Best Historic Restaurants in Alexandria

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonCapitol HillColumbia HeightsDowntown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

66 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Augie's Mussel House and Beer Garden restaurant

1. Augie's Mussel House and Beer Garden

4.3

Awesome(693)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Alexandria

Booked 5 times today

PLEASE NOTE****We hold reservations for 15 minutes. We acknowledge all reservations requests but cannot guarantee specific tables or areas. The Patio is first come first serve...we do not reserve it as the weather is unpredictable. NO PATIO RESERVATIONS WILL BE MADE. Inspired by St. Augustine, the Patron Saint of Brewers, Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden in historic Old Town, Alexandria blends traditional Belgium cuisine with a modern twist. Our creative mussel offerings can be thoughtfully paired with one of our extensive Ale selections. Whether you are sampling one of our many brews on the festive patio, or enjoying a waffle and frites in our bespoke dining room, Augie’s has you covered! We locally source the freshest and best ingredients to create our culinary offerings and our in-house beer Cicerones seek out both traditional and innovative brewers to provide a vast selection. The team at Augie’s is ready to take you on a culinary journey.

A photo of Murphy's Grand Irish Pub restaurant

2. Murphy's Grand Irish Pub

4.7

Exceptional(377)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• European • Old Town Alexandria

Booked 5 times today

---- IF FOR SOME REASON, ALL RESERVATIONS SLOTS ARE GONE, PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ONLY ALLOW FOR 30% OF OUR ENTIRE RESTAURANT TO BE RESERVED AT ANY ONE TIME TO ALLOW ROOM FOR WALK-INS ----Opened in 1978 and located in the heart of historic Old Town, Alexandria, Murphy's Grand Irish Pub is one of Alexandria's best-loved and most inviting restaurants. Murphy's offers an extensive menu and top-class traditional cuisine in the welcoming ambiance of its cozy settings. A short 10-15-minute drive from the nation's capital, this landmark establishment is located at the main intersection in Old Town, King & Washington.Today, the tradition of great food and drink remains as steadfast as when the doors first opened back in 1978Murphy's has Live Irish Music seven nights a week and on weekends, on both floors.

3. Virtue Feed & Grain

4.7

Exceptional(4649)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Alexandria

Booked 82 times today

Virtue Feed & Grain is a modern American dining room and bar located near the Potomac River in Old Town, Alexandria. Our menu offers an array of original recipe, flavorful, scratch-made dishes, along with extensive selections from the bar, like handcrafted cocktails, craft and small-batch beers, and an impressive wine list. The rustic elegance of our large, two-story restaurant provides a vibrant atmosphere for any dining experience, as well as private and semi-private spaces for private events, celebrations, weddings, business meetings, and gatherings of all types. The seasonal outdoor patio on historic Wales Alley offers views to the Potomac and a fun, casual destination.***Unfortunately we do not take advance reservations on our outdoor patio, but we will do our best to accommodate requests as space is available.

4. Gadsby's Tavern

4.3

Awesome(2777)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Alexandria

Booked 12 times today

Gadsby's Tavern has been offering fine dining since 1770. Enjoy lunch and dinner in one of the elegant Colonial dining rooms. The one-of-a-kind Gadsby's Tavern experience awaits you.

A photo of Josephine - Old Town restaurant

5. Josephine - Old Town

4.7

Exceptional(991)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Alexandria

Booked 74 times today

Welcome to Josephine, a French brasserie located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Inspired by classic Parisian eateries, Josephine brings the timeless charm and culinary traditions of France to the local dining scene.

6. KILN

4.4

Awesome(132)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Alexandria

Booked 11 times today

Kiln is a thoughtful & locally sourced restaurant. Our menus represent the best ingredients the mid-Atlantic has to offer. Our open kitchen, centered around a live-fire hearth, invites guests to interact with the team and watch as we cook each night. Look for the warm glow at the corner of Prince & Washington in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Alexandria restaurant

7. Chart House Restaurant - Alexandria

4.4

Awesome(11001)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Alexandria

Booked 37 times today

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

8. 219 Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(971)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern • Alexandria

Booked 10 times today

Please note reservations are only available for the main dining room. The lounge and bar areas are first come first serve. Housed in a historic 19th century townhouse blocks from the waterfront, 219 Restaurant offers modern Southern cuisine with creole influence. Our menu focuses on classic dishes with a southern influence to make for an exceptional dining experience. We offer private dining rooms in addition to our elegant main floor and offer pre-fixed banquet menus suitable for any event. After your meal, you can unwind in our spacious second story Basin St. Lounge, and be entertained by world class blues/jazz music - seven nights a week - or head downstairs to our Bayou Room, for live DJs and dancing. Whether you're looking for a casual night out or something a little more intimate, 219 Restaurant has what you're looking for... seven days a week!

9. Royal Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(267)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Alexandria

Booked 16 times today

A newcomer with all the nostalgia, we're excited to welcome you back to Royal Restaurant Step into a new chapter of this centuries-old diner now elevated with scratch-made home cooking, friendly service, and a fresh new look. Alongside our signature breakfast and lunch options like BYO Omelets and Shrimp & Grits, we're excited to introduce dinner with favorites like Pot Roast Stroganoff and Spicy Lamb Bolognese. Dine al fresco on our outdoor patio or unwind at our full-service bar featuring signature cocktails and rotating seasonal drinks and bites. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Royal Restaurant is your neighborhood spot for elevated classics. Come experience the fresh updates any day of the week!

10. The Wharf

4.6

Exceptional(3491)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Alexandria

Booked 20 times today

Outside seating is limited and will be based on first come first server basis and during high volume days limited time duration may apply.We are providing both Indoor, outdoor seating and takeout. History has been written inside the walls of the Wharf, with its 1790's style architecture featuring original wood columns and beams that are charred black from a Civil War fire. Since 1971, satisfied diners have been heading to The Wharf in Old Town for whole Maine lobster, local soft shell crabs and prime steaks. The restaurant has recently been renovated and remodeled and the menu updated to include many contemporary seafood items along with their traditional Chesapeake Bay creations.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RitaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We were seated upstairs in the back with a beautiful view of the river. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable and the tacos were beautifully prepared. Couldn’t ask for a nicer lunch.
More info
Virtue Feed & GrainPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Alexandria
•
4.7
D
Destiny
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Service was great. Friendly, professional server and host. The food and drinks were wonderful but the dessert was not good at all. The cake was very dry and stale. Flavorless. Everything else was amazing though. We enjoyed ourselves, thank you!
More info
Josephine - Old TownPrice: Expensive• French• Alexandria
•
4.7
P
Philip
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Murphy's has always been a favorite place for me for dining, entertainment and for meeting friendly people.
More info
Murphy's Grand Irish PubPrice: Moderate• European• Old Town Alexandria
•
4.7
C
Christopher
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Fun time and great food. One of the must tries I. Old Town. Service was amazing the staff is so friendly.
More info
Augie's Mussel House and Beer GardenPrice: Moderate• American• Alexandria
•
4.3
J
Jennifer
Los Angeles •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Mar 2025
We enjoyed being immersed in history while dining here. The food was delicious and the menu offered a nice variety. The seafood chowder and the fried oysters were excellent!
More info
Gadsby's TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Alexandria
•
4.3

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