Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide

Malik’s Kabob, 9542 Arlington Boulevard, Fairfax, VA, also accessible from Rt.29, right smack at Fairfax Circle, 703-246-9005 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [zabihah | Yelp]

This place is a knock out. Ask for it spicy. The Karahi chicken for two is first-rate. The breads are freshly cooked. I like the chapli kabob. The vegetables taste like…vegetables. The service is sometimes a disaster, especially for lunch. There’s amazing people-watching at night when the hookah bar is up and running, though if the smoke bothers you ask for the back room.

For the first time we have a superb Pakistani restaurant in our midst, you just need to bear with the service a bit.

Banh Cuon Thang Long, web site, 6737 Wilson Boulevard, #22, Falls Church, VA, 703-534-1746, East Eden Center, (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | MetroMix | Yelp]

Indoors, against the back right corner of the mall. Their #1 dish is excellent -- one of the best dishes in Eden Center -- just don't ask me to describe it. It's not weird, though, just original. The menu here is limited but they specialize in what they do and they do it well. Worth a visit.

Super Chicken, 422 S. Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, right next to Blanca’s, 703-538-5366 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Falls Church Times | MenuPages | City Paper | Insider Pages | Yelp]

How good can any chicken be? Should any roast chicken place be on the “must-tries” list? Maybe not, but this is the best chicken place around and it didn’t make my guide at all last time, so I believe it could use the extra publicity. Northern Virginia Magazine did a blind taste test of about ten different roast chicken dishes from leading restaurants. Super Chicken was a clear winner, including in my eyes. I since went to the restaurant and found it was even better on-site. They also have the best rice and beans around and occasional Peruvian dishes such as fried fish and tripe stew. No, it doesn’t transcend its category but it does win its category. Worth a try.

Eyo Restaurant and Sports Bar, web site, 3821-B South George Mason Drive, Falls Church, VA, 703-933-3084 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

This unassuming locale is one of the two or three best Ethiopian places at the moment. Furthermore they serve Ethiopian breakfast, starting at 10 am, though sometimes interpreted flexibly by management. Their foul is simply superb and more generally you can’t go wrong with anything here. This single strip mall in Virginia is raising Ethiopian food to an entirely new level and making the trip to 9th Street obsolete. This place is also a favorite of the local cab drivers.

To Sok Jib, web site, 7211 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA, 703-333-2861 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

Previously reviewed on TCEDG in 2006 here, but this seems to be a new place.

Quite small, very mom and pop. Of all the Korean places around, they have the best whole fried fish, the croaker in particular and maybe the mackerel too. That’s the thing to get here. Of all the rest, nothing is below average, though not much above the prevailing average. This is a fun place and you can’t go wrong here. At lunch time it can fill up, though if need be there are other nearby places you can walk to, if you don’t want to wait.

Me Jana, web site, 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-465-4440 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | Don Rockwell | NoVA Mag | Yelp]

Right now this is a clear #1 in the Lebanese department. The sausage, and dishes involving fatty meats, are especially good. As is the raw meat. Simply an excellent restaurant, tasty all around, and the best place to eat in the Courthouse area short of Ray’s Hell Burger.

Bazin’s on Church, web site, 111 Church Street NW, Vienna, VA, 703-255-7212 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | NoVA Mag | Yelp]

Very American, the crowd is very NoVa. It’s OK enough, but why would you want to spend the money there? I shared a bunch of dishes and of those I thought the lamb lollipops were clearly the best, in fact they were quite good. Genuinely Turkish and I believe the chef is Turkish as well. But otherwise it is “just another place.”

Osaka, 6669 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-256-0152 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

They keep on putting not-quite-feasible Korean-Japanese restaurants in this space. This place is OK, but I don’t see any reason to think it will survive.

Paraiso Latino, there are several El Paraiso and Paraiso Latino restaurants in the DC area, I ate at 4716 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-820-2040 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

Below average, everything was a bit dry. In the El Salvadoran category there is too much competition for this place to merit a repeat visit. I might have hit a bad day but at my favorites that never happens.

Meanwhile here are links to YouTube videos of the band Paraiso Latino: "Grupo Paraiso Latino tocanda en una fiesta. Cumbia Sonidero Mix" and "Tocando un popurri de duranguense movidas"

Bay Lo, web site, 6757 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA, Eden Center (Saigon East), northeastern corridor, #21, 703-241-4094 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | MetroMix | City Paper | Yelp]

A very handy Vietnamese place. They have "Seven Courses of Beef," frog dishes, goat, organ meats, Hot Pot, plus some (but by no means all) of the standards. Good for when you are craving something different.

Maizbon Afghan Grill, web site, 6244-K Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA, in the Landmark Plaza Shopping Center, just west of I-395, with Verizon and Shoppers Food Warehouse, Alexandria, VA, 703-914-1700 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Yelp]

One of the best Afghan places around. The food is authentic, tasty, and they have dishes which are unavailable elsewhere. The buffet is of mixed quality, so if you can go here for a full, real meal, freshly cooked (even so, some of the buffet is quite good and in reality you need only one good dish on a buffet). The Afghan risotto is especially fine. Not quite a mom and pop, they try to have the feel of a real restaurant. Recommended.

Plaka Grill, web site, 110 Lawyers Road, Vienna, VA, 703-319-3131, Sunday they close at 8 pm (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Yelp | Gayot]

Loyal TCEDG readers will know that I am skeptical of Greek food in this country but I find this place to be pretty good, downright tasty in fact. The Plaka Gyro, stuffed with French fries was delicious. It’s a bit of a cross between a snacks place and a lunch place and a dinner place but still it fills a gaping hole in NoVa dining and it is worthy of further scrutiny.

Rawal Kabob House (Mogul Kabob used to be here), 3531 S. Jefferson Street, Falls Church, VA 703-738-6816, right on the edge of West Alexandria in a deep, forbidding strip mall way back down Jefferson from Edy's Chicken & Steak and across the street from the Giant. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

I ate here once and thought the Pakistani fried fish was above average. The spicy green sauce was above average. Everything I saw on other people’s plates looked good. At the moment I’m not tempted to put it up with my one or two favorite Pakistani places, but it’s above average and I look forward to trying more dishes there. Fun atmosphere, TV news, Pakistani clientele, cheap prices. Worth a try.

Saigon Café, web site, 6286-B Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA, 703-237-1899; this place is best accessed by Wilson Blvd, it is directly across the street from Eden Center. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Insider Pages | Yelp]

They specialize in Central Vietnamese cuisine and so it is quite different from the other Vietnamese places around, although they still serve many of the staples. The rice cakes are the specialty, especially the larger platter with different kinds of shrimp rice cake on it. Delicious and quite novel. Make sure you dip them in the accompanying sauces. The shrimp on sugar cane is very good too. I believe this place has other excellent dishes which I haven’t discovered yet. Recommended, but make sure you take advantage of their novelties.

Masala Wok, web site, Fairfax Marketplace, 10940 Fairfax Blvd., Suite J, Fairfax, VA, 571-432-1814. There is also a branch at Herndon Parkway Crossing, 905 Herndon Parkway, Suite A, Herndon, VA, 703-657-0216 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | zabihah | Yelp]

Whenever an Indian restaurant has the word “wok” in its title you can expect something from the northwest and some spicy, ginger-laden dishes. This place runs against the current buffet trend to offer you quick-serve Indian dishes which you order at the counter. I’m surprised how good this place has turned out to be. The spicy dishes are truly spicy.

Most of all the dishes have real flavor and real taste. I recommend the Coconut Curry, spicy, but everything I’ve had here has been good. Think of it as the Chipotle of Indian food. The prices are also very reasonable. Recommended.

Bollywood Bistro, web site, 3955 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA, near University Avenue, 703-273-0031 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

There are so many mainstream Indian restaurants these days that clear standards are needed. I will suggest one: can the place serve up vegetable dishes that actually taste like something? For this restaurant the answer is, surprisingly, yes. That said, it's a mixed bag. Nothing is spicy enough. I had a lamb vindaloo there that was positively bad. Still, overall this is better than many mainstream Indian places but it's still not nearly as good as my favorites, such as Angeethi in Herndon.

