D.C. is just a short walk over the Key Bridge from Rosslyn, but Arlington’s original urban village is also a tempting destination in its own right, with exciting new dining options—including a buzzy, Metro-adjacent food hall—joining a long-running list of neighborhood hangouts. Here’s where to go for ceviche, all-day brunch, craft cocktails, killer tacos or a hearty plate of pasta.
Upside on Moore
The former Assembly space got a new lease on life with the recent arrival of Upside on Moore, a new food hall concept from from restaurateur Nick Freshman. His hospitality company, Mothersauce Partners, has brought in a handful of hit concepts from around the DMV, including fan-favorite Ghostburger; Filipino and Hawaiian eats by Kam & 46; Tim Ma’s Chinese takeout concepts Lucky Danger and Laoban Dumplings; cult-status taqueria La Michoacana; and chef Mateo Venini’s “Neo-Neapolitan” Stellina Pizzeria. The food hall’s nine eateries also include a cocktail bar helmed by sommelier and mixologist Elli Benchimol (the talent behind Apéro in Georgetown) and a coffee shop. // 1700 N. Moore St., Level M2, Arlington
Pho 75
A local institution since 1985, this Vietnamese storefront starts slinging bowls of noodles and broth at 10 a.m. and stays busy all day long. In the four decades since the original opened in Rosslyn, the owners have added additional locations across the region. But this cash-only restaurant is arguably the OG for Vietnamese coffee and simple-yet-flavorful bowls of slurp-worthy soups flavored with protein like chicken, brisket, meatballs, tripe or steak. // 1721 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Inca Social
Ceviche samplers, Nikkei sushi, empanadas and pisco cocktails are just a few of the options on a lengthy menu that takes diners on a culinary tour of Lima and beyond. This second location of the technicolor Peruvian concept is much larger than the original in Merrifield, and it lives up to the “social” in its name with seating inside for 193, plus a 40-seat patio. Brunch is also a great time to visit for dishes like dulce de leche-stuffed French toast and chicharron Benedict. // 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
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For Five Coffee Roasters
This NYC-based coffee chain is making moves in Northern Virginia. The two-story Rosslyn cafe that opened this winter is the company’s largest yet, serving caffeinated beverages like nitro cold brew and cappuccinos (not to mention espresso martinis) along with pastries. Heartier food options include breakfast sandwiches with mascarpone cheese and harissa bacon, and Mexican birria grilled cheese for lunch. // 1735 N. Lynn St., Arlington
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Quinn’s on the Corner
Brunch is more of a frame of mind than a specific meal time at this neighborhood pub, which serves brunch on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dive into classics like French toast sticks, Western omelets and chicken and waffles, along with $5 bottles of bubbly. Other tasty deals at this friendly hangout include $10 taco trays on Tuesdays and $15 pitchers during trivia night on Wednesdays. // 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Open Road
Planning a group outing and need a restaurant that has a little something for everyone? Open Road’s menu delivers, with options ranging from burgers to Peruvian-spiced chicken to wild mushroom ravioli. Brought to you by the owners of Circa, it’s also a great place to watch a game, whether that’s the Caps, Nats or March Madness. // 1201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
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SaltÂ
If you’re looking to linger over something boozy in a swanky, dimly-lit bar, Salt should be on your radar. This subterranean haunt tucked below sister restaurant Open Road shakes up an inspired cocktail menu that changes with the season—with a weekly rotating drink special featuring creative ingredients like passion fruit-pandan syrup. (Read more about the latest cocktail trends here.) Order sophisticated bar snacks a la carte, or try the date night menu, which features shareable plates like tuna tartare nachos, crispy pork belly steamed buns and dessert to share. // 1201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
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Hot Lola’s
Nashville-style hot chicken gets a fresh spin here, courtesy of acclaimed chef Kevin Tien, who infuses his fried chicken with Sichuan peppers. The concise menu jumps from spicy chicken tenders or wings and drumsticks to sandwiches topped with sauces like buttermilk ranch or miso honey butter. // 1501 Wilson Blvd., Suite 102, Arlington
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Continental
Unwind after work and engage in some friendly competition at this pool lounge and beer garden, where the fun includes seven pool tables, shuffleboard, ping pong, darts and arcade games. The long-running bar serves White Claws and a nice list of draft beers from local breweries and beyond, as well as bar munchies like fried pickles or cheese and bacon fries. The outdoor beer garden is family and dog-friendly, with a daily happy hour knocking $2 off pints, cans and glasses of wine. / / 1911 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington
Sfoglina Pasta House
Chef Fabio Trabocchi is the force behind A-list, splurge-worthy fine dining Fiola and Fiola Mare, but he also has a stable of restaurants offering a pasta night that won’t break the bank. The Rosslyn outpost of his pasta-centric concept (“sfoglina” translates as “pasta maker”) features a crimson-accented dining room and a long list of noodle dishes inspired by Italian cities, from Rome (rigatoni cacio e pepe) to Bologna (pork rib tortelloni with rosemary crema). For private events, a rooftop terrace offers a view of the D.C. skyline. // 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
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South Block
Need a vitamin boost? For picture-perfect acai bowls and loaded avocado or hummus toast, pop in the Rosslyn storefront of this homegrown chain. The nutritious options also include smoothies, protein shakes and organic, fresh-pressed juices in all colors of the rainbow. // 1550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Taco Rock
The tacos at this rockin’ joint by restaurateur Mike Cordero clock in at $4.75 or less, with all sorts of offbeat fillings—picture jerk chicken, matcha shrimp or General Tso cauliflower in addition to classics like carne asada and al pastor. The “not tacos” offerings include barrio ramen soup, birria pizza, empanadas, fajitas, flamin’ crusted jalapeno poppers and spicy elote (street corn). // 1501 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Wiseguy Pizza
Foldable New York-style pizza by the slice is what made this pizzeria by Thompson Restaurants (Makers Union, Matchbox, Big Buns) such a success in the DMV. Grab a classic cheese or pepperoni slice, or try more unusual toppings like paneer tikka or Korean chicken. If you’re serving a crowd, whole 18-inch pies are available, too. // 1735 N. Lynn St., Arlington
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Bethesda Bagels
Looking for breakfast on the go? This local bagel chain has a prominent storefront right outside the Metro station, where you’ll find its signature carbs dressed up with schmears of chive or roasted red pepper cream cheese, or piled with homemade white fish salad. Bagels are also the foundation for bacon egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches, as well as lunch sammies packed with homemade corned beef or avocado BLT. // 1851 N. Moore St., Arlington