Where to Eat in Fairfax: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 15, 2018 Giuseppe Pratt

Fairfax (/ˈfɛər.fæks/ FAIR-faks), colloquially known as Central Fairfax, Downtown Fairfax, or Fairfax City, and officially named the City of Fairfax, is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. As of the 2010 census the population was 22,565, which had risen to an estimated 24,013 as of 2015.
Things to do in Fairfax

1. Arties's

3260 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030-1502 Takeout, Reservations, Parking Available, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Late Night SGD 13 - SGD 39 +1 703-273-7600
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 694 reviews

Arties's

Since 1978, Fairfax City's most popular restaurant. Enjoy boathouse favorites surrounded by handcrafted wooden boat scale models and Jack Gable's view of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, Virginia

Located in an aging shopping center in Fairfax, Artie's is a member of the excellent American Restaurant Group which includes Coastal Flats and Sweet waters. Reservations are a good idea because even at lunch on a midweek day the restaurant was very busy. The menu is diverse with accommodation for gluten allergies. Husband had a delicious pasta and my fresh sea bass with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus was perfectly prepared.

2. Coastal Flats

11901 Grand Commons Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030-8603 Takeout, Reservations, Television, Serves Alcohol, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 13 - SGD 39 +1 571-522-6300
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 813 reviews

Coastal Flats

Reviewed By jingjing2x - Centreville, Virginia

This is my new go to restaurant in Fairfax corner. Short wait for tables. The service was fast and efficient. The menu is mostly seafood but also offers meat selections steak, chicken and burger. I ordered the Hongkong style seabass and tasted delicious. I wish they offer non seafood items for appetizer.

3. Ozzie's Good Eats

11880 Grand Commons Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030-8614 Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 13 - SGD 39 +1 571-321-8000
Excellent
45%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 428 reviews

Ozzie's Good Eats

GAR's tribute to Chris "Ozzie" Osborn, GAR's Head Foodie since 1981. Offering reservations for parties up to sixty and featuring our full menu to go.

Reviewed By barry s - aldie

A nice brunch with family friends, our first time there for brunch. We tried and LOVED the breakfast flatbread #1. It was unique, tasty, and flavorful. A definite do! Our friends husband ordered the prime rib but somehow the order was not given to the kitchen. Several apologies and Ten minutes later, he was able to eat with the rest of us. I think this is a one off issue as we have always had good service here without issue.

Bottom line, we found a new brunch place!

4. Mazadar Kabob

11725 Lee Hwy Ste A15A, Fairfax, VA 22030-8801 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Delivery, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Persian, Afghani, Halal, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Dinner, Lunch +1 571-432-0202
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 151 reviews

Mazadar Kabob

Reviewed By Bill D - Charleston, South Carolina

Close to our hotel in Fairfax. Started off nicely with the appetizer sampler; Hummus, Baba Ghannouge, MK Maust, Eggplant dip. The sampler came with a large piece of tasty flatbread. I had the falafel platter and a chicken skewer, my friend ordered the vegetarian delight combo. Everything was tasty and nothing was a disappointment. She loved the carrot alwah a'la mode. Price was reasonable for what we received.

5. Dolce Vita Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

10824 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030-4325 Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover Pizza, Italian, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 39 +1 703-385-1530
Excellent
52%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 340 reviews

Dolce Vita Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

Serving the best Italian food in Fairfax City for over 21 years! A full service restaurant with both classic and inventive Italian dishes, and a romantic wine bar with expert wine list and shareable small plates all brought to you by Executive Chef Anthony Grasso and house Sommelier Matthew McGuigan. Locally-sourced meats and produce, homemade pastas and pizzas, and farm-to-table ingredients are our passion.

Reviewed By Pete078 - Virginia

Vitello Saltimbocca tasted like was left over from lunch and warmed up. The pizza was way too gooey. The service was very good.

6. The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub

3971 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030-3315 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards American, Irish, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 10 - SGD 30 +1 703-293-9600
Excellent
48%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 185 reviews

The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub

The Auld Shebeen is Fairfax City's only authentic Irish Pub and Restaurant. In Ireland a Shebeen was an illicit drinking den, an after hours speakeasy where once inside people found good familiar conversation, drink, friends and great food! Fascinating history surrounds these shebeens that have always offered excitement for local patrons and will forever be a part of Irish lore. Our Menu is based on both traditional Irish recipes and American cuisine. Our house specialties include our Seafood Stew, Dubliner Stuffed Chicken and our Filet Mignon with Irish whiskey and green peppercorn sauce,with many others including many traditional Irish pub favorites like our Guinness Beef Stew, Shepherd's Pie or Fish and Chips. So whether it is a few quiet pints after work or a special evening out, here at The Auld Shebeen we will do our utmost to make your visit with us a special one. We feature live traditional Irish music every Friday and Saturday in the restaurant.

