Your Guide To Burke, Virginia Restaurants (2026 Edition)

***Please note that this Your Guide To Burke, Virginia Restaurants dining guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date Alexandria brunch scene. This guide was most recently updated as of June 2026.***

Growing up in the area, I have found myself dining at the plethora of Burke, Virginia restaurants since childhood – some of which are newer to the area and locally loved while others are local establishments that are loved by the community and have been for years. This dining guide will introduce you to some of the many restaurants in and around Burke.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page. For more Washington, DC area travel inspiration, check out my Exploring The DMV page. For more Northern Virginia content, then check out my guides on things to do, the best parks, the best thrift stores, pumpkin patches, and the best wineries in the region.

Your Guide To Burke, Virginia Restaurants (2026 Edition)

This dining guide will focus on restaurants in Burke, Virginia. For brunch spots in nearby Fairfax, Virginia, then be sure to check out my guide on just that. If you are interested in checking out spots for all kinds of eats in Old Town Alexandria, then look no further than my dining guide, cafes guide and/or my spots for brunch guide. And, if you are interested in checking out wine bars in Alexandria and Arlington, then check out my local wine bars guide in Alexandria and local wine bars guide in Arlington. For small businesses to shop and support in Old Town Alexandria, then look no further than my local small businesses guide. If you’re venturing into Washington, DC and want a historic and very Washingtonian-like experience, then be sure to check out my Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant Review.

Table of Contents

Getting There

Reservations

Restaurants in Burke, Virginia

Getting There

It is worth a while to note that weekends and holidays are a popular time for diners at restaurants in Burke, Virginia, so it is a busy time. I recommend, regardless of how you choose to get there, that you plan ahead and allow for extra buffer time to ensure you make it to your reservation on time (more on that in the next section!). 

Parking: Depending on where you go in Burke, parking can also sometimes be limited and a tricky thing to navigate (however, this is usually not the case!). If you opt to drive and park your car, then be mindful that it is a busy time especially on the weekends.

Reservations

If dining at a popular restaurant, I highly recommend making a reservation if offered. Each restaurant mentioned in this guide typically offers reservations in advance with information on their websites. Make reservations in advance, especially for larger parties, and allow at least one week’s notice on weekends, as some venues may charge fees. 

Check each restaurant’s website before you go to confirm the most up-to-date information, make your reservation, and review any grace periods or reservation fees in case you run late. Above all else, be sure to add in buffer time when traveling to be sure you make it on time (better early than late in my opinion!!). 

Burke, Virginia Restaurants 

This Burke, Virginia restaurants guide shares lots spots to dine at both in and nearby Burke (usually within a 20 minute-drive away).

Andy’s Pizza (Multiple locations – Fairfax & Tysons)

A delicious pizza chain with locations all across the Washington, DC area. I’ve specifically dined at the Tysons location which has a fun bar and happy hour on the top floor of the Tysons Galleria. Andy’s Pizza offers delicious New York-style pizza including by the slice!

Anita’s New Mexico Style Mexican Food (9278 Old Keene Mill Road, Burke)

Anita’s New Mexico Style Mexican Food is a family-owned casual eatery that’s been proudly serving Northern Virginia for over 50 years. 

Another Broken Egg Cafe (10645 Braddock Road Unit A, Fairfax)

Delivering innovative, Southern-inspired culinary brunch delights, Another Broken Egg Cafe is not your average brunch spot in Fairfax, Virginia and will leave you craving for more brunch there!

Asian Grill (6228 Rolling Road, Suite 8, Springfield)

Asian Grill serves up everyone’s favorite Asian dishes in a family-style manner with staff that make you feel like family. Every time anyone walks through the doors of Asian Grill, the familiar staff will excitedly remember you and greet you, making it such a wonderful experience for all and truly goes a long way!

