What a difference a new neighbor makes—especially when that new neighbor happens to be Amazon. Crystal City and Pentagon City have undergone dramatic changes since 2018, when the tech giant selected the area as the site for its East Coast HQ2. With the new name—National Landing—comes a large-scale reinvention that includes new office, residential and retail space, and a bevy of new places to eat and drink.
The splashiest change in the neighborhood might be the reimagined Water Park, featuring 10 outdoor food pavilions from a variety of indie restaurateurs, all surrounded by beautiful green landscaping and a stunning water feature (with a cocktail bar perched on top). Other buzzy newbies in the neighborhood include NiHao, a tapas-style outpost from chef Peter Chang, and Surreal, chef Enrique Limardo’s whimsical garden of a restaurant.
Meanwhile, the lively stretch that includes Crystal City, Pentagon City, Westpost (Pentagon Row) and Potomac Yard is still home to plenty of time-tested establishments that are worth a taste. Here are some oldies, goodies and newcomers to try—with more on the horizon, including a sister restaurant to Café Colline and an omakase sushi outpost from the team behind Mosaic’s Gyu Shige Japanese BBQ & Bar.
Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique
Beauty is a wine bar, bottle shop, bistro and boutique all rolled into one, tucked inside a cute navy blue Victorian-style house on 23rd Street. Owner Zena Polin’s idea, back in 2022 when Beauty first opened, was to appeal to the neighbors, whether they were in need of a great bottle of wine, a cute housewarming gift or a sweet pick-me-up like a slice of cake or “Fruity Pebble” krispy treats. Stop in for a glass of Malbec, something sparkling or a drink that’s more unique, such as mead from Maryland’s Orchid Cellar Meadery. Tasting flights are available if you can’t pick one pour. The succinct and savory bistro menu includes goodies like cheese boards and bacon-wrapped dates. // 576 23rd St. S., Arlington
Brij
Skyler Kelley’s coffee stall at Water Park serves espresso drinks, pastries and cold brews with a mission. A portion of every sale supports to local nonprofits fighting homelessness. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Bubbie’s Plant Burgers & Fizz
The “burgers” and “chick’n” sandwiches at Bubbie’s Plant Burgers & Fizz are all meatless, mixed up with the likes of beet patties or tofu by creative couple Margaux Riccio and Shaun Sharkey. Soy ice cream floats and milkshakes made with oat milk round out the old-school soda pop shop-style offerings, along with a plethora of fries. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Bun’d Up and Noonchi
Bao buns are a vehicle for just about anything at Scott Chung’s Westpost takeout, which serves pillowy, handmade Taiwanese gua bao topped with everything from PB&J (cashew butter, banana jam, and granola) to filet o’ fish. The tater tots with miso ranch and rice bowls are also worth a taste. And here’s a spicy new development: the back room that previously housed mahjong bar Sparrow Room is now a Korean street food and soju bar called Noonchi. //1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Colada Shop
Arlington resident Daniella Senior’s colorful chainlet known for its Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and slushie cocktails, landed its seventh DMV location in National Landing in September (it also has outposts in Clarendon and the Mosaic district). The Caribbean cafe opens up early (at 7:30 a.m.) for coffee, and offers happy hour deals, too. //244 19th Court, Suite 35, Arlington
Cracked Eggery
The popular D.C. breakfast sandwich slingers have crossed the Potomac to offer a kiosk at Water Park, where you can wake up with eggs and bacon on challah buns. Filling sammies include add-ins like fried green tomatoes, prosciutto and half smokes, plus sides such as loaded tots. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Crush Pizza
Craving a slice? New York-style pizzas topped with triple garlic or white wine lemon cream sauce are available by the slice or by the pie at Crush Pizza, one of only two sit-down restaurants with indoor seating at Water Park (Water Bar being the other). Salads round out the menu along with wines by the glass, beers and margaritas. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Dolci Gelato
Finish dinner (or go for an afternoon pick-me-up) with a sweet treat from this local gelato chain, which serves classic flavors (think vanilla bean and stracciatella) at its Water Park stall, along with dairy-free options like vegan salted caramel. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Enjera
You don’t have to leave Arlington to find great Eritrean and Ethiopian food. Enjera serves appetizers like sambusas stuffed with lentils and potatoes or marinated beef, as well as big platters that appeal to vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Plant-based combos include plates of spicy lentils, collard greens and yellow split peas, and the kitchen’s traditional dishes (such as kitfo and tibs) can be made with vegan meat and vegan butter upon request. The menu also includes a sizable beer, wine and cocktail list, and 16 flavors of hookah. // 549 23rd St. S., Arlington
Falafel Inc.