Reviewed By D P - Wellington, New Zealand

This is probably the best bar food I’ve eaten!! The service was great and the atmosphere inviting.
If you like sports then the huge screens are a plus too!
The NY strip steak salad was fantastic and the T- bone cooked to perfection as requested.
As for the onion rings best in the world!! Non of that greasy spoon stuff that gives you heartburn! These were light and fluff flavoursomely battered.
We will be returning to try more of the menu with another side of those onion rings!!!

7. Silver Diner

12251 Fair Lakes Pkwy, Corner of Fair Lakes Parkway & West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22033 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Diner, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 26 +1 703-359-5999
Excellent
38%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 245 reviews

Silver Diner

At Silver Diner, we're much more than a diner. Whether you choose a classic dish or a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free option, Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst has created a menu of customizable, healthier choices that all share one thing: the highest quality, all-natural ingredients available.Silver Diner is proud to be a key part of the local community, nurturing it's growth, providing food for healthier lifestyles, and supporting local schools and non-profits. With a menu that features more than 15 local farms that support sustainable agriculture, Chef Ype creates seasonal dishes using the freshest ingredients available within our local region.

Reviewed By davidbl2017 - Fairfax, Virginia

Looks like a diner but so much better. Wonderful and efficient staff. The meals are made with fresh local products. Had great eggs and was blown away by the blueberry pancakes, the blueberries were huge and fresh. Coffee was wonderful and plentiful. We are from CT and wasnt sure, but took a chance. Glad we did!

8. True Food Kitchen

2910 District Ave, #170 Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA 22031-2282 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 571-326-1616
Excellent
48%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 299 reviews

True Food Kitchen

Reviewed By pyatachok - Reisterstown, Maryland

A really great place to have a very tasty meal with LOT'S of vegetarian options. Had Edamame dumplings, Cauliflower and Mushroom pizza + Hangover RX and Bright Eyes drinks. All of it was very yummy, perfectly portioned and nicely presented. The service was very friendly and efficient, and the value was great.
Definitely come back place if in the area.

9. Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro - Merrifield

2911 District Ave, Suite 120, Fairfax, VA 22031-2279 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Pizza, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night 571-395-4869
Excellent
37%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 275 reviews

Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro - Merrifield

Overlooking Strawberry Park in the vibrant Mosaic District, our 40-seat patio with fire pit offers outdoor dining and front row seats to Angelika Film Center’s outdoor screen and prime people-watching. Inside, exposed pipes and warm brick line the walls surrounding 220 seats, all with views of the glowing wood wall, reclaimed from barn-wood from Rochester, New York. Watch the action at the pizza bar, as cozy brick ovens fire up thin-crust pizzas in minutes, or be the center of attention in “the box” that seats six. The private Barrel Room, named for its vaulted ceiling that resembles barrel rings, easily accommodates 50 hungry guests and comes with plush booths, a wood-burning fireplace and private wine coolers to store your favorite vintages.

Reviewed By John M - Washington DC, District of Columbia

We had a large party of 11 on a busy Sunday evening, Lots going on and the waiter was very patient. There was a misunderstanding / delay in one meal delivery. Along with the many apologies they comp'd the meal and the manager also stopped by. Mistakes happen and their service recovery was spot on! Great culture and focus on customer service.

10. Whole Foods Market Cafe

4501 Market Commons Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033-6003 Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Television American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner +1 703-222-2058
Excellent
58%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

Whole Foods Market Cafe

Welcome to your Fairfax, VA Whole Foods Market! Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is the leading retailer of natural and organic foods, the first national "Certified Organic" grocer, and uniquely positioned as America's Healthiest Grocery Store™.

Reviewed By jqdough7 - Alexandria, Virginia

The sea food bar has some very good meals and some disappointing meals. Mussel Monday and their bouillabaisse are great. Their Bay Crabs are fired and ally can taste is the grease. They offer to let you pick out anything from the seafood counter( a very wide selection) and cook it any way you want it. However there is a $7 cooking fee. Twice I have been asked how do I like it and twice it has been served overcooked and tough. They are only batting 500. That is not good. If you want beer, walk to the sports bar.

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