Yaku, web site, 1900 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-248-0844, Court House Metro (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | MenuPages | Don Rockwell | Yelp]

This is a nouvelle fusion chifa Peruvian place, with pretensions of a nice interior. The aji de gallina is OK and some of the ceviche-related appetizers are OK but overall the place did not impress me. It’s not good enough to be a really good place and also has no mom n’ pop value. The short ribs were terrible and in general the more Chinese dishes were uninspired. There are worse fates than eating here, but most of all it convinced me that I should cook more often.

Chung Jin Dong, Crab House, web site (in Korean), 6499 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA (close to Annandale), 703-941-2722 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

Run and patronized by Koreans, with kimchee available, but most of the servings are straight up seafood. One of the better crab places. The fish and oysters were decent, the shrimp only OK. They even serve fish and chips. It’s fun, and has potential, but I don’t think it has yet iterated into a stable working version. I’ll go back, though. Fish and chips and kimchee is really, when you get right down to it, pretty good.

It's one of the smaller NoVa communities and it has a coherent downtown. For me it has a useful frame shop, tennis club, dentist, a Western Union branch, Giant (easy in and out), and it has one of the best public libraries around, all within walking distance on a single strip and one side road. Natasha gets her massage there. There are plenty of small shops, ethnic and otherwise. It has the best food of any single locale in the D.C. area, including a Korean porridge shop, Korean barbecue, gloopy, disgusting Korean noodles, Korean fried chicken, a Korean tofu restaurant, a Korean bakery (the best hangout around, period, plus the best bakery around), a Korean restaurant specializing in pumpkin dishes (not reviewed yet), non-disgusting noodle houses, a Korean crab and fish and chips place (with kimchee too), at least two restaurants with "Korean-Chinese" food, and a bunch of 24-7 Korean restaurants, with varying emphases but with Yechon as having the best late night or early morning crowd. Many of the other places stay open until 2 or 3 a.m. (you'll find many reviewed here). The town has over 900 small businesses run by Koreans and catering mostly to Koreans.

On the strip is also the area's best Afghan restaurant, a good Peruvian chicken place, and just off the strip is an excellent Manchurian restaurant, A&J. There is a decent community of antique shops, including a place with some good Afghan textiles. South of 236 you can find a colony of contemporary homes, rare in most parts of Fairfax County. Annandale has the central branch of a 60,000 student community college. The traffic is bearable for the most part, the rents are reasonable by NoVa standards, and you have easy access to the major arteries of I-495 and I-395. The schools are well above the national average.

Exxon/Mobile has a base on the edge of town. The first (third, according to some sources) toll road in America, ever, ran through Annandale. Mark Hamill once lived there. It has a lovely Civil War-era church and a rustic barn. Its history dates back to 1685 and it is named after a Scottish village. Many of the people in Annandale are very physically attractive.

What's not to like?

West Annandale is more of a cultural desert than is East Annandale, though it has some Korean cafes and billiard shops. All of Annandale is ugly, with a vague hint of unjustified pastel in the central downtown area. The Into the Wild guy grew up there. They did fight on the wrong side in the Civil War but that has little relevance to the current town. The used CD shop has closed up.

The pluses outweight the minuses. You get all that -- and more -- for only 50,000 people or so. Boo to Annandale naysayers. Hail Annandale.

Originally posted on Marginal Revolution

Sea Pearl, web site, 8191 Strawberry Lane (Gallows Rd., more or less, by the boarded up cinema), Falls Church, VA, 703-372-5161 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | MenuPages | WaPo | City Paper | Wash Biz Journal | Yelp | Falls Church News Press]

A seafood place, owned by the same people who run Four Sisters Vietnamese restaurant. I’ve had three dishes here and thought they were pretty good, not great but I enjoyed them. The restaurant hasn’t yet quite figured out what it wants to be. It’s only slightly Asian, somewhat of a nice place but not very nice, and a seafood place but not really that either. At the very least it’s worth a try. They also do a reasonable Sunday brunch. Beware the ugly view out of the window.

Old Cairo Grill, web site, 6030 Burke Commons Road, Burke, VA, 703-250-0490, in the Wal-Mart shopping center. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

Very mom and pop, I ate here once and thought it good, not great. I had the hummus and the béchamel Macaroni. I wouldn’t make a special trip to eat here but if you’re at the Wal-Mart or live nearby, it is a place which can fit into your repertoire. Or you may simply wish to sample an “Egyptian” restaurant but I should warn you it doesn’t have much in the way of unique dishes.

Thai Thai, 5123 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, 703-533-1964 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [menuism | insider pages | Yelp]

This place has new ownership and has been renovated. It’s now quite good and attracts a Thai clientele. I quite like the beef with pepper and garlic (#33) and the fried shrimp with fried green beans. The other dishes are good too. I wouldn’t rate this with the very best Thai places around, but it’s way better than the median and it still has room to get better.

Pasara Thai, 360 Engelhardt Lane, Alexandria, VA (near the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, across Duke Street from the King Street Metro and near the Patent and Trademark Office), 703-299-8746 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) Yelp]

Definitely worth a try. I ate here after a talk I gave at Motley Food, in downtown Alexandria. They told me they were taking me to an “average” Thai place. I insisted they let me “speak sternly” to the waitress. It took a few rounds, some back and forth, and some visits from the kitchen. I told everyone that we were “serious eaters” and had been to Thailand and wanted the food “Thai style” and that I wanted their best dishes. I refused to order anything but simply repeated these instructions. They told me this would require an adjustment, but eventually it came, a meal for five people, hand-cooked by the chef.

It was one of the very best Thai meals I’ve eaten in this area -- ever -- superb in every way. The minced chicken with basil was especially good, also the drunken noodles and the chinese broccoli with small pork fritters. I can’t promise you’ll succeed in getting the same treatment, but like I said it’s worth a try.

I'm still reeling from the quality and the experience.

Huascaran Restaurant, web site (flash and music), 3606 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 703-684-0494, right across from the Birchmere (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp | Metromix]

This is a broadly average Peruvian restaurant with lots of local color and atmosphere. Its distinguishing feature is that they serve cuy – guinea pig – on a regular basis. Technically it is listed as a special, so call ahead, but usually they seem to have it. The sauce is delicious, especially on the potatoes. The key to eating the cuy is to chew on the fatty skin and the sauce and not obsess over getting all the meat. You can’t, not even if you use your fingers and teeth, as you ought to. Overall this restaurant is not perfect but it has high points and I definitely recommend it as a unique experience.

Lahori Kabob, 2816 Graham Rd., Falls Church, VA, 703-573-0112 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [zabihah | Yelp]

This Pakistani place doubles as a hookah joint. The one time I went the service was very weak and the atmosphere was unappealing, to say the least. It looked like a dump (in fact it was a dump) without having the charm of a good mom n’ pop. That said, the chicken karahi was excellent – very authentic – and the other dishes I sampled were at least good or maybe better than good. I’ll give it a qualified recommendation for the discerning, and in the meantime I’ll predict they either get their act together or it will collapse completely. I’d like them to succeed, but they’re not on a sustainable path.

Chinese-Korean Restaurant (Han Kook Kyola? Jang Won Ban Jum?), 4210 John Marr Dr., Annandale, VA, 703-354-1950 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [metromix | All Taste Same | Chowhound | Yelp]

Chinese food, Korean style, plus Korean food, Korean style. In other words, a Korean restaurant with fried sweet and sour and weird noodle dishes. The standard dish here is the dark noodles in the gloopy sauce, you know the serving which looks disgusting and, to some people, is disgusting. This place is very popular with Koreans, recommended, but note that it is not worth going here for the standard Korean options, which are better elsewhere.

Kebericho Deli Market, 3811-c South George Mason Drive, Falls Church, VA, 703-578-6464 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

It’s hard to keep track of all the burgeoning Ethiopian places in this mini-mall, but since they are all excellent maybe you don’t need to. This place, which is next to the fabled Abay Market, serves six or so meat-based dishes, no real vegetables. Don’t expect Shiro here. The meats are above average and the atmosphere is excellent.

