Old Town Alexandria Restaurants

A Couple Sitting At Brunch Fontaine Caffe In Alexandria
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Known for its waterfront dining, independent restaurants steeped in historic charm and a variety of fast-casual dining options, restaurants in Old Town Alexandriaoffer unforgettable meals in a beautifully historic and walkable setting. Located just minutes from Washington, D.C., this riverside neighborhood is full of history, energy and great places to eat. Raise a toast with a waterfront view, explore global cuisine along King Street or linger over brunch at one of our chef-driven restaurants.

Waterfront Dining

two people dining with a view of the river

Brunch Spots in Alexandria, VA

A brunch table set with pancakes topped with strawberries and syrup, eggs Benedict with salad, grilled grapefruit, a cappuccino, a glass of orange juice, and a red checkered napkin.

Outdoor Dining in Alexandria

Three women sit at an outdoor table, smiling and clinking colorful drinks together. They appear to be enjoying a meal, with a plate of food in front of them and boats visible in the background.

Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria

Explore Old Town Alexandria’s dining scene below to find where to have your next meal. This neighborhood is home to a diverse mix of restaurants, from upscale steakhouses and chef-driven fine dining, to casual waterfront options and spots for international cuisine. Whether you’re looking for brunch with a view or a cocktail lounge off the beaten path, you’ll find it in Old Town.

A row of empty wine glasses is neatly arranged on a bar counter, with shelves of bottles and glassware blurred in the background under warm lighting.
1799 Prime Steak & Seafood is a polished modern steakhouse featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails set in...
110 S. Pitt Street Alexandria, Virginia
A modern lounge with stylish seating, a sculptural ceiling light, and a sleek bar in the background. Large windows let in natural light, and decorative screens and plants add to the contemporary decor.
Featuring a mid-Atlantic inspired menu, a.lounge+bar delivers a captivating culinary experience in Old Town, Alexandria. Dive into fresh seafood dishes,...
625 First Street Alexandria, Virginia
A modern restaurant interior with colorful geometric-patterned booth seating, wooden walls, potted plants, and a counter with plates and hanging red lamps. The space is brightly lit with natural light.
A homage to 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace, Ada’s on the River offers a sweeping view of the Potomac and features...
3 Pioneer Mill Way Alexandria, Virginia
A blue and gold crest reads Alexandria Bier Garden and features two lions, a ship, a beer stein, and the letters A and BG on a shield beneath a gold crown.
Alexandria Bier Garden is an indoor bier garden focusing on German Bier, giant pretzels, sausages, schnitzels and more! #Drink #Eat...
710 King Street Alexandria, Virginia
A marble table with seven colorful cocktails, each garnished with fruit or flowers, and a blue and red robot figurine holding straws, set against a red cushioned booth.
Alice Cocktail Bar offers exceptional services that complement its theme. Personalized customer experiences ensure that each individual feels valued and...
724 King Street Alexandria, Virginia
A bottle of Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon wine sits next to a margherita pizza topped with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil on a dark table.
Located directly off of King Street, Andy’s Pizza Old Town is an all-in-one New York style pizzeria serving the Alexandria...
107 N. Fayette Street Alexandria, Virginia
A white ceramic dish filled with cooked mussels, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, placed on a dark wooden table in front of a rustic brick wall.
Inspired by St. Augustine, the Patron Saint of Brewers, Augie’s Mussel House on the Patio in historic Old Town, Alexandria...
1106 King Street Alexandria, Virginia
Step into Bar 86, Old Town’s experimental craft cocktail bar. Discover creative cocktails crafted for a unique speakeasy experience. Immerse...
215 S. Union Street Alexandria, Virginia
People dine at an outdoor waterfront restaurant with a wooden building labeled BARCA under a blue sky. The restaurant is situated on a pier over the water, with tables and seating areas on both sides.
Located on the water in historic Old Town Alexandria, Barca Pier is a modern version of the traditional Spanish beach...
2 Pioneer Mill Way Alexandria, Virginia
A Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop with a pink ice cream cone sign hanging above the entrance on a brick sidewalk in a quaint, historic-looking town. The blue door and yellow mailbox stand out on the cream-colored building.
Serving Vermont’s finest ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s offers over 35 euphoric chunky, funky flavors as well as great shakes,...
103 S. Union Street Alexandria, Virginia
Front view of Blackwall Hitch restaurant with a glass entrance, outdoor seating on both sides with umbrellas, brick steps, and a partly cloudy sky above.
A dining experience blending the area’s finest in tastes & talents, Blackwall Hitch is a coastally inspired concept that creates...
5 Cameron Street Alexandria, Virginia
A bowl of creamy orange curry with chunks of chicken, garnished with a sprig of cilantro, served in a metal dish with ornate handles on a dark textured background.
Bollywood Masala serves authentic Indian cuisine, where home blend of spices adds many layers and depth to each bite and...
211 King Street Alexandria, Virginia

