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Washingtonian’s 12 Great Places to Eat in Arlington

Bonchon Arlington - This Korean chain might have more than 100 outlets around the world, but it’s the apotheosis of fast , with a so juicy, so crunchy it makes KFC look like it isn’t even trying. The polished wood floors of this Arlington location give it the feel of a wine bar, while the chicken alternatives include zucchini “fries” and buns laden with pickled radishes and carrots. 2209 N. Drive, 703-528-1011.

Cheesetique - Whether you’re ending a juice cleanse, have had a rough day at the office, or just feel like indulging in a whole lot of cheese-laden goodness, Jill Erber’s gourmet-shop/bistro hybrids are where you want to end up. Her produces standout grilled cheeses plus hefty and four decadent renditions of mac and cheese. 4056 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, 703-933-8787. Ballston neighborhood

Green Pig Bistro - At this casual Clarendon , most of the arrives in cans, chatty servers sport black T-shirts, and Wet-Naps accompany a hulking stack of buffalo ribs. Green Pig’s buffalo ribs come with four sauce varieties, including Thai . The meat is one of the many reasons to venture here and get your hands messy. Another: the eclectic menu, a mash-up of French, Southern, and “other”—tostadas or Kung Pao sweetbreads, anyone? Dishes tend toward the rich, but don’t skip the terrific peanut butter brownie sundae. 1025 N. Fillmore Street, 703-888-1920 Clarendon neighborhood

Kapnos Taverna - Mike Isabella’s first Virginia eatery is a spinoff of the original Kapnos , and while you’ll find a few crossover menu items—particularly dips and spreads with fresh flatbreads—the dishes here draw from Greek islands with an emphasis on seafood. Think marinated mussels with eggplant and olives, chilled shrimp with tomato-ouzo cocktail sauce, and bay with apple and grapefruit. The patio is perfect for slurping fresh oysters alongside crisp Greek white wine. 4000 Wilson Blvd.; 703-243-4400. Rosslyn neighborhood

Lyon Hall - This jammed Clarendon brasserie gracefully straddles the territory between bar and restaurant. There are plenty of twentysomethings here to sip from the groaning roster of boutique wines, Belgian and German , ciders, and cocktails. But it’s also a family destination, with swing-set-friendly fare— giant , terrific house-made hot dogs in poppy-seed buns—that tends to show up on a lot of grownups’ plates, too. House-made charcuterie and mussel pots are ideal for communal , as are platters of sausages and pork belly piled on top of kraut and spaetzle and garnished with tart lingonberries. In the mood for something lighter? Go for the grilled sea bass, boosted by zippy green-olive vinaigrette. 3100 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington; 703-741-7636. Clarendon neighborhood

Mussel Bar & Grille It’s hard not to eat like a marathon-prepper at Robert Wiedmaier’s moules frites –and-beer hangout, thanks to the addictive dishes. Plump mussels are blanketed in creamy, flavorful sauces—cilantro-laced Thai , classic white-wine broth—and served with wonderfully crusty and crisp (both regular and sweet-potato). 800 N. Glebe Rd.; 703-841-2337. Ballston neighborhood

Peter Chang - The question with the great Chinese Peter Chang used to be: Will he stick around? Chang was notorious for opening a spot and vanishing soon after. These days, as he commands an empire of throughout Virginia and Maryland, the burning question has become: Is he in the kitchen? Such dishes as his scallion bubble pancake and dry-fried eggplant are lighter when he’s around. If Chang’s not in, you still are likely to eat better than at 90 percent of the Chinese restaurants out there, though you may be left wondering what all the hype is about. 2503 N. Harrison St.; 703-538-6688 . Ballston neighborhood

Pupatella - You’ll find both families with kids and Peroni-sipping twentysomethings gorging themselves on pizzas and fried risotto balls at this Neapolitan-style pizzeria. Springy crusts get topped with salty Parma prosciutto and peppery baby arugula, or and mozzarella. There’s even a pizza, laden with Nutella and fresh fruit. 5104 Wilson Blvd.; 571-312-7230 .

