Northern Virginia Magazine has released their ranking of the 50 Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia and Alexandria fared better than it did in the Washington Post’s ranking.
Alexandria had four spots on the ranking, all of them in Old Town.
The entries were listed alphabetically. First is Ada’s On The River (3 Pioneer Mill Way). The restaurant won some points with the magazine for its ambiance and waterfront location.
“The wood-burning stove is the star of the show, lending a complex charred quality to not only steaks and fish, but to unexpected applications like the grilled kale-and-citrus salad, which boasts a complex smoky-sweet flavor,” the magazine wrote. “Seared scallops are caramelized and served atop corn soubise and coal-roasted corn. Lobster mac and cheese features sizable shellfish chunks and a velvety, Old Bay–scented sauce.”
The magazine also recommended the Valrhona chocolate souffle.
Northern Virginia Magazine also recommended Kismet Modern Indian, an acclaimed Indian restaurant at 111 N. Pitt Street in Old Town.
“At this sequel to DC’s Michelin-recognized Karma Modern Indian, basics are elevated,” the magazine wrote, “but the real reason to dine here is for regional dishes diners won’t find anywhere else without making a pan-Indian food trip.”
Northern Virginia Magazine recommended the Amritsari snapper, herb-and-goat-cheese naan, and the branzino pollichathu. The real recommendation, though, was to leave the comfort zone within Indian food and broaden your palette with some new dishes.
The third location is The Study at 116 S. Alfred Street, a Mesoamerican fusion restaurant. Northern Virginia Magazine praises its mix of American, Korean, and Indonesian flavors mixed in with Costa Rican cuisine.
The magazine recommended the Hamachi tiradito, steak and onions, and a chocolate sampler.
The last recommendation is another acclaimed spot: Thompson Italian. The Italian restaurant has two locations: the original in Falls Church and another one at 1024 King Street. Like Kismet Modern Indian, Thompson Italian is another Alexandria critical darling.
“Leave it to chef-owners Gabe and Katherine Thompson to upgrade tried-and-true recipes with Virginia’s bounty,” the magazine wrote. “The fritto misto centers around meltingly tooth-friendly calamari but also zucchini and chunky peppadew peppers. The coating is tempura-light with nary a hint of grease.”
Northern Virginia Magazine also recommended the coconut tapioca pudding and tiramisu flavored with berries.
“With every bite, the Thompsons pay tribute to tradition,” Northern Virginia Magazine wrote, “but best it with their of-the-moment flavors.”
Photo via Kismet Modern Indian ALX/Facebook
