Kimchi House: Korean Cuisine in Alexandria, Virginia

Korean food incorporates many different flavors and textures, but the most immediately recognizable is kimchi, the red pickled cabbage that packs a perfect combination of heat and savoriness. The food at Kimchi House is said to be a perfect introduction to this global cuisine.

Some of the most popular dishes include the spicy shredded beef soup, which is fragrant and packs some real heat, as well as the glass noodles. For lunch, the bibimbap isn’t actually on the menu, but they’ll make you a portion of this excellent hot pot dish if you ask. Kimchi House is also notable for sourcing a number of the vegetables and herbs they use in their dishes from the owner’s garden. In addition, prices are quite reasonable.

Kimchi House
8537 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22309
(703) 780-8286
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kimchi-house-alexandria

Café Aurora: Tasty Ethiopian Cuisine in Alexandria

If you’re looking for a truly awesome place to grab breakfast in the D.C. area, Café Aurora is widely regarded as one of the top spots. The menu is an invigorating and unique blend of menu items from the Northern African region of Eritrea. The cuisine is somewhat similar to Ethiopian food, but with some differences. They also offer some more traditional dishes.

Some of the best breakfast options include the kitcha fitfit, which is a traditional flatbread chopped into pieces, coated with an irresistible spice mixture and pan-sauteed, then served with yogurt, as well as the fuul, a dish made from fava beans and served with French bread and a variety of vegetables. Prices are extremely reasonable and the service is amazing, with the owner happy to regale you with tales of his homeland and explain more about the exceptional cuisine. Make sure to get a cup of the house special tea with your meal.

Café Aurora
50 S. Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 567-4050
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-aurora-alexandria-2

Killer ESP: Sweet Surprises

Who would have thought that espresso, sorbet and pie would be such a great combination? It all comes together at Killer ESP. Located in Old Town on King Street a few blocks from the park, Killer ESP says it all in the name. Come for the comfortable ambiance, with brick walls, nice tables and friendly counter people.

The espresso drinks are made with beans from Stumptown coffee, so you know it’s good. The sweet and savory pies are baked fresh (try one of the empanadas), so you can always come back for lunch. And the sorbet is made daily on site, with so many different flavors that everyone will find something they like. Sit back and relax, the world can wait while you pamper yourself.

Killer ESP
1012 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 200-3200
http://www.yelp.com/biz/killer-esp-alexandria-2

Enjoy Southern Fare and Live Entertainment at Evening Star Cafe

Southern cuisine is elevated in Alexandria at the Evening Star Cafe. This casual eatery is the perfect place to relax and enjoy lunch or dinner with friends and family. The food is a reflection of the chef who applies his expertise to every dish. Here, the chicken and waffles receive two thumbs up from regulars, rivaled in popularity by the mac and cheese with jalapeno.

Looking for something even more laid-back? Come with your friends for happy hour at the adjacent Majestic Bar and Lounge and enjoy a craft beer on tap, wine by the glass or bottle, or a craft cocktail while also feasting on some plates to share. (Try the fried chicken sliders!)

Open Mondays through Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Evening Star also features live music upstairs.

Evening Star Cafe
2000 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 549-5051
http://www.eveningstarcafe.net/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/evening-star-cafe-alexandria

Morrison House Blends Classic and Modern Flavors in Alexandria

Morrison House is a Federal-style mansion in Old Town Alexandria, a stunning property that was once featured in Conde Nast Traveler magazine. It contains The Grille, a French/New American restaurant where Chef Brian McPherson appropriately “blends the best of the past with today’s freshest tastes.” One dining area is classically appointed in the manner of Morrison House, while another is styled as a contemporary bistro.

From corned beef hash and shepherd’s pie to steak tartare and vegetable terrine, this is vivid, elegant, and memorable food. A typical entree is champagne poached wild Alaskan halibut with crepes and confit fingerling potatoes in a delicate butter sauce. Lost in the big wine list? The friendly, efficient staff is happy to help.

Check out The Grille's website for menus, reservations, and to learn about special offers.

