Assertive broth, springy meatballs, and quality meat help make this one of the standout bowls of pho in Northern Virginia. The bare-bones restaurant also has some additional soups and appetizers, from spring rolls to fish sauce-marinated chicken wings; it recently reworked its menu.

A New York-style deli that ticks off every box, from egg creams to complimentary pickles and matzo ball soup. Chutzpah serves all-day breakfast, which includes bagels and bialys, and has sandwiches packed with brisket, chopped liver, and tongue. Entrees stay classic, too, with corned beef and cabbage, chicken in a pot, and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Takeout available here.

This Korean barbecue joint has quickly become a favorite, commanding hours-long waits for its pork belly, bulgogi, and stellar customer service. Delivery available here.

One of the area’s best Chinese restaurants, this offshoot of the Peter Chang empire focuses on the homestyle cooking of the women in the Chang family, particularly Lisa and Lydia Chang. There’s a selection of dim sum, plus standout dishes like hot and numbing beef in stone pot, dry-fried cauliflower and pickled chili flounder with tofu. Some Peter Chang classics like giant bubble pancakes and bamboo fish, also make a cameo. Order online here.

This long-standing crab house serves some seafood a la carte, including shrimp, scallops, and snow crab legs. Steamed blue crabs can be devoured as part of an all-you-can-eat option or sold by the dozen for carry-out, often with daily specials. Call to order.

Great Tex-Mex isn’t necessarily the D.C. area’s strongest point, but Fairfax is lucky enough to boast two solid destinations for it — quirky Austin-based national chain Chuy’s, and the local Anita’s mini-chain. Try enchiladas draped in both green and red sauce, crispy taquitos, and a very good breakfast menu, particularly for those nursing a hangover. Order online through the website.

This Latin American shop serves a rotating array of cheesy breads, saltenas, tamales, and traditional Bolivian dishes such as silpancho, which is breaded and fried ground beef served with rice, potatoes, and eggs. Up for a challenge? Try the tranca pecho, a giant sandwich filled with steak, fried eggs, rice, and pico de gallo.

This newish mini-chain is a great option for — you guessed it — noodle dishes, but also makes some mean soup dumplings and a refreshing cucumber salad.

This traditional Irish pub is a destination for live music and offers formidable food to match. Give items like the french fries with curry sauce, a nice chicken club, or traditional fish and chips a try. Delivery available through GrubHub.

After a tiny boom a few years ago, Uyghur food has again become tricky to find in D.C. But this restaurant (which has multiple locations in the area) excels at the cuisine’s signature dishes, from cumin-scented kebabs to hand-pulled Laghman noodles and plenty of lamb dishes.

For consistent, well-executed Indian food, Curry Mantra is a winner. Goat curries, tandoori dishes, biryani and more are handled with care and precision. Order online here.