Neighborhood Favorites
Your Guide to the Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia
Arlington, Virginia is teeming with great restaurants, cafés, and diners. In addition to our own Silver Leaf Restaurant, the Holiday Inn® Arlington at Ballston offers easy access to a wide range of dining choices. There are elegant fine dining steakhouses, chain-style restaurants, and plenty of local favorites you’ll definitely want to try. More than 60 of them are within walking distance and within the range of our free shuttle. We’ve also included some of the top-ranked restaurants in the DC area; these are worth a special trip during your stay with us.
Grab n’ Go
- Starbucks
Your favorite coffee chain has three Ballston locations!
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Buzz Bakery
This local coffee shop serves some of the area’s best sweet treats, plus sandwiches to go and cocktails at night.
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Sweetgreen
Order up a salad, wrap or fro-yo customized to your liking. Organic and local ingredients are the hallmark of this eco-friendly local favorite.
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Big Buns
Pick your base – burger, chicken or fish, and choose how you’d like it served (on a roll or salad), your toppings (we’re partial to the grilled onions and roasted red peppers) and don’t forget to order their sweet potato fries.
Casual Restaurants
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P.F. Chang’s
Enjoy Chinese favorites in a casual atmosphere. Perfect for families or large groups. Don’t skip the lettuce wraps!
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Rio Grande
Craving Mexican? You’ll find some of the area’s best Tex-Mex at Rio Grande, also known as Uncle Julio’s. In warmer months, the outdoor patio seating is popular with locals.
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Rock Bottom Brewery
Care for traditional brewpub fare? You won’t find better in the neighborhood. Order the house-made pretzels with cheesy dip, a juicy burger, or satisfying salad. Don’t miss their popular $1 beer night every Wednesday.
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Grand Cru
Choose a bottle of wine off the shelf and enjoy it with ltalian small plates in this neighborhood favorite.
Fine Dining
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Willow
Featuring modern continental cuisine, Willow has long been one of Ballston’s best fine dining restaurants.
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Rustico
Ballston’s newest fine dining restaurant is known for their extensive beer list, homemade pizzas, and innovative entrees. They’re also open for brunch.
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The Melting Pot
Make it a date night with this popular fondue favorite.
Insider’s Tip: Many of DC and Arlington’s best restaurants and dining destinations are just minutes away by Metro or car. Try the famed Georgetown Cupcake of TLC’s DC Cupcakes fame, Ray’s Hell Burger, the burger joint visited by President Obama, or try Graffiato, the latest from Top Chef Mike Isabella. You can also consult The Washingtonian’s list of 100 Best Restaurants or Cheap Eats for inspiration.