The Grille
116 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-8000
http://www.thegrillealexandria.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-grille-alexandria

Hank’s Oyster Bar: A Fun, Quirky Eatery

Since first opening in 2005, Hank's Oyster Bar has garnered several awards as well as spots on numerous "best of" lists. With its scrumptious lobster rolls, mussels, po' boys, and macaroni and cheese, regulars say that these accolades are well-deserved.

As you read the menu, your server will bring a bowl of goldfish crackers to your table, which diners say is a quirky, fun touch. One of the most popular dishes in the lobster roll, described as having a lightly toasted bun and brimming with lots of fresh lobster meat. The lamb and blue cheese burger is another standout, as is the fresh oyster po' boy, which comes with house-made coleslaw. Regulars rave about the macaroni and cheese, which tastes lightly smoky and has the flavors of gouda and sour cream with bread crumbs. Diners also appreciate the small dish of dark chocolate chunks that are given to each table with the check.

Hank's doesn't take reservations, so you might have a bit of a wait, particularly on weekend nights.

Hank's Oyster Bar
1026 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-4265
hanksrestaurants.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant: Tasty Food, Sweet Deal

For tasty Thai fare in Alexandria, consider a visit to Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant. Located in a shopping center just off of Vincent Gale Terrace, the Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant features authentic food in a modern, relaxed environment. Modern is the best way to describe the ambiance at the Sugar Palm, with high ceilings, cool lighting and big windows that give you a great view. And the food is both delicious and affordable. Check out the new lunch special, when you can get a great entrée for just $8.95! The dinner menu features all of the delicious soups, salads, rice and noodle bowls and entrees, each as mild or spicy as you please. The restaurant offers takeout, too, in case you'd prefer to dine back home at The Asher!

Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant
5580 Vincent Gate Terrace
Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 354-1077
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-palm-thai-restaurant-alexandria

RedRocks Pizza Napoletana: An Alexandria Pizzeria

For tasty pizza in Alexandria, one popular place is RedRocks Pizza Napoletana. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and RedRocks does this style of pizza well.

Come to the Old Town location and enjoy the low-key and comfortable atmosphere, with a big bar and comfortable booths. Folks know to come to the bar for happy hour or just to hang out with friends because of the big selection of beers on tap, wines by the glass, and specialty cocktails. And, of course, there’s the pizza. Every pie, calzone, and Italian specialty is baked in a wood fired brick oven for real authentic flavor. (The margarita pizza is a big favorite here.)

Open Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., RedRocks also features some great local talent at the Lodge lounge.

RedRocks Pizza Napoletana
904 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 717-9873
http://www.redrocksdc.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/redrocks-pizza-napoletana-alexandria

Dishes of India: Authentic Tastes of Indian Fare

If you’re looking for one of the best Indian restaurants in the area, come to Dishes of India. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Dishes of India has been named as one of the best restaurants in Alexandria, and it’s easy to see and taste why.

The dining room is comfy and casual, with dark woods and white tablecloths. And the food is all classically prepared by chefs with decades of experience. Come for lunch and check out the very popular and affordable buffet, or make it for dinner to try authentic tandoori, spicy curries and vegetarian dishes, accompanied by delicious fresh-baked breads. Visit the Dishes of India website to learn more.

Dishes of India
1510A Belle View Boulevard
Alexandria, VA 22307
(703) 660-6085
http://www.dishesofindia.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dishes-of-india-alexandria

Steamed Mussels Are the Specialty at The Columbia Firehouse

Housed in an building constructed in 1883 that was once home to the Columbia Firehouse, the restaurant that bears the same name focuses on familiar comfort food as well as seafood.

One of the standout offerings at The Columbia Firehouse is the steamed kettle of Prince Edward Island mussels, which comes with a mini loaf of bread to soak up the broth. The buttermilk fried chicken breast is another popular item, described as juicy, light, and not at all greasy. Regulars also enjoy the hangar steak, which is cooked to your preference, and the crispy, house-made onion rings.

Frequent guests recommend asking for a table in the atrium, described as a beautiful spot with a glass ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an exposed brick interior. Chandeliers and plenty of candles give the room a warm, cozy feel. On warmer days, ask for a table on the small patio outside.

The Columbia Firehouse
109 S. Saint Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-1776
columbiafirehouse.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

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