Dine Your Way Through Old Town Alexandria

A man and woman smile while being served a meal at Josephine restaurant in Old Town Alexandria.

Waterfront Restaurants on the Potomac

From breezy dockside patios to elegant riverside dining rooms, Old Town’s waterfront restaurants combine delicious food with Potomac River views. BARCA Pier & Wine Bar extends out over the water, offering panoramic views. Further north, adjacent to the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Chart House and Vola’s Dockside Grill serve up mouthwatering seafood as you enjoy a cool breeze off the water.

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Global Flavors Along King Street

Stroll down King Street and you’ll find a mix of independent restaurants, global influences and local favorites. Taverna Cretekou presents authentic Greek dishes in a festive and inviting atmosphere. Stop into Josephine, a modern French brasserie, for brunch inside a modernized centuries-old building. Or make your way to the intimate Alice Cocktail Bar for creative drinks and Thai street food.  

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Morning Brunch to Evening Cocktails

Old Town’s dining scene stays active from sunrise to sunset. You’ll find cozy coffee shops and bakeries like Misha’s and Maman dotting King Street to help get your morning started. Al fresco dining for a lunch is a must, with neighborhood favorites like Ada’s on the River and The Wharf providing delicious cuisine alongside views of the water and King Street, respectively. In the evening, make a reservation at 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood or Vermilion for an unforgettable dinner. And if you’re looking for a nightcap, Daniel O’Connell’s or The Majestic is a perfect spot to grab a drink with friends.

Two women holding shopping bags walk down historic King Street in Alexandria, VA.

Turn Your Meal into a Day in Old Town Alexandria

The walkability of Old Town means that no matter where you stop for a bite to eat, you won’t be far from the neighborhood’s attractions. Stroll down King Street for the region’s best “shop small” district, full of independently-owned boutiques. Along the Potomac River waterfront you’ll also find the Torpedo Factory Art Center and Tall Ship Providence. And if you’re looking to soak up even more history, a guided walking tour or visit to museums such as the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum or Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden is a great way to spend the afternoon.

FAQs About Dining in Old Town

Here are a few quick answers to help you plan your visit to Old Town Alexandria.

Is there a best time of year to enjoy outdoor dining in Old Town Alexandria?

Alexandria’s mid-Atlantic location means outdoor dining is possible for most of the year, particularly in the spring and summer months. Even in winter, restaurants like BARCA, Augie’s and King & Rye provide heated outdoor dining spaces.

Are restaurants in Old Town accessible to visitors with mobility challenges?

A number of Old Town restaurants offer step-free entrances and other accessible accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges. For more details on accessible hotels, attractions and more, visit our Accessibility page.

Can I get to Old Town’s dining area easily from National Harbor or D.C.?

One of the most unique ways to travel between Old Town, National Harbor and D.C. is via water taxi, which ferries visitors between all three locations daily. Old Town is a short drive from National Harbor, and for visitors coming from D.C., the King St-Old Town Metro Station is accessible via the Blue and Yellow lines.

Do restaurants in Old Town Alexandria offer private dining rooms or spaces for groups?

Old Town has a number of group dining options, including private spaces. Contact the Visit Alexandria sales team for inquiries about hosting your next event, meeting or large group gathering. 

Where can I park near the restaurants in Old Town?

Parkingin Old Town consists of street parking, as well as over 20 parking garages. Either option will put you close to restaurants, shopping and attractions.