It makes sense that one of Arlington’s most walkable neighborhoods is home to a dizzying number of places to dine out. Clarendon has one of the heaviest concentrations of restaurants in the county, and this mile-long urban village is home to both trendy new spots and neighborhood stalwarts that have been around for decades. Here’s where to go for a caffeine or sugar fix, a bottomless mimosa brunch, comfort food from a classic mom-and-pop spot or a date night with wine flights.
Ambar
Arrive hungry at Ambar, where the “unlimited” menu allows you to keep ordering plate after plate of chicken stroganoff, short rib goulash, beet tzatziki, lamb lasagna and other Balkan delicacies to your table. The unlimited brunch is especially popular, thanks to a never-ending flow of dishes like salmon benedict and potato hash (and 99-cent unlimited peach bellinis, mimosas or bloody marys). // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Bakeshop
Founded in 2010, Justin Stegall’s homegrown bakery is now a D.C.-area chainlet with additional locations in Falls Church and Georgetown. It’s no wonder, once you try the funfetti macarons, salty vanilla-caramel cupcakes, browned butter chocolate chunk cookies and other fanciful goodies. The bakery is also well-known for its cakes, pies and icebox pies (in flavors like frozen hot chocolate and Nutella), and for its sizable menu of vegan sweets. You can get coffee and a savory biscuit breakfast sandwich here, too. // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington
Brass Rabbit
Watch parties are regular occurences at this bunny-themed pub, be it an NFL match-up, a college basketball rivalry or the latest episode of Vanderpump Rules. Brass Rabbit opened in 2022 with a menu that reimagines “rabbit food” in the form of pub snacks such as lettuce wraps loaded with steak and kimchi, or sweet potato fritters (gotta get that daily dose of beta-carotene) dipped in green goddess aioli. Look for great drink deals, too, like wine nights featuring $3 glasses of vino with food purchase, or $5 bottles of bubbly during brunch. // 1210 N. Garfield St., Arlington
Buena Vida
Known for its truly transporting rooftop, this multi-level Mexican cantina indulges in the cuisine of sunnier climes. Crab and shrimp enchiladas and buffalo shrimp tacos are among the Yucatan-inspired eats on the dinner menu, while an unlimited brunch deal sends out small plates of chorizo hash and chilaquiles alongside $1.99 margaritas. In addition to the obligatory Taco Tuesday discounts, patrons can also score deals during Nacho Mondays and Thirsty Thursdays, when the half-price margaritas and sangria pitchers are flowing. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Circa
Got a big group with a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences? Dining is a breeze at Circa, the DMV mini-chain whose wide-ranging bistro menu includes bar snacks, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches and larger plates like pumpkin ravioli and braised short rib with garlic mashed potatoes. The Clarendon location is a neighborhood fixture with a popular outdoor patio. // 3010 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Coco B’s + B. Live
There’s a lot going on along this block of Wilson Boulevard, thanks to Clarendon residents Mike and Christal Bramson, the husband-and-wife team behind B Social Hospitality. B Live, their restaurant and live music venue, hosts raucous local bands and fun pop-up concepts, from Christmas wonderlands to beach bars. It’s adjoined by Coco B’s, a tropical hotspot awash in Barbiecore pink that’s a nod to Christal’s Caribbean heritage. Visit to pink-striped rooftop or the champagne-focused Bubble Bar for drinks, or sit down to feast on vibrant plates of coconut shrimp and jerk chicken. // 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Endo Sushi
Need a sushi fix? This reliable neighborhood go-to will handily satisfy that craving with bento boxes, sushi combo dinners, maki and nigiri a la carte, and house specials like the Maryland Roll (featuring tempura crab) or the spicy Salmon Jalapeno Tempura roll. If your party includes folks who aren’t so keen on raw fish, the menu also features teriyaki dishes and udon noodles, with matcha ice cream for dessert. // 3000 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington
Galaxy Hut
The dream of the ’90s is alive and well at this long-running dive bar known for its big baskets of tater tots, craft beers on tap, paintings by local artists and very laid-back vibes. A funky neighborhood fixture since 1990, the Hut maintains an entirely vegetarian menu, with snacks such as Swedish-meets-Canadian “meat” balls, eggplant fries and grilled cheese sandwiches made with a vegan cashew cheese blend. (Dairy cheese is available upon request.) // 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Green Pig Bistro
