ALEXANDRIA, VA — One of the highlights of living in Alexandria is undoubtedly the variety of restaurants diners can find. From casual sandwich shops to chef-prepared fine dining, Alexandria has no shortage of favorite restaurants.
We surveyed readers about their favorite new and old restaurants. There was no criteria for new restaurants other than being opened in the last few years.
In the new restaurants category, restaurants receiving multiple votes were Barca Pier & Wine Bar, Ada’s on the River, Josephine, Beeliner Diner, Jula’s on the Potomac, Sisters Thai, Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Matt and Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar, Thompson Italian, Michael’s on King, Elaine’s and Mystic BBQ & Grill.
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Ada’s on the River and Barca Pier & Wine Bar are two waterfront restaurants opened by Alexandria Restaurant Partners in 2021 as part of Robinson Landing. Barca offers a dining experience built on an old commercial shipping pier with Spanish-Mediterranean small plates on the menu. Ada’s on the River offers waterfront views with seafood, steaks and other fare.
Reader Kirsten Anthony chose Barca Pier & Wine Bar as the best new restaurant saying, the “location and food are perfect. Great place to take friends and family visiting for something unique and delicious.”
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Ada’s on the River has also won praise for its tasty food and drinks and scenic views. Reader Randy Davis says Ada’s on the River has “delicious food in an unbeatable loation.”
Beeliner Diner has won praise from diners, filling the void left by the longtime Atlantis Pizzeria And Family Restaurant that closed after 38 years.
“I’d stayed away, still mourning the demise of Atlantis,” said reader David Crosby about Beeliner Diner. “But I’ve been there several times, trying the variety of their day-long breakfast. I like the vibe, with the counter, tables & booths. It’s a welcoming place with good food.”
Josephine is another recent restaurant opening that Alexandria diners have enjoyed. The French-inspired brasserie opened in the former location of Columbia Firehouse in 2023. Readers named the restaurant’s atmosphere, menu and service as highlights.
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“Great food, innovative menu, terrific service all wrapped up in a beautiful venue,” said reader Patrick.
“Stellar food, ambiance (esp the Salon) and service,” reader Marc added.
Mystic BBQ & Grill recently opened in the former Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ location and has won praise. The restaurant comes from Ralph Davis, who opened RT’s Restaurant and ran other Alexandria restaurants, as well as his son Matthew Davis.
“Nice variety of menu from BBQ to seafood and southern,” reader Sheryl shared.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen, another Alexandria Restaurant Partners eatery, has found success after opening in 2018 in the former Carluccio’s space.
“Good food, reasonable prices, made a go of it in a [building] that was the “kiss of death” to restaurants – go Mia’s,” an anonymous reader shared.
“They have flavorful pastas and pizzas, and a nice wine list,” adds reader Heidi Schubert.
Jula’s on the Potomac is a revamped concept on the waterfront that readers have enjoyed. The former Cafe 44 became Jula’s on the Potomac with the same ownership. The restaurant features renovated spaces on the Potomac River and a refreshed menu.
“Amazing food, great service, amazing views, easy to park around if needed!” reader Amy Smith said.
Other reader favorites may be worth a try.
Whiskey & Oyster is a seafood-focused restaurant from the restaurant group behind Pork Barrel BBQ, Sweet Fire Donna’s, Holy Cow and Tequila & Taco.
On Whiskey & Oyster, reader Jude Ebner says, “Consistent high quality of food, outdoor patio with breezes even on the hottest day, fun promotions.”
Kismet Modern Indian, a spinoff of Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant Karma Modern Indian in D.C., has offered a new take on Indian since 2021.
“Food is unique, interesting and delicious. The bar is small but the best individual spirits, bespoke cocktails and very good wine,” said reader Alice about Kismet Modern Indian.
Reader Kris Slayden raved about Royal Restaurant, which dates back to the early 1900s but was sold to Alexandria Restaurant Partners and Matt Sloan of Sloan Hospitality in 2023. The restaurant debuted a new menu with familiar favorites and new items.
“Smash burger is the best burger in the DMV,” Slayden shared. “Also, they opened with mixed reviews from the locals, and immediately adjusted and won back the locals!”
Other favorite new restaurants chosen by readers were:
So next time you’re looking for a meal or takeout with your family, you’ve got a long list of Alexandria’s many locally-owned restaurants to consider.
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