The Best Places To Eat In VA For 2025: The Ultimate List

Every Virginian has a favorite go-to restaurant, and food critics, food magazines and networks, and other groups agree, including some of them in 2025 “best of” lists and awards.

One measure of the quality of restaurants and eateries in Virginia is the number of James Beard nominees and winners in 2025.

In Virginia, 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists were recognized across 25 categories, with an expanded focus on beverages, introducing three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Read more:

• 18 VA, DC Restaurants, Chefs Named 2025 James Beard Semifinalists
• DC Restaurant, Chef Named 2025 James Beard Winner
• 2025 James Beard Award Winners Announced: See The Full List

Several Virginia eateries were featured prominently in other lists. Read more:

• This VA Eatery Among Best New Restaurants In America, New List Says
• 2 VA Restaurants Ranked Among America's Best, New Ranking Says
• These 4 VA, DC Restaurants 'Define Dining,' New Top 100 Ranking Says
• 3 VA Coffee Shops Among Best For Remote Workers: Survey
• 3 VA, DC Restaurants Among 50 Best In U.S., New York Times Says In Ranking
• 4 VA Sandwich Shops Among 100 Best In America, New Ranking Says
• These VA, DC Hotel Restaurants Among The Best In U.S.
• This Restaurant Is The Most Fascinating In VA, Food Site Says
• These Are The Most Expensive Restaurants In Virginia
• This Is Guy Fieri's Favorite VA Restaurant
• This VA Restaurant Among Best In U.S. For Fine Dining, According To Tourists
• This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In VA, Popular Food Website Says
• 6 VA, DC Eateries Among 2025’s Top 100 Brunch Restaurants
• These 2 VA, DC Restaurants Named To Yelp's Top 100 In America

The Washington Post praised many Northern Virginia restaurants. Read more:

• 2 Arlington Eateries Make Food Critic's Final 40 Best Restaurants List
• 3 Fairfax Eateries Makes Food Critic's Final 40 Best Restaurants List
• McLean Eatery Makes Food Critic's Final 40 Best Restaurants List
• Old Town Alexandria Eatery Makes Food Critic's Final 40 Best Restaurants List

And restaurants drew praise for serving up fantastic dishes, including:

• This Sweet Treat Named 'Most Iconic Dessert' In VA By Condé Nast Traveler
• Virginia Pizzeria Ranked Among Top 50 In U.S.
• This VA BBQ Restaurant Named Among Best In The U.S.
• This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In Virginia
• This Restaurant Has The Best Sushi In VA, New Ranking Says
• This Restaurant Serves Up VA's Best Bowl Of Chili
• This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In VA, Popular Food Website Says
• 2 DC Restaurants Make Country's Best Dishes, New Report Says
• This Eatery Serves Up VA's Best Slice Of Pizza, Food Network Says
• Here's VA's Best Diner, National Food Outlet Says
• This Restaurant’s Breakfast Sandwich Ranked As Best In VA
• This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In Virginia