20 Best Restaurants in Reston, VA
This article was written by local contributor Jayce Jackson & edited by the Travel Lens team.
With so many diverse and delectable options, it's hard not to fall in love with the culinary experiences this town has to offer.
From the hidden gems tucked away in our vibrant neighborhoods to the more popular spots in the bustling town center, there's never a shortage of great eats to discover.
So, whether you're a fellow Restonian or just stopping by for a visit, let me take you on a culinary journey through some of the best restaurants in Reston, Virginia.
Get ready to experience the flavors, aromas, and cultural diversity that makes this town such a fantastic place to live, work, and eat. Enjoy!
JINYA Ramen Bar
One of my go-to spots for a delicious bowl of ramen is JINYA Ramen Bar, located in Reston Town Center.
Parking is a breeze, with plenty of free options in the adjacent garages after 6 pm and on weekends.
It's always a good idea to make reservations, but even if you're a walk-in, they try their best to accommodate you during non-peak hours.
Just be prepared for a wait during busy times.
The ambiance inside JINYA is fantastic - cozy and inviting, with well-cushioned seats and a calm atmosphere.
The service here is always top-notch, and their attention to detail extends to the food.
Some of the best ramen and small bites I've ever had were enjoyed right here in Reston.
Taco Zocalo
I absolutely love stopping by Taco Zocalo when I'm in the mood for Mexican food.
I've tried other Mexican places in the area, but this down-to-earth establishment is definitely my go-to spot.
Their taco selection is amazing, with a variety of meats to choose from.
The steak taco is my personal favorite, but honestly, you can't go wrong with any of their options.
If you haven't been to their website yet, make sure to check it out.
Not only are their tacos fantastic, but their burritos are to die for.
The ingredients are always fresh, and the flavors are spot on.
You can tell they put a lot of thought and care into their food.
I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered from Taco Zocalo.
Another must-try item on their menu is the Elote corn.
It's seriously mouthwatering, and I can't get enough of it.
And don't even get me started on their tres leches cake! It tastes homemade and reminds me of the one my Tia used to make.
One more thing I have to mention is their selection of sauces.
The extra hot sauce, in particular, is fantastic – it has a great flavor and just the right amount of spice. I always make sure to grab some when I visit.
Taste Of Istanbul
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Taste Of Istanbul, a hidden gem in Reston Town Center that offers authentic Turkish cuisine.
I went there with a group of friends, and we decided to try out their grilled salmon and chicken kebab entrees.
I must say, the flavors were absolutely on point!
The rice had a great texture and paired perfectly with the sauces and salad that accompanied our dishes.
What I also appreciated was their outdoor seating area.
When you have easily bored kids with you, it's a great option to keep them entertained while waiting for the food.
Speaking of waiting, it's important to note that Taste Of Istanbul is not a fast-food joint, so expect a reasonable amount of time for your orders to be served.
Matsutake Sushi and Sake Bar
One of my favorite spots for sushi in town is Matsutake Sushi and Sake Bar.
Whenever I decide to treat myself to some delicious Japanese cuisine, I head over to this amazing place.
Their ambiance is perfect for a nice evening out with friends or family, as the decor is exquisite, and the seating is incredibly comfortable.
I've tried many of their sushi rolls, and I can confidently say that I've tasted some of the best sushi here.
The Tropical Roll and Johnnie Roll are my personal favorites.
Although their signature sushi dishes are a bit pricier than the regular sushi options, it's definitely worth the splurge.
Not only is the food fantastic, but they also offer a great selection of sake and cocktails that perfectly complement the sushi.
I've also visited the place on Sunday evenings, and it's a much more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for walk-ins.
However, it's always a good idea to have reservations, just in case.
Señor Ramon Taqueria
As a resident of this city, I've always been on the lookout for a great taco joint, and I finally found one at Señor Ramon Taqueria.
These tacos are absolutely delicious and are available in a great selection of meats, with lengua being my personal favorite.
Although each traditional taco costs about $4, making it not the cheapest option around, the quality is undoubtedly worth the price.
The variety of interesting proteins and options available at Señor Ramon Taqueria is impressive.
I recently tried the birria, super Ramon, el macho, and TS478, and all of them were fantastic!
The side hot sauces added an extra kick that made the tacos even more enjoyable.
Ariake Japanese Restaurant
I still remember the first time I visited Ariake Japanese Restaurant.
I was blown away by the quality of their sushi rolls and the delicious taste.
Fast forward to today, I decided to go back to this amazing eatery for old times' sake and let me tell you, it was just as delightful as I remembered.
This time, I opted for their outdoor patio seating, which is quite popular among patrons.
The fish I ordered tasted fresh and clean, with no weird aftertaste, and the rice was perfectly balanced, not overfilling the rolls or drowning out the other sushi flavors.
I even indulged in a bottle of sake, which paired wonderfully with my meal.
The ambiance inside the restaurant is quite nice, with a glass-walled interior that adds a touch of elegance.
