Bars & Restaurants

Northern Virginia, nestled gracefully on the banks of the mighty Potomac River, boasts an unassuming charm that belies its remarkable food scene. The culinary offerings in The Old Dominion easily rival those found anywhere on the east coast. From the captivating blend of craft breweries along Virginia's wine trail to the tantalizing array of international cuisines and the trendsetting farm-to-table fine dining experiences, we have it all.

While the chefs of NoVA will humbly attest to the longstanding allure of the foodie scene here, it's important to note that everything is evolving at an astonishing pace. The NoVA food landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting to discover.

For those seeking the forefront of gastronomic innovation in the D.C. Metro Area, trust The Nellis Group's comprehensive guide to the NoVA food scene. We are your trusted source for all things culinary, providing insider knowledge on neighborhood gems, the latest food trends igniting the DMV, and cherished establishments where esteemed presidents and first ladies have indulged in exquisite dining experiences.

Apple House

Vintage eatery & country store known for its BBQ & cider donuts serves American fare all day. In 1963, The Apple House began in the small community of Linden, Virginia. Today, just as then, they remain a family business serving friends and travelers from around the globe. They are located in beautiful Warren County at the Northern Entrance to the spectacular Skyline Drive. Good food, friendly staff and beautiful surroundings make The Apple House a landmark to visit in Virginia. Come visit for your gift needs as well as to pick up some famous BBQ or Apple Butter Donuts! / 4675 John Marshall Hwy, Linden VA 22642

DANIEL O'CONNELL'S RESTAURANT AND BAR


Named for the famed Irish political leader, this antique restaurant/pub is right at home in historical Old Town. Featuring a modern fusion of Irish cuisine and culture, folks may order new dishes including daily specials yet also favorites like corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips and shepherd's pie. Now while most bars/pubs are for those who like to see and be seen, this venue offers four unique and cozy snugs (nooks) to customers. On tap, you'll find Irish favorites like Guinness, Smithwick’s Ale, Harp and Magners Irish Cider but also a bevy of others by the bottle. / 112 King St, Alexandria, VA

Copperwood Tavern

At Copperwood Tavern, they aim to give their customers an enjoyable and memorable dining experience. They chose to be a farm-to-table restaurant because it represents the freshest quality available. Not only do they source our ingredients and products locally, they're also locally owned and operated in Virginia right outside of Washington D.C. 

They take pride in offering the highest quality dishes by serving locally sourced meats, seafood, and produce. By doing so we are supporting local farmers and local economy. It has also become their passion to educate customers on the benefits of using fresh and local ingredients. 

Copperwood Tavern offers 20 Virginia draft beers on tap, 30 small-batch whiskeys, and a superb wine selection from many local wineries. The 30-foot craft bar is also stocked with southern Virginia's white whiskey. Yes, meaning moonshine! Since a woodsy retreat wouldn't be complete without a loyal hunting companion, they encourage you to bring Fido along. Copperwood Tavern features dog-friendly patios with custom copper dog bowls! / 4021 Campbell Ave., Arlington

Green Pig Bistro

Green Pig Bistro serves what may be more obscure cuts of meat in their finest form – food that is hearty, not heavy; sustainable and with proper technique above all.

The restaurant utilizes the entire product, head to tail, in dishes that are approachable, solid and basic, yet premium – classic rustic French cooking – with a decidedly American push and with reasonable prices. Communal chef’s table made of repurposed barn wood with metal and stone base; wall coverings made of pages from cook and culinary books; antique knife and kitchen utensil collections. / 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington 

Artie's Restaurant

Artie's Restaurant have been serving Fairfax, VA residents since 1978. They offer a varied menu of American seafood & meat classics, plus a bar & boathouse decor with scale models. / 3260 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030

Highline RxR

Highline RXR opened on February 9, 2015, on the second-floor of 2010 Crystal Drive. We are Crystal City's newest addition, a fun and comfortable bar and restaurant that serves as Arlington’s new social anchor. 7,000 sq. Feet, 30+ draft beers, loads of games, and an innovative casual American menu — Highline is just what Crystal City has been missing. / 2010 Crystal Drive, Arlington  

The B Side

The B Side is a neighborhood joint situated next door to Red Apron at Mosaic, is an amalgamation of all the things we love the most: crazy good food prepared simply; way too many wines; stiff drinks made by pros who know how to make them; a mind-boggling beer list; killer tunes on the turntable and a scene that has no patience for pretense. This is B Side.

To make it all happen, they assembled a braintrust including Chef & Butcher Nathan Anda, Resident Hop Head Greg Engert, and a team of merry Mixmasters and grape gurus. Together, this band of brothers has built nothing less than a double live album of greatest hits. From obscure wine finds to cool and crafty cocktails, charcuterie, bar snacks, burgers, butcher's cuts and beyond – These guys are bringing it!

What's more, they don't cut corners. Full stop. If there's one thing these boys have in common, it's a total obsession with sourcing and serving only the absolute best. So, c'mon out and join them for some fun at B Side. / 8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax

Bellissimo Restaurant 

Bellissimo Restaurant is located in the heart of Old Towne Fairfax in a beautiful historic building that offers outdoor seating with a view of the Old Towne Hall and scenic Main Street in Old Towne Fairfax. They specialize in seafood, meats, homemade pastas and delicious mouth-watering salads, appetizers and desserts. / 10403 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030

Choong Man Chicken 

Choong Man Chicken is home to mouth-watering crispy and crunchy Korean Fried Chicken at its finest. Fan favorites include their famous Snow Onion, Garlic Soy Tikkudak, and Garlic Spicy chicken. / 9528 Lee Hwy., Fairfax, VA 22031

Coastal Flats

Coastal Flats is an American seafood restaurant located in Fairfax Corner. Their menu focuses on fresh fish and seaside classics, from lobster rolls to hickory-grilled catch of the day, crab cakes, burgers, and the famous short smoked salmon. / 11901 Grand Commons Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030

Meokja Meokja

Meokja Meokja (let's eat) - Korean BBQ is a fun twist on Korean BBQ while staying true to it's roots. They specialize in their premium cuts of pork and beef, and they value quality over anything else. / 9619 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22031

Clarity

Chef/Founder/Owner, Jon Krinn, began his culinary journey at L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and after spending some time in kitchens around DC, he took off to France to work with the likes of Alain Ducasse and Michel Rostang, among others.  Following his time in France he moved to New York city where he worked at Danny Meyer’s Gramercy Tavern under Chef Tom Collichio, and at the famed Union Pacific under Food and Wine 10 Best Chef Rocco DiSpirito.  Settling back in the DC area in 2001, he opened 2941 Restaurant to critical acclaim, earning 3 Stars in the Washington Post and landing perenially in the top 10 of Washingtonian’s Top 100 Restaurants. Building on his success at 2941, Jon created Inox in Tyson’s Corner in 2008, and although he again achieved 3 Stars in the Washington Post, the recession squelched his dream restaurant – ironically, a blessing and true teaching moment that led him to Vienna to construct and open Clarity on April 7th, 2015. / 442 Maple Ave. E, Vienna

Pops Ice Cream

Pop's is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor located in historic Old Town Alexandria. They offer everyone with over 63 flavors, served with smiles and personality that will delight the young and the young at heart. / 109 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314