Ray’s The Steaks When we crave a thick, bloody steak, this is the place that leaps to mind. Not that there aren’t lots of other options, but we prefer restaurateur Michael Landrum’s for its value, its warmth, and its scale— this is a steakhouse for the common man. The loud, bare-walled might be off-putting if it weren’t for the great deal you’re getting. Heaping sides of mashed potatoes and creamed spinach come free. 2300 Wilson Blvd.; 703-841-7297 Rosslyn Neighborhood

Tazza Kitchen - Imagine a neighborhood bar, only foodier, cozier, more contemporary, and less focused on pleasing the widest swath of diners. Terrific, attentive service, too. Go for the with fennel sausage, and end with an excellent olive-oil-topped chocolate budino. 2931 S. Glebe Rd.; 703-549-8299 . Ballston Neighborhood

Thai Square This old-timer from Bangkok native Sunthorn Rojural remains remarkable. The minimalist room doesn’t look tired, and the kitchen continues to produce plates that are bracingly spicy and fresh. Appetizers shine. Don’t necessarily skip more traditional dishes—the green-curry chicken is near perfect—though adventurers can also do well with the likes of pork-knuckle stew. 3217 Columbia Pike; 703-685-7040.

Yona - The kitchen at Jonah Kim’s snug shop/small-plates joint in Ballston works with the speed of a diner at prime time, shooting out supremely crunchy Brussels sprouts drizzled with fermented-chili mayo, wings amped up with chilies and vinegar, and steamed bao stuffed with braised oxtail, sweet purée, and fennel kimchee. And then there’s the uni waffle, a dubious-sounding —featuring lobes of saline sea urchin, salmon , and , a rich Greek spread made with carp roe—that actually lives up to its social-media hype. 4000 Wilson Blvd.; 703-465-1100 . Ballston neighborhood

The Best Cheap Eats in Arlington

Athena Pallas - Really good home-style Greek can be hard to find in Washington, which is why this family-run dining room ringed by pictures of sun-drenched islands is such a find. Order a bottle of Grecian wine and settle in over velvety taramasalata with warm wedges, grilled octopus doused in an oregano-heavy red-wine vinaigrette, and a molten block of kasseri cheese proffered in a sizzling skillet. Cobbling together a of such is tempting, but then you’d miss the Mediterranean comfort fare—beef-stuffed grape leaves in a creamy lemon sauce or sweet shrimp bobbing in tomato- stew. The service matches the food: unfussy but warm, and quick to please.

Bayou - Biscuits with pepper at Bayou Bakery. Photograph by Scott Suchman. Some chefs credit their Michelin-starred mentors for shaping their culinary vision and style. David Guas gives biggest props to his 69-year-old aunt Boo, a cooking-school teacher who hails from Abbeville, Louisiana. Her Cajun-country influence is the reason he keeps his zesty jambalaya extra-moist—unorthodox trick: a little tomato purée—and his crawfish étouffée stays on the mild side (dress it up with hot sauce if you like). Not everything nods toward Louisiana: A BLT with roasted tomatoes is simply a really terrific BLT, and a kale Caesar has nudged its way onto the menu. Guas spent most of his career as a chef, so the sweets cases at these homespun cafes— holding fabulous cookies (try the -topped chocolate Doppios or the Oreo-like Dat-os) and pralines—are as much of a draw as the savory stuff.

Cheesetique Cheesemongers - Leave it to cheese obsessive Jill Erber to transform a gooey crock of French soup into something even gooier—a sourdough grilled cheese spilling with Gruyère and deeply caramelized . At her twin wine bars, each fronted by a gourmet shop, she raids her sprawling cheese cases for pretty much every dish on the menu. Rich, funky Taleggio gives a cheesesteak a luxe upgrade, while goat Gouda and Asiago go into a superb breadcrumb-topped mac. Or opt for the stuff in its purest form—the staffers behind the Carrara-marble bar will help you put together just the right cheese board.

Dama - The versatility of the place alone ought to earn it a spot in your dining-out rotation. At , it’s an easygoing antidote to greasy spoons or corporate . (Get the ful, a dish of stewed favas, garlic, and olive oil with warm, crunchy bread.) Midday, it’s a pit stop for coffee and an Italian-style pastry or cake from the adjoining bakery. Come , its enormous value becomes readily apparent. Bring along a group of like-minded friends and watch the table bloom into a lavish and colorful feast of complex, powerfully spiced stews—50 bucks rarely brings so much warmth, comfort, or deliciousness. (If you’re more experienced with the cuisine, try springing for the teff , a nuttier-tasting alternative to the thin, lightly fermented bread that serves as both utensil and wrap.) Dama has in recent years made meatless cooking a priority, with another entire menu devoted to the Gondarian staples that make up the contemporary Ethiopian table—among them, a fascinating and tasty , or berbere -spiced stew, with tender, roasted garlic cloves.

Mala Tang - Szechuan at Mala Tang. Photograph by Scott Suchman. You’ll eat to the tune of bubbling hot pots at this Virginia Square dining room. The wait staff urges a cauldron per person, filled with simmering stock in which diners can an à la carte array of meats, seafood, and —we found that a single order for two to three people works perfectly well, and you’ll have more room to sample from the expansive Szechuan menu. The fare is both spicy and -friendly—large-format beers are offered for a reason. Opt for the “Mala (spicy)” broth, and round out the meal with garlicky dan-dan , tender in , and crisp- edged scallion pancakes.

Queen Amannisa - Never had Uighur food before? You’re not alone. In North America, only a handful of restaurants specialize in the cuisine, which descends from a nomadic band of Turks who settled in northwestern . The northern Chinese character is immediately evident—the emphasis on stuffed buns and hand-cut noodles, the use of star and chilies—but then you dig into the minced meat with noodles. Looks like a typical stir-fry, with peppers and onions, but the Middle Eastern influence eventually reveals itself: The noodles are short and coated in a rich meat sauce. Queen Amannisa isn’t a smooth ride (the are disappointing, and some dishes feel too quickly rendered), but the highs are high, especially a massive tureen that comes across as a cleaning-out of the fridge—bone-in chicken, thick noodles, potatoes, onions, peppers, chilies, all drenched in a fascinating red sauce—but sure doesn’t taste like it. Crystal City Neighborhood

Ravi Kabob House I and II - Any slob with a back-yard grill can cook meat over charcoal. What you get at Ravi, the granddaddy of the area’s many parlors, is the skill, knowledge, experience, and patience to turn that simple endeavor into high artisanal craft. These are to savor and take your time with, from the warmly spiced minced beef to the incomparably juicy bone-in chicken. And don’t miss the chickpea stew known as chana, simmered for hours with onions and garlic until the mixture becomes sticky. Rus Uz - The cooking might be composed of strapping plates of Russian and Uzbek fare, but to get the most out of a meal at this dandelion-yellow dining room, it helps to approach it as you would : Focus on the myriad and pastries that make up the front end of the menu. There are -sprinkled, flaky filled with silky potato purée and mushrooms; caviar-topped tarts filled with cream cheese; and , thin turnovers filled with ground lamb. It’s easy to stuff yourself silly on just those, but it’d be a shame to ignore the Uzbek specialty plov, a heaping platter of gently spiced rice with hunks of lamb, or the old-school dessert tray—you’ll want to head straight for the cloud-like honey-nut cake.

Silver Diner - On a list teeming with all sorts of exciting possibilities for armchair travel, it hardly seems right to include a chain diner (local, but still) dedicated to the kinds of things you can make yourself: eggs and bacon, burgers, meatloaf. But Silver Diner isn’t your average diner. The list includes a number of local beers and wines, the quality of ingredients has spiked dramatically with the commitment in recent years to more local produce and meat, and the work with a surprisingly light hand. This is far from the greasy spoon you might have presumed—witness the excellent huevos rancheros with a spicy hash of ground bison. Yes, service can drag, and the ten-page menu has more than a few potholes (the misguided salmon sliders on oat buns, for one), but then you take a chance on an unexpectedly juicy bison burger with pesto, goat cheese, and red peppers and all (well, almost all) is forgiven . Clarendon neighborhood

Yona - Jonah Kim brings a fine-dining background to Yona in Ballston. Exhibit A: his waffle laden with sea urchin and salmon roe. Photograph by Scott Suchman. The long, blond-wood communal tables at this Ballston bar look straight out of any 21st-century . And while chef/owner Jonah Kim’s noodle soups here are satisfying enough, it’s the bar and shareable salads that keep us nudging our way into the narrow space. How in the world do Kim’s Brussels sprouts stay so crisp? Turns out the chef took a cue from Outback Steakhouse’s “bloomin’ onion” and scores the bulbs to their quicks before frying them. A chili-flecked bean-sprout salad gets another dose of crunch from a scattering of Marcona almonds. And a small waffle, topped with luscious uni, pops with briny flavor thanks to pearls of salmon roe. Not feeling small-plates? If it’s Sunday, go for a communal platter of soy-brined fried chicken served with biscuits and kimchee. Take a food culture trip through Arlington

