out!
BEST PIZZA
TONY’S NEW YORK PIZZA
13087 Fair Lakes Shopping Ctr
Fairfax 703.502.0808
www.tonysnypizza.com
If you think that Pizza Hut has the best pie in town, don’t bother with Tony’s. This is what pizza was meant to taste like: fresh ingredients, a phenomenal tomato sauce, real cheese, and a crust that has just enough crunch to it. Few places in Northern Virginia can compare to the authenticity of Tony’s. One bite of their pizza, and you’ll be transported to Little taItaly in New York City. Forgetaboutit!
BEST BAR JACKSON'S
11927 Democracy Drive
Reston, VA 20191
www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/jacksons
BEST HOT DOG
WINDY CITY RED HOTS
20052 Lexington Dr.
Ashburn 703.505.6934
www.windycityredhots.com
Ever feel like a wiener is the only thing that will satisfy your cravings? Well, according to our voters, to find the best dog in town, look no further than Windy City Red Hots in Ashburn. But choices still remain: should you top it off with sauerkraut, or relish, or both? Dijon, or deli mustard? Is it ever ok to use ketchup? Is there such a thing as too many toppings? Ah, to ponder on these life altering questions is a joy unto itself.
BEST PHO
PHO 88
32 W Broad Street
Falls Church 703.533.8233
www.pho88va.com
Pho is a miracle soup and few places make it better than Pho 88. Pho 88 is a family owned restaurant that offers a vast selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes as well as the most perfect Pho money can buy. Make a reservation, or simply walk in; Pho 88 will surprise you and leaving you wanting more.
BEST ETHNIC
LEBANESE TAVERNA
1840 International Dr.
McLean 703.847.5244
www.lebanesetaverna.com
Lebanese food is one of the Mediterranean’s most diverse cuisines. Elements of Arab, Southern European and Turkish cooking is melded together to form a unique and delectable combination of flavors and textures. Lebanese Taverna is a perfect example of one of the world’s most amazing culinary traditions. If you’re a seasoned foodie, you’re probably already a patron, if this is your first foray into Lebanese cuisine, then stop in and see what you’ve been missing.
BEST BAKERY
WEGMANS
45131 Columbia Place,Sterling, VA 20165
www.wegmans.com
Few grocery stores can compare to the quality of products and level of service that Wegman’s can. Need a perfect cut of dry aged ribeye steak to impress the boss? How about an elusive French Wine, or a wheel of Belgian cheese? Wegman’s is where you go. Need help cooking that filet of wild caught Monk Fish? There’s someone behind the counter who can help with that. But what we really love about Wegman’s is their bakery. Perfection is the only word that can describe what the geniuses in their bakery department are striving for everyday.
BEST MARTINICLYDE’S
11905 Market St.|Reston 703.787.6601
www.clydes.com
A Washington area classic, Clyde’s is a symbol of the best of our region’s rich culinary traditions. Combining classic American cuisine with fresh and innovative approaches, Clyde’s has over the many years of operation become a favorite among discerning locals. All great restaurants have two things in common, great food, and an amazing bar, Clyde’s has mastered both. If you are feeling a little thirsty tonight, head over to Clyde’s in Reston and order a Grey Goose Martini up and dry and see why Clyde’s has stood the test of time.
BEST CHEF
CHEF GEOFF
8045 Leesburg Pike Vienna 571.282.6003
www.chefgeoff.com
Chef Geoff Tracy and his five area restaurants have fast become a must try for discerning foodies in the Washington area. Chef Geoff has been hailed as one of our area’s elite and most popular celebrity chefs and brings his patrons innovative and original takes on classic dishes, as well as his many original creations. Relaxed but elegant dining rooms couple perfectly with his gorgeous, but unpretentious cuisine and flawless service. Brothers in Ashburn.
BEST DATE NIGHT
LIGHTFOOT
11 N King St. Leesburg 703.771.2233
www.lightfootrestaurant.com
Situated in the heart of historic Loudoun County in Leesburg, the Lightfoot Restaurant stands at the intersection of past and present, offering a taste of both with classic architecture and thoughtfully prepared menus. Lightfoot is a perfect date night restaurant, offering its patrons a romantic atmosphere along with an attentive and professional wait staff who are committed to making your date night special.
BEST FRENCH
L’AUBERGE CHEZ FRANCOIS
332 Springvale Rd. Great Falls 703.759.3800
www.laubergechezfrancois.com
L’Auberge Chez Francois was started by the family patriarch, Francois Haeringer, and is now run by his son Jacques. The restaurant opened its doors in 1976 and has become a Northern Virginia favorite among Francophiles and food lovers in general. Over the many years of operation L’Auberge Chez Francois has stood as the region’s foremost authentic French restaurant.
BEST FAMILY
RED ROBIN
43530 Yukon Drive Ashburn 703.723.6005
www.redrobin.com
Cheeseburgers are what America is all about. Ok, maybe not entirely, but along with blue jeans, rock and roll and convertible hotrods, cheeseburgers are as American as they come. Red Robin serves only the best burgers in town, and has added many new versions of the classic all-American cheeseburger. Try for instance the Bonzai Burger that has a patty marinated in teriyaki and is served with thick and juicy slices of pineapple. Not your traditional burger, but awesome anyway.
BEST WINGS
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
524 Fort Evans Road
Leesburg 703.779.4646
www.buffalowildwings.com
Sometimes, all one really needs is an ice-cold beer and about two-dozen chicken wings smothered in various sauces. Whether you love mild and flavorful or burn-a-layer-of-skin-off-your-mouth hot, Buffalo Wild Wings has what you’re craving. This spot also has a full menu of sandwiches and entrée items and more wide-screen TVs than there are channels. Bring your friends, and your appetites!
BEST MEXICAN
UNCLE JULIO'S
www.unclejulios.com
BEST ITALIAN
MAGGIANO'S
www.maggianos.com
BEST CHINESE
P.F CHANG
www.pfchangs.com
BEST ORGANIC OPTION
WEGMANS
45131 Columbia Place,Sterling, VA 20165
www.wegmans.com
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