By Rebecca Kim and Ryan Robertson
Burrito
Chipotle
Steve Ells knew exactly what he was doing when he started the first Chipotle in 1993. Since then, the high-quality fast food joint has expanded from sea to shining sea. They pride themselves on their integrity. Remember, “It’s not just a burrito. It’s a foil-wrapped, hand-crafted, local farm-supporting, food culture-changing cylinder of deliciousness.” / Multiple NoVA locations; www.chipotle.com —RR
Artisan Pizza
Fireworks
“Good beer and pizza, don’t order anything else.” With a wide variety of toppings and 33 beers on tap, what more could you want? All pizza is cooked in the wood-fired hearth, giving it a distinctive flavor. Occasional live music acts add to an already vibrant atmosphere. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.fireworks.com —RR
Kebob
Moby Dick’s
Moby Dick’s House of Kabob has healthy, wholesome and fresh fast food. The Mediterranean cuisine is seasoned and cooked to perfection. The kabobs are said to be succulent, juicy and served with your choice of sauce. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.mobysonline.com —RR
Omelets
IHOP
Frying up about 40 pounds of eggs daily, the giant chain wins for their bigger-than-your-face omelets with a side of buttermilk pancakes. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we know that we will always have a place that welcomes us with comfort food no matter what time or day. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.ihop.com —RK
Mussels
Argia’s
This family-owned restaurant prides itself on the mussels they import and prepare every day. They’re steamed with mild or zesty sauces, whichever you prefer. / 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-534-1033; www.argias.com —RR
Late Night
Amphora
Amphora’s Vienna restaurant and Herndon diner are both open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The diverse menu contains over 350 items, including house-made bread and pastries. An excellent selection of beer, wine and specialty cocktails can be found there as well. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.amphoragroup.com —RR
Lobster Bisque, Caesar Salad, Jambalaya
Sweetwater Tavern
Lobster Bisque: The thick, creamy bisque with chunks of lobster meat pairs perfectly with any of their signature sandwiches or salads. “We strive for continuous improvement in everything we do and are constantly evaluating our recipes,” says Chris Osborn, the vice president of kitchen operations at Great American Restaurants. Caesar salad: What is Sweetwater Tavern’s secret to their popular Caesar salad? It is the fresh garlic and flavorful extra virgin olive oil in the Caesar dressing, which is tossed onto hearts of romaine with Reggiano Parmesan. Jambalaya: Sweetwater Tavern chefs are always trying to tweak and fine-tune recipes to improve their menu. It seems that they have figured out the best spicy Creole sauce for their jambalaya pasta to get the most votes from our readers. —RK / Multiple NoVA locations; www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/sweetmainste
Burgers, Fries
Five Guys
Burgers: Founded in Arlington in 1986, this franchise has grown exponentially ever since. Five Guys has won consecutive awards from numerous publications around the country. Its burgers are made-to-order, and are served with your choice of condiments. fries According to the Five Guys website, over 127 million pounds of potatoes were served last year. Not just any potatoes, however; these were premium Russets from the great state of Idaho. The white board will tell you exactly where they’re from. Order them Cajun-style for an extra added kick. Vinegar is always available for that nostalgic Boardwalk experience. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.fiveguys.com —RR
ASIAN INVASION
Dim Sum
Mark’s Duck House
Get some dim sum at Mark’s Duck House. Primarily known for their Peking duck, their authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum is also very popular and worth the wait on Saturdays. They come in many varieties like shrimp, pork, scallops, baby pig and more. / 6184 Arlington Blvd., #A, Falls Church; 703-532-2125; www.marksduckhouse.com —RK
Potstickers
Big Bowl
Driven by sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and natural and organic products, it is no wonder that these classic pan-fried Asian potstickers are favorites in NoVA. Customers have choices of soy-ginger dip, spicy mustard and sweet plum sauces. / 11915 Democracy Drive, Reston; 703-787-8852; www.bigbowl.com —RK
Sushi
Tachibana
This authentic Japanese restaurant has a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere with great service. The fairly priced food isn’t bad either. The seafood is fresh, which makes for some delicious sushi. / 6715 Lowell Ave., McLean; 703-847-1771 —RR
Pad Thai
Busara
Busara’s Siamese chefs use only the freshest, natural ingredients. The contemporary atmosphere is unlike any other. They strive to make both locations (Tysons and Reston) a special and inviting place for everyone. The pad Thai is stir-fried to perfection with shrimp, bean curd, crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, scallions and egg. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.busara.com —RR
SWEETS
Pie
Mom’s Apple Pie
“People are always amazed that we have a farm, and that we grow our own fruits and vegetables for our pies,” says owner Avis Renshaw. Mom’s sells about 100 to 10,000 (on turkey day) pies per day. Her most popular pie year-round is apple, but it depends on what is in season. Multiple NoVA locations; www.momsapplepieco.com —RK
Gelato
Pitango
Only the freshest ingredients are used in the preparation of this authentic Italian treat. This gives the gelato a wholesome and distinctive taste unrivaled by any other kind of ice cream. No shortcuts are taken in its labor-intensive preparation. Popular flavors include: chocolate hazelnut, pistachio and bourbon vanilla. 11942 Democracy Drive, Reston; 703-606-9906; www.pitangogelato.com —RR
Cupcakes
Edibles Incredible
Cupcakes are everywhere these days, but Edibles Incredible definitely has something special in their 32 varieties that have Northern Virginia cupcake lovers continually coming back, and voting them a “Best of” two years in a row. Not only can customers stop in and get the good stuff, but they also ship. Share the love. Multiple NoVA locations; www.ediblesincredible.com —LN
Something Chocolate
Edibles Incredible
The people have spoken loud and clear. If you have a sweet tooth, this is best place to visit in the region. They offer a wide variety of flavor experiences from their book of secret recipes. Top-sellers include: the Butterscotch Baby, Chocolate Madness and Red Velvet Cupcakes. The chocolate truffles come in an artfully designed box, and could be the perfect gift.—RR
Bakery
Edibles Incredible
Custom cakes, fudge and other gourmet desserts abound at these shops. Wedding consultations and tastings are a specialty. Best-sellers include the Amazing Amaretto, the Banana Bamboozle, and the Black and White Cakes. Try a slice, and you’ll understand why Edibles Incredible was voted the best bakery in the region. —RR
EXTRA CRUNCHY
Bagels
Einstein’s
“Darn good food and coffee,” it’s as simple as that. Indulge yourself with delectable iced coffees and filling sandwiches. If you’re craving a bagel, look no further than Einstein’s. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.einsteinbros.com —RR
Organic
Whole Foods
This is a grocery store that emphasizes natural and organic products above all. Founded in Texas, it has expanded to 40 other states and countries. It’s consistently ranked among the most socially responsible businesses by the Environmental Protection Agency. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.wholefoodsmarket.com —RR
Vegetarian
Sunflower
“It’s good to be a vegetarian,” is Sunflower’s mantra. The twin restaurants have won multiple awards recently for their meatless menu. The cuisine reflects a fusion of Chinese and Japanese cooking. Everything is organic and bursting with flavor. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.crystalsunflower.com —RR
¡VIVA ESPAÑA!