For a satisfying and wallet-friendly belly filler, the falafel sandwiches and bowls clock in at a mere $4 to $5 at this mission-oriented fast-casual concept, which donates a portion of sales to the World Food Programme. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Fat Fish
This Water Park newcomer rolls out Hawaiian-inspired fresh seafood in poke bowls, bento boxes and sushi rolls (such as the signature Yellow Submarine roll made with shrimp tempura and yellowtail). The fish-shaped taiyaki waffle cones are almost too cute to eat, filled high with soft-serve flavors like Cinnamon Toast cereal milk. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Freddie’s Beach Bar
Crystal City isn’t exactly known for its oceanfront real estate, but that hasn’t stopped Freddie’s, a fixture in the LGBTQ+ community for more than two decades, from bringing the tropical vibes inland. Owner Freddie Lutz describes his business as a “gay, straight-friendly” bar, and every night is karaoke night, even if the singing comes on the heels of a rollicking round of bingo or a drag show. The campy decor—feather boas, disco balls, paper lanterns, Barbie dolls galore—is top-notch, as are the pretty pink drinks mixed with watermelon and pomegranate vodka. Pair one with a plate of “Nacho Daddy” nachos, a fried shrimp basket or a Tiki turkey wrap. Freddie’s also hosts a popular weekend brunch buffet. // 555 23rd St. S., Arlington
Good Company Doughnuts
The divine doughnuts are made fresh daily in seasonal flavors such as apple cider and brown sugar bourbon cream. But they aren’t the only draw at this family- and veteran-owned cafe that got its start in Ballston and now has a second location in Amazon’s Met Park. The wide-ranging menu also includes all-day breakfast sandwiches and bowls, toasts, soups, salads, tacos and kid favorites (think quesadillas, mac ‘n’ cheese and apple slices with house-made caramel). Plus cocktails and beer for the parents. // 1350 S. Eads St., Arlington
Highline RxR
The teambuilding event is over, and you need to find a bar where your entire department can hang out. Head to this 7,000-square-foot, second-story watering hole with a great view of the neighborhood and retractable windows that open on nice days. This bar from the Tin Shop restaurant group boasts more than 30 beers on draft, pulling in local DMV options like DC Brau, Right Proper, Caboose Brewing and Denizens Brewing Co., along with its own Highline Golden Pilsner. The food menu includes bar classics like smash burgers, fried pickles, buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, tater tots and jumbo pretzels with cheese dip. And if you need more reasons to stick around, there are plenty of televisions and board games, plus special events like standup comedy showcases. // 2010 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Kabob Palace
Sometimes you need sustenance at 2 a.m. When that craving hits, this neon-lit storefront is fired up and ready to greet the late-night crowd with aromatic Afghani kebabs, curries, biriyani, fresh bread, baklava and mango lassi drinks. Open 24 hours, the bustling eatery serves Halal meats and has been a local go-to since 1992. //2315 S. Eads St., Arlington
Lebanese Taverna
Lebanese ex-pats Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm opened their first restaurant in Westover in 1979. Today their children are carrying forth the family business and its traditions with multiple restaurants and markets in the D.C. area. In Westpost, find a seat in the cozy dining room or on the patio overlooking the plaza and feast on silken hummus, fresh-baked bread (which arrives warm and chewy), garlicky shawarma, falafel and other comfort foods. Or take a few mezze platters to go and feed a hungry crowd at home. //1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Lucky Danger
For “American Chinese by a Chinese American,” grab takeout from this Westpost operation conceived by Taiwanese American chefs Tim Ma and Andrew Chiou. Dishes such as crab Rangoon, duck-fried rice, veggie lo mein and mapo tofu come in individual or family-size portions for sharing. Pro tip: Our dining critic is partial to the Taiwanese omelet with dried radish, which he describes as “the sleeper on the menu.” //1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington
Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery
Craving a brioche cinnamon roll or a doughnut filled with vanilla bean pastry cream? You’ll find these delights and a whole lot more in the pastry case at this tony bakery, which originated in New York City and is rapidly expanding in the DMV. In July, the Crystal Drive location unveiled an expanded menu featuring not only sweets, but breakfast, lunch and dinner fare, too. Stop in for bread-pudding French toast, a curried chicken salad sandwich, or steak frites served with mâitre d’hôtel butter and crispy fries. // 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Makers Union
Unlimited brunch and happy hour are popular times to visit this new upscale gastropub, which also boasts a large, pup-friendly patio and live music nights. Modern comfort foods from the Thompson Hospitality restaurant include a signature mac and cheese with cavatappi pasta, gruyere cheese, jalapeños and parmesan-herb breadcrumbs. //1450 South Eads St, Arlington
Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza
Thick crust or thin? You can have your pizza either way at this ’90s-style brewpub by chef Johnny Spero, restaurateur Scott Parker and Aslin Beer Co, where the throwback decor is reminiscent of The Max in Saved by the Bell. The pies, with crust options that include tavern-style thin, cauliflower, hand-tossed or Detroit-style squares, include toppings like pepperoni and hot honey, sausage and peppers, or cheesesteak. Sliders, wings and poutine round out the bar snacks menu. //1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington
NiHao