For more than a decade, Green Pig Bistro has been serving up one of the DMV’s most regarded bacon cheeseburgers—Black Angus beef from Lynchburg, Virginia, dressed up with gooey cheddar and smoked gouda on a homemade bun. That’s just the start of the decadent, Southern-accented selections, which also include cast-iron cornbread, shrimp and cheesy grits, and smoked pork shoulder ravioli.  // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington
Hanabi Ramen
Slurp your way through nearly a dozen piping-hot noodle-soup options—from traditional pork tonkotsu to deep-fried chicken ramen or spicy miso broth—which you can customize to your liking with toppings such as fish cakes, spinach, bamboo shoots, nori and seasoned eggs. The kitchen also turns out udon, tsukemen (ramen meant for dipping in broth), rice dishes and bento boxes. // 3024 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Kabob Bazaar
This destination for Persian cuisine opened in 1993 and has stood the test of time. Today, it still serves up kabobs skewered with everything from swordfish to spicy chicken, filet mignon or rack of lamb. Check out the rotating daily specials, and note that holidays like Norooz (Persian New Year) are big celebrations here. // 3133 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
The Liberty Tavern
A Clarendon jewel since 2007, this beloved kitchen is from the same team behind Lyon Hall, Northside Social and The Falls, with an attention to detail that feels homespun. The breads, sausages and pastas are made in-house and the vibe is unfussy. Open for lunch, brunch, dinner and happy hour, the tavern serves up everything from wood-oven pizzas to hearty options like sorghum-glazed pork chops or a daily family meal for the table (think fried chicken dinners on Mondays or chicken parm on Thursdays). // 3195 Washington Blvd., Arlington
Lyon Hall
A pot of garlicky mussels paired with pommes frites and a Belgian beer is one of the best ways to experience this popular French-Alsatian bistro. Happy hour is especially convivial, and the plats du jour—from chicken schnitzel to roasted duck breast—present a great reason to stick around for dinner. The bar stocks a wide selection of wines that will appeal to Francophones. // 3100 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington
Maison Cheryl
Madeleines are baked to order and served fresh out of the oven at this newish bistro, whose French accent is detectable in both the food and the classy marble-topped bar. Chef-owner Robert Maher has the Gallic basics down in dishes such as duck breast with a crackling-crisp skin (which got a thumbs-up from our dining critic); foie gras with apricot marmalade and frisee; and puffy gougeres with mortadella, Boursin cheese and honey. // 2900 Wilson Blvd. # 104, Arlington
Nam-Viet
This local institution is a part of Clarendon history: Nam-Viet opened back in 1986 as a 15-seat restaurant in an area then known as “Little Saigon,” due to its heavy concentration of Vietnamese-owned businesses. Many of those tenants have since moved elsewhere, but this family-owned business remains, serving sustenance in the form of spicy garlic noodles, traditional pho and “Uncle Tai’s Deep Fried Pork Belly”—plus Saigon-style soft shell crabs when the molting crustaceans are in season. // 1127 N Hudson St., Arlington
Northside Social
This trailblazing coffee house and wine bar opened nearly 15 years ago, with the idea of being more than just a coffee shop. Mission accomplished. Tucked inside a historic building, NoSo is a versatile haunt where you can catch up with friends over lattes and house-made pastries (think Earl Grey scones or gluten-free buckwheat muffins), work on your laptop outside on the sunny patio, or meet a first date over pinot grigio and a cheese plate. // 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
O’Sullivan’s
If you’re looking for a Guinness and only an Irish pub will do, head to O’Sullivan’s for a pint, and enjoy a trivia night, live music or an EPL match. This family-owned establishment has been in business for nearly two decades and stocks more than 130 whiskeys behind the bar. Of course, the food menu includes pub classics like shepherd’s pie and beer-battered fish and chips. // 3207 Washington Blvd., Arlington
The Renegade
Bands take the stage every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at this lively restaurant and music venue that opened in 2019 in the space that once housed Mister Days. The musical lineup offers something for everyone—from local acoustic duos to country crooners, ’90s cover bands and Monday salsa nights. The same goes for chef/restaurateur Patrick Crump’s menu, which draws influences from around the globe. Dive into shareable snacks like Filipino lumpia, yucca fries or hatch chili queso, plus larger options like banh mi sandwiches and Peruvian chicken. // 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Screwtop Wine Bar