Paella
Jaleo
It is Chef Jose Andre’s passion for paella that keeps people coming back for more. Bomba rice from Valencia or calasparra rice from Murcia combined with fresh vegetables and meat tossed together along with meticulous timing, make for the perfect paella. / 2250-A Crystal Drive, Arlington; 703-413-8181; www.jaleo.com —RK
Sangria
La Tasca
“It is a traditional recipe with fresh fruit, and they are made with love. We take a lot of pride in them,” says one bartender of La Tasca’s sangria options. Among the 10 different choices of sangria on the menu, the traditional sangria tinta, and the cava sangria are the most popular. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.latascausa.com—RK
PROTEIN PARTY
BBQ
Red, Hot & Blue
“Barbeque, blues, and southern hospitality” is representative of what Red, Hot & Blue does best. They offer a wide variety of meats and sides, all of which are also available on the take-out and catering menus. Specialties include smothered beef brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, and their award-winning St. Louis-style ribs, all of which are served with sweet cornbread muffins. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.redhotandblue.com —RR
Peruvian Chicken
El Pollo Rico
It seems as though no one can duplicate the secret sauce that makes this chicken so finger lickin’ good. It has even attracted food traveler Anthony Bourdain. / 932 N. Kenmore St., Arlington; 703-522-3220; www.elpolloricorestaurant.com —RK
Super Chicken
Fresh, juicy and moist chicken roasted to perfection along with savory sides is why you will be coming back for more. / Multiple NoVA locations —RK
Meatball Sub
Subway
Maybe it was Subway’s popular meatball sub that helped outsell McDonald’s in sales this year. After all, in NoVA, a chain will sell on average of 40 meatball subs per day. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.subway.com —RK
Ribs
Famous Dave’s
It is no wonder that Famous Dave’s has won best ribs with their secret blend of savory spices, pit-smoked for three hours and flame-kissed to perfection on the grill. Find Famous Dave’s at six locations all over Northern Virginia. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.famousdaves.com —RK
Bloody Mary, Brunch
Clyde’s
Bloody Mary for $7.10 is the perfect morning blend to drink along with Clyde’s brunch specials. Ask for it to be rimmed with Old Bay and garnished with an oyster for the ultimate cocktail to kick off your day brunch Two of Clyde’s NoVA locations are in the middle of bustling business and shopping hubs, while the other sits in the quiet suburb of Ashburn. Yet, all have warmly welcomed a diverse crowd over the decades. The brunch menu is intended to impress even the toughest critics with offerings such as Creole omelets, seafood tacos, Mexican Benedict and Maine lobster, to name just a few. / Multiple NoVA locations; www.clydes.com —RR
Bartender
Joni Smith
Joni Smith has been working at Spanky’s Shenanigans as a bartender for about five years. It’s not that she is good about remembering new faces or names, but she is familiar and friendly with the regulars who have been coming in for years for good drinks and fun times. “It’s a great honor, and I have the best bosses,” she says. This kind of amity is the essence of Spanky’s, a neighborhood pub where people know each other, enjoy each other’s company, celebrate birthdays, watch sports games, share on open mic night, and much more. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg; 703-777-2454; www.spankyspub.net —RK
Jeanine Heal
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, “where everyone is treated like a regular.” Jeanine Heal’s voting customers can attest to that. She was flattered by the news, showing some humility in the process. “I’m just a really extroverted individual who can be borderline obnoxious at times,” she says. “This is a huge honor for me, but I’ll be the first to admit that I think I’m kind of mediocre at what I do. I do enjoy my job though, and I think that shows.” Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, 697 Spring St., Herndon; 703-435-5467; www.jimmystavern.com —RR
Chef
Andrea Pace
Although a modest and reserved man, Chef Andrea Pace receives a lot of attention and love from his loyal customers who are now regulars and have eaten at his restaurants since the day he opened them. With over 24 years of experience cooking authentic Italian fare in Merano, Italy; New York City; Georgetown and Great Falls, he brings his culinary talents to the heart of Fairfax at Villa Mozart Restaurant. The Italian native has made Northern Virginia his home. Guests step inside his restaurant and feel like they have stepped into a real Italian restaurant because they can taste true Italian food, hear Italian opera, and view pictures of Italy on the walls. Villa Mozart, 4009 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax; 703-691-4747; www.villamozartrestaurant.com —RK