The time I went it had the single most beautiful waitress of any restaurant on this list, so you tell me whether or not it is worth going. I say yes.

Pike Grill, 3902 Wilson Boulevard, right by Gold’s Gym, Arlington, VA, 703-243-0279 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

Above-average Bolivian, one of the best silpanchos around with a properly moist egg. Recommended, a fun place.

La’Jawab, 5151 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA (just east of George Mason Drive, west of Glebe), 703-532-4104 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [MenuPages | Don Rockwell | Yelp]

Could this be the best Pakistani place around right now? The haleem is excellent and the wok dishes are very good too. Vegetables taste fresh. Recommended. If it takes them a little long to serve you, it is because they do everything the right way from scratch.

Aditi Bistro, web site, 405 Maple Avenue East, Vienna, VA, 703-938-0100 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Yelp]

Run by the Aditi people, it has lots of wraps. Imagine trying to do Chipotle with Indian food. It’s OK, good enough if you’re in the area, but not up to the best Indian places around.

It is Little Seoul, mostly in Annandale, spilling over into West Alexandria. The number of innovative Korean restaurants continues to increase and they are usually crowded. I love the new place devoted to the many forms of Korean porridge. Seoul Gool Dae Gee Honey Pig on Columbia Pike has the best decor (and the pork neck) around. TodamSoonDooBoo (also known as Tofu House, next to the Giant, straddling 236 and Columbia Pike) has dumpling soup and tofu. The two branches of Shilla Bakery and Le Matin de Paris give Virginia a cafe scene. Much of my eating out is now Korean or in the new Vietnamese places in the Western Saigon interior branch of the Eden Center; either that or Ray's Hell-Burger, Hong Kong Palace, Thai X-ing, or the now-reopened Nava Thai, right next door to the shuttered old branch.

Annandale used to be a nice appendage to the peak places to eat. Now it's the epicenter, the main culinary show, and also the coolest place to hang out.

Addendum: Here is a good article, which mentions Korean food as the next trend to come. Let's hope not.

Originally posted on Marginal Revolution

Kabob Corner, 10893 Main Street, Fairfax, VA, 703-219-2078 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

An intriguing little mom n’ pop Afghan restaurant. Not the very best kabobs but they have pumpkin, aushak, etc. I like going there.

Seoul Gool Dae Gee (Honey Pig Restaurant), web site, 7220 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA, 703-256-5133 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | Don Rockwell | Yelp]

An A+ for the metallic décor and the Korean pop culture strewn all over the walls. Visually speaking, this might be my favorite place on the list. It’s also one of the two or three best places for Korean food. Get the pork neck barbecue. Ask them for their house specialty, a barbecue dish cooked with meat, vegetables, and octopus on top of your table. Very yummy. Good seafood pancake here as well.

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria, web site, 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA, 703-352-4111 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Yelp]

How bad can a churrascaría be? This place is fun but I found the meats a bit salty for my taste. So not the best churrascaria around but maybe worth a visit if this is your area. This is a chain.

Indian City Grill, web site, 9984 Main Street Center, Fairfax, VA, 703-385-4800 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

Opened in January 2009, from the folks who brought you Connaught’s. It still tastes like Connaught’s, though the new version is less upscale. It still tastes good, but a lot has happened since now and then and this place is no longer the market leader it once was.

Hai Duong Restaurant, 6795 Wilson Blvd., #7-9, Falls Church, VA, Eden Center, 703-538-5289 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Yelp]

Again, on the inside corridor in Eden Center near Wilson Boulevard. This place is just first-rate. My favorite dish is the #31, Sizzling Fish Filet in Northern Style; you need to put all the pieces together on top of the chip for it to make sense. #10, Beef Underdone with Lime, is the best around and you should order this special dish if you don’t already know it. The soups are very good as are the crushed rice dishes. Excellent atmosphere: Go, go, go.

Korean Traditional Cake and Porridge Restaurant, also called Dduk Sarang (or Dduck Sa Rang), 4231 Markham Street, Annandale, VA, near Shiney’s, 703-916-0006 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [MenuSarang.com | GeekSqueak]

Currently the most innovative restaurant in Koreatown. Mostly they serve porridge, porridge, and porridge. You never knew Korean porridge could be so good and so comforting. My favorite is the tuna and vegetables porridge but they are very good across the board. Very good dumplings. The beef soup, as portrayed in their photo, is the best around. Very charming décor. Definitely recommended.

Banh Cuon Saigon, web site, 6795 Wilson Blvd., #54, Falls Church, VA, 703-534-4482, open 9 am to 8 pm, Eden Center (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]

This small eatery is inside what has rapidly become the best corridor of Eden Center, namely the new inside corridor that is quite close to Wilson Blvd. itself. The shrimp soup, given as one of the specialties, is first-rate here.

Han Gang Korean Cuisine, web site, 7243 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-256-7077 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

This place offers a “fine dining experience” in addition to serving Korean food. It costs more than the others, and has nice décor and service, though it is still affordable compared to a typical non-Korean place. For beef dishes it is a clear first choice for all the Korean restaurants in this area. Get the $60 combination of meats; it is an order of magnitude better than any other Korean meat dish you can get around here. Truly yummy. Go even if you think you are tired of all the other beef dishes at the other Korean places. They also have the best local Jae Chap. I would say it is important to go here with a large or mid-sized group and get a spread. Their sauces are also the best around.

Cafe Metro: Asian Fusion and Wine Bar, 6795 Wilson Blvd., Eden Center, Falls Church, VA, 703-942-8969, in the mall it is very close to Wilson Boulevard, west end of the Eden Center mall, by the smaller entrance from the main road near Viet Bistro, the sign for the restaurant is hard to spot. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper]

I had one meal here and I was blown away. The lemon grass tofu and the tamarind soft shell crab (be sure to dip it in the pepper sauce) were among the best dishes I’ve had in Eden Center, ever. The noodles and dumplings were above average, though I would not say spectacular. It is mostly Vietnamese with some Thai influence and a few Korean dishes on the menu. It tries to be a “nice” restaurant in a weird way and the music is too loud. Right now nobody else is going. Their menu is going to expand soon and I predict further evolution for this place.

Ray’s Hell-Burger, 1713 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-841-0001, open for lunch only on weekends, I believe 5 p.m. dinner on weekdays. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | menuism | Don Rockwell | Yelp]

All they have is hamburgers and they don’t even have a side of French fries (you can get corn on the cob or potato chip or potato salad). It’s the best hamburger around by an order of magnitude. Yes, it is worth paying a $4 or $5 supplement for the specialty cheeses on the cheeseburger. I like the Amish cheddar but consider the Epoisses as well. The quality of the burger and the cheese here really just stunned me. By 12:15 on a Saturday the place is already chaos but somehow it seems to work. Order your burger at the counter and then be prepared to stand at a table (of sorts) and eat it. Not a place to sit and chat but who needs social pleasantries when the burger is so good? The ice cream is first-rate as well.

Update February, 2009: Ray’s Hell-Burger is still at 1713 Wilson, but Ray's the Steaks has moved a few blocks west to 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-841-7297. They take reservations at the new location.

Byol Nan Restaurant, 7118 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA, 703-64-3418 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [openlist | Yelp]

The interior is more stylish than the outside looks. I’d like to go here but I haven’t had a chance yet. The place also has a bit of a specialty feel. The menu has a varied list of Bibim-Bab, lots of Hot Pot Dishes, and Katsu. Very much a Korean place for Koreans.

PADO Seafood Restaurant, 4231-E Markham Street, Annandale, VA, 703-256-3565

An average Korean place, with sushi and some Japanese dishes. Average in Annandale is pretty good, but there’s always above-average right next door, so I don’t think I’ll go back here.