Prolific chef and restaurateur Peter Chang added National Landing’s NiHao to his roster in May 2024 as his second restaurant in Arlington, this time with a twist. The green-hued dining room serves Chang’s take on tapas, as in a variety of small plates as a group instead of more traditional family-style dishes. For example, try a small order of Chang’s signature Scallion Bubble Pancake along with bites of different NiHao delicacies like walnut shrimp or dry-fried eggplant with “hot and numbing” chili and Sichuan peppercorns. //1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Peruvian Brothers
This brother duo recently opened a new shiny outpost at Metropolitan Park, Amazon’s HQ2, where they serve “Comida Criolla” — the food they grew up loving in their native Peru. That includes baked empanadas, pork sandwiches with sweet potato, and yuca fries. //1450 South Eads St., Arlington
PhoWheels
The business that began as a food truck dishing out savory noodle soup now has fixed locations at Union Market in D.C. and at Water Park in National Landing. Order a curative bowl of steaming pho, a brisket cheesesteak banh mi, egg rolls or oxtail pho tacos. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Portofino
For old-school Italian, look no further than Portofino, a neighborhood fixture on Crystal City’s charming “restaurant row” since 1970. More than half a century later, the family-owned business is still turning out reliable Northern Italian favorites like lasagna Bolognese, bucatini alla carbonara, saffron risotto with lobster, and braised veal stuffed with fresh mushrooms in a sherry wine sauce. Find refreshment in a limoncello martini, a crisp Pinot Grigio from Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region or a full-bodied Piemonte Barolo, and end the evening on a sweet note with tiramisu or pistachio creme brulee. // 526 23rd St. S., Arlington
Queen Mother’s
Chef Rock Harper’s acclaimed sandwich joint is famed for the chef’s special recipe of brined chicken fried in duck fat until crispy. Ditch the bun and opt for chicken tenders and duck fat fries, or go for one of five different fried chicken sandwiches topped with everything from mambo sauce to Virginia honey butter. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Rasa
This Indian fast-casual concept serves colorful, build-your-own bowls piled high with toppers such as chicken tikka, turmeric ginger shrimp, lamb kebab or sweet potato tikki. Pick a base (rice, greens or rice noodles) and a protein or veggie, then add on toppings like mango salsa and lentil chips and embellish with sauces such as tamarind chili or coconut ginger. The atmosphere in the space is as vibrant as the food. Don’t forget the masala chai chocolate chip cookies or vegan soft serve for dessert. // 2200 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Skydome
At Skydome, the scenery outside the windows is constantly changing. That’s because the restaurant, which occupies the 15th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton, is one of only a few rotating restaurants in the country (and the only one in the D.C. area). After a pandemic hiatus, the sky high restaurant reopened in 2023 with a more upscale menu, including craft cocktails, Faroe Island salmon and Maryland crab cake. From the appetizer list, snack on green curry hummus, roasted mushroom flatbread or a cheese and charcuterie board while taking in a panoramic view that includes the D.C. monuments and the National Mall. // 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington
Surreal
Only inventive chef Enrique Limardo’s interpretation of an Americana diner would include dishes like an interactive tuna poke served in a verdant, indoor-meets-outdoor jungle-like dining room. At Surreal, the James Beard Award 2023 semifinalist serves his own Latin American takes on American fare like bacon-wrapped hot dogs, Caesar salad and pepperoni honey pizza. The playful restaurant also offers a grab-and-go bakery with sourdough loaves, cookies and more. //2117 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Tacombi
Order spicy margaritas all around at this popular NYC taqueria chain that touched down in National Landing in 2021 as part of a big D.C. expansion. The indoor/outdoor spot is inspired by the cuisine of the Yucatan, with a simple menu of tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and burritos put together with the kitchen’s own corn and flour tortillas. If you check multiple taco options on your order ticket, make sure one of them is the beer-battered fish. // 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Tatte Bakery
It seems that this Boston-established bakery is taking over Northern Virginia, and Tatte’s rapid expansion includes a new shop in National Landing that opened in July 2024. The cafe’s subway-tiled, European-leaning design makes it a pretty spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch and pastries galore. //269 19th Court S., Suite 65, Arlington
Tiki Thai
In the mood for Polynesian or Thai? This spin-off of the original in Reston delivers on both fronts. Image you’re on vacation with an order of Mai Thais and curry noodles along with tom kha soup and pad Thai. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream
The hometown scoop shop and Best of Arlington winner that originated in Westover now has a satellite location at Amazon’s Met Park. Stop in for a scoop or cone in small-batch flavors like bittersweet chocolate, purple ube, green tea, traditional butter pecan or calamansi sorbet. The offerings also include shakes, sundaes, ice cream cakes and coffee. //510 14th St. S., Arlington
Water Bar
The crown jewel presiding over Water Park’s village of outdoor kiosks is Water Bar, a restaurant perched atop a dramatic waterfall feature offering pretty views of the surrounding greenery. The sit-down restaurant and bar serves easy sippers like mojitos, Orange Crushes and spicy margaritas, while the crowd-friendly food leans towards seafood—as in oysters, lobster rolls and fish and chips. //1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington