Mikaku: Enjoy Japanese Fare in Herndon

The master chefs of Mikaku fulfill the eatery’s motto by creating “a true sense of taste” in every bite through the use of fresh ingredients expertly crafted into authentic Japanese dishes. Groups may choose to share a literal wooden boatload of sushi, running over with dozens of pieces hand-rolled maki.

In addition to standard sushi and rolls, Mikaku puts a unique spin on Japanese dining by offering small plate specialties akin to Spanish tapas. Small bites for sharing include steamed shumai dumplings and sake-steamed clams. Their comprehensive sake menu features over twenty varieties of premium sake, as well as more accessible varieties, available cold by the glass or heated in a traditional tokkuri flask.

With traditional artwork lining the walls and otherwise minimal décor, Mikaku’s atmosphere is quietly serene. A private dining area featuring a “zashiki” arrangement, complete with traditional tatami flooring, a low-standing table and comfortable floor mat seating may be reserved, too.

Mikaku
3065-J Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 467-0220
www.mikakurestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mikaku-herndon

Tipicos Gloria Restaurant Brings Mom-and-Pop Charm and Mexican Food to Herndon

If you adore charming mom-and-pop establishments with great food, you’ll probably love Tipicos Gloria Restaurant, a Mexican and Salvadoran eatery in Herndon. Regulars say the food here is authentic and delicious, and many prefer Tipicos Gloria to any other Mexican restaurant in the area. Patrons especially appreciate the helpful picture menu when ordering. Try the chicken or steak tacos, the pupusas, the quesadillas, the tamales, or the beef burritos.

Though the food here is fresh and authentic, you might want to get yours to-go since seating is so limited—there may only be room for about 10 people in the dining room. Takeout orders are securely packaged, and you can expect your food to hold up well during the journey home. So don't let the hole-in-the-wall atmosphere of Tipicos Gloria Restaurant stand between you and enjoying the tasty, traditional food here!

Tipicos Gloria Restaurant
482 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 437-7950
www.yelp.com/biz/tipicos-gloria-restaurant-herndon

Guapo’s Restaurant: Tacos, Burritos and More in Herndon

Regulars know that Guapo's Restaurant makes a special effort to combine great atmosphere, friendly staff, and quality food for a dining experience you won't soon forget.

The menu is large and varied, ranging from Tex-Mex standards (burritos, tacos, and fajitas) to a creative selection of rotisserie entrees. This Herndon favorite serves award-winning nachos, so start your meal with the nacho platter replete with your choice of meat, a fresh cheese mix, guacamole, and pico de gallo and served over crispy, warm tortilla chips. Regulars also say the sweet fried plantains are a favorite, so make room for a plate of those, too. You can order a whole rotisserie chicken with sides like rice, beans, fried potatoes, and coleslaw. Or you can add a rack of grilled pork ribs and steak to make it a meal for the whole family.

Reviewers praise Guapo's dessert offerings (especially the flan, which is rich and creamy without being too heavy), so be sure you leave a little room for something sweet to end your meal!

Guapo's Restaurant
1042 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 787-8887
guaposrestaurant.com/?page_id=39
www.yelp.com/biz/guapos-restaurant-herndon

Tailor a Pie to Your Palate at Pizzanese

Pizzanese is a build-your-own pizza restaurant where you can choose gluten-free or regular crust, cheese, unlimited toppings, and seasonings. Pizzanese serves an internationally-inspired selection of sauces, with options like tandoori and spicy chipotle as well as the more traditional classic red and classic white. Seasonings and toppings include sriracha, mango, and shredded nori.

If you don’t feel like building your own pizza, choose one of the specialty creations, like the chicken Alfredo, the meat lover’s, the Pacific islander, or the Korean barbecue. Regulars recommend the banana pudding for dessert. Boylan Sodas are available in the fountain, a welcome change from the big soft drink brands you usually find at a pizzeria.

Pizzas cook quickly in a scorching hot oven, making Pizzanese a good option if you’re in a hurry.

Pizzanese
13047 Worldgate Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 787-6599
www.pizzanese.com/#hello
www.yelp.com/biz/pizzanese-herndon

The Deli: New York-Style Goodness

Tucked away in an unassuming shopping strip in the middle of Herndon is The Deli, a small delicatessen serving a variety of meats — more than just ham, turkey, and roast beef. The Deli serves all its subs on soft, fresh bread with all the ingredients you want piled on. Choose a basic sub or one of their many house specialty subs like the Hot Sicilian or the Mad Italian. Study up on meats and cheeses because The Deli offers a variety of both essential ingredients that include some imported and seasonal varieties. Although its bit pricey for what you might expect from a modest deli, the subs are big enough to satisfy. Customers rave that The Deli stands up to other delicatessens in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia: very impressive for a small delicatessen hidden in an assuming strip mall!

The Deli
480 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170-4513
(703) 435-9085

Enjoy Asian Fusion Fare at Pei Wei in Dulles

With nutritious, affordable food options and fast, convenient ordering, some might say you simply can’t go wrong with Pei Wei, a chain of fast-casual restaurants specializing in Asian fusion fare. The Dulles location features the same expansive menu and open, modern interior for which the chain is known, proving Pei Wei to be a dependable spot for a casual dinner out or a quick weekday lunch.

Fresh sushi rolls arrive in a wide variety of styles, while the wok menu consists of healthy stir fries, noodle bowls, and fried rice dishes made with your choice of meats. Vegetarians and vegans can opt for tofu and veggies in lieu of chicken, steak, or shrimp. Add an egg roll or an order of crab wontons to complete your meal, and treat yourself to a chocolate chip or snickerdoodle cookie for dessert.

Visit the Pei Wei website to submit your order online for pick-up so that you can enjoy your meal at home. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Pei Wei
22000 Dulles Retail Plaza
Dulles, VA 20166
(703) 421-5590
www.peiwei.com

Generous George’s: Great Vibes and Good Eats in Herndon

Previously voted “Best Family Friendly Restaurant” in the DC Metro area by AOL’s City’s Best, Herndon’s Generous George’s Positive Pizza and Pasta Place has been a destination for family fun night for over 30 years. Known for monstrous pizzas, packing as many toppings as their fresh-baked crusts can hold (literally – the “Georgie Combo” pie holds all eleven traditional toppings between two layers of cheese), Generous George’s takes carbo-loading to the next level with their pasta pies, loaded with your choice of any of their pasta dishes. A long list of roll-busting, over-stuffed subs and satisfying sides are available, as well as crisp, fresh salads for those seeking lighter fare.

Generous George’s is also available to cater or host your next special event with custom buffets and make-your-own-pizza parties, fun for kids of all ages. Visit their website for more info on planning your next party for the pizza fanatic in your life, check out the complete menu and to take advantage of convenient online ordering.

Generous George’s
2321-C Dulles Station Boulevard
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 793-3338
http://www.generousgeorges.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/generous-georges-herndon

Mighty Khan’s: Hot and Healthy Mongolian Grill in Herndon

Putting a healthy spin on truly fast food, Mighty Khan’s brings a unique Mongolian barbecue experience to Herndon. Begin by filling a bowl from a salad-bar-style line with your choice of meats, under the sea selections, vegetarian-friendly tofu, and fresh-cut veggies. A pro tip: don’t be shy when it comes to building a mountainous bowl, as you are only limited to as much as your bowl can carry. Finish your custom creation off with your choice of over a dozen spices and sauces and decide your stir fry’s ultimate fate – will it be a spicy, blazing hot blend, a cayenne-infused coconut curry, or a tangy sweet and sour mix? End you bowl’s journey at the sprawling, sizzling grill, where grill warriors toss its contents with Mongolian barbecue swords, sauteeing and searing to perfection.

Mighty Khan’s sprawling dining room and speedy service make it a perfect spot for a lunch on-the-go, and the upbeat, fast-paced atmosphere create an excellent venue to start a night on the town or a fun family dinner.

Mighty Khan’s
2501 Centreville Road, O-11
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 793-1600
www.mightykhans.com
www.yelp.com/mighty-khans-herndon

Russia House Restaurant: Enjoy European Fare in Herndon

Just beyond a solitary wooden door in the lobby of an unassuming office building lies the elegant dining room of Russia House Restaurant. Here you can enjoy one of Herndon's most distinctive dining experiences.

A slight French influence, historically typical of Russian cuisine, is detectable in offerings such as the large portion of chateaubriand, thick-cut fillet, laden with a rich béarnaise sauce. The menu also offers a variety of caviar, served with toast or thin crepe-like bliny, and heavier entrees like creamy beef stroganoff and beef-stuffed cabbage leaves served with tomato sauce. The service is sharp but operates at a more relaxed pace, allowing guests time to enjoy the meal at leisure.

Russia House also offers an extensive vodka list – long enough to warrant its own menu – including many fine top-shelf brands and their own house-infused flavored varieties. The lengthy list of cocktails includes house martinis sweet enough to be dessert and some hot coffee-based cocktails certain to warm your spirits.

Russia House Restaurant
790 Station Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 787-8880
http://www.russiahouserestaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/russia-house-restaurant-herndon

Thai Luang Restaurant: Authentic Thai Cuisine in Herndon

Beginning with a dream to bring authentic Thai food to the United States more than two decades ago, the owners of Thai Luang have turned this Herndon restaurant into a popular destination for Thai cuisine. Thai Luang's chefs use only the freshest ingredients and spices to maintain meticulous authenticity.

One serious standout menu item (referred to as “last meal”-worthy by one diner) is the carefully deboned crispy duck, marinated overnight and cooked to-order. Seasoning options include a spicy red curry, lightly sweetened with coconut milk, pineapple and sweet basil. For more mild flavors, experience the duck in a rice noodle soup or a citrusy salad. Steamed pork dumplings filled with tenderly marinated pork, Pad Thai and a variety of curry dishes are also popular menu selections.

The ambiance features intricate royal Thai artwork and other delightful little touches. The service is known as friendly and attentive, and the owners are even known to check in with guests.

Thai Luang Restaurant
171 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 478-2233
www.thailuang.com
www.yelp.com/biz/thai-luang-restaurant-herndon

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