5 Must-Try Restaurants in Alexandria
Alexandria’s food scene is packed with delicious variety, from comforting classics to bold global flavors. As someone who recently moved to Alexandria and came from an area where chains were the only option, I’ve loved getting to experience the unique independent restaurants that this city has to offer! With so many great spots to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five must-try restaurants. Each one serves amazing food and always hits the spot!
First up, we have Momo Sushi Japanese Restaurant, located at 212 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA. There’s something for everyone here—tons of maki and specialty sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, sushi bowls, tasty appetizers, a range of noodle and rice dishes like yakisoba, udon, and katsu, and so much more. My go-to order is getting a specialty roll and a few pieces of salmon nigiri. The fish is so fresh, all you need is a dab of soy sauce, and you’re good to go. They don’t take reservations, and the wait can get long, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on dining here over the weekend. I never get tired of eating at Momo Sushi, and you won’t either!
The next place on our list is Call Your Mother Deli, located at 1300 King Street, Alexandria, VA. There are a few Call Your Mother spots across the DMV area but it’s definitely worth a visit. They’ve got all the essentials- coffee, tea, juice, sweet treats like muffins and cookies, and a huge selection of fresh bagels to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or lunch, their bagel sandwiches have got you covered. Grab a few bagels to go and pair them with Call Your Mother’s special cream cheese “schmearz”. The flavors range from garlic and herb to strawberry swirl. You can never go wrong with my favorite, the Sun City sandwich, which is a classic bacon, egg, and cheese, but with a drizzle of hot honey. So good!
Landini Brothers is an incredible Italian restaurant. It’s located at 115 King Street, Alexandria, VA. They’ve got great pasta, fish, and meat entrees. My favorite is the Linguine alle Vongole Bianche ó Rosse. I’ve always loved Linguine with clam sauce, but Landini’s version is packed full of flavor! If you love garlic, then you won’t be disappointed. The limoncello spritz tastes exactly like the ones I had in Italy, and their Caesar salad is the best I’ve had in my whole life. I don’t always get an appetizer when I go out to eat, but if I’m eating at Landini Brothers, then there’s a 100% guarantee I’ll be getting this salad. I could eat three bowls of it and still want more. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ve got to try this restaurant!
Kismet Modern Indian is located at 111 North Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA, and is the perfect place to introduce your loved ones to Indian food. The food is packed full of flavor, while remaining approachable and well-balanced. I typically order a smorgasbord of entrees and side dishes to eat in one mouthful. To me, a bite of chicken tikka masala, lentils, chickpeas, and their garlic naan might be up there with one of the most perfect bites in history! With unique appetizers and creative cocktails that are constantly changing, they provide the perfect opportunity to experience new and unexpected flavors. If Indian food is one of your favorites, I highly recommend this restaurant, you won’t be disappointed! (P.S. They opened a second location in Richmond!)
The last restaurant on this list is Ada’s On The River. It’s located at 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA. The dinner is highly ranked; however, I’ve only been there for brunch. Their brunch cocktails are fantastic, and I always get the eggs Benedict. I substitute the home potatoes for French fries, and I’m one happy girl. I’m typically a savory person when it comes to breakfast food, but they also have giant French toast and lemon and ricotta pancakes that look incredible. If you’ve had dinner there, comment your thoughts, and if you liked brunch, lunch, or dinner the most!
You really can’t go wrong with any of these spots! With so many different restaurants to explore in Alexandria, you’ll never get bored. Let us know if we missed any of your favorites!