Angeethi Indian Cuisine, web site, 645 Elden Street, Herndon, VA, 703-796-1527 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | openlist | Yelp | Herndon Cuisine | Gayot]

Excellent all around, this is currently one of the two or three best Indian places in the area. (Bombay Indian in Silver Spring is probably the current leader). The chat station, offered at lunch, is first-rate. Everything else is quite consistent and just generally tasty. I even enjoyed the Butter Chicken. Good breads. Good vindaloo and spinach and black lentils. What kind of Indian food is it? Most of all I would say it is like the Balti food you get in the UK and indeed they have a whole section of the menu devoted to Balti dishes. Definitely recommended.

Present Restaurant, 6678 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA, 571-233-5001 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

This is in the mall with J.V.'s Restaurant (described by the Washington Post as "One of the last Virginia honky-tonks") and Merchants’ Tire, west of Seven Corners/Eden Center. This used to be the Beewon.

The restaurant is finer in décor than most Vietnamese places and you could even take a business client here. The menu has vague, flowery descriptions of the dishes, so if you know real Vietnamese food you may at first be a bit confused. Don’t be.

Right now this is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants around. The dishes are done in very classic style, with French influence. The menu is pretty short so they may not have your favorite Vietnamese dish. And I think the place can still get better. Recommended.

El Tutumaso, 3018 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA, 703-531-1081

A very authentic Bolivian restaurant with a more extensive menu than most. Excellent soups and consistent all around, although I never like the dishes that use hot dog slices. One of the two or three best Bolivian places for people watching and definitely worth a visit.

"Bolivian cuisine" on wikipedia

La Caraqueña, web site, 300 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA, 703-533-0076, where Café Rose used to be in Falls Church City (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

They serve Venezuelan, Bolivian, and Chilean dishes; the proprietors are Bolivians who lived for quite a while in Venezuela. Definitely above average. I loved the peanut soup (Sopa de Mani). Chilean sandwiches are hard to mimic in this country, so I didn’t order one, but I saw two go past and they looked delicious. Even their Bolivian dishes are not exactly the standard. An original place, worth having in the repertoire and a nice homey atmosphere.

Sea Side Crab House, 6799 Wilson Blvd., #5, Falls Church, VA, 703-241-CRAB (2722) (where Saigon Garden used to be) (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Don Rockwell]

An excellent seafood house in Eden Center. The soft shell crab is some of the best around. The crawfish are served Cajun style, although not as spicy as you would get in southwest Louisiana. It’s small and not a great place to sit and chat inside, but absolutely worth having in the repertoire. Outdoor seating is available. Right now it is my go-to choice for crabs. Make sure you use lots of the lime, salt and pepper sauce they give you.

Ariana Kabob House, web site, 9738 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax, VA, Rt. 50, just west of Fairfax Circle703-865-7610 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

It’s a delight to have this place so close to my house. Real Afghan food, excellent all around and yes they have kadu and aushak and the like. Get the Mantu.

It’s not quite as good as Star Restaurant Banquet, on Rt. 236, but it is well above average.

Meaza International Market/Restaurant, web site, 5440-42 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 703-820-2870 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo (Eve Zibart) | City Paper | Yelp]

[update December 2007: new entry and located at 5700 Columbia Pike]

Yummy in taste and original in execution, the kitfo is great here and the place even looks nice. The best Ethiopian in this entire area, every dish here is strong.

La Sandia, web site, Tysons Corner Center, Level 1, McLean, VA, by Barnes and Noble at the end opposite Bloomingdales (in blue on mall map), 703-893-2222

The new Rick Sandoval place, it opened in May of 2008. I went during the first week and thought it was clearly the best Mexican place around. Sandoval places don’t stay great for long, so now is the time to go.

It’s traditional Mexican rather than fusion but genuine and with high quality ingredients. The tortillas are excellent as is the guacamole and the queso fundido; make sure you use the sauce on the latter, and in a tortilla. I liked the chile relleno, the skirt steak tacos, and especially the carnitas. The chicken tamale was disappointing. The prices are entirely reasonable and in fact cheaper than the other restaurants in that lower level Tysons area. The existence of this place makes me very happy. Beware the crowds, however, at peak times it is very hard to get in here and they don't take traditional reservations.

Sangam, Johnson Center Food Court (GMU map | Google map), GMU, Fairfax, VA

That's the new Indian food place in the Food Court, at the Johnson Center at George Mason University. It's excellent, at least so far, thereby making it the first good food at GMU, ever. I'd put it in the top quarter of local Indian restaurants, though I expect time and the crowds to take its toll. The vegetarian sampler is the best dish and they serve Halal food as well. The samosas look overfried. The analytical question is why this took so long to happen, or alternatively why it has happened at all. I have read there is also a wave of innovation in hospital food as well.

[Run by the folks who own Sangam Restaurant, web site, 1211 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA (in the Comfort Inn), 703-524-2728 [Yelp]]

Desi's Chicken and Steak, web site, 10801 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA, 703-865-8150 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

Right now this is the best Peruvian place around. It looks terrible, as if it’s trying to cater to the worst sort of American diner. But the chef can’t help himself. The Lomo Saltado is first-rate, the soups excellent. The chicken is pretty good, though not #1. The rice and seafood dishes are quite good. Go, and go now. Many other restaurants in this space have gone under, it has not been a stable space since the old days of Pars.

Halalco Supermarket, web site, 155 Hillwood Avenue, Falls Church, VA, 703-532-3202 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Zabihah]

Located inside a Pakistani supermarket, this place is so authentic it closed completely for the month of Ramadan. It’s probably the most authentic Pakistani place around, truly spicy, a bit oily, they serve organs too. Not my #1 Pakistani place but I will go a third time and maybe yet again. It is recommended for those who want to go the nth degree, not for those who seek mainstream ethnic food. It is best to go during peak hours when the buffet is most fresh. There is lots of Islamic material in the supermarket, it is a very religious place, the people are very friendly.

Star Restaurant Banquet, web site, 7203 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-750-2450 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

An authentic albeit underpopulated Afghan place, with a huge room for weddings and banquets. Their plans and their achievement seem totally out of scale. That said, it could be the best Afghan place to visit right now. Very good kadu, not too sweet. Their bready things are yummy, I quite liked the third appetizer, the pastry stuffed with leeks, add yogurt on top. The meats are not so tender but they are very tasty. How long can this place last? Should you be discouraged by the thought of entering a huge cavern and not even being greeted by a hostess? Who knows? Enjoy it while you can.

[former location of Po Jang Ma Cha]

Meaza, 5700 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA, 703-820-2870, I’m not sure about the number on Rt. 7, it is what their card says but some people tell me it is wrong. [This place was formerly at 5440 Columbia Pike: previous TCEDG entry]. In any case it is on Columbia Pike just east of Route 7 by Circuit City (which address is 5710 Columbia Pike). (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [chowhound | Yelp]

Excellent, excellent Ethiopian, maybe as good as the DC dumps. But it’s a nice restaurant too. The fish tibs you can’t get in other places. First-rate kitfo. Wide variety. A clear #1 Ethiopian for Virginia and yes it is pressing on the DC places too. Attached to a coffee shop, plus they have Ethiopian music on some nights. Definitely recommended, although perhaps I would prefer if the dining room had more light.

Cee Fine Thai Dining, web site, 9901 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA, 703-293-9898 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Yelp | Gayot]

Above average Thai, good mee krob, more whitebread atmosphere than most, slightly more expensive than average. This is a good place to bring people who expect the restaurant to be “nice,” although it can’t compare to Thai Square, much less Thai X-Ing.

Kim Ngan, web site, 6755 Wilson Blvd., #24, Falls Church, VA, Eden Center, inside the row of stores to the right of the mall, a small place, 703-538-2474, closed Wednesdays. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]

Excellent pho but more notably has some of the area’s best “crushed rice” dishes. They have numerous good noodle and small dishes and pork chop dishes here, a fun restaurant, good for when you’re not in the mood for the Eden Center standbys.