Ballywhack Shack (126 B, Commerce Street, Occoquan Historic District)

A cozy cafe, hot dog, and sandwich shop in Occoquan Historic District, Ballywhack Shack truly has all of the grab and go delights that all will enjoy while exploring the adjacent town! Be sure to try some of their unique flavored teas!

Bellissimo Restaurant (10403 Main Street, Fairfax)

A family-owned restaurant in the heart of Old Town Fairfax, Virginia, Bellissimo Restaurant serves high-quality Italian eats and wines while transporting you to the heart of Italy! The heart of Italy and Italian dining and hospitality is shown in the staff and service as well as the quality of the delicious eats at Bellissimo Restaurant and leaves you with such a lovely and heart-warming experience.

Bottle Stop Wine Bar (311 Mill Street, Occoquan Historic District)

A local wine bar in the heart of Occoquan Historic District, Bottle Stop Wine Bar supports wineries from around the world, offering wine flights and light fares to enjoy – all while overlooking the Occoquan River.

Brickmaker’s Cafe (9751 Ox Road, Lorton)

Situated alongside the Potomac River at Occoquan Regional Park (which I write about more so here), Brickmaker’s Cafe is the perfect spot to go to admire riverside views while also enjoying some delicious eats and perhaps some beer/wine. From seafood to hot dogs and sandwiches and chicken fingers and everything in between, Brickmaker’s Cafe truly has something for everyone. While there, don’t forget to enjoy Occoquan Regional Park and all that it has to offer, from history to hiking to water sports!

Casa Tequila Bar & Grill (9020 Lorton Station Boulevard, Lorton)

Casa Tequila Bar & Grill is definitely the place you go for some chips and guacamole alongside some margaritas and tacos! Indeed, it is a lovely spot for some Mexican food without breaking the bank.

Chloez Cafe (5622 Ox Road Unit F, Fairfax Station)

Conveniently located near George Mason University’s main campus, Chloez Cafe is a cozy spot best known for its brunch and comfort foods. It’s interiors makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to the beach for a lovely and affordable breakfast while never leaving Northern Virginia!

Clifton Cafe (7144 Main St, Clifton)

Clifton Cafe is a unique cafe in the heart of Clifton’s Historic District that serves fresh coffee and crepes in a beautiful and historic setting complete with an outdoor patio.

Coastal Flats (Multiple Locations – Tysons & Fairfax)

A delicious upscale seafood restaurant, Coastal Flats indeed transports you to the coast! Be sure to try their incredible crab fritters as a starter alongside a cocktail and a delicious seafood entree and you will leave craving more.

Cock & Bowl Belgian Bistro (302 Poplar Alley, Occoquan Historic District)

Providing a homey feel with its gorgeous patio in Occoquan Historic District, Cock & Bowl Belgian Bistro offers a delicious Belgian fare from beers to mussels to waffles and pommes frites and everything in between!

Fairfax Bakery (11211 Lee Hwy J, Fairfax)

An American and Turkish bakery, Fairfax Bakery prides itself on delivering freshly baked goods, brewed coffee, and authentic local delights that’ll have you coming back for more.

First Watch (9600 Main Street Suite S, Fairfax)

Ranked “Best Breakfast” by Virginia Living MagazineFirst Watch is a popular Bradenton, Florida-based brunch chain founded in 1983 that has made its way across Northern Virginia (and beyond!) serving up elevated brunch dishes, cocktails, and coffee.

Founding Farmers (Multiple locations – Alexandria, Tysons & Reston)

Founding Farmers pays homage to local farms source its delicious eats, hence its iconic name and local popularity! Founding Farmers serves up delicious eats and cocktails whether it be their incredible cornbread (including cornbread croutons!!), brunch, or fried chicken/seafood. Don’t forget to try their desserts to take home or pies to go during the holiday season!

Fuse Box (8961 Ox Road Suite 130, Lorton)

A sports bar-style restaurant with a vast bar serving an upscale and higher quality version of Chinese takeout eats. Whether you grab a drink at the bar to catch the latest sports news/games with some small bites or choose to dine in at a booth for a meal, Fuse Box has options for all!

