The best restaurants in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA.

Live music is the draw, but the kitchen at this Alexandria, Virginia room has caught up to the bookings. Regulars who have been coming for decades report real improvement in the house made comfort food, with generous portions served in a lounge and bar area separate from the main theater. Seating is not assigned, so arrive early if a specific sightline matters more than the set.

Momo and dhal bhat anchor a menu built for people who have never had Nepalese food before. This Alexandria, Virginia room leans on attentive service and staff recommendations to walk first-timers through roti and the rest of the menu, and portions run generous for the price. It has been open long enough to build a loyal repeat crowd rather than a novelty following.

Hummus and falafel come out fresh in a small Del Ray storefront that seats more people than the footprint suggests. The staff at this Alexandria, Virginia counter run service in a straightforward, no-frills way, and repeat visits are common among neighborhood regulars. It is Mediterranean cooking without ceremony, built for a fast, satisfying weeknight meal rather than an occasion.

Raclette scraped tableside is the reason to book ahead at this Alexandria, Virginia cheese shop, alongside a charcuterie board built for sharing and a mac and cheese that regulars order on repeat. The room runs casual and group-friendly, with a wide cheese selection backing up the melted-cheese centerpiece. Special event previews suggest the kitchen leans into seasonal promotions beyond the standard board.

Wings and chili headline a beer-forward menu at this small Alexandria, Virginia bar sitting next to a Popeyes on Mount Vernon Avenue, easy to miss from the outside. The bar staff and the drink selection draw the loyal crowd more than the kitchen does; the food reads as solid but secondary. Go for the beer list and a casual night out, not a serious meal.

Chicken and waffles are the order at this triangular, mom-and-pop counter in the Arlandria section of Alexandria, Virginia, where the awning's spelling has drawn double takes for years. The waffle comes out crisp, the chicken tenders fresh, and both patio and indoor seating keep it moving for a quick meal before an outing. Prices stay on the affordable end.

The Ultimate Breakfast platter is the reason regulars route through this Alexandria, Virginia counter, where biscuits, made from scratch, are the actual point of the menu. Order at the counter or the touch screen, then find a seat among the picnic tables outside or the small run of tables inside. Sandwiches read as modest in size but filling enough for a quick weekend brunch.

Wings and a wide beer, wine, and cocktail list back up the pizza at this Del Ray gathering spot in Alexandria, Virginia, and the celiac-friendly options set it apart from most neighborhood pizzerias. Service has drawn occasional complaints about pace, but the room has responded to feedback rather than ignoring it. Regulars return specifically for the combination of good food and an easy, low-key atmosphere.