2023-11-30 06:57:18
DINE AWAY the Day From farm-to-table eateries and international cuisine to bakeries, ice cream shops and swanky cocktail bars, there’s something to satisfy every palate, no matter the time of day, in Fairfax County! 1 BREAKFAST Start your day at one of the area’s many acclaimed coffee shops and bakeries. Try a lokma at Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee in Vienna, touted as the first shop in the U.S. to serve this Turkish pastry made of leavened, deep-fried dough and soaked in syrup or honey. Another local favorite for sweet breakfast options is Springfield’s The Swiss Bakery, whose menu features European-style baked goods, French pastries and more. Get your caffeine fix before a day of exploring at Cafein in Centreville or Weird Brothers Coffee in Herndon. 2 LUNCH Ready to fuel up for your afternoon adventures? Take your pick of Asian cuisine at The Block Food Hall in Annandale, which houses five vendors serving everything from poké bowls to handmade dumplings. Looking for something on the lighter side? GreenFare in Herndon is a community café with a plethora of healthy options, most of which are vegan-friendly. For less-than-light bites, check out Mookie’s BBQ in Great Falls or the world-famous chili dogs at Vienna Inn. 3 MIDDAY TREATS If your morning caffeine buzz has worn off, then it’s time for something sweet! Indulge in Taiwanese shaved ice and milk tea at Annandale’s SnoCream Company, head over to Clifton for homemade ice cream, malts and more at Peterson’s Depot or stop by Great Falls Creamery to dig into small-batch ice cream made with organic dairy. 4 DINNER & DRINKS End your day of discovery with dinner and drinks at any one of a bounty of eclectic eateries. A hidden gem dedicated to grilled cheese sandwiches and cold beer, Spacebar in Falls Church is a local favorite among laidback hangouts. Gluten free? When chef Patrick Bazin was diagnosed with celiac disease, he made it his mission to create delicious (and indulgent) gluten-free bites for his restaurant, Bazin’s on Church, in Vienna. Featuring Virginia’s largest and most comprehensive wine menu, Trummer’s Restaurant in Clifton is a can’t-miss for oenophiles. A farm-forward menu showcases the diversity of the region’s agriculture industry, so you’re guaranteed to savor something seasonal and local! Other top-notch options for dinner and drinks include B Side in Merrifield for music and merriment, Tiki Thai in Reston for tropical-themed Thai food with creative cocktails and Barrel & Bushel in Tysons for beer, bourbon and oh-so-tasty comfort food bites. SAVOR GLOBAL FLAVORS A DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERY TO MANY, NORTHERN VIRGINIA IS TEEMING WITH INTERNATIONAL EATS. Try authentic Lebanese cuisine in Merrifield, like chicken shawarma and lamb kebabs, at Kirby Club. Tantalize your tastebuds with Persian bites at Joon in Tysons, the newest endeavor from chef Najmieh Batmanglij and chef Christopher Morgan, of MICHELINstarred DC restaurants. Delight in the aromas and comforting flavors of traditional African food at Herndon’s Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant, named one of the best by Northern Virginia Magazine. Transport yourself to the French countryside in Great Falls at L’Auberge Chez Francois, known for its delicious prix-fixe dinner menu, which features Alsatian fare like bouillabaisse, escargot and hot soufflés. Other international favorites include Euro Bistro in Herndon, Empanadas de Mendoza in Lorton and Jiwa Singapura in Tysons. SCAN FOR A FULL MENU OF RESTAURANTS! EXPLORE MORE WITH @FAMILYTRIPGUIDES “We have some of the best Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Korean, Taiwanese, Peruvian and Afghan food in the country here!” Scan the QR code to learn more. FOLLOW ME IN #FXVA OUR Spirited Sips Urban micro-wineries, bucolic vineyards and progressive breweries can be found around every corner in Northern Virginia, including (but not limited to!) these popular spots. 1 Looking to sip your frosty brews while also enjoying some amazing views? Grab a drink or two on the rooftop at Herndon’s Aslin Beer Company or relax on the large waterfront porch at Reston’s Lake Anne Brew House. 2 Adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park, The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville is a great place to try balanced merlots and bright chardonnays after immersing yourself in Civil War history, right in the place where history was made. 3 Clifton’s Paradise Springs Winery offers a robust tasting room that is open all year with tours, tastings and more. While there, be sure to order a glass of the Petit Verdot BBV 2021, a 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case Winner! 4 Next to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Vienna, Caboose Tavern is a hot stop for bikers thanks to rotating beers on tap, like the the award-winning Vienna Lager. Another popular stop is Bike Lane Brewing in Reston, an all-in-one bike shop, café and brewery.
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