7. Grand Cru Wine Bar & Bistro
This Ballston bistro serves only one type of mussels, but the dish goes well beyond the classic white wine-and-shallots preparation. Here, they’re sauced with fennel, tasso ham, tomato concasse and saffron cream. And if you must have frites with your moules, order the fries sprinkled with Parmesan and rosemary, which are served with two dipping sauces.
4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; grandcru-wine.com
8. Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant
Thai mussels are incredibly popular and have become ubiquitous, even on the menus at French and Belgian bistros. Why not go directly to the source? At Elephant Jumps, you can order clay pot mussels swimming in a spicy sauce with aromatic Thai basil and other fresh herbs. The chili pepper on the menu beside it denotes a medium spice level.
8110 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church; elephantjumps.com
9. Mad Fox Brewing Co.
If the Belgians have taught us anything, it’s that beer and mussels are a match made in heaven — both in and out of the pot. Here, you’ll find Prince Edward Island mussels cooked in a broth of fresh herbs and kellerbier kolsch. The latter is described by Mad Fox as an “unfiltered German-style ale with light lemon notes and a semi-dry finish.” The dish is served with pretzel crostini.
444 W. Broad St., Falls Church; madfoxbrewing.com