Hamrock’s Restaurant (3950 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax)

Located in the historic Moore-McCandlish House in and around Old Town Fairfax, Hamrock’s Restaurant is an American fare restaurant and wine bar known for their gluten-free options as well as afternoon tea.

Haraz Coffee House (11015 Main Street, Fairfax)

Brewing authentic Yemeni coffee blends, Haraz Coffee House blends coffee, culture, and authentic experiences in the heart of Fairfax and at their multiple locations beyond.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (Multiple Locations – Alexandria, Fairfax, & Chantilly)

Inspired by *none other than* dogs, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is a dog-friendly restaurant serving incredible beers, wines, and cocktails as well as a vast bar style menu, with delicious burgers and seafood. Don’t miss the tater tots and the bones on the door handles!!

Lil Cow Cafe Bistro (6409 Shiplett Boulevard, Burke)

Handcrafted with love and a mission to make people happy, Lil Cow Cafe Bistro is a home-style cafe offering a small town atmosphere in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia and is proud to bring the community together.

Lotus Pho & Grill (8971 Ox Road Suite 160, Lorton)

One of my favorite to-go or to casually dine-in Vietnamese restaurants! The staff at Lotus Pho & Grill are ultra-kind and offer quick service and delicious eats at an affordable price point.

Mike’s American Grill (6210 Backlick Road, Springfield)

A well-loved establishment in the heart of Springfield, Mike’s American Grill offers elevated American eats in an elevated atmosphere. Mike’s American Grill offers everything from delicious cocktails to salads and seafood to pastas and steak.

Milk & Honey (8326 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield)

Serving up traditional Southern fare in a spacious two-story spot in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Milk & Honey specializes in traditional delights and craft cocktails.

Ozzie’s Good Eats (11880 Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax)

In the heart of Fairfax Corner – a lively and adorable shopping + dining district, Ozzie’s Good Eats offers a lovely dining experience in an exciting atmosphere. Serving up everything from pasta to steak to burgers to seafood and everything in between, Ozzie’s Good Eats truly has it all! Don’t forget to order a cocktail (or two!) – their espresso martini is my favorite in the Washington, DC area!!

Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot (7150 Main Street, Clifton)

A decades-old Clifton Historic District staple, Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot is THE spot to enjoy locally made ice cream in Fairfax County, Virginia! Unique flavors rotate on a regular basis alongside regular flavors served, too. There is usually a line at Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot, but it is SOOO worth the wait!!

Ruthie’s All-Day (11951 Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax)

Proudly “making bellies happy all day,” Ruthie’s All-Day serves up the best comfort dishes all day from breakfast/brunch to lunch and dinner having recently opened their second location in Fairfax with its original location in Arlington.

Spartans Family Restaurant (9542 Burke Road, Burke)

A family favorite for all generations, Spartans Family Restaurant was founded by an immigrant family who strived to make a better life for themselves. Today, Spartans serves up delicious comfort eats with a Greek and Italian twist, whether it be pizza, French Onion soup, gyros, seafood, pasta, salad, and MORE. In addition to incredible lunch and dinner eats, Spartans also serves up an excellent brunch on the weekends. Truly, to this day, the family behind Spartans created a beautiful life for themselves, their family, and the entire local communities.

Sushi Prince (10256 Main Street, Fairfax)

A tiny sushi spot in the heart of Old Town Fairfax with an ultra-fun atmosphere (be sure to look up at the ceiling to see why!!), Sushi Prince offers affordable and delicious sushi in an upscale environment.

Taco Rock (Multiple Locations – Lorton, Alexandria, Oakton, & Falls Church)

A delicious spot offering innovative and creative gourmet tacos and fun beers/cocktails. I once went here on a Saturday night and quickly learned how popular of a place Taco Rock is and trying their delicious tacos will tell you why!