Cava Mezze - Aiming to bring the mezze and style of Greek dining to Arlington is Cava Mezze . The idea for this innovative restaurant came to three friends, Ike Grigoropoulos, Ted Xenohristos and chef Dimitri Moshovitis, over coffee. Renovating a disused bakery with love and a prayer, they opened the doors of Cava Mezze in 2006. Moshovitis’ menu strives to bring the best of Greek gastronomy to Arlington using the freshest local ingredients, and some of the best imports Greece has to offer. Their menu is based on five simple ingredients which spell out SPOOL: salt, pepper, oregano, olive oil and lemon. All their hard work paid off when , a year later, Cava Mezze made it into the list of Washingtonian ’s Top 100 Restaurants. Now with two other sister premises, and pop -ups in East Coast food markets, Cava Mezze is here to stay in Arlington, and definitely worth a visit. Cava Mezze, 2940 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, USA , +1 703 2769090

Clarendon Grill - If up-and-coming music, cutting-edge local art and mouth-watering food are your thing, then look no further than the Clarendon Grill. A popular establishment since the 1990s, the Clarendon Grill was recently renovated in 2010. While the décor may have changed, many things have stayed the same, including their on Thursdays, where local craft beers and micro -brews are only $1.50 until 9pm, their menu staples of meaty burgers and sandwiches, and live music three nights a week. Other delights from their selection of pub grub include finger food such as nachos, to bigger and more exotic mains such as their Thai basil chicken and catfish filet. These appetising dishes can be enjoyed inside, or al fresco on Clarendon Grill’s outdoor patio, providing a more serene experience. If all of that was no enough, this venue also offers regular salsa classes on Mondays and a Trivia night on Wednesdays, meaning there is always an exciting atmosphere at the Clarendon Grill. Clarendon Grill, 1101 N. Highland St., Arlington, VA, USA +1 703 5247455

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro - Arriving on Wilson Boulevard in 2007, the Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro aims to fuse fine wine with excellent cuisine at reasonable prices. The menu is created with European flavours in mind, amplified by the list of international wines. Savoury crepes, fresh salads, sautéed Hawaiian butterfish and shrimp and tasty tapas treats are twinned with Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz from around the world. This bistro also offers ‘wine flights’ which bring diners on a tour of the world of white wines and red wines. There are also over 40 premium beers from international breweries if wine is not to your taste. Grand Cru Wine Bar & Bistro, 4401 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 703 2437900

Green Pig Bistro - A recent addition to Arlington’s culinary scene, the Green Pig Bistro opened its doors in 2012. Specialising in hearty, simple but flavoursome food, this bistro promotes the use of sustainably produced and locally sourced ingredients, and aims to use every part of the animal from head to tail, leaving nothing to waste. Creating multi-cultural cuisine of French cooking with American flair, The Green Pig’s menu caters for all tastes, serving and dinner. The restaurant also features a communal chef’s table, made of repurposed barn wood, adding to the home-cooked and down-to-earth feel of this establishment. With its antique kitchen utensils, walls papered with pages from cooking books and colourful ceramic pots and dishes, the Green Pig Bistro leaves a lasting impression on its diners . Green Pig Bistro, 1025 N Fillmore St, Arlington, VA, USA +1 703 8881920

Rus Uz - Located in the Ballston neighbourhood and boasting a unique blend of traditional Russian and is Rus Uz . Chef and owner Bakhtiyor Rakhmatullaev creates menus that offer seasonal delicacies of both these Eastern countries made with the highest quality ingredients. Mixing the old world with a modern twist, the menu’s highlights include cold starters such as kholodets and red caviar, mains of cabbage rolls, shish kebabs and dishes, and are all complemented by the best Eastern European beverages. Being the only Russian/Uzbek restaurant in the area, there is definitely one to try for an alternative and memorable experience. Rus Uz, 1000 N. Randolph St., Arlington, VA, USA +1 571 3124086

The Liberty Tavern - Opening its doors in the Clarendon area of Arlington County in 2007 is The Liberty Tavern . The brainchild of two Arlington families, the Fedorchaks and the Normiles, this tavern is housed in a restored historical building. The first floor features a bar and lounge area, and located upstairs is the atmospheric dining room. The menu is carefully prepared by head Chef Matt Hill using fresh seasonal ingredients, with The Liberty Tavern producing all their bread, pasta, sausages and in-house. The kitchen also boasts a hardwood smoker, which adds a real kick to their smoked and braised beef short ribs. Alongside their wood-oven-cooked pizzas and the signature Liberty Tavern burger is the accompanying wine and beer list, which has been carefully selected to beautifully complement the food. All of this flair and flavour has also been critically acclaimed by various media, being named the Washington Post Editor’s Pick, and featuring on the Washingtonian magazine’s Top 100 Very Best Restaurants for seven consecutive years, every year since the tavern’s inception. The Liberty Tavern, 3195 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA , USA +1 703 4659360

