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.
1. Bastille Brasserie and Bar
Bastille Brasserie and Bar is a well-known family-run restaurant that brings French flavors to Old Town Alexandria.
The 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. 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 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.
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.
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3. Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro
Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro 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.
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.
The outdoor dining area has a beautiful arbor of flowers that provides shade and is excellent for a relaxed romantic date night.
4. Caphe Banh Mi
Caphe Banh Mi is an eatery in the Old Town district of Alexandria known for serving authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Some of the most popular items include banh mi sandwiches, pho noodle soup, and vermicelli bowls.
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.
5. 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, making it the oldest French restaurant in Old Town.
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.
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6. Vermilion Restaurant
Vermilion 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.
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.
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.
7. 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 food has a farmhouse vibe, with creative takes on traditional food like meatloaf. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of wine and beer.
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.
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8. Fish Market Restaurant
Fish Market Restaurant is a seafood restaurant housed in a renovated warehouse over 200 years old.
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.
9. 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 restaurant is known for its hearty Italian menu and rustic setting, which transports guests to the heart of Italy.
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10. 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, crab cake, 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 House is a great pick.
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