When you hear the phrase, “the best restaurants in the DMV…” many people immediately think of the restaurants in DC. However, Virginia has been making a splash in the food scene and luckily for us here at Lakeside, we don’t have to venture into DC to indulge in an amazing meal! From seafood to barbecue, you can enjoy five of the area’s very best restaurants, according to The Washingtonian, right near Lakeside.
If it is seafood you are seeking, you’ve got to head over to PassionFish. Located in Reston, any seafood craving you may be having, PassionFish will hit the spot. With its friendly and professional staff and its food, you will understand why it has been ranked as one of the top 100 restaurants in the area. While you are there, start your meal with the seafood tower or their crab and corn chowder. Make sure you try their crispy flounder or red Thai curry lobster. Still hungry? Finish off your meal with the chocolate mousse crunch! What makes PassionFish even better is that they offer a weekend brunch, including $2 Bloody Marys and $2 mimosas, you can’t beat that in the DMV!
Nostos gets recognized as one of the top restaurants in the area for its authentic tzatziki, meatballs (biftekakia), mousaka and grilled octopus (htapodi). If you are looking for the classic foods of the Mediterranean, look no further. Tucked away in an office building across from Tysons Corner, Nostos offers a welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel as though you have been transported to Greece. With a glass of Greek wine and delicious food, Nostos will have you forgetting all about the cold winter months.
Are you looking for a place to eat that is constantly switching up their menu to ensure the freshest ingredients get served? If so, Clarity is the place for you. Coming in at #29 on the Washingtonian Best Restaurant list, this Vienna restaurant will leave you satisfied and wanting to go back again and again. The menu changes daily so you are guaranteed to never get bored with their options and to always be served something unique, tasty and fresh. Another great feature to Clarity’s menu is their chef’s tasting menu which can even be paired with wines, what more could you ask for!
Enjoy a dinner that is a beautiful marriage of Cajun and Korean flavors at Mokomandy. Located just up the road in Sterling, don’t let the fact that it is in a strip mall deter you. Mokomandy offers an eclectic menu with exceptional service. While you are there make sure you try their foie gras dumplings, Brussels sprouts and bacon and their wild boar bowl and local duck egg. Finish off your experience with one of their miniature pies, if you have room!
Ditch your diet and drop that boring deli sandwich and head over to the popular barbecue joint, Smokehouse Live. Located in Leesburg, Smokehouse Live knows how to combine the love of good barbecue and live music to make an unforgettable experience. On Sundays, they offer a brunch buffet for the entire family with live music and they have open mic night on Thursdays. Make sure you get a taste of their Rout 7 mac & cheese, burnt ends, pulled pork and brisket. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did!
Posted by Jill Burke