More than a few chefs are paying homage to their culinary roots in Northern Virginia’s newest restaurants. Be tempted by restaurants offering Indian, Turkish, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Pakistani fare. Solid staples like bagels, barbecue, and pizza round out the list. Embark on a culinary adventure this March.
Alexandria
Call Your Mother
Call Your Mother opens a second NoVA location, this one in Old Town Alexandria. The Jewish deli features creative bagels, sandwiches, and snacks. And it lets you sub out any bagel for yuca bread for a gluten-free option. 1300 King St., Alexandria
Benny Diforza’s
Benny’s pizza slices, which appear to be bigger than a traffic pylon, will amuse and delight. The Del Ray outpost’s whole pizzas are 28 inches, sold by the pie or by the slice. Sample classic flavors or dig into specialty toppings like garlic mushroom or buffalo chicken. 1504B Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Flavor Hive
This enticing food truck is located behind the Landmark Building on Duke Street. It offers rice bowls, quesadillas, loaded pita pouches, and loaded fries. And it sells merch: Pick up your squeeze bottle of spicy or mild Thai chili honey, sriracha, or volcano truffle sauce. 5249 Duke St., Alexandria
Arlington
Hal & Al’s BBQ
This eatery is proudly known as the first DMV Halal barbecue joint (note the store name is a play on this point). Indulge in ribs, brisket sandwiches, Cajun turkey sausage, and mac or brisket chili bowls. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Ocean Shack
Ocean Shack hopes to become Arlington’s go-to spot for the freshest shrimp, lobster rolls, oysters, scallops, fried baskets, tacos, and seafood boils. This eatery offers options for land lovers as well. 2163 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington
Ashburn
Mr. Sushi & Mrs. Roll
Come hungry: This new Japanese and Korean grill serves an expansive selection of sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, Korean specialties, Japanese specialties, fried rice, noodles, and combination plates. This is the second location for this restaurant. The other is in Leesburg. 44110 Ashburn Shopping Plz., Ste. 182, Ashburn
Efesus Cafe
The savory spices of Turkish cuisine come to Ashburn. Dine on Mediterranean fare that includes lamb, chicken, seafood, and beef dishes. Discover Turkish pizzas, pasta, and sumptuous desserts. 20937 Ashburn Rd., Ste. 125, Ashburn
Burke
Lassan Indian Restaurant & Bar
Order ‘outside the box’ items like masala nachos or hot chili-stuffed bullet naan at this modern Indian restaurant, or enjoy favorites like biryani, vindaloo, or vegetarian classics. 6413A Shiplett Blvd., Burke
Centreville
Clean Eatz
This small café in Sully Station offers healthy options. Order burgers, wraps, flatbreads, melts, build-your-own bowls, smoothies, and more. Most meals are low in sugar and salt and under 500 calories. 5053A Westfields Blvd., Centreville
Fairfax
The Commons Fooderie
Fairfax has gained a locally owned fast-casual restaurant — the perfect blend of full-service, locally-roasted coffee bar and diverse menu options. Dine on breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, salads, burgers, wings, and soups. 3955 Chain Bridge Rd., Ste. 107, Fairfax
Meat Project—Fairfax
This all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ charges $30 for adults or less for kids, depending on height. Feast on over 25 Korean dishes, including bulgogi, miso pork belly, honey butter squid, spicy octopus, and marinated chicken. 2727G Merrilee Dr., Fairfax
Falls Church
Crabby Noodles Pho & Seafood
Quench your Cajun seafood and Vietnamese pho yearnings at this fusion destination. Sample extensive pho options, or opt for Louisiana dishes like étouffée, a fried seafood platter, or a po’ boy sandwich. Seafood combos round out the eclectic menu. 6795 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 1D, Falls Church
Mia & More Sugarcane Juicery
Mia & More brings the essence of Vietnamese culture to life through a curated selection of sugarcane-based beverages. Guests can choose from a variety of sugar cane beverages with enhancements like passion fruit, salted lemon, strawberry, or kumquat. 6765 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church
Com Tam Le Truc
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a no-frills atmosphere arrives at the Eden Center. Come hungry for the make-your-own pho bowl, boiling pho, vermicelli dishes, sizzling steak and eggs, and Vietnamese rice plates. 6769 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church
Manassas
Taty’s Chicken
Peruvian charcoal chicken is the theme at this fast-casual restaurant. Go the classic poultry route, or try specialties like ceviche de pescado, churrasco a lo pobre, chupe de camarones. The affordably priced spot also offers appetizers, handhelds, and salads. 10768 Sudley Rd., Manassas
Bob & Edith’s Diner Manassas Corner
You’ll think you died and went to diner heaven. This seventh location for the local joint brings Manassas a classic dining experience. Bring the family for pancakes, meatloaf, pork chops, or pie. 9221 Sudley Rd., Manassas
Stafford
Crimson Coward
Flock to this Nashville hot chicken eatery, serving non-GMO, halal poultry. Check out spicy chicken, sandwiches, specialty fries combos, and, of course, a variety of sides, including a waffle. 825 Wonder Rd., Ste. 100, Stafford
Vienna
Shake Shack Pike 7
Got a hankering for a burger and fries? Look no further than the newest Shake Shack, gracing the Tysons area. Savor a creatively curated burger, chicken sandwich, or hot dog, enhanced with crispy fries and a massive milk shake. 8350 Leesburg Pk., Vienna
Sterling
Cha Street Foods
Pakistani street food is served at this new Sterling location. Whether it is an egg shammi for brunch or a Keema protein burger, you will find it here. Diners will find flavorful offerings that include kabobs, rice bowls, and salad bowls. 45633 Dulles Eastern Plz., Ste. 100, Sterling
Feature image courtesy Cha Street Foods
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