Alexandria, Virginia, nestled in the DC Suburbs, boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. For those seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the city's restaurants, there are numerous options that prioritize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and cater to various dietary needs, including organic, vegan, and gluten-free choices. This guide explores some of the best healthy food restaurants in Alexandria, offering insights into their cuisine, ambiance, and commitment to nutritious dining.
Diverse Cuisine Options
Alexandria's healthy food scene is characterized by its variety. From contemporary American to Mediterranean and international flavors, there's something for every palate. Restaurants in the area focus on delivering delicious and beautifully presented dishes that support a health-conscious lifestyle.
Featured Restaurants
Several restaurants stand out for their commitment to healthy and flavorful cuisine. Here are a few examples:
The Study: This restaurant offers a Modern American menu inspired by Chef Tomas Chavarria’s Mesoamerican heritage and training. The Study is known for regionally sourced plates such as Korobuta Pork Belly and Seven Hills Farms Center Cut Steak. Their library of classic cocktails complements the food.
Il Porto: This restaurant honors the timeless flavors of Northern Italy while embracing modern culinary techniques that elevate every dish. At Il Porto, every meal is handcrafted from scratch in their kitchen. From their pasta-made fresh daily-to their signature sauces and seasonal ingredients, they take pride in offering food that’s as fresh as it is flavorful. Their chefs blend tradition and innovation, creating a diverse menu that remains true to its Italian roots. The heart of their kitchen lies in their daily specials, thoughtfully curated to showcase creativity while paying homage to classic Northern Italian recipes. Whether you're joining them for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special celebration, Il Porto invites you to experience the warmth, authenticity, and excellence that have defined them for over 50 years.
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Elaine's: Elaine’s modern Mediterranean cuisine is based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt. The unique style is best described as Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Their award winning restaurant Elaine’s is located at 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. The 1880 building, the previous home of Bilbo Baggins for 38 years, has been completely renovated with a new look and feel. The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River. Founders Park, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront are only blocks away.
Vermilion: Guided by Chef Anthony Chittum, Vermilion stands committed to the growers, farmers, watermen and myriad purveyors of the Mid-Atlantic watershed. As a native of Maryland's Eastern Shore, Anthony brings an innate sense of place to each plate with an intractable reverence for local ingredients, and an aesthetic that allows these ingredients to shine. The thoughtfully curated beverage program at Vermilion echoes this philosophy with an expansive offering of terroir-driven wines and a cocktail menu committed to seasonally-sourced ingredients. A sensational collection of over 150 fine whiskies, ryes and bourbons rounds out the experience and for many serves as reason enough to visit time and again.
Skydome: Experience unforgettable moments at Skydome, a signature rotating dining destination offering breathtaking panoramic views of the DC skyline. Savor innovative American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, all served 15 stories above the city. Indulge in award-winning dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and the one-of-a-kind ambiance of the region’s only revolving rooftop lounge. Unwind in style at Sip & Bite, Skydome’s signature cocktail hour now offered every Sunday, high above the city. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking panoramic views of the DC skyline, this elevated experience pairs expertly crafted cocktails with a light fare menu of chef-inspired small plates-perfect for sipping, savoring, and socializing.
Trademark: Nestled in the vibrant Carlyle District of Alexandra, Virginia, the re-invented Trademark celebrates the time-honored tradition of hand-crafted cocktails and the best of the mid-Atlantic. With a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients, the city’s best breweries, and a high-concept yet approachable cocktail program carefully crafted to draw people to the bar of its own merit. Enjoy a sophisticated wine list in our bar-centric restaurant or on the re-designed streetside patio overlooking the calm cobblestone sidewalks and Carlyle parks. Trademark was designed with a bright new dining room featuring luxurious booths and beautiful brass accents. A perfect place for a mid-afternoon snack, happy hour with co-workers, or an intimate dinner celebration. Gather with friends, family, or co-workers in Trademark’s group dining space optimized for your group’s perfect celebration, meeting, or event.
Cheesetique: Cheesetique, established in 2004, is the go-to neighborhood spot for fine cheeses, food-friendly wine, and an eclectic, cheese-centric menu. They’re a specialty cheese and wine shop, and a comfortable, cheese-centric restaurant.
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Evening Star Cafe: The Evening Star Cafe is a rollicking neighborhood gem located in the heart of Del Ray. Opened in 1997, Evening Star is well known for its friendly vibe and convivial setting and continues to shine with a fiercely loyal crowd. Evening Star combines friendly, gracious service with a seasonal American menu featuring produce grown on their rooftop garden and by local farmers throughout the region.
Copperwood Tavern: Welcome to Copperwood Tavern, located in Shirlington Village. Their menu offers an array of scratch-made dishes and seasonal flavors along with a selection of handcrafted cocktails, 20 Virginia craft beers on tap, and an extensive selection of bourbons and Virginia wines. Copperwood exudes a cozy cabin-style vibe; great for a date night, business lunch, or weekend brunch with the family. On weekends they offer brunch from 9am-4pm featuring classics such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and bananas foster French toast along with a selection of brunch libations.
True Food Kitchen - Arlington, Ballston Quarter: True Food Kitchen offers a menu that caters to health-conscious diners.
Tips for Healthy Dining Out
Even with healthy restaurant options available, it's important to make informed choices when dining out. Here are some tips to help you stay on track with your wellness goals:
Breakfast: Start your day with a protein-forward meal. Instead of a muffin and a mocha latte, opt for eggs, avocado, and bacon. Bacon has protein, a range of B vitamins, crucial minerals, and is REAL food. Amp up your protein-forward breakfast out with a brain-boosting, antioxidant-rich, matcha green tea at Junction Bakery.
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Lunch: At lunchtime, protein is the star of the show. Consider tacos with black beans instead of refried beans to enjoy their protein and fiber without the added fat and sodium. For an appetizer, try jicama instead of nachos to rein-in mindless munching. And don’t forget to keep those water refills coming!
Dinner: Prioritize protein, good-for-you fats like avocado and olive oil, and healthy carbs. If you’re tempted by a cocktail, consider a glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime instead. Alcohol takes a toll on our metabolism, weight, sleep quality, stress resilience, and, ultimately, our overall health. Yet, if you are out for a special occasion, go for that glass of bubbly and enjoy the celebration. Food guilt (and the stress that goes with it) is worse for our wellness than the actual food itself sometimes. Try not to stay out too late. Aim to be home by 9 PM to maintain healthy sleep habits.
Wellness Coaching and Community Support
For those seeking more in-depth guidance on healthy eating and lifestyle choices, consider joining a Small Group Wellness Coaching program. These programs provide support for combating symptoms of perimenopause and menopause like weight-gain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety, and help build a powerful foundation for lifelong wellness.
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