2023-07-18 11:33:35
As Loudoun grows, superb internationally inspired restaurants, many run by immigrant chefs, open across the county. Indulge your palate with great cuisine from around the globe. INDIAN 5 Tara, named for the five rivers of Punjab, is the brainchild of India-born entrepreneur Vikas Gupta. The sumptuous, low-lit gem in the Village at Leesburg delivers authentic North Indian cuisine (Lamb Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken), spicy Indo-Chinese classics (Hakka Noodles, Chili Gobi) and succulent south Asian tandoori. The restaurant’s catering arm is popular on the booming Indian wedding circuit in Loudoun TURKISH & MEDITERRANEAN Afghan-born Mitra Sharif escaped a corporate career to open Oxus7 in Ashburn in 2021, Loudoun’s first authentic Turkish restaurant. Named for the Oxus River in Central Asia and the lucky number seven, the restaurant, headed by Chef Apo, delivers delights such as sesame and tahini-topped mucver (zucchini fritters), herb and spice crusted lamb chops and an extraordinary prime rib stuffed roast eggplant – karniyarik – that has foodies lined up outside. There’s also a fabulous brunch and French and Turkish wines on the menu. JAPANESE While sushi fans are blown away by this acclaimed Japanese outpost – everything from fresh octopus and eel to clam and sea urchin – Noku Sushi also does hibachi, poke bowls and steaming hot Ramen and Udon dishes with braised pork belly. We also like the Kimchi Fried Rice: a popular Korean dish with spam and a fried egg on top. An extensive sake selection too. MEXICAN There’s no shortage of Mexican food in Loudoun. Señor Ramon Taqueria in Leesburg and Sterling is different: simple, street-style tacos using traditional family recipes and an astonishing array of ingredients. Try ‘The Patagonia’: carne asada (steak), shredded cheese, guac, chimichurri sauce, red pickled onions, cilantro and sour cream. ALL IN THE Family BLUE RIDGE GRILL This perennial family favorite with three locations (Leesburg, Ashburn, Brambleton) features cozy booth seating and an all-American menu of salads, seafood, cheeseburgers, baby back ribs and several cuts of steak. Kids swear by the white chocolate cheesecake and brownie and ice cream dessert. FIRE WORKS Pizza and pasta are the name of the game at this kid and pet friendly Loudoun institution with locations in Leesburg and Sterling. Brick oven baked signature pies include the gorgonzola, bacon and balsamic-glazed Smokey Blue and the Black Sheep topped with house blend feta, lamb sausage and marinated tomato. THE PUB This aptly named neighborhood sports bar debuted in Ashburn in 1995 and expanded to a second location in Purcellville in 2019. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, the wildly popular eatery features all the American pub classics as well as fish and chips, bourbon-glazed salmon and French dip beef sandwiches as well as multiple options for kids. The spicy Bloody Mary is magnificent. TIPPED COW CREAMERY Adjacent to Monk’s BBQ in Purcellville, this artisanal ice cream temple serves all the classic flavors but also less common ones like coffee, blackberry and butter brickle. Kids love the house-made waffle cones and decadent banana split sundaes.
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