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers
One of my favorite places to grab a burger in town is Big Buns Damn Good Burgers.
As someone who lives nearby, I have been visiting this place frequently, and I love their tasty burgers, especially when I top mine with an egg.
What really surprised me the first time I visited was that it wasn't crowded during business hours, making it a peaceful dining experience.
The atmosphere is enhanced by awesome art and well-maintained decor.
One of the best things about Big Buns Damn Good Burgers is that they use fresh, real ingredients in their mouth-watering menu items.
For those who enjoy a drink with their meal, they also offer draft beer, wine, and boozy milkshakes.
Finn Thai Reston
I have to say that Finn Thai Reston has become one of my go-to places for a delicious meal.
I absolutely love their vegetable stir fry, and their dumplings and tiger steak appetizers are to die for.
The Finn Thai Reston website has all the information you'll need to plan your visit.
The moment you walk into the restaurant, you can't help but notice the beautiful interior decorations.
It feels like you're being transported to Bangkok in the most luxurious way.
The atmosphere is so cozy and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal with my loved ones.
The service at Finn Thai is always top-notch.
Makers Union Pub for the People
One of my favorite spots in town is Makers Union Pub for the People.
I recently went there with my fiancé and had such an amazing experience.
As soon as we walked in, we were impressed by the nice layout and the long bar.
We decided to share the French dip with steak, and it was hands down the best I've ever had!
The fries were also perfectly cooked, just the way they should be.
I can't wait to go back and try some of their other dishes.
I've heard great things about their brunch options, especially the crispy Brussels sprouts and Nashville hot chicken tenders.
Another thing I love about Makers Union Pub is the friendly atmosphere and the fact that it's suitable for all ages.
I've heard that they even have drag shows sometimes, which I'll definitely have to check out next time I'm there.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Last weekend, I decided to treat myself to a night out at Barcelona Wine Bar, a local favorite for Spanish small plates and wine.
The atmosphere was rustic yet elegant, with an outdoor patio that was perfect for the warm summer evening.
I arrived without a reservation, but thankfully they were able to accommodate me with a short wait.
As I sat down, I couldn't help but notice the excellent decor and comfortable seating.
I indulged in a variety of their small plates, including the most delicious carrots I have ever tasted.
The pork belly and cauliflower were fantastic, and the Paella Salvaje was absolutely delicious.
To finish off my meal, I ordered a unique cheesecake for dessert, which was unlike anything I'd ever had before.
Jackson's Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge
As someone who loves exploring new places to eat in the Reston town center area, I decided to give Jackson's Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge a try.
The menu is quite diverse, offering everything from appetizers, sushi, sandwiches, seafood, meats, and chicken/pasta dishes, so there's definitely something for everyone.
I decided to go for the tuna while my friend ordered the salmon.
Both dishes were incredibly delicious!
The restaurant has a classic, family, and sports vibe to it, making the dining experience quite enjoyable.
I also appreciated how clean their bathroom was – a small detail, but important nonetheless.
Apart from the lovely ambiance and exceptional food, the service was also top-notch.
Zaina's Deli & Café
I have been visiting Zaina's Deli & Café for years, and it's always been a delightful experience.
The location might seem a bit odd since it's situated in an office complex, but trust me, the food is absolutely worth it.
The people running this place are incredibly sweet and welcoming, making the atmosphere feel warm and inviting.
My all-time favorites at Zaina's are their cheeseburger subs and The Zaina's Special.
The halal menu options, including turkey, chicken breast, steak, pastrami, and burgers, are fantastic too.
If I'm in a hurry, I usually opt for their daily special, which never disappoints.
I'm so grateful that this family-owned gem has managed to stay open during the pandemic, and I truly appreciate their consistent, top-notch food and service.
If you ever find yourself in the area, don't hesitate to give Zaina's Deli & Café a try!
Other Restaurants Nearby
Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant
As someone who loves trying new cuisines, I was excited to finally visit Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant in my neighborhood.
I had heard great things about their authentic Ethiopian dishes and was eager to give them a try.
From the moment I walked in, I could tell that I was in for a unique dining experience.
I was served a beautiful array of different meats and sides that I had never tasted before.
Each dish was full of flavor and made me feel like I was experiencing a true taste of Ethiopia.
To top it all off, I tried one of their native beers, which was just as delightful as the food.
The atmosphere at Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant was warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to celebrate my nephew's birthday.
We even ordered a few extra eggs to mix in with our dishes, which created an exciting blend of flavors.
WOOBOI Chicken
One of my all-time favorites has to be WOOBOI Chicken.
As someone who loves spicy food, this laid-back eatery has never disappointed me with their variety of spice levels for their chicken sandwiches.
I tend to visit WOOBOI Chicken at least once a week, and I can never get enough of their spicy chicken tenders.
My go-to spice level is Code Red, which is pretty high on their spice scale.
I once tried their Code Blue level, and let me tell you, I ended up drinking a liter of water and eating a few candies afterward to help cool my mouth down!
