Winter Restaurant Week, running from Jan. 17-23 this year, gives you a chance to sample fare at old favorites, as well as try out some eateries you haven’t yet checked off your list. There are more than 50 Virginia restaurants participating this season, so whether you choose to dine in or enjoy takeout in the comfort of your home, there are plenty of dishes to dig into at Arlington eateries. Here’s just a sampling of restaurants with special menus for the week.
Ambar
The Balkan food emporium in Clarendon is offering lunch ($25/person) and dinner ($55/person) menus; off of each, the table can order an unlimited number of dishes to share. There’s also a take-out option, priced at $70 with portions for two. Sample the kajmak and beet tzatziki spreads, the lamb lasagna (eggplant, tomato, Béchamel and dill), the cevapi kebabs (roasted pepper, feta cheese emulsion) and the drunken mussels (capers, lemon, rakija garlic cream sauce). At dinner, you can add a cocktail for the table ($38, four to five servings), such as the Angel and Devil (gin, grapefruit, honey syrup), or ask for a wine pairing. Brunch will be served in lieu of lunch on Monday, Jan. 17; the Restaurant Week lunch menu will not be served that day. Outdoor seating is available. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Big Buns
Just looking for a burger during Winter Restaurant Week? This burger, beer and boozy shake destination with two Arlington locations will satisfy any cravings you may have. For lunch ($25), you can get a Havana Cubano burger (7-ounce Angus beef, roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, pineapple relish, pickled onions on toasted brioche) with your choice of fries or sprouts, a nonalcoholic drink and a shake. When ordering dinner ($40), add one entree to the meal, such as the “fricken good fried chicken” sandwich. Takeout is offered, and outdoor seating is available. // 4401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Spice Kraft
Grab a friend and settle in for Indian fare for two ($55) at this Indian eatery in Clarendon. Choose two appetizers, such as samosas or mango ginger chicken, as well as two entrees, such as paneer saag or shrimp tikka masala—all served with a side of naan and rice. And for dessert, savor gluten-free rice pudding with boondi or the indulgent gulab jamun. Takeout is offered. // 1135 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
La Côte D’Or Café
If you need a reason to visit the charming French bistro within walking distance of the East Falls Church metro station, here’s your chance. La Côte D’Or Café’s Winter Restaurant Week menu features pork shoulder with tarragon sauce, chicken cordon bleu (meunière sauce, demi-glace, tomato) and bread pudding (walnut, peach, cinnamon, vanilla sauce), as well as cocktail and wine pairings. There are brunch ($25), lunch ($25) and dinner ($40 and $55 options) menus, and takeout is offered. // 6876 Langston Boulevard, Arlington
Osteria da Nino
The Italian outpost in Shirlington is cooking up a three-course dinner ($40) for Winter Restaurant Week that you don’t want to miss. The starters on the set menu include tartare di tuna (fried capers, sesame seeds, olives, shallots, house-made chips) and arancini (meat ragu, mozzarella, peas). For entrees, consider ordering the filleto di branzino (fennel, spinach, olives) or the osso bucco (red wine sauce, saffron risotto, $10 upcharge). And since the dinner already includes a dessert, give the Sicilian cannoli (sheep ricotta, pistachio, candy orange peel) a try. Takeout is offered. // 2900 S. Quincy St., Arlington (Shirlington)
Rustico
You can pull up a seat indoors or dine outside under the canopied tent at this Ballston haven for salad, pizza, burgers and beer. Their three-course winter restaurant week dinner ($40) starts with a choice of salad, baked feta dip or wild mushroom bruschetta. Continue on with one of five entrees—we’re eyeing the penne alla vodka (chicken, caramelized onions, peas, basil, parmesan)—and close out the meal with cheesecake, pecan pie or donuts accompanied by strawberry, chocolate or caramel sauce. Takeout is offered, and outdoor seating is available. // 4075 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
The Salt Line
After opening its Ballston location last fall, The Salt Line is getting in on the Winter Restaurant Week game with a two-course lunch menu ($25) and three-course dinner offering ($40). Check out the kanpachi (carrots, ginger, lime, cumin salt, dill) or coddies (salt cod, yukon gold potato, house yellow mustard, crackers) to start, and try the tagliatelle with calamari (red pepper cream, hazelnut migas, olives, parmesan) or New England smash burger for a main course. And if you’re ordering dinner, indulge in the butterscotch parfait before you retire for the evening. Outdoor seating is available. // 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
TTT
Stop by this Clarendon spot full of Mexican flavors for lunch ($25) or dinner ($40) during Winter Restaurant Week. You can pair a serving of tortillas with one of several meat or veggie options, including four-hour smoked short rib (mole Americano) and grilled portobello (garlic, thyme, soy marinade)—along with two sides and a dessert. Dinner includes a margarita or beer. Want something more shareable? The restaurant is also offering two sizes of its Fiesta for Two menu, priced at $70 and $140. To-go cocktails or a bottle of wine is included in both packages. Takeout is offered, and outdoor seating is available. The complete restaurant week menus are not yet available online. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., Suite 103, Arlington (Clarendon)
Whino
The Ballston nightspot is offering up two options for Winter Restaurant Week dinner: For $40, order two shareable small plates and dessert. For $55, add a meat and cheese appetizer to your meal and choose among several small plate options, from roasted beet and goat cheese salad to cheesy polenta tots to Wagyu beef sliders. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Second floor, Arlington (Ballston)