clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
A red bowl of soup garnished with bean sprouts, mint, peanuts. and more.
Noodle soup from Padaek.
Padaek/Facebook

Where to Eat in the Dynamic, Diverse Neighborhood of Falls Church, Va.

The Northern Virginia suburb has a plethora of options

View as Map
Noodle soup from Padaek.
| Padaek/Facebook

Falls Church residents know that their home boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to restaurants, especially international ones. There’s plenty of Peruvian chicken, stellar sushi, Bolivian comfort food, and more. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can wake up and grab a stellar coffee from Rare Bird Roasters, a quick lunch from any of the excellent destinations in Vietnamese shopping center Eden Center, an afternoon ice cream treat from Little City Creamery, dinner at one of three different crawfish restaurants in the neighborhood, and a late night pupusa from the Pupuseria Mana truck parked at Rt. 50 and Graham Road — and that’s all without taking advantage of the specific standout destinations highlighted on this map.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Taco Bamba

Copy Link

Victor Albisu’s mini-chain of Mexican restaurants got its start right here. The original location is the most no-frills, but it’s still the place to find stellar tacos stuffed with everything from octopus to carnitas. Albisu’s mother Rosa Susinski runs the Plaza Latina market housed in the same shopping center. Order takeout here.

Two tostadas with a runny egg in the middle.
Tostadas from Taco Bamba.
Taco Bamba

Spacebar

Copy Link

This tiny, divey haven for grilled cheeses with various toppings is a Falls Church standby. Diners can customize their sandwiches (as well as their totchos) with just about every ingredient imaginable. There’s a wide selection of beers to wash it all down. Online ordering available here.

A pile of fried tater tots topped with cheese and bacon.
Totchos from Spacebar.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Northside Social Falls Church

Copy Link

Falls Church’s coffee scene has been stepping up in recent years, with great options like local roaster Rare Bird and chill cafe Cafe Kindred in the mix. This particular all-day gathering place is a local haunt for coffee and pastries in the morning, brunch on the weekends, and pizza and wine in the evenings. Don’t miss items like the Earl Grey blueberry scone or the giant cinnamon buns. The owners also oversee nearby Liberty Barbecue. Order online here, extensive outdoor seating available (expect many patrons with cute dogs on the patio).

Maneki Neko Japanese Restaurant

Copy Link

This charming Japanese restaurant with consistently friendly service sells a variety of traditional dishes ranging from katsu don to tempura udon to Japanese curry. A sushi board inside details daily specials (get the live scallop if it’s available). Order carryout directly through the restaurant; delivery available thru UberEats. The restaurant has a tiny patio.

A big bowl of udon with tempura positioned to the right.
Tempura udon and more from Maneki Neko.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Thompson Italian

Copy Link

This Falls Church restaurant came on the scene a few years ago to rave reviews for its homemade pastas and impressive desserts (don’t miss the olive oil cake). Starting dinner with an order of the garlic bread is a must. Outdoor seating available; order takeout online. A second location just opened in Alexandria.

Black colored spaghetti topped with seafood and pepper flakes.
Squid ink pasta from Thompson’s Italian.
Thompson Italian/Facebook

Pizzeria Orso

Copy Link

Chef Bertrand Chemel of fine-dining mainstay 2941 also presides over Pizzeria Orso, a casual neighborhood spot for Neapolitan pies (they’re certified), Italian small plates like arancini, excellent salads, and a small selection of pastas. The bar is a lively spot for half-priced wine on Wednesday evenings. Carryout available here.

A pizza topped with colored peppers and blobs of mozzarella.
Pizza from Pizzeria Orso.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Borek G Cafe & Market: Turkish Mom's Cooking

Copy Link

These Turkish favorites from the Falls Church farmers markets now have their own cafe for pastries, spreads, and even Turkish groceries. The namesake pastry, particularly the one filled with meat and tomato, is one of the best versions around, and they also have a way with thin, slightly filled flatbreads.

A mound of stuffed pastries studded with sesame seeds.
Beef borek from Borek G.
Borek G

Chef Jay Yu shows exquisite craftmanship and showcases high-quality seafood at his tiny seafood restaurant in Falls Church. The chirashi is an affordable way to sample some of the freshest fish of the day; the seared scallop is a great standby nigiri, but consider the specials on the board for the freshest options available. Order takeout by calling the restaurant directly.

Four pairs of nigiri and two rolls.
A selection of sushi from Takumi
Missy Frederick/Eater

La Tingeria

Copy Link

This former food truck now has a permanent location on Lee Highway that is consistently packed with fans. They specialize in halal tacos, tortas, and more (try the “halal pastor”).

Luzmary Bolivian Restaurant

Copy Link

This unassuming little restaurant with an expanded patio is a great destination for Bolivian dishes. Don’t miss the silpancho — a breaded steak dish topped with egg — the ceviche, or the giant sandwich. There’s also a limited selection of Tex-Mex dishes. Takeout available here.

Breaded steak topped with fried egg