There are so many restaurants in Old Town Alexandria, and it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. The good news? It’s one of the very best dining destinations in all of Virginia.
We’ve researched and narrowed down the top 14 restaurants in Old Town Alexandria.
The Best Alexandria VA Restaurants
👩🍳 Looking for a quick recommendation? Our favorites are Landini Brothers for rustic Italian farm fare in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere and Vermillion Restaurant (do the tasting menu!). For another fun dining destination, check out our list of the best Fredericksburg restaurants.
1. Bastille
It brings French flavors to Oldtown Alexandria, and the Bastille Brasserie and Bar is a well-known family-run restaurant. Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux occupy it. These chefs add a unique twist to French bistro cuisine based on new and seasonal. The dining room can serve two small tables or have a more intimate meal. Restaurants provide a three-course menu for fixed pricing, or you can pick individual items from the “a la carte” menu.
2. Bistro Sancerre
Bistro Sancerre is a French restaurant located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, VA. This intimate restaurant offers an ever-changing menu of classic and modern French cuisine emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients. The wine list features over 100 wines by the glass or bottle, many from small producers that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Bistro Sancerre is a new steakhouse and wine bar that began its story only in 2019. It quickly gained popularity for the exquisite food it serves, pairing perfectly cooked steaks with an extensive wine list. The intimate setting and attentive service only add to the allure of this restaurant.
Bistro Sancerre is a restaurant that has been around for a while. It first opened its doors in 2003 and has been serving up delicious French cuisine ever since. The restaurant is upscale and provides an intimate dining experience for guests.
The restaurant has a sleek and modern interior and offers a romantic patio for good-weather dining.
If you’re looking for a delicious French meal, Bistro Sancerre is the perfect spot. The restaurant offers a variety of classic dishes with a modern twist. You can get started by ordering appetizers like escargot and Foie Gras. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the restaurant’s signature dish: lobster bisque served in a pumpkin shell.
Bistro Sancerre is a French restaurant that is perfect for a casual lunch. If you visit during the day, you will find a menu with lighter fare, such as burgers, crepes, and Croque Monsieur.
Bistro Sancerre is a wine-focused restaurant in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. With an extensive wine list, it offers something for everyone. The menu features classic French dishes with a modern twist, and the cafe’s intimate setting creates a cozy atmosphere.
3. Blackwall Hitch
Blackwall Hitch is seafood and New American restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia. The cuisine includes Maryland-style Crab Cakes, Crispy Fried Oysters, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and much more.
The Blackwall Hitch is a popular restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia. It has waterfront views, and an oyster counter, both major draws for diners. The menu is also extensive and includes a variety of seafood dishes.
The restaurant’s name comes from the special Blackwall Hitch knot, which the original immigrants from England used to tether their ships to the docks on the Virginia and Maryland coasts back in 1862.
The Blackwall Hitch is a restaurant that serves fresh, local food. The menu changes with the seasons, as the kitchen tries to use whatever is newest and most available at the time. This results in dishes that are always tasty and interesting.
If you are looking for a great seafood restaurant in Alexandria, VA, look no further than Blackwall Hitch. This establishment offers a variety of salads and soups, fresh seafood from the Raw Bar, tasty roasted flatbreads, burgers, and some fabulous entrees and sides. You can be sure to find something to your taste here!
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4. Brabo Brasserie
Brabo Brasserie is a French restaurant located in Alexandria, Virginia. It offers a Sunday brunch and daily dinner in the Brasserie and casual French delights in the all-day Tasting Room.
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique dining experience, look no further than Brabo Brasserie in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. This European-inspired diner offers up classic dishes with a modern twist. From the decadent foie gras to the perfectly cooked steak, there’s something on the menu for everyone. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – the crème brûlée is not to be missed!
One of the menu highlights is the Le Grand Duck Flambé, which is a house specialty. You can order this dish (in advance) to share with your partner and enjoy a delicious evening out.
The restaurant has two sections- the more formal Dining Room and the more casual Tasting Room. The tasting room has great and shareable small plate appetizers and desserts.
5. Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro
Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro is a popular restaurant in Alexandria, VA. It offers a diverse menu with items from various countries in the Mediterranean region. The food is artfully presented and attracts diners from all over the city.
If you’re looking for a fantastic Mediterranean meal, Vaso’s is the perfect spot. It occupies a lovely two-story property near the King Street area and offers some of the best food in Alexandria.
Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro is an affordable Mediterranean restaurant that offers a variety of dishes. The food is made with fresh ingredients, and the menu changes daily to ensure that customers have various options to choose from.
If you’re looking for a romantic evening out or want to experience Greek and Italian cuisine, Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro is the perfect place for you. With its chic and cozy atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home while enjoying delicious dishes like gyros and shrimp scampi. And don’t forget to order a glass of wine or cocktail to complete your meal!
Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro is a great restaurant to visit, especially in the summer. The outdoor dining area has a beautiful arbor of flowers that provides shade and is excellent for a relaxed romantic date night.
6. Caphe Banh Mi
Caphe Banh Mi is an eatery in the Old Town district of Alexandria known for serving authentic Vietnamese dishes. The restaurant has been around for a few years and has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Some of the most popular items include banh mi sandwiches, pho noodle soup, and vermicelli bowls.
If you’re looking for a delicious Vietnamese sandwich while in Alexandria, Virginia, be sure to check out Caphe Banh Mi. It’s located close to the Carlyle House Historical Park, and it offers an affordable and tasty alternative to some of the other restaurants in the area.
Caphe Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made from French bread and filled with pork, ham, or roast beef. The combination of flavors in the sandwich makes it a popular choice for those looking for something different than the traditional ham and cheese sandwich.
7. Le Refuge Restaurant
If you are looking for a romantic French restaurant in the Old Town of Alexandria, Le Refuge Restaurant is a great choice. The restaurant has been serving traditional French cuisine since 1975, and it has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Le Refuge Restaurant is a traditional French bistro with a superb reputation among the locals in Alexandria, Virginia. The menu offers classic dishes like escargot and steak frite and some more modern items.
Le Refuge Restaurant offers a wide variety of French classics such as French onion soup, Avocado stuffed with crabmeat, escargots, frogs legs, and filet mignon served with a Roquefort sauce. Le Refuge is the perfect spot if you are looking for an authentic French dining experience with an intimate and romantic ambiance.
8. Vermilion Restaurant
If you are looking for a delicious meal in Alexandria, VA, Vermilion Restaurant is a great place to check out. This restaurant is located on King Street and offers various cuisine options, including American, French, and Italian dishes.
The Vermilion Restaurant is a romantic and intimate setting with beautiful exposed brickwork, subdued lighting, and brightly colored (Vermilion) booths. It is one of the top places to eat in Alexandria, VA.
Many delicious restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia, but Vermilion Restaurant is a standout. This restaurant offers beautiful courses from the seasonal a la carte menu, or you can put your trust in the chef and enjoy the five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu with or without wine pairing.
The Vermilion Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Alexandria, Virginia. It has a wide variety of delicious food options, and it hosts regular Brewery and Farm Table dinners and Brewery and Farm Table dinners for vegetarians.
You can enjoy a meal at Vermilion Restaurant whether you’re looking for something light or hearty. The menu offers an excellent variety of wines by the glass and international beers and spirits. And if you’re feeling lucky, you can order the tasting menu and let the chef choose your dishes.
If you are looking for a delicious meal, Vermilion Restaurant is a great option. The restaurant serves American cuisine, including steak, chicken, and seafood dishes.
9. Virtue Feed & Grain
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience, Virtue Feed & Grain is the place to go. This rustic American tavern is located in an old building called a feed house. The menu features seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
The Virtue Feed & Grain is a restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, with a fascinating history. The restaurant was once an old barn, and the flooring and wallboards were reclaimed from the barn. Additionally, the restaurant uses grain-sack pillows as seating.
The Virtue Feed & Grain is one of the best restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia. The food has a farmhouse vibe, with creative takes on traditional food like meatloaf. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of wine and beer.
On the list of best restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia, Virtue Feed & Grain is a relatively newer place. It has become popular due to conserving the building’s history as a feed house. The restaurant offers American cuisine with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients.
10. Fish Market Restaurant
The Fish Market Restaurant is a seafood restaurant located in Alexandria, Virginia. The menu features fresh seafood options and a variety of wine and beer selections. The restaurant is housed in a renovated warehouse over 200 years old.
You can’t go wrong with the Fish Market Restaurant. The seafood restaurant has a variety of soups and stews, starters and salads, sandwiches, platters, house specialties, and sides to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or want to indulge in something heavier, this Alexandria eatery will have you covered.
Fish Market Restaurant offers an extensive selection of seafood items and a variety of craft beers on tap, wine, and cocktails. With over eight different types of beer, visitors can find the perfect drink to pair with their meal.
11. Landini Brothers Restaurant
Landini Brothers Restaurant is a popular Italian restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. It has been serving up classic Italian dishes since 1985. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and the recipes have been passed down for generations. Some of the most popular items include lasagna, chicken parmesan, and tiramisu.
The Landini Brothers Restaurant is a family-owned Italian eatery serving up delicious food for over 40 years. The restaurant is known for its hearty Italian menu and rustic setting, which transports guests to the heart of Italy.
The Landini Brothers Restaurant is a great place to have a delicious meal. The dinner menu features salads and appetizers, pasta dishes made from scratch, veal scaloppini, and more. You’re sure to find something you’ll love!
12. Mackie’s Bar and Grill
Mackie Bar and Grill was recently introduced to King Street restaurants and aimed to become Alexandria’s most popular place for dry-aged steaks and seafood. The modern design features red wall accents, deep red tables, and table lamps, which help create a relaxed ambiance ideal to enjoy romantic dates. Although Mackies prides itself on producing exceptional dry-aged beef steaks that will keep you returning time after time, it has several different delicious options that will appeal to people who prefer a meat-based meal. A large selection of cocktails, brews, and wine can also be a part of the menu.
13. Chart House
The picturesque waterfront on both sides of the Potomac River makes this hotel an excellent choice in Alexandria for a romantic weekend out. You can choose to dine outdoors or dine on the patio on warm days and enjoy the panoramic views over the river. A nautical theme is reflected in all dishes, which feature the most mouth-watering seafood dishes like Coconut Fried Shrimp and Fresh oysters, crabcake, and Lobster. The menu features seafood dishes but carnivores don’t need to feel left out: they can get some of Virginia’s best prime rib.
If you’re looking for fresh local dishes prepared in a more casual atmosphere, Chart Houe is a great pick.
14. Columbia Firehouse
The beautiful light-filled atrium is set in this historic building constructed in 1883. You can eat at the lavish restaurant, the atrium, or the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy an elegant meal with American-style cuisine. In addition to preparing fresh salad and soup, you have the option of choosing an extensive choice of fresh seafood such as oysters, crab, mussels, and shared platters. Carnivores will choose black Angus prime cuts and prime ribs cooked on seasoned meat. When it comes time for lighter food, you should go to the Bar Room.
There are so many dining choices in Alexandria
There are many great restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, you can’t go wrong with any restaurants on this list. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Italian food, or steak, there’s something for everyone in Old Town Alexandria. So next time you’re in town, be sure to check out one of these fantastic restaurants!