Vietnam Imports, 922 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA, Rt. 7, right next to Panjshir, 703-867-9635, ask for Lilian (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Yelp]

Yes they cook Indonesian food, home cooking, the real thing, but only Saturdays from 10 or so until not very late. And not every Saturday at that. The noodles are wonderful, beware the cold satay. Worth going if this is what you crave. The “restaurant” is simply a few tables in the back of the ethnic grocery, probably without proper license, etc. Recommended, but please don’t expect this to be a real restaurant. For some dedicated readers it will satisfy the Indonesian craving.

Bolivian Bakery, 6184 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA, Willston Shopping Plaza, right next to Mark’s Duck House, 703-531-0777 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [openlist]

The “subtitle” of this restaurant is “Palacio del Silpancho”. How can you hate a place like that? This is not the very best silpancho but it is at least at the area average and sometimes above it. Maybe it is too salty in parts. But this is a very sympathetic restaurant and they have lots of fruit drinks too. Worth an occasional visit.

Eamonn’s--A Dublin Chipper, web site, 728 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-299-8384 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper]

Have I ever told you what a fish and chips fanatic I am? I scoured New Zealand for a year, looking for the best fish and chips (and found it). I had amazing fish and chips, on the street in the town’s central plaza, in Bergen, Norway. That was the highlight of my entire trip. So my standards are high. And I’m pleased to report that I really enjoyed this place. The fish is very good, enough said. The mushy peas are first-rate. No, it’s not as good as the best in Kiwiland but I remain shocked by the quality and I am happy to recommend it. NB: Tables can be hard to get, so go when the pressure is off.

Majestic Rosa Nautica, 2922 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA, 703-538-8888, 703-538-8885 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

The dining hall is huge, indeed cavernous and the waitresses are skimpily clad. Drunk Peruvians watch soccer on huge screens. I had to wait a long time before being served. The fish in my pescado saltado was falling apart. They have music at night, and on a few web sites are listed as providing “adult entertainment.” (Not when I was there.) Dance lessons too.

Are these auspicious signs or not? Well, the kitchen does “get” the fundamental essence of Peruvian seafood and they do serve it fresh. I’ll go back, but when I’m in a patient mood. So far I give this one a thumbs up, but I can’t imagine how they can afford to pay for so much space.

Ibex Restaurant, 3813 E & F South George Mason Drive, Falls Church, VA, no phone given. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

A vibrant Ethiopian place in my favorite ethnic mini-mall (Skyline). The quality is uneven but nothing is bad and the very best dishes are very good indeed. Get the firfir and the qitqit. Get any dish that is laden with lots of injera (bread) and it will be first-rate. Not everything hits the spot here but I am definitely keeping the place in my repertoire.

Chinese-Korean (Kyung Ju Restaurant? - sorry the business card is in Kangul only!), 2847 Gallows Road, at Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA, in the strip mall with the H Mart, 703-645-8787 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

This place gives a good overview of Chinese-Korean food, a bit gooey, a bit sweet, and with liberal use of ketchup. I don’t like the genre, but I don’t want to put you off trying it. The staff is friendly and charming, plus they have some regular Korean dishes as well. For me it is a dominated asset, but if you never went it would be a shame.

Annandale Cafe, 133 E. Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA, between Hillwood Ave. and S Washington St, though to me it looks like it is on Hillwood, 703-237-7275 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)
[MenuPages]

I love this place, which right now is the best Bolivian food around, despite being a bit on the dark and dingy side. I can’t imagine how they handle crowds and I suppose they don’t. The Saturday peanut soup is the best around, lots of pasta in it. The meats are very fresh. The plates are large. The authenticity level is high. They also pretend to have a connection to Argentinian food but it really is mostly Bolivian. Right now this place is a clear first choice in its category.

Hong Kong Palace (formerly Saigon Palace), web site, 6387 Leesburg Pike, Seven Corners Center, Falls Church, VA, 703-532-0940, Sun - Thur: 11 am - 10 pm, Fri & Sat: 11 am - 11 pm (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Yelp]

This is probably the best Chinese place around and it just keeps on getting better. Mostly it is Sichuan and yes do ask for the special Chinese menu if they don't give it to you right away. Get the lamb with cumin, the beef with bamboo shoots, the flounder in pepper sauce in hot pot, the ma po tofu, the potatoes with green pepper, the tiger pepper, the Dan Dan noodles, the dried beef appetizer, and the chengdu dumplings appetizer, the spicy version in black vinegar. The menu has many other treasures as well. The specials are usually very good.

BonChon Chicken, web site, 6653 Little River Turnpike, #H, Annandale, VA, 703-750-1424 [Don Rockwell]

Is it the best fried chicken I've had? I didn't even mind the forty-minute wait, though now I know to call ahead, as the Koreans do. Get it with both sauces - soy and garlic, and hot --and be sure to ask for the kimchi.

Here is the NYT on Korean fried chicken. It's also healthier than you think: crunchy, spicy, and non-greasy.

Wild Chicken, web site, 11039 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA, West Fair Shopping Center, in the rear, this is the hardest place to find in this whole guide, it is simply behind the big buildings facing the main street, 703-383-0266 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

They have Peruvian chicken, a 7 on a scale of one to ten. On Monday there is Lomo Saltado, Tuesday has Aji de Gallina, and Friday has Seco de Carne (beef stew with cilantro). Those dishes are quite good, and occasionally on offer other days as well. An intriguing mom n’ pop, and certainly worth trying at least once. They also offer unusual (and tasty) Latino ice creams, seasonally.

Chima Steakhouse, 8010 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 100, Vienna, VA, 703-595-7755 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Yelp]

The new Brazilian steak house, churrascaria, very stylish, draws a mod crowd of wealthy Latinos and sometimes Arabs. Lots of fun, not cheap, the lamb and the pork caked in cheese are the best. The salads could be improved. I like Fogo de Chao better, but because of proximity, and a Brazilian-loving daughter, I’ll end up going here yet again.

Fairouz Mediterranean Café, web site, 3815-A S. George Mason Drive, Falls Church, VA, 703-845-7929 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

A mix of Tunisian and Lebanese dishes, I have yet to go. They have okra on the menu, foul, chopped liver, stuffed quail, and lots of kabob platters.

La Rue 123, web site (music), 4023 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA, 703-691-2266 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo]

Near Le Tire Bouchon and in the old Bailiwick Inn.

Classic French, they go out of their way to be boring but the quality is high. I tried the beef tenderloin, the shrimp, and the sea bass. All were excellent, I liked the sea bass best. A good place to take clients or job market candidates, especially if others are paying. Not my kind of thing, but some people will love this place.

Fu Mei, in the Great Wall Chinese grocery store (大中华) on Gallows, between 29 and 50 and right by Five Guys and Peking Village, 2982 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA, 703-208-3388 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo]

Fully authentic Chinese comfort food, the meats are quite good, the noodles too, the chow fun (chow foon), all for Chinese tastes; the food lies in the direction of oily Cantonese, not sea cucumber. Definitely recommended, and an A+ for atmosphere. They have only a few tables, all the more reason to go.

Abay Market, 3811-A S. George Mason Drive, Falls Church, VA, 703-998-5322 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

Now this is an interesting place. They have only three dishes: raw beef, and I do mean slabs (tere sega), not chopped kitfo, lamb soup, and slightly cooked kitfo (mostly raw). That’s it. All come with bread, sauce, and spices. The lamb is pretty fatty, the soup is tasty.

No doubt this is the best raw beef emporium for miles and miles around. It will disappoint those who seek side orders, vegetables, or indeed anything else. A+ for atmosphere. Ask for their assistance in eating the food.

Recommended, but you’d better know what you are looking for.

Update March 25, 2009: Currently the best Ethiopian place in my area. The menu has moved from having three items -- raw beef only, plus fatty lamb soup -- to some vegetables and cooked items as well.

Also see "Cuisine of Ethiopia" on Wikipedia

Sambo Restaurant, 6669 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-750-6846 (old review) (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) Here's the old review.

The place just reopened with new management, it is now “Chinese-Korean” food, a genre that in general does not thrill me. Too many fried things, too much sweet sauce, and that occasional inappropriate use of ketchup. Still many of you will wish to try this place, if only to see how Chinese food is consumed in Korea.