The chicken tenders come with white bread and pickles, which pairs perfectly with their delicious waffles.
They also offer an assortment of beverages, including beers and sodas.
Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano
As someone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine, I must say that Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano has always been one of my go-to spots for a fancy dinner or an intimate date night.
The elegant white-tablecloth setting is perfect for enjoying their mouth-watering pasta, seafood, and the popular veal chops.
The quality of the food and the beautiful decorations make it worth every penny.
The restaurant is not really a family spot, especially for small kids or teenagers, but it's ideal for a small business meeting or a romantic evening.
The food's flavors and presentation are truly top-notch.
Nunu's Thai Dishes
I've been a regular at Nunu's Thai Dishes for quite some time now, and I must say that it's one of the best places in town to satisfy my cravings for Thai food.
The moment you walk in, you're greeted by a modern, clean, and bustling atmosphere that just sets the tone for a great dining experience.
I tend to gravitate towards their perfectly spiced curry dishes, which have just the right amount of coconut milk for that dreamy creaminess.
On the other hand, my partner is a big fan of their Drunken Sautéed Noodles, which he swears are some of the best he's ever tasted.
One of our favorite dishes from Nunu's is the whole fish fry, which we usually share with family or friends.
Trust me, it's a crowd-pleaser - it always disappears in a matter of minutes!
Russia House Restaurant
One of my favorite spots to celebrate special occasions in town is the Russia House Restaurant.
The French-influenced Russian menu offers a unique culinary experience, and their variety of vodkas is impressive.
Last time I visited, my friends and I tried the beef stroganoff, which was absolutely delicious.
The beef was tender, and the flavors were just perfect.
Although some may argue that the menu leans slightly more towards French cuisine than Russian, I still think it's a great representation of both culinary styles.
The service at Russia House is always exceptional – attentive and friendly without being intrusive.
It's crucial to book in advance, especially if you want to secure a spot inside the beautifully decorated dining area.
Virginia Kitchen
One of my favorite spots to grab a delicious, comforting meal in town is Virginia Kitchen.
This long-standing breakfast and lunch joint truly transports you back to your grandparents' house with its warm, nostalgic atmosphere and scrumptious American comfort food.
I've been here countless times, and each visit is as delightful as the last. Whether I'm there with my spouse, friends, or even a large party, the service never falters.
Breakfast at Virginia Kitchen is unbeatable, with their mouthwatering pancakes, fluffy omelets, and savory bacon.
But recently, I ventured in for lunch and was equally impressed.
I ordered the Liver & Onions, which were served with a rich gravy, green beans, and mashed potatoes.
GreenFare Organic Cafe
I have to say that GreenFare Organic Cafe has become one of my favorite spots for a healthy and delicious meal.
The charming setting of the cafe instantly caught my attention when I first walked in.
The books and bakery items at the counter piqued my curiosity, and I knew I was in for a treat.
The menu offers a wide variety of vegan and organic dishes that cater to different tastes.
I remember trying the butternut squash soup topped with roasted seeds during my first visit, and I was blown away by the intricate flavors and the care put into preparing the dish.
The mushroom enchiladas have also become a personal favorite of mine, with their delicate yet filling nature.
One thing that I consistently enjoy at GreenFare is that their dishes are packed with nutritious ingredients, and I never feel guilty about indulging in their offerings.
Their lava cake, made with red beans and dates, is a must-try dessert.
It's amazing how it tastes so good without all the unhealthy stuff you'd find in regular lava cakes.
Red Kimono Japanese & Korean Cuisine
The other day, my family and I decided to try out Red Kimono Japanese & Korean Cuisine in Herndon, and boy were we in for a treat!
My wife and I are huge sushi fans, and we were blown away by the quality and taste of the sushi rolls we ordered.
The rice was cooked and seasoned to perfection, while the fish tasted incredibly fresh.
My partner had the chirashi, which was served separately from the rice, and although she's quite picky about her chirashi, she thought it was okay.
I decided to try the Korean version called Hwe Du Bop, which had a good amount of fish and a surprising kick from the jalapeno slices in it.
The mackerel nigiri was definitely my favorite part of the meal.
Red Kimono also serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, which was perfect for our kids who are vegetarians.
They loved the Bibimbap and couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was.
Apart from our main dishes, the complimentary soup, salad, and Korean side dishes were a delightful addition to our meal.
We can't wait to go back and try more dishes from their extensive menu, which includes ramen and BBQ.
The full bar and takeout options add to the convenience and appeal of this hidden gem in our town.
Final Thoughts
Having lived in Reston for quite some time, I've had the pleasure of experiencing the diverse and vibrant food scene this town has to offer.
From comforting bowls of ramen at JINYA Ramen Bar to delectable Ethiopian dishes at Enatye, there's truly something for every palate.
The eclectic mix of international flavors and cozy local spots makes dining in Reston a delightful experience.
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