Where to Eat in Alexandria

A small city just minutes away from Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, boasts a certain charm that the capital city just can’t match. With its historic architecture, small businesses and independent restaurants, it’s a fantastic little getaway for those who’ve yet to discover all it offers.

While it’s easy to find history and shopping in Alexandria (literally just take a stroll down any street in Old Town or near the waterfront), pinning down your best restaurant options may be a little more difficult. To help you decide where to grab your next meal while you’re in town, here are six of our favorites.

1. Don Taco

Get your taco fix at Don Taco, which offers a wide array of vegetarian and gluten-free options among all your Mexican-style favorites. Expect classics, but also some inventive options, such as sriracha chicken tacos and pomegranate steak tacos.

2. Emmy Squared Pizza

If pizza is more your thing, try Emmy Squared Pizza, where you can get Detroit-style pizza (which means rectangular, with a thick, crispy and chewy crust, plus Wisconsin cheese rather than mozzarella) without ever leaving Virginia. And if you’re not in the mood for pizza? They’ve got you covered with burgers, salads and other sandwiches.

3. Fish Market

Try fresh, Chesapeake Bay seafood in this historic, renovated warehouse. Just about everything on the menu has a touch of seafood, from the clam chowder to the crab dip, the lobster BLT salad to the jerk shrimp tacos. Don’t worry, though — if someone in your party is decidedly not a seafood fan, they’ll still find a few non-seafood, but still scrumptious, bites on deck.

4. Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato

Looking for something sweet? Satisfy your sweet tooth at Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato. Flavors change every day and, beyond the many, many traditional gelato options, you’ll also find sugar-free gelato, vegan gelato and vegan sorbet on the menu. Whether you want something totally typical, like chocolate or vanilla, or something a little more out there, like cinnamon or sweet corn gelato, you can find it.

5. Lost Dog Cafe

Grab a slice and a brew for a good cause. Lost Dog Cafe offers pizza and craft beer in a family-friendly atmosphere and, better yet, a portion of the restaurant’s profits goes to help animal rescues. Beyond the pizzas, you can find sandwiches and salads on the menu.

6. ESP Tea & Coffee

Last up, get your caffeine fix for the day at ESP Tea & Coffee. Serving a wide variety of teas, espresso and snacks, like fresh pastries and pies, as well as empanadas, it’s the place to go for a quick pick-me-up, no matter the hour. The porch is even dog-friendly, so bring Fido along!

Need More?

Still need to book a stay in Alexandria? Looking for more fun ways to fill your itinerary? Check out the Alexandria, Virginia, Discovery Map guide, for tips on where to stay, where to shop and what to do, plus even more restaurant recommendations!