Restaurants in Alexandria, VA

Bringing the flavors and aromas of France to Old Town Alexandria, Bastille Brasserie and Bar is a popular family-owned restaurant which has been pleasing palates since 2006. The restaurant is owned by chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux, who bring their own unique twist to traditional French bistro dishes, inspired by whatever is fresh and seasonal. You can choose to dine at an intimate table for two in the dining room or opt to enjoy a lighter meal at the bar. The restaurant offers three and four-course fixed price menus or you can choose individual items from the a la carte menu. There are daily specials for bargain hunters including their French Quickie special for lunch from Tuesday to Friday.

Bastille, 606 N. Fayette Street, Alexandria, VA22314, Phone: 703-519-3776

Bistro Sancerre is known for its innovative take on classic French cuisine. The interior of the bistro is large, sleek and modern and there is also a romantic patio for good-weather dining. You can get started by ordering a few of their appetizers which include classic French favorites like escargot and Foie Gras given a brand new twist. Main courses include popular choices like Filet Mignon, Braised Lamb Shank and a fragrant seafood Cassoulet of roasted monkfish and shrimp. If you visit for lunch you will find a lighter menu offering burgers, crepes and Croque Monsieur. An extensive wine list completes the picture.

Bistro Sancerre, 1725 Duke St, Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-634-2720

Offering a coastal-inspired theme, Blackwall Hitch is a sleek modern venue with just the right ambiance to make it perfect for a special lunch or night out. The name of the restaurant comes from the special Blackwall Hitch knot which the original immigrants from England used to tether their ships to the docks on the Virginia and Maryland coasts back in 1862. you can expect the food to be fresh, tasty and seasonal, inspired by whatever is locally available on the day. The menu will always include a selection of salads and soups, fresh seafood from the Raw Bar, tasty roasted flatbreads, burgers and some fabulous entrees and sides.

Blackwall Hitch, 5 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-739-6090

Brabo Brasserie brings the chic Paris food scene to Old Town Alexandria, offering Sunday brunch and daily dinner in the Brasserie as well as casual French delights in the all-day Tasting Room. For a special date night you can order (in advance) the house specialty Le Grand Duck Flambé to share with your partner. The Brasserie a la carte menu features all the popular classic French dishes (alongside some surprises), all beautifully prepared using seasonal locally-sourced ingredients – think Beef Bourguignon, Confit Duck Leg and Trout Almandine. If you choose to eat in the more casual Tasting Room you can feast on local cheeses, delicious small plates for sharing and soups, salads, mussels and French Tarts.

Brabo Brasserie, 1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-894-3440

Located on a stretch of land which once formed part of George Washington’s farm, Cedar Knoll overlooks the magnificent Potomac River, offering three separate areas where you can enjoy lunch, dinner or brunch. The sumptuous décor in the Presidential Room perfectly sets the scene for a romantic dinner prepared from the best locally sourced seasonal produce. The menu is full of tantalizing options to suit all tastes; perhaps you would care to start with some wonderful fresh local oysters or Pan Roasted Mussels before moving on to a delicious main. The lunch and brunch menu (usually served in the beautiful Botanical Room) features lighter fare including several breakfast favorites like Poached Eggs in Potato Nests.

Cedar Knoll, 9030 Lucia Lane, Alexandria, VA 22308, Phone: 703-780-3665

A stunning waterfront location on the banks of the Potomac River sets the Chart House apart as one of the best choices in Alexandria for a romantic night out. You may choose to dine indoors or alfresco on the patio on good-weather days, feasting your eyes on the sweeping views of the river and the city beyond. The nautical theme continues through to the menu which features a long list of mouth-watering seafood dishes including Coconut Fried Shrimp, Fresh Oysters, Crab Cakes and Lobster, but carnivores have not been neglected and can order Prime Rib, a variety of steaks and sides or chicken.

Chart House, 1 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703-684-5080

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the Del Ray Cafe is your go-to eatery for organic, fresh local dishes prepared with French flair. The menu changes all the time in order to bring the best seasonal produce to your plate but you will always find a selection of cleverly-combined salads, a soup-of-the-day, a catch-of-the day fish dish and ever-popular favorites like escargot, salmon and naturally-raised steaks and burgers on the lunch menu. If you visit for dinner you will have a wider choice of entrees including Cassoulet, Bouillabaisse, Duck Confit and Stuffed Loin of Lamb. Gluten-free options are available on request.

Del Ray Café, 205 East Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, Phone: 703-717-9151