Busboys and Poets Restaurant - Busboys and PoetsOpening in 2007, Busboys and Poets settled into its second location of Shirlington, a name which derives from a combination of Shirley Highway and Arlington. The neighbourhood is known as an ‘Urban Village’ and is one of the most up-and-coming areas of Arlington County. A smaller and more intimate venue than its Washington flagship, Busboys and Poets Shirlington is located near the Signature Theatre and the Shirlington Library, resulting in the perfect venue for afterhours cultural food, drink and discussion. Food includes a wide variety of breakfast, brunch and dinner fare, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. There is also a bookstore and local contemporary artwork dons the walls. For those who wish to be enveloped and immersed in a truly cultural experience, look no further than Busboy and Poets. Busboys and Poets, 4251 Campbell Ave, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 703 3799757

El Pollo Rico - The fiesta and flair of Peru and Latin America is brought to Arlington by the renowned and well established El Pollo Rico. Famous for their charcoal broiled chicken, which they boast is the tastiest that you’ll ever have, El Pollo Rico also prides itself on other food favourites, such as their alfajores , flan and . Finishing off their main dishes is a selection of sides, such as coleslaw, rice, steak fries and signature mild and green hot sauces. For simple but satisfying food, El Pollo Rico delivers every time. El Pollo Rico, 932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 703 5223220

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Ben's Chili Bowl's loyal followers enjoy the restaurant's chili, chili half smokes and shakes. We've been there several times for . We try to eat healthy, so we love their veggie chili, which has a lot of flavor but is lighter and better for you, too! Their classic Ben's Famous Chili is also delicious and we're partial to their thick, rich milkshakes. Can't go wrong if you're looking for a fun and casual place to hang out! Ben’s Chili Bowl, 1725 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, USA. + 703 6495255

La Union Restaurant - 1998 was a landmark year for La Union Restaurant . It was the year Zoila and David saw their dream realised when they opened their Mexican and Salvadoran restaurant in Arlington. The extensive menu features traditional home-cooked cuisine made from treasured family recipes, some of which date back to 1922. Classics such as corn , fiery fajitas and enticing are popular favourites. There is also a full service bar which serves traditional Salvadoran and Mexican beer, which punctuates the Latin American experience at La Union. La Union Restaurant, 5517 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 703 5220134

Pupatella Neapolitan Pizzeria - When Enzo Algarme moved to America, it was his ambition to open his own pizzeria that truly captured the taste of his native Naples in . Making the most of Neapolitan techniques of pizza making, and using the best imports from Italy, Pupatella Pizzeria succeeds in bringing the gastronomic experience of Italy to Arlington. The secret behind Pupatella’s famous pizzas is their special wood-fired oven, which uses oven bricks made from volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. The pizza’s ingredients are basic and simply prepared, and this no-fuss approach adds a rich flavour to Pupatella’s produce. You can even order a ‘white pizza, which either has no sauce or uses Italian cream instead. The pizzeria also serves and various friggitoria , or fried , such as , stuffed risotto balls, and panzarotti . Pupatella’s is truly the little Italy of Arlington. Pupatella, 5104 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, USA. +1 571 3127230 Just a few more Favs…

The Caryle - Roomy American brasserie decked out in art deco-esque decor with a bar & upstairs dining area. Food is fabulous! 4000 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206. (703) 931-0777 ,

Tupelo Honey - An all-day menu of Southern with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails. 1616 N Troy St, Arlington, VA 22201. (703) 253-8140

The Italian Store Grocery for Italian products & wine that also offers a selection of subs & pizza for takeout. and are superb! 4207, 3123 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22201. (703) 528-6266

Uncle Julio’s Mexican from Scratch - Tex-Mex chain serving mesquite-grilled fare & margarita-sangria swirls in a hacienda-style, 4301 Fairfax Dr #100, Arlington, VA 22203. (703) 528-3131 Four Sister’s Grill Banh mi & other Vietnamese dishes served in a casual eatery with modern decor & an outdoor patio, 3035 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201. (703) 243-9020