Tatte Bakery & Cafe (multiple locations – Alexandria, Arlington, Reston, & Fairfax (coming soon))

Tatte has several locations across the Washington, DC area as well as the Boston area, however, I ALWAYS forget that there is a Tatte right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria! Tatte is a Mediterranean-inspired cafe selling everything from breakfast and lunch dishes to baked goods and pastries and coffee and tea. Each Tatte location has the most elegant and sophisticated flair and the staff are always ultra-kind and go above and beyond to ensure that each customer has a wonderful experience there. One thing to note about Tatte is that due to its high popularity, locals and tourists alike will flock here in crowds during peak breakfast and lunch times.

The Golden Plum (126A Commerce Street, Occoquan Historic District)

A family-owned bakery baking up the most delicious fresh pies, cookies, and pastries, The Golden Plum formerly known as Mom’s Apple Pie has been a popular place to indulge in a sweet treat for decades.

The Secret Garden Cafe (404 Mill Street, Occoquan Historic District)

Literally situated in a secret garden patio in the heart of Occoquan Historic District, The Secret Garden Cafe is a local spot serving delicious American fare with some global twists. It is worth mentioning that The Secret Garden Cafe does not take reservations and it can get pretty busy especially during the weekends, however, they do have a waitlist that I suggest calling ahead or checking in and tracking your spot on the waitlist as you stroll and check out the amazing Occoquan Historic District. Either way, don’t arrive super hungry, especially for weekend brunch which is well worth it!!

The Spot at Belmont Bay – formulary known at The Spot on Mill Street (551 Harbor Side Street, Woodbridge)

Once in Occoquan Historic District and now in nearby Belmont Bay, The Spot at Belmont Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy an affordable and fun happy hour food and drink while overlooking the gorgeous Belmont Bay!

Third Base Pizza & Frozen Custard Parlor (202 Commerce Street, Occoquan Historic District)

What’s a better combination than pizza and dessert?!?! Well, Third Base Pizza & Frozen Custard Bar has both pizza and custard + milkshakes!

Tokyo One (9443 Lorton Market Street, Lorton)

A family-owned Japanese restaurant offering both a hibachi and regular dining option, Tokyo One is a lovely spot to enjoy some delicious eats while supporting small and local. Whether you choose the full hibachi experience or just dine at one of their tables for sushi and other eats throughout the restaurant, either way, you will have a lovely experience.

Trattoria Villagio (7145 Main Street, Clifton)

Situated on Main Street of the beautiful Clifton Historic District, Trattoria Villagio is a delicious upscale Italian restaurant. If you’re in the mood for a more casual dining or takeout experience, be sure to check out Trattoria Villagio’s pizza shed located adjacent to their upscale dining room. Serving all everything from starters to pastas to salads to wines and desserts in a stunning and intimate setting, Trattoria Villagio will leave you wanting more!

Trummer’s Restaurant (7134 Main Street, Clifton)

Inspired by Austrian culture and cuisines, Trummer’s Restaurant celebrates its owner’s Austria heritage while honoring its American home. On several occasions, Trummer’s offers super fun wine tastings, whether from local Virginia-based wineries or from Austrian-based wineries. While at Trummer’s, be sure to take a stroll alongside the beautiful Clifton Historic District where its located!

Villa Bella (6050 Burke Commons Road C, Burke)

A restaurant serving delicious Italian dishes alongside wine and specialty cocktails in an intimate setting that transports you to the Amalfi Coast. Villa Bella truly makes you feel as if you’re having a lovely dinner near the Mediterranean without ever packing your bags!

Wrap-Up

Truly, there are so many incredible spots to eat in and around Burke, Virginia. I am regularly amazed at the several restaurants in the area that have since made a name for themselves and also those that have been here for a long time. Happy dining!!

