What to Eat and Drink During Arlington Restaurant Week

Arlington Restaurant Week returns for its fifth year with more than 50 restaurants offering deals on lunch and dinner from Oct. 16-23. Hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, this delicious event aims to spotlight and support local chefs and kitchens. As it turns out, it doubles as a culinary trip around the world, too. Click here for a complete list of participating restaurants, and excuse us while we reach for our elastic-waisted pants. Here’s a taste of what’s cooking.

Abi Azteca Grill and Bar

Savor Salvadoran fare at this 37-year-old eatery. Its special Restaurant Week menu lets guests choose one dish from three courses for $30. We’re talking meat-and cheese-filled pupusas, fajitas, paella and tres leches cake. // 3005 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)

Ambar

Since its 2016 arrival in Clarendon, this restaurant has dished out Balkan fare such as slow-roasted lamb, pita and lentil spread, and meat pie—ground beef in crispy phyllo dough served over lemon-garlic yogurt. For $25 at lunch and $55 at dinner, the Ambar Experience lets you try “a little bit of everything—all for one flat price.” // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)

Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant

It’s always a little bit summer at this self-described “straight-and-LGBTQ-friendly” establishment. Open until 2 a.m. every night, the place is always up for a party: Trivia Tuesdays, Taco Tuesday, Beach Blanket Bingo on Wednesdays, Freddie’s Follies on Saturdays and karaoke every night until 1 a.m. Oh, and there’s food, too: wings, salads, sandwiches and burgers. // 555 23rd St. South, Arlington (Crystal City)

Inca Social

This area loves its Peruvian chicken, but at Inca Social you can try other traditional Peruvian fare, from ceviche and potato causa to Nikkei-style sushi like the Machu Picchu Roll (asparagus, avocado, cucumber and palmito wrapped in nori paper) or the Andino Roll (rice and quinoa mix, smoked salmon, avocado, surimi topped with huancaina sauce). Wash it all down with a margarita or a pisco sour, the restaurant’s take on Peru’s signature quaff. // 1776 Wilson Blvd., Unit #1, Arlington (Rosslyn)

Maison Cheryl

According to our dining critic, the duck à l’orange is a can’t-miss at this French New-American bistro. And duck is indeed on the menu during Restaurant Week, when you can get a starter, entrée and dessert for $52. Other options include honeynut squash soup (crème fraiche, hot honey, pomegranate seeds, chive, brioche crouton), ratatouille and parmesan polenta, and salmon with fall succotash. You might want to make reservations; this little bistro seats only 75. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., #104, Arlington (Clarendon)

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

Stuffed with Maine lobster meat, the sandwiches at this Shirlington eatery come in several variations, from chilled lobster dressed in mayo to a warm version with melted butter. There’s also the Lobster BLT Roll and the Shrimp Roll, a split-top bun packed with jumbo shrimp and mayo with celery and lemon. Try one of the rolls (or the lobster mac and cheese) with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, chips or salad and a whoopie pie. The $28 Restaurant Week deal includes a soda, too. // 4017 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)

Pirouette Café and Wine Shop

This year-old “wine-driven” bistro in Ballston has more than 200 labels in its collection of wines from around the world. And as you might expect, its menu is full of things that pair well with vino. For Restaurant Week, get a three-course dinner and glass of wine for $55. Choose among options such as mac and cheese croquettes, smoked trout dip, crispy duck leg and Tagliolini alla Norma. // 4000 Fairfax Drive, Suite C, Arlington (Ballston)

Pupatella

What began as a food truck in 2007 is now a brick-and-mortar pizzeria with eight Virginia locations—two of which are in Arlington. And during Restaurant Week, this local go-to for Neapolitan pies is offering three courses for $25. Start with meatballs or arancini, a fan favorite, and then move on to one of the signature pizzas. Dessert options include tiramisu and angioletti —“little angels” of fried dough topped with Nutella and sugar. // 5104 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (North Arlington); 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington (South Arlington); 2980 District Ave. (Mosaic)

Salt

Get three courses for $55 at this underground restaurant and bar. Consider pairing your crispy miso pork belly, wagyu burger and chocolate cheesecake with one of Salt’s excellent cocktails, such as Girls Just Wanna Have Pho (pho spice-infused Belle Isle 100 proof, aquavit, charred scallion, jalapeno, cilantro, fresh lemon and fresh lime) or—paging all Swifties—the Lavender Haze (gin, sherry, lavender, sage, honey, fresh lemon and orange bitters). // 1201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue

This award-winning barbecue joint has been been applying its smoking skills to all kinds of ingredients (including not only meats, but also cocktails, salads and even desserts) since 2020. Try the Bar-B-Quedilla with a choice of chicken, pork, pork belly or brisket, or the Cue-Bano, a Cuban-ish sammie stuffed with smoked ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and mustard BBQ sauce. // 1051 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)

Sushi-Zen

Opened by Shoji Mochizuki in 1997, this neighborhood sushi bar has all the typical rolls you’re craving, plus chef’s specials such as Lady in Red (soft-shell crab, avocado and cucumber topped with spicy tuna, tempura flakes, spicy mayo and eel sauce) and signature ones like the Arlington Roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, scallions, shrimp tempura, spicy mayo and eel sauce). // 2457 N. Harrison St., Arlington (Langston Boulevard)

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