Last updated: 2025-05-06
Alexandria’s dining scene blends historic charm with culinary innovation. From waterfront views to intimate Old Town settings, local restaurants offer sophisticated experiences that capture the city’s unique gastronomic spirit.
Discover exceptional dining destinations like The Majestic, Chart House, and Bastille Brasserie & Bar. Each restaurant represents a curated selection of Alexandria’s most refined and memorable culinary experiences.
Explore Alexandria’s finest dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Alexandria
- The Majestic
- Bastille Brasserie & Bar
- Cedar Knoll
- Le Refuge Restaurant
- Nasime
- Chart House
- 219 Restaurant
- Il Porto
- Whiskey & Oyster
219 Restaurant
What to Expect
Live Blues performances and extensive whiskey and cigar selection
Description
219 Restaurant offers an intimate French Creole dining experience in Alexandria's Old Town, featuring live Blues performances in the Basin Street Lounge and an expertly curated Cigar & Whiskey collection. The restaurant blends sophisticated culinary traditions with a relaxed atmosphere, showcasing authentic French Quarter-inspired cuisine since 1979.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: 219 Restaurant
Bastille Brasserie & Bar
What to Expect
James Beard House chef-driven French cuisine with local ingredient focus
Description
Nestled in Alexandria's Parker Grey neighborhood, Bastille Brasserie & Bar offers an intimate French dining experience featuring reimagined classic cuisine crafted by James Beard House chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux. The contemporary space includes a large courtyard patio and expansive bar, showcasing seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients through sophisticated French culinary techniques.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Bastille Brasserie & Bar
Cedar Knoll
What to Expect
Historic waterfront dining with regional seasonal cuisine
Description
Nestled along the Potomac River waterfront, Cedar Knoll offers an intimate dining experience featuring regional seasonal cuisine in a historic setting. The restaurant's waterfront ambiance and attentive service create an elegant backdrop for sophisticated regional dishes, with indoor and outdoor dining options showcasing picturesque river views.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Cedar Knoll
Chart House
What to Expect
Potomac River panoramic waterfront dining experience
Description
Waterfront dining destination on the Potomac River featuring panoramic views and an elegant seafood-focused menu. Chart House offers sophisticated maritime-inspired cuisine with globally influenced dishes like miso sake black cod, Mac nut mahi, and premium seafood selections. The restaurant provides an upscale dining experience with stunning river views, intricate plating, and a diverse menu highlighting fresh seafood and prime cuts.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Chart House
Il Porto
What to Expect
Historic Old Town Alexandria Italian restaurant with private dining room
Description
Nestled in Old Town Alexandria's historic district, Il Porto offers classic Italian cuisine in an intimate setting. The restaurant features traditional Italian fare with a focus on amazing wines, serving lunch and dinner in a charming space that has been a local favorite since 1973. Candlelit dining rooms and a private party room provide an inviting atmosphere for both casual and special occasion dining.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Il Porto
Le Refuge Restaurant
What to Expect
Old Town Alexandria's oldest French restaurant, established in 1983
Description
Nestled in Alexandria's historic Old Town, Le Refuge offers an intimate French bistro experience with traditional country-style cuisine. The small, cozy restaurant features an extensive wine list curated by owner Jean-Francois Chaufour, showcasing classic French dishes like onion soup, rockfish with crabmeat, and filet mignon with Roquefort sauce. Candlelit dining rooms and a family-run atmosphere transport guests to a charming corner of France.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Le Refuge Restaurant
Nasime
What to Expect
Seasonal 7-course Japanese tasting menu prepared by Ginza-trained chef
Description
An intimate Old Town Japanese restaurant offering a meticulously crafted 7-course tasting menu showcasing authentic and modern Japanese cuisine. Chef Yuh Shimomura, trained in Ginza, Tokyo, prepares every dish from scratch, highlighting seasonal ingredients through a carefully curated dining experience in a small, elegant setting.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Nasime
The Majestic
What to Expect
Fine dining in a restored historic theater venue
Description
The Majestic offers an elegant, historic dining experience in Old Town Alexandria, featuring refined American cuisine in a restored early 20th-century theater setting. Candlelit dining rooms showcase white-tablecloth service with sophisticated menu presentations, highlighting seasonal regional ingredients prepared with contemporary culinary techniques.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: The Majestic
Whiskey & Oyster
What to Expect
Extensive rare whiskey list paired with local Virginia oysters
Description
Nestled in Alexandria's Carlyle neighborhood, this sophisticated seafood restaurant showcases local Virginia oysters alongside an extensive rare whiskey collection. Intimate dining spaces feature maritime-inspired decor, with a focus on fresh seafood and meticulously curated whiskey selections that highlight regional and international spirits.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Whiskey & Oyster
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