Alexandria, Virginia's Old Town, is a historic, tourist-focused neighborhood filled with art galleries, antique shops, historic buildings, and restaurants. Many of Old Town's restaurants have been around for decades, earning praise from critics and patrons alike. Gourmet restaurants abound in Old Town, many of which have been awarded four stars by local publications and travel guides. Whether you're in the mood for classic French fare or New American cuisine, Old Town's four-star restaurants rarely disappoint.
Restaurant Eve confidently asks its guests the question "Are you in the mood for a gastronomic epiphany?" Whether or not award-winning Chef Cathal Armstrong's famed restaurant truly delivers its promise of culinary ecstasy is up for you to decide, but with an impressive four-star rating from "The Washington Post," Restaurant Eve is certainly worth a try. A native of Dublin, Armstrong prepares a whirlwind of international flavors, using the freshest ingredients available to him. Cured pork belly confit with summer corn succotash, veal sweetbreads with Johnny cake and smoked ham hock, and roasted Coho salmon with chanterelles and crab meat are among Armstrong's inventive recipes.
Restaurant Eve
110 South Pitt St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-706-0450
restauranteve.com
Located in the luxurious and historic Morrison House Hotel, The Grille was chosen as one of the Washington areas top 100 restaurants by Washingtonian.com. With its stately brass chandeliers and old landscapes of the English countryside lining the walls, this highly regarded restaurant offers a seasonal menu that blends French and New American tastes. Start with the traditional oysters Rockefeller in herb butter sauce or French onion soup topped with gruyére cheese and crostini. Entrees include roasted Amish chicken with roasted vegetables, curry dusted lamb loin with sweet potato puree, and butter-poached lobster tail medallions with almond sauce. Finish with a gourmet house-made dessert or selection of imported French cheeses.
The Grill at Morrison House
116 S Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-8000
morrisonhouse.com
Chosen as one of "Northern Virginia Magazine"'s top 50 restaurants, this quaint bistro fuses contemporary French cuisine with a relaxed, American feel. Bastille's menu is small and simple, but each dish is carefully prepared using fresh ingredients and paired with an appropriate wine (optional). Start with Bastille's black truffle and mushroom risotto, duo of fois gras, or classic boudin blanc. For something more substantial, try the striped bass fillet with caper-preserved lemon sauce or duck magret with spiced pineapple. Close the night with a selection of artisan cheeses from Vermont, Wisconsin, France, and Italy or sample a homemade dessert like sweet potato crème caramel or passion fruit crème brûlée.
Bastille
1201 North Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-519-3776
bastillerestaurant.com