The wine flights are anything but snooty at this approachable neighborhood wine bar, with options like “Sweater Weather Whites” or the “Call Me a Cab” flight featuring a selection of cabernets. The bar is now under new management (founder Wendy Buckley sold it in January) but new owners Linda Urbanski and Ryan Gesinski have promised to maintain the tasting tradition and easy-to-share food menu. Nibbles range from a hefty cheese plate to truffle chips, plus mains such as salads, bison meatloaf and a grilled cheese and tomato bisque combo. // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington
Seamore’sÂ
Clarendon marks the first location outside of New York City for this sustainable seafood restaurant dedicated to serving fresh catch only from fish stocks that are healthy or growing. A “Daily Landings” board indicates which fresh sea creatures are available on any given day, all of which are meticulously sourced and fished using environmentally-conscious practices. Try the littleneck Virginia clams steamed in local beer, a Maine lobster roll or the daily “The Reel Deal” with your choice of seafood, plus sides like cauliflower mash or green beans. // 2815 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Smokecraft
Pitmaster and owner Andrew Darneille made a splash in the local barbecue scene when he opened this handsomely appointed neighborhood spot during the pandemic. Rotisserie-style smokers work overtime, turning out meaty favorites such as dry-rubbed pulled pork or pork belly burnt ends, as well as smoked avocado deviled eggs and Chesapeake smoked crab cakes. The smoky profile even extends to dessert options such as cedar-plank smoked brownies. // 1051 N. Highland St., Arlington
Spice Kraft Indian Bistro
For a contemporary spin on traditional Indian cuisine, hit this supremely colorful bistro, where vibrant cocktails (try the coconut milk-infused Spiced Blue Chai) are served alongside dishes like salmon tikka pineapple and tangy samosa chaat. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices, too, with creative entrees such as quinoa sun-dried tomato kale kofta drizzled in turmeric and coconut sauce. Stop by during happy hour for chicken tikka tacos and $5 drinks. // 1135 N. Highland St., Arlington
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Glittering with Parisian-style cafe ambiance, this Boston-based bakery (whose Clarendon outpost is across the street from Whole Foods) is a hive for lattes, pastries and pretty desserts, as well as larger plates for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Think halloumi sunny-side-up breakfast sandwiches, shakshuka, couscous bowls and salads with avocado mousse. // 2085 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Tiger Dumplings
Chef-owner and serial entrepreneur Leopold Liao, an H-B Woodlawn alum, named his latest latest venture in honor of his youngest daughter, born in 2022, the Year of the Tiger. The Northern Chinese menu centers on nearly 20 different kinds of dumplings made inhouse (including steamed buns, soup dumplings and pot stickers), but also includes temptations like five-spice beef, dan dan noodles and preserved egg with tofu and chili. // 3225 Washington Blvd., Arlington
Troy’s Italian Kitchen
Vegans who love homey Italian food are the target audience for this mom-and-pop in Clarendon-adjacent Lyon Park. Husband and wife Neel and Palak Vaidya, vegetarians themselves, took ownership in 2019 and added even more options for non-meat eaters, including plant-based meatball marinara sandwiches and vegan garlic knots. The vegan pizza choices are extensive, with specialty pies such as the Vegan Elote with fire-roasted corn; the Big Dill with pickles, vegan bacon and vegan ranch; and an Indian fusion pie called Vegan Chicken Tikka Masala. // 2710-B Washington St., Arlington
Wilson Hardware
Step onto this watering hole’s enchanting patio and it’s immediately clear that this is not a spot to buy hammers and duct tape. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant and bar unfolds in a series of botanical indoor and outdoor spaces, including a floral-muraled dining room, a lounge, covered patio and rooftop deck. The food and beverage options range from frozen espresso martinis and spicy tangerine margaritas to brioche-bun burgers, short rib tacos and penne alla vodka. // 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Uncommon Luncheonette
Decadent poutines and broccoli rabe pork sandwiches are mainstays at this dressed-up version of a diner that opened in 2022, run by co-owners Joon Yang (of Pentagon City’s Epic Smokehouse) and chef Jon Mathieson, who previously cooked at upscale local favorites like 2941 and BLT Steak. Want breakfast at 1 p.m.? The menu, which is served all day, also includes eggs-and-bacon breakfast platters and chocolate waffles. // 1028 N. Garfield St., Arlington