They don’t offer sushi any more, it is a totally different place.

Merrifield Kabob, web site, 8428 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA, 703-204-4400 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Yelp | zabihah]

More of a dump than you would expect, given the location. The core influence here is Pakistani, and shady characters smoke hooka during the off-hours. This kind of food is almost always good enough to enjoy, but so far this place doesn’t compete with Ravi or Food Factory or my other favorites of similar ilk. Go for locational reasons, that makes sense, a special trip not.

Tian Chinese Restaurant, inside Lotte Plaza, 3250 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax Circle, Fairfax, VA, Closed Mondays, 703-246-9198

This is in the same place as Cheogajip Chicken.

Cheogajip Chicken, Lotte Plaza, near the deli in the supermarket, 3250 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax Circle, Fairfax, VA, 703-273-4499, usually open. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo also see this | Washington Area Korean Restaurant Guide]

This in the same place as Tian Chinese Restaurant.

See also "Koreans Share Their Secret for Chicken With a Crunch," by Julia Moskin, The New York Times, February 7, 2007

Other locations: in the Korean Mini Mall at 13814 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA; and 4300 Evergreen Lane Suite 102, Annandale, VA.

Korean fried chicken comes to this area, finally. Very moist and juicy and they cook it fresh, that means a 15-minute wait. This isn’t the very best Korean fried chicken I’ve had, but the idea is a phenomenon and if you haven’t had it before, do give it a try. It comes in regular, sweet, spicy, and herb, so far I’ve only tried the sweet.

Cheogajip Chicken is one of Korea's largest chicken franchise with 1,200 franchises in Korea.

Cheogajip Chicken has been loved by everyone for its classic, mouthwatering taste, which was developed through 17 years of experience.

Cheogajip USA was established in March of 2005 and opened its first restaurant in Annandale, Virginia in October 2005.

Soon after, in March 2006, a second restaurant was opened in Centreville, Virginia, followed by a third in Flushing, New York in April 2006.

In order to reach more customers, we are planning to expand with more restaurants throughout the East Coast this year and in the earlier part of 2007, we will spread out to the West Coast starting with Los Angeles.

Born Restaurant, web site, 144 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA, 703-255-5800, closed 3 to 5 weekdays. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo]

I dislike most suburban Thai these days. It is too sweet and too trendy. This place is different. It’s not as good as my favorites, but it’s well above average. They are still trying to give the food strong and genuine tastes. It is not as spicy as I would like, but I can go here with a clear conscience. Try the appetizers and soups. A good alternative if you are looking to eat Thai near Vienna, though don’t go expecting Thai X-ing or Columbia Pike.

This is where La Provence used to be.

East of Magruders and west of Rose Restaurant

Steamed Wasabi Shumai, so so

Tom Yum Goong, outstanding

Larb Gei, OK

Thai Spicy Basil - too sweet; make sure you ask for the spicy fish sauce

Rose Restaurant, 126 W. Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA, 703-255-9696 or 703-255-2557 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Falls-Church News Press | Chowhound]

Yes this is from the folks who brought you the old Café Rose, in Falls Church. The new incarnation is brighter, quicker, and has a broader menu. The eggplant appetizer is first-rate, the yogurt dipping sauce for the bread excellent. The two stews are both good, the best kabob is the lamb, one of the best kabobs around right now, very juicy. Very low prices, in terms of value-added this is a real winner. The velvet paintings on the wall only add to the atmosphere.

Grill Kabob Express, 11213-J Lee Highway, off Rt.29, Fairfax, VA, 703-569-7259 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp | Yahoo]

I like their buffet better than their kabobs. Good chick peas, spinach, bread, tasty rice, fresher vegetables than found on the other Afghan buffets. Not a perfect restaurant, but worth visiting if you live or work in the area. The kabobs are “good enough,” but not competitive with my two or three favorites.

Update June 22, 2007: The hamburger meat with the lentils, on the buffet, is my favorite.

Yas Bakery, and Gourmet Groceries, 131 A West Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA, 703-242-2800 or 703-242-4050, across from Magruder’s, not easily visible from the street. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [insider pages]

I don’t usually cover ethnic groceries, but they bake their own bread and it is #1 in the whole area. First you grab a number, then you wait, sometimes up to fifteen minutes if there is a crowd. It comes out fresh, piping hot, absolutely delicious. Worth a visit, and yes you will come back. It doubles as northern Virginia’s best grocery.

Bebo Trattoria da Roberto Donna, web site, 2250-B Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA (Crystal City), 703-412-5076 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | WETA | City Paper | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]

Where Oyamel used to be. It offers Italian home cooking, with varying qualities of food and service – until Galileo is renovated – it is being overseen by Roberto Donna. He is best when he is not trying too hard. Relatively inexpensive, and get the simple dishes. As a bonus they are open Saturday lunch. Lots of people claim they've had very bad service here. I would call it risky and leave it at that.

A Taste of Burma, 126 Edds Lane, Sterling, VA, off Rte. 7, 703-444-8511 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | Gayot]

This place is supposed to be very good. As usual, in a Burmese place try some of the salads. The Post recommends the Singapore noodles as well, and the noodles more generally.

India Curry House, web site, 3181 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, right near Clarendon Metro, 703-527-3444 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]

This place became crowded right after opening, and it is easy to see why. High-quality Indian buffet food, at reasonable prices. I wish they had more regional dishes, and perhaps someday they will. I've yet to try from their regular menu. This place is right near my office in Arlington, and it has rapidly become a lunch favorite. My only complaint is that sometimes the line for the buffet gets too long.

Kababayan, 13840 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, VA, Smoketown Road Shopping Center, at Smoketown Road and Minnieville Road, near Glory Days Grill, 703-580-0300 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

The Filipino version of cafeteria line dining, or so I am told. They do “turo-turo,” or “point-point,” because the diner points to what he wants to eat.

Fairfax Inn, 2946 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, VA, just off Seven Corners, located in a Medical Arts Building, 703-532-0616 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

Mostly they serve burgers and the like. You have to ask for the Filipino menu at the counter. I have yet to go, the recommendation is from Papan Devnani, who tells me the dishes are named in Tagalog, a good sign. They close at 7 pm evenings, 3 pm on Sundays, and also serve Filipino breakfast.

Hot Breads, next to Sichuan Village and Il Mee in Chantilly, web site, 14027 Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway, Chantilly, VA, 703-263-1466 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian - see also "The Guru's Pick: Hot Breads in Chantilly" | WaPo]

Also in MD: 70 Market Street (at Kentlands Blvd.), Gaithersburg, MD

Indian breads and sandwiches, chicken tikka, not really a sit down place. Part of a small chain, but very mom and pop. Curry-filled pastries and Indian sweets. For a quick lunch, this place is quite good. They also have Indian soft drinks.

Korean B-B-Q Grill, 7215 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA, 703-894-0431, in the mall between Rte. 236 and Columbia Pike with the Giant (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

The real name of the place is only in Korean; I don’t think “Korean B-B-Q Grill” is the true name (maybe: Chong Dae Gam Galbi?), but it is the only part of the sign in English. An excellent place for unusual meats. Get the goat, the pork neck, the pork belly, and the brisket. Make sure to use the sauces. The diversity of the Korean vegetables selection is above average. The “standard” Korean dishes here are “good enough,” but not reason to go.

Update February 18, 2007:

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Saravana Palace, web site, 11725 Lee Highway, #A15, Fairfax, VA, 703-218-4182, one light west of Fairfax Wegman’s, turn into the strip mall, directions on web site (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | MenuPages | Happy Cow | Don Rockwell]

UPDATE: This place simply isn't very good any more! A real loss.

Go for the weekend lunch buffet, which has both better items and a broader selection. Right now this is the best southern Indian, or Indian vegetarian place around. The largest selection of dosas and related items, such as Pesarat. Great okra. Yogurt rice. Carrot dishes. Every vegetable dish is first-rate. Raises the bar for all other Indian vegetarian places. Go, go, go. Excellent for people-watching as well.

