Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like Fava Pot, an Egyptian restaurant tucked away in a strip mall in Falls Church. From fine dining to shawarma food trucks — find them all in Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat in Northern Virginia!
Did your favorite restaurant make it into the top 50? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list!
Topping this year’s best Top 50 Places to Eat in Northern VA list is Gyu Shige, a Japanese BBQ spot that is famous all around the world but recently opened up their first shop in the US right here in the heart of NoVa!
Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 50 Places to Eat to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.
- Gyu Shige (Fairfax)
Cuisine: Japanese
What they’re known for: Grilled Miyazaki A5 Wagyu and sushi
Yelpers say: “What a fantastic experience. This is a Japanese BBQ restaurant serving sushi, Japanese dishes, and high quality meats. The A5 Wagyu is pricey but so worth it. You can taste the marbling in every single bite. The meat can be paired with freshly grated wasabi, Himalayan salt, or truffle salt. I think it taste the best on its own. The fresh wasabi was really good.” – Judy N
2. Afghan Bistro (Springfield)
Cuisine: Afghan
What they’re known for: Pumpkin dumplings and tender lamb shanks
Yelpers say: “Afghan BIstro is an example of when venturing off the beaten path is a good thing. Located in an unpromising part of Springfield, an area spotted with shady-looking businesses and industrial parks and nestled in the middle of an unremarkable strip mall, Afghan Bistro is a tiny family-owned business that provides attentive service and delicious food in an elegant setting.” – Cat P
3. Tacos El Chilango (Arlington)
Cuisine: Mexican
What they’re known for: Street style tacos
Yelpers say: “Overall, the food is simply perfect and they churn these things out super quick. Enjoy them street-side or they’ll gladly wrap it up for you to take home. Either way, they’re damn good. Authentic, fast, delicious, cheap. Do you really need anything else?” – Zach H
4. Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant (Herndon)
Cuisine: Ethiopian
What they’re known for: Doro Wot and their vegetarian combos
Yelpers say: “Any time you’re craving for good Ethiopian food, don’t dwell on your decisions much longer, Enatye will kick your cravings the moment you walk into the door. Every single dish that were served on top of our platter was simply perfection. Don’t leave without getting yourself a cup of the iced coffee. It’s so light, no acidity at all, and it’s also perfectly sweet without being overbearing.” – Santita N
5. Royal Nepal (Alexandria)
Cuisine: Nepalese
What they’re known for: Yak momos and goat fried rice
Yelpers say: “The hospitality alone would bring me back to this place. Incredibly kind and attentive staff. Every single person we interacted with was warm and professional. I enjoy good food, and nothing beats good food prepared with love.” – Shellie D
6. Aracosia (McLean)
7. Superette (Arlington)
8. Loopy’s Eatery (Annandale)
9. Greek Unique (Ashburn)
10. Khukuri Nepali Cuisine (Front Royal)
11. Pizzoco Pizza Parlor (Winchester)
12. Foster Harris House (Washington)
13. The Union (McLean)
14. Eugene’s Sausage and Fries (Haymarket)
15. Vera’s Kitchen (Manassas)
16. Kabobi By The Helmand (Herndon)
17. Odd BBQ (Chantilly)
18. Marky’s Munchery (Alexandria)
19. Viet Fire Kitchen (Ashburn)
20. McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant (Arlington)
21. Maya Bistro (Arlington)
22. La Tingeria (Falls Church)
23. Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant (Alexandria)
24. Mehak Indian Restaurant (Chantilly)
25. Arepas Capitol Venezuelan Restaurant (Woodbridge)
26. Viet Fortune (Woodbridge)
27. Hot Chikn Kitchn (Woodbridge)
28. Anatolian Bistro (Herndon)
29. Fava Pot (Falls Church)
30. Himalayan Heritage Restaurant (Fredericksburg)
31. SPICE KRAFT Indian Bistro (Alexandria)
32. Taco Zocalo (Reston)
33. Katerina’s Greek Cuisine (Manassas)
34. Manna Bistro & Bakery (Centreville)
35. Albana’s Taverna (Culpeper)
36. Pho Duong Banh Mi & More (Manassas)
37. Saithong Para Thai (Fredericksburg)
38. UMAI Ramen & Rice Bowl (Herndon)
39. Old House Cosmopolitan Grill (Alexandria)
40. Urban Tandoor (Gainesville)
41. Our Mom Eugenia (Great Falls)
42. Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant (Lake Ridge)
43. Lei’d Poke (Vienna)
44. Mazza Kitchen (Lorton)
45. The Secret Garden Cafe (Occoquan)
46. Zamarod (Great Falls)
47. Sora Ethiopian Market (Alexandria)
48. Big Red Halal (Springfield)
49. Happy Thai (Fairfax)
50. Yayla Bistro (Arlington)
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Northern Virginia area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Northern Virginia area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 28, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 28, 2022.
