Old House Cosmopolitan Grill

Tucked in a corner where time seems to slow, Old House Cosmopolitan Grill welcomes you like an old friend to savor dishes inspired by global destinations, including Germany, Bosnia, and Croatia, in a cozy all-day eatery paired with rich wines from regions across the globe. For over 24 years, Ivica “Ivan” Svalina and his wife, Amela Svalina, have brought a passion for food to Northern Virginia’s dining scene, inviting guests to savor classic dishes like crispy schnitzel, cheesy spätzle, and comforting pasta dishes like Käse Spätzle.

Before they became restaurateurs in Alexandria, the husband-and-wife duo fled the Bosnian War in search of a fresh start in the United States. They eventually found their way to the welcoming neighborhood of Alexandria and began creating menus inspired by their Bosnian roots. Over time, they have built dining spaces that are a beacon of community, with their current staff having worked for them for years, from previous restaurants. A nod to Ivan’s familial ties to Croatia is reflected in the menu itself, which integrates beloved specialties like Zagrebački Odrezak (Croatian Schnitzel), Ćevapčići, and Branzino, a fish commonly found throughout coastal Croatia.

For the couple, setting up their family-run restaurant in the welcoming neighborhood of Old Town felt like a dream come true. The family debuted Old House Cosmopolitan in 2018 in a historic Old Town building, which they completely renovated. The rustic bricks are original here, and the exposed bricks and beams go a long way towards making the dining room feel both historic and inviting. Sipping a rich goulash stew atop its dark wooden tables feels like you’re nestled in, enjoying a homemade supper. Sunny days call for a table at the rooftop deck, the perfect al fresco dining spot for viewing Old Town’s charming cobblestone pathways alongside some authentic German flavors.

Bavarian favorites at Old Town Cosmopolitan include pork Holsteiner schnitzel with potatoes and platters heaped with bratwurst or Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) with sauerkraut. But Ivan also leans into his heritage to add Balkan dishes and specials to the menu, like cevapcici (homemade grilled beef sausages). And if the Croatia national football team misses eating staples from their homeland while training in Alexandria for the World Cup, Old Town Cosmopolitan is where they should make a reservation for delicacies like plates of zagrebački odrezak (breaded chicken breast stuffed with Gouda cheese and ham). In addition to pours of German drafts like Warsteiner Pilsner, the restaurant serves up a broad list of Croatian wine — perfect for celebrating World Cup wins.

Old House Cosmopolitan Grill is located at 1024 Cameron St. in Alexandria.