Here is a good Washingtonian chat about the place.

Al’s Steak House, web site, 1504 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 703-836-9443, cash only (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [The Best Phlly Cheesesteaks | Hobnob Blog | WaPo]

I have friends from Philly who swear that good indeed great cheese steaks exist. I’m still waiting for an existence proof. But if five of you write and tell me to try this place, I will. In any case this is supposed to be a good place for local character.

Al's Steak House, Alexandria, VA

cheeseburger sub

great greasy onion rings

hamburger

Rasoi Indian Restaurant, 2800 South Eads Street, Crystal City, Arlington, VA, 703-684-2095 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

One reader tells me this is the best place around for foods from Delhi, including butter chicken and chicken curry with nan.

Another reader says this place is closed. Phone number is disconnected.

Korean Mini-Mall, 12814-C Braddock Road, also 13814-B, 13860-B, Centreville, at Rt.29, technically it is called Old Centreville Crossing Shopping Center (use 13814 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA for directions).

It has Cheogajip Chicken, 703-815-8744, Tae Hwa Won Restaurant, 793-266-4785, and Hahmji Bahk BBQ, 703-266-6681. The chicken place specializes in Korean Fried Chicken, fresh, along the lines of the Korean chain back home. I expect they are all excellent.

Also see:

• "Tastes of Korea Enliven a Centreville Mini-Mall," by Nancy Lewis, The Washington Post, June 29, 2006
  

Tay Do Restaurant, web site, 6793-C Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA, the old spot held by Dragon Star in Eden Center, 703-536-5728

This place keeps closing and then opening again. Each time it gets smaller and it takes on a new relationship with sappy evening music. At times it has been excellent and I've never know it to be bad. I'm not sure what to say. If you're already in the Eden Center, it's hard to try a place that can't keep its act together. But there's plenty of upside with the organ meats, the clay pots, the congees, and other dishes, including Vietnamese pancakes. That is if the menu stays the same. Who knows?

Pauli Moto's, web site, 7852-L Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA (Tysons I), 703-556-7777 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [MenuPages | WaPo | City Paper | Tarting It Up | Don Rockwell | Yelp]

This is by Pauli Moto, the guy with the TV show and the fancy nouvelle Asian place in Philadelphia. I suppose he showed up for the opening, or something like that.

The food here is carefully made, reasonably tasty, and no doubt it is the best restaurant in Tysons Mall. The seafood is quite fresh. That said, I find the place a bore, and a somewhat expensive bore at that. Best for when there are lines everywhere else and you need to eat somewhere before the movie.

My first evaulation stands.

Bamian, web site, 5634 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 703-820-7880 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | MenuPages | Suburban Tasteland | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper]

One of the best Afghan places around, the kabobs are juicy and succulent. That being said, I have some complaints. The air conditioning is overdone. The dining room is huge and understaffed. I can’t imagine trying to eat here at 8 p.m. on a Saturday evening. The appetizers all have strong minty tastes. This is better than going the sweet route, but a certain sameness creeps in. With some modest changes, this place could be very very good. Right now it hovers between good and very good.

Chaba Thai Restaurant, web site, 2972 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA, 703-205-2430

Right near the Lee Highway Multiplex and thus it has a convenient location for many moviegoers. But it is not above average. The watercress salad is one good dish to get, but the net value added of this place is probably locational only.

Tandoori Nights, web site (Flash), 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-248-8333 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Wash Times | City Paper | Yelp]

Remember how Clarendon was once the epicenter of good ethnic dining? Well, those days are long since gone.

Avoid the Tandoori here. Some of the vegetable dishes are not bad. Don’t think this substitutes for any of the real Indian places around. But some of you will be caught short in Clarendon, wondering where to go, and tempted to try this. What can I say? You should be in your car driving down to Minerva. But you’re not. Boo-hoo. Give Tandoori Nights a try, but don’t complain to me if you go home disappointed. The décor is nice.

Soo Rah (formerly Pokchangdong?), 7601 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-658-0508, open until midnight, starting at about 11 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

The western-most of the Annandale Korean entries and also one of the best. Get the most expensive of the set menus for a treat. This will involve casseroles, ribs, dumplings, fish, egg dishes, steamed tofu, blue crabs, and the usual medley of Korean vegetables. The casseroles are to be recommended more generally. The bibimbop is good not though the very best. Fully authentic, and though I have for now put it on the favorites list, note that many of the competitors are not far behind.

Update June 2007: Soo Rah is closed

Nhu Lan, web site, 6763 Wilson Blvd., # 14, Falls Church, VA, on the interior of Eden Center, a very small place, 703-532-9009 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo]

Vietnamese subs, banh mi they are called. Some involve mayonnaise, carrots, pickled carrots, radishes, and fresh cilantro. Not my cup of tea -- especially the mayo -- but some swear by it. If you are like me, perhaps try the pork meatballs.

Pokchangdong, 7601 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA, 703-658-0508 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian (scroll down)]

I have yet to go.

Update June 30, 2006: Now called Soo Rah.

Buckingham Center is located on the east side of Glebe at Pershing in Arlington, VA, a few blocks north of Rt. 50 / Arlington Blvd., and about a mile south of I-66.

Ravi Kabob House, 305 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 703-522-6666

Bangkok Siam, 307 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 703-524-0711 [Washingtonian]

RinConCito, 303 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 703-807-0025

Huntington Station is Metro accessible - it is across the street from the Huntington Metro stop, which is the last stop on the southern leg of the Yellow line. (StationMasters map).

Huntington Station is located on the west side of North Kings Highway, just north of Fort Drive (it is just outside the Beltway, south of I-495: use the Telegraph Road exit, Exit 176).

Tippy's Taco, web site, 5912 N Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA, 703-960-1431, and New China Taste Carryout, 5910 N Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA, 703-960-2200

La Latina Market, 5838 North Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA

El Pollo Peruano, 5834 N Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA, 703-317-0104

House of Mandarin, 165 Glyndon Street SE, Vienna, VA, 703-281-9600 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

This old standby was a boring Chinese restaurant for eleven years. Now they have a Chinese menu and it is much improved. Ask for the Chinese menu and ignore the rest. I expect this place will continue to improve, I will keep my eye on it. Small and homey, a nice Vienna institution.

Las Perlitas, 147 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, VA, 703-319-8500, opens at 9 a.m. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

The boss is from El Salvador, but they have some items from Honduras, and also Peru and Mexico. Their most original dish is the Platillo Hondureno, with tomatillo sauce, beans rolled into the flat enchilada, original and quite good.

Casa Mia, Lalibela, 3111 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA not too far from Glebe Road, 703-920-9500 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [openlist]

The second best Ethiopian place in Northern Virginia. Reliable, and adequately spicy. Not as good as what you find in DC, but a good introduction to the cuisine. In 2002 they moved into their larger quarters, in a former Italian restaurant. Incongruities abound, but they add to the charm of the place.

Rinconcito Chapin, 303 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, in Buckingham Center, 703-807-0025 or 703-525-3836 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

The menu here is like that of an El Salvadorean restaurant, except without the Pupusas. So why go? You might want to say you have been to a Guatemalan restaurant. Otherwise this place, while not bad, is not up to the competition.

Mai Restaurant, 6763 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA, Eden Center, # 9 inside the mall, 703-237-2020, Tgfriday14@yahoo.com (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Small Picture]

They don’t have crabs “out of season,” so call ahead. You might call this place Vietnamese. They also do good things with packaged crab meat.

Update September 2006: The best crab place in the immediate area. Fresh. The proprietor likes to talk. Only crabs. Crabs, with ginger and scallions, tamarind sauce, plain, or salt and pepper. I like salt and pepper best. Recommended.

Karaoke Idol, 7151 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA, 703-533-0024 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Falls Church News-Press]

The name alone makes this one worth a try, but frankly I am terrified. Recommended by a reader is the lumpia, Pancit, the tocino (sweetend cured meat), and longaniza. I've now gone, and thought it was "good for a Filipino place," but stil I can't fall in love with the cuisine, at least not in its restaurant versions.

Ju Mak Jib, 6531-C Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA, 703-642-0331, west of I-395 and Landmark Mall, further east on Rt. 236 than most of the Korean places, across from the Salvation Army store. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

Hardly anyone comes here, but this is one of the best Korean places around. The goat dishes are especially recommended, don’t forget to use the mustard sauce. You should get the bone marrow special as well.

Misora, 1315 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA, 703-356-6200 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

Another good one.

Is this closed? Or another name?

Matsui Sushi, web site, 6408 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria, VA, 703- 550-6100, at Telegraph and Beulah, in Springfield, Fairfax County (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

I have heard they have good sushi, have yet to go.

Pio-Pio, 3360 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, 703-465-5200 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

Good rotisserie chicken, and look for the chicken standing outside the front, waving a large placard.

Montserrat, Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, between Rt. 50 and I-66.

I went once and found the meat too tough, though the red beans and rice were excellent. The place has potential, but still needed to work out some kinks.

Update May 26, 2006: A commenter says it is open and located at 85 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, just north of Rt. 50, across the street from the McDonalds.

Bombay Garden, 4008 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 703-383-1553 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yahoo]

It takes stones to open an Indian place right next to Connaught's. Do I ever go here? Yes. It has different dishes and consistently offers chicken tikka on the buffet. Very good all around, and a bit cheaper. Recommended.

SoBe Seafood Co., web site, 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-528-0033 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist]

In the trendy part of Arlington, which usually spells death for food. The Washington Post says it is “pretty good, not great.” Some of the dishes have a vaguely Caribbean tinge.

Coastal Flats, 11901Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax, VA, 571-522-6300, there is one in the new Tysons Corner extension as well. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]

A chain-looking seafood place, but it is packing them in regularly. Probably an OK alternative if you have to go bland and mainstream.

Chirilagua, a neighborhood in Alexandria/Arlandria, at Mount Vernon Avenue and West Glebe Road.

Did you know that 350,000 Salvadoreans live in this area? I’ve decided that when it comes to El Salvadorean restaurants, there is no point in simply listing more of them. The key is to find out which dishes you like, not which restaurants you like.

Restaurants in this area include RT's and Po Siam. Also located here is the Birchmere music hall.

A little further south are Bombay Curry Company and Los Tios. A little futher north are the taco trucks at Gunston.

• "The Changing Face Of Arlandria," by Krissah Williams, The Washington Post, June 7, 2004
• "Chirilagua: 100% Salvadoreño! Washington DC Invites You Their Little El Salvador," by Phalana Tiller, Urban Mozaik

Pupuseria El Buen Gusto, 10012 Main Street, Fairfax, VA, 703-218-3489 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

Surprisingly good, their tacos are excellent and fairly authentic. No one there speaks English. Limited menu. Very good chicharron (fried pork) with yucca. Worth a visit. N.B.: Restaurants in this locale tend to be yummy but don’t usually last long.

Sarita's, 2794 Graham Road, Falls Church, VA, 703-533-9448 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | City Paper | Yelp]

Authentic, to say the least. Plus you can find Sarita’s II in the Culmore Shopping Center on Rt. 7, west of Bailey’s Crossroads: 6013 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 703-820-2700 [Yelp]

A good rule of thumb is the following: just about every El Salvadorean place in the area is worthwhile if you order well. Which means getting the pupusas. In Sarita’s II they dress the waitresses to maximize the number of leering male customers, so beware if you go.

El Zunzal, 917 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA, 703-532-9372, also 5900 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA, 703-379-5100 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Falls Church News-Press | City Paper | Yelp]

A good place for El Salvadorean food, and more accessible to non-Salvadoreans than most, without selling out on the quality side. There is no doubt what you should order here: two mixed pupusas, one corn tamale, and perhaps a side order of beans. That makes for a great five dollar meal. Some of the other menu items are good here as well, but I am never really tempted to deviate from the above.

Restaurante El Salvador, 4805 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 703-521-3225 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper]

One of the best Salvadorean places, in a universe of dozens. Juicy pupusas, nice atmosphere. Also get the corn tamales, tamale de elote. When going to an El Salvadorean restaurant, always order the pupusas. Always order the pupusas. Always order the pupusas. A Pupusa, for the uninitiated, is a Salvadorean "pancake," made of corn-based bread, stuffed with meat, cheese, or both. Make sure you put lots of spicy cabbage on the top (called “curtido”). The cheapest good meal around, also. They have some Peruvian dishes, too.

Atlacatl & Pupuseria, 4701 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 703-920-3680, usually open (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | openlist | Yelp]

In decline, and no longer the best El Salvadorean in the area. The herb pupusas are still good, though. If you’ve never had this kind of food before, still good enough to be a revelation. Nice funky décor, too.

Russia House, web site, 790 Station Street, Herndon, VA, 703-787-8880 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

I drove to this place once, but it looked boring and overpriced. So, I reoptimized and opted for Peruvian chicken in a nearby strip mall, I think it was called Pollo Inka.

See also under Serbian.

Blue Ocean, 9440 Main Street, at Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA, 703-425-7555 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]

Excellent, and attracts a largely Japanese clientele. More than just the usual teriyaki dishes, also. Worth having in the repertoire.

Connaught's, University Ave., Fairfax, at Main St., Rt.236.

Good Indian food - this restaurant revolutionized the Fairfax dining scene. The lunch buffets are good, especially if you arrive early. Probably the best place in downtown Fairfax.

But note: as of November 1, 2005, it was closed, forced to shut by the evils of eminent domain. I’ll keep this review on the web site for a few years, just so you know how Fairfax City handled this matter, they didn’t even give much notice…

Many of the staff relocated to Infusion Restaurant.

Pho Cyclo, 8102 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA, 703-573-2210, really on Gallows Road next to the 24-hour CVS (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | Yelp]

Not just Pho. Excellent lemon grass chicken.

Viet House, 9966 Main Street, Fairfax, VA, 703-691-0090, in the Fairfax Circle Shopping Center (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yelp]

I don’t list most of the soup places, which are uniformly good, this one has lunch dishes too, a good place especially for Fairfax.

Minh's Restaurant, web site, 2500 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, at Cleveland Street, 703-525-2828, the Virginia branch of a small chain (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Along with Nam-Viet, one of the better Vietnamese places in Clarendon. More yuppie than most, a deliberate attempt at outreach. For me, this is ultimately a turn-off; although the food here is reasonably good, it is a little more expensive than it need be.

Nam-Viet, web site, 1127 N. Hudson Street, Arlington, VA, 703-522-7110 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Economist | Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Other locations:

• 3819 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 703-548-0440
  
• 3419 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202 -237-1015

Maybe the best Vietnamese place in Clarendon, currently. Clarendon, however, is no longer the area’s center for Vietnamese food, Falls Church is, especially in and around the Eden Center. My favorite here is the caramel pork in ginger sauce.

Saigon House, 7235 Arlington Blvd., #2, Loehmann’s Plaza, Falls Church, VA, 703-560-8180 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Yet another very good Vietnamese place. Best for their big seafood combo dinners, for up to ten people, even including some jellyfish but the non-squeamish will like it too. When you go inside, you will be surprised how large this place is.

Cho Cu Saigon, 6763-6D Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA, 703-538-2168, inside Eden Center - use the entrance under the clock tower, next to the grocery store (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | City Paper | Yelp]

Get the roast pork there. You might call this Cantonese but it is a Vietnamese vision of Cantonese food. Duck and seafood as well, recommended.

Update September, 2006: An unknown and much underrated Cantonese restaurant. Good congee. Also get the salted and baked chicken. Fully authentic, try the noodles with ginger and scallion, I think this place is quite good and I haven’t even yet discovered their best dishes.

Update March 9, 2006: Today I had a great meal at the Cantonese place inside Eden Center... the casserole with minced chicken and salted fish was superb.

Huong Viet, 6785 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA, 703-538-7110, in the Eden Center (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Opens at 10 a.m. and is full by noon in the Eden Center. Get the picture? All the Vietnamese staples, definitely recommended.