Top 10 Restaurants in Arlington, VA for a Culinary Delight

Arlington, VA, boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to diverse tastes. If you’re on the lookout for the best restaurants in Arlington, you’re in for a treat. Here, we explore the top 10 eateries that offer exceptional dining experiences. From local favorites to hidden gems, these restaurants in Arlington promise unforgettable meals.

Top Restaurants in Arlington, VA

1. Ted’s Bulletin

Ted’s Bulletin is a retro-inspired eatery known for its classic American fare and house-made pop tarts. It’s a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ted’s Bulletin review:

My mouth is watering just thinking about the biscuits and gravy! Went on a whim for brunch on Saturday and we were able to get a high top at the bar area without waiting. The breakfast drinks are amazing too! I’m a fan of the Irish coffee! My only criticism would be the cinnamon roll was overcooked in my opinion – like that outside layer was very hard, but the inside was good, but I’ll skip the cinnamon roll next time. Great service and good vibe. I’ll definitely be back! -Bobbi DeAnda

2. The Liberty Tavern

The Liberty Tavern combines American comfort food with a cozy atmosphere. Their wood-fired pizzas and hearty entrees make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

The Liberty Tavern review:

Enjoyed a delicious brunch here and Savannah was an excellent server! She was attentive without ever hovering over us, and was kind and offered efficient service. We opted for the small plates brunch option and enjoyed the various dishes that we tried. The deviled eggs and French toast were stand out favorites. I’d strongly recommend reservations for brunch as they do get busy! -Danielle Deihl

3. Ambar

Ambar offers a unique blend of Balkan flavors in a vibrant setting. Their small plates are perfect for sharing, and the unlimited brunch is a crowd favorite.

Ambar review:

Looking for a unique dining experience while my kids were in town and together over Easter weekend, we stumbled across Ambar. Trying Balkan food was what caught our eye, but holy moly, what a great experience we had. From the cherry blossom decorations to the amazing food we tried. And there was a lot of food. Haha. I would highly recommend anyone who hasn’t been to go and experience this for themselves. I know I will, again! -Troy Dickson

4. Pupatella

If you’re craving authentic Neapolitan pizza, Pupatella is the place to go. Their wood-fired pizzas, made with fresh ingredients, have earned rave reviews.

Pupatella review:

Great food and surprisingly no wait time for a table. Staff was very friendly, especially the host. The food was amazing and so delicious. We were a group of four, ordered zucchini sticks for an app and then 3 pizzas and a pasta bowl. Definitely can order 2 pizzas for 3 people. All in all a great experience. The only downside was the waiter never came to offer refills or more drinks. That for me is a big factor in quality of service. The food was great! -Chris Dietz

5. SER

SER delivers a taste of Spain with its traditional tapas and contemporary dishes. The paella and churros are not to be missed.

SER review:

Sitting at the big picture window over looking the city, my childhood friend and I enjoyed a beautiful and tasty meal that tickled our taste buds. The cocktails were pretty and the food…!!! My favorite part of the meal was the Tres Leche Cake with the crème brûlée strawberries and cantaloupe. It was enough for four people to share! Good food, good people, and good cocktails makes a foodie happy!! -LaShonna Drayton

6. Green Pig Bistro

They offer a farm-to-table dining experience with a menu that changes seasonally. Their inventive dishes and relaxed atmosphere make it a top choice.

Green Pig Bistro review:

My friends and I had a weekend brunch at this place a while ago, and we absolutely loved it! The food was delicious and perfectly cooked, using fresh ingredients and expertly combined to create tasty brunch dishes. We even enjoyed our desserts; the white chocolate bread pudding was amazing! The service was excellent, and the atmosphere added to the overall experience, making our brunch unforgettable. -Patrick Min

7. Lyon Hall

This French-inspired brasserie serves up classic dishes with a modern twist. The weekend brunch and extensive beer selection at Lyon Hall are particularly popular.

Lyon Hall review:

I have a saying I’m sure I’m not the only one and the saying half the eating experience is the people. They Lyon Hall made me feel like I was with a friendly family. Steven the manager stopped by to check on me, Brooke was super friendly and accommodating, Migjon the chef brought me a special steak to enhance my burger experience. Talk about accommodating Veronica the hostess was really looking out for me. When I thought the item I came for was not available she was going to the chef to ask if they could make it for me(I saw the item was available and saved her the trip). The burger I had could use a little more seasoning beyond that it was perfect! -Derrick Johnson

8. Bar Bao

Bar Bao brings Asian fusion to Arlington with its innovative menu. The bao buns and creative cocktails make it a standout in the local dining scene.

Bar Bao review:

Notables and recommendations: Honey Shrimp, Chicken & Waffles, Bulgogi Hash, JFC Bao, Short Rib and Nutella French Toast were amazing. The other ones were ok and not bad but too salty or the sauce was too overpowering for my taste. Overall, genuinely surprised about how great everything was! Definitely recommend! Total before taxes ~ $88 -Klara Raymond

9. The Italian Store

This place is perfect for a quick, delicious meal. The Italian Store is a beloved deli and pizzeria known for its authentic Italian subs and New York-style pizzas.

10. Ruthie’s All-Day

Ruthie’s All-Day is a Southern-inspired restaurant offering comfort food with a modern flair. Their biscuits and gravy and smoked meats are sure to impress.

Ruthie’s All-Day review:

Great local neighborhood joint with good prices (all things considered with inflation lately…)
Their cornbread with their jam and butter was AMAZING. Fresh, light, and all you want for in a cornbread.
Their food was fresh and tasty. We recommend sitting outside on their patio during nice weather! Although their indoor seating also looked nice as well. -Vic Chau

Exploring the top restaurants in Arlington offers a delightful journey through diverse culinary traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for steak, tapas, or pizza, Arlington has something to satisfy every palate. Make sure to visit these top 10 restaurants in Arlington for an unforgettable dining experience.