XOXO – Katie <3 

Fall Strolls – Burke Nursery and Garden Center

Indeed, this October, I have been Octobering more than past years and it has been AMAZING (!!!!). One of me and Papa’s and Rosie’s traditions is going to the local Burke Nursery and Garden Center in Burke, Virginia. Each Fall, Burke Nursery and Garden Center puts on a SHOW (!!!!) with an adorable all things Fall Fall Market, pumpkin patch, and Fall displays with complimentary rides for children. Needless to say, there were SOOO many photo opportunities, too!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

While on our outing to Burke Nursery and Garden Center, I had been reflecting with Papa on how I truly value the family traditions that we do year after year. From going to the Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive (here) to see the Fall foliage to visiting Nall’s Produce to an annual Christmas Eve Eve dinner at Mike’s American Grill, traditions truly bring me joy and fulfillment year after year. Every Fall and into the holiday season, I LOVE to switch my activities here and there, but find tons of value in doing some of the same things with the people that I love year after year. Perhaps, some of my love for traditions has to do with the fact that I went to a tradition-centric all-women’s college?! Whatever the case may be, I am grateful for the traditions I take part in each year!

XOXO – Katie <3

Traveling During the Coronavirus Pandemic

At the beginning of this year as any other year, I got real giddy about all of my possible upcoming travels. As it has affected us all, something that starts with a C, known as the coronavirus pandemic has put a halt and has risen a lot of uncertainty on our anticipated travel plans. This year, I had trips in the works to Bethany Beach, Delaware for girl’s and family trips at our family beach house, Charlottesville, Virginia & Charleston, South Carolina for my 21st Birthday, East Grand Lake, Maine & North Lake, New Brunswick, Canada for a family reunion, Emerald Isle, North Carolina & Greenville, North Carolina to visit my roommate in a summer program, Boston, Massachusetts with a hopeful day trip to Newport, Rhode Island to visit my cousin, and a September trip to Asheville, North Carolina with my Honors Program for their annual Fall Trip (luckily, that one has been pushed back to Spring 2021 so fingers crossed!). However, each of those plans has been put on halt. Personally, I hate to say “cancelled”, as I believe that we will ALWAYS have opportunities to travel to the places that may have been crossed off of our bucket lists this year – 2020 is just not the year for some of our trips. While it may be saddening to watch many of our travel plans get put on halt, it DOES NOT mean that we cannot travel; we just have to travel in a different way. Although 2020 may not be the year for us to pack our bags and hop on a plane to someplace far away, it is for sure the year of traveling to places in our own backyards!

Dealing with Travel Uncertainty

Photo taken at Prince William Forest, Triangle, Virginia

I know that for myself, I have experienced the worries of when my next trip will be. For most of us, it appears as if most of our travels will be postponed and/or eventually put off for the 2020 year. While it is extremely hard to not know when your next big trip will be, do not dwell on it. Instead, focus on what you can control and try and explore some place nearby your home or go and visit a friend or family member in a different area (only if you both are comfortable and discuss precautions taken before the visit). Most importantly, remember that you are NOT alone. In fact, pretty much everybody is struggling with the extreme uncertainty that the coronavirus pandemic has brought upon us all, especially as it has affected many of our much-anticipated plans of all kinds. Through it all, we are a community of people that are each going through similar things during this coronavirus pandemic, even if you cannot see it on the surface.

Use This Time as an OPPORTUNITY

Photo taken in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Even though it is a real damper to see many of our trips be put to a halt, it is definitely not good practice to remain in a rut. Remember that it is OKAY to grief and you have every right to feel all the feels. On the contrary, those sad feelings should not keep you from living your best life, especially when it comes to planning new adventures. In commemoration of some of the trips that you were supposed to take this year, it may be fun to plan a day trip nearby or an overnight trip at a friend or family member’s place to still keep those travel feels going strong! Ever want to explore a trail nearby your house or even a State or National Park within a day trip’s reach?! Then, this is the time do it! Having limited time to travel leaves most of us to choose trips to places that are much further than our own homes, which leaves us with not much time (if any) to explore places nearby. For example, I took a day trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia – somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit yet never had the time (more on that later!). If you cannot think of any cool places near your house that you’re interested in visiting, then you may want to try Google searching places within a day trip reach of your hometown and see what pops up. You never know what you can find!

Be Sure You Can Keep Your Social Distance

Photo taken at Burke Lake Park, Burke, Virginia

While a trip to a big city may sound like an appealing day trip if you’re near one, I would not recommend putting it on your 2020 trip radar. The Covid-19 pandemic is still looming upon us, and it is not going away at least for now. That being said, it is important to take social distancing precautions while you travel. ALWAYS bring a mask with you no matter where you go, as you never know when and where you may need it. Consequentially, I would suggest keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer with you in your car and/or in your bag as well. Some of the best trips to take to social distance involve walking and hiking trails as well as parks that may offer opportunities for each. However, I wouldn’t discount towns that may have ice cream shops, cafes, or restaurants where you can social distance and still take a stroll. If you choose to explore a town, I recommend going to one that has some sort of outdoor activities or scenic views where you can still maintain your social distance. Additionally, vineyards/breweries are also a great way to take a fun and scenic day trip while keeping your distance.

My Summer 2020 Travels So Far!

Photo taken in downtown Clifton, Virginia

Although my summer travels do not look anything like I anticipated them to, it does not mean that I have not made the best of the current situation. Instead, I have decided to use 2020 as an opportunity to explore where I live. So far, I have explored: Burke Lake Park in Burke, Virginia, the town of Clifton, Virginia, Sugarloaf Mountain & Sugarloaf Vineyard in Dickerson, Maryland, Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia, the town of Harpers Ferry along the Appalachian Trail in West Virginia, and Prince William Forest in Triangle, Virginia. While they are close to home, I have really loved getting to explore each of these destinations. In fact, Harpers Ferry has been a place that I have been dying to see for a few years now, and little did I know, it is such a gem and a great day trip from Northern Virginia. I never truly knew how great the non-suburbia parts and outskirts of the Washington, DC-Virginia-Maryland tristate area were until just a few weeks ago. Personally, I really wish I got to know my backyard outside of the city a lot sooner!

Photo taken at Sugarloaf Mountain, Dickerson, Maryland
Photo taken at Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station, Virginia
Photo taken in downtown Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Photo taken at Sugarloaf Vineyard, Dickerson, Maryland

Future 2020 Travels

Photo taken at Holts Landing State Park near Bethany Beach, Delaware

Having traveled to various places close to home, I am very excited about some of the upcoming travels that I have planned for the remainder of 2020. While past the summer is up in the air at the moment, I do have some exciting adventures planned for the rest of the summer. I will be spending about two weeks including the Fourth of July at my family’s beach house in Bethany Beach, Delaware. After a few weeks of relaxing seaside, I will be heading for the mountains for an unplugged few days in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia right nearby Shenandoah National Park. My Big Sis (essentially a mentor and potential best friend for life) from college and I are also planning a vineyard outing in the upcoming week. There is also a creek right by my house that I’m hoping to plan more outings to with family and friends as well (social-distanced of course!). Excitedly enough, I am planning to share posts on my travels to Bethany Beach, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the vineyard that my Big Sis and I visit in the coming weeks!

With most of us scratching to get out of our homes, I highly suggest taking a day trip (or two or three) whenever you can. Travel may not look the same right now, but it does not mean that you cannot get out and explore. What the coronavirus pandemic has taught me is to always prioritize travel. Travel has been one of my biggest passions and has taught me SO much about different people and cultures. At the same time, you do not have to go far to meet and see a new culture – there are so many places within a day’s reach that can provide you with just that! Whether you’re in a small town in Virginia or a big city in Europe, there is always room for learning, growth, and exploration along with culture. Just look around: there is SO MUCH adventure out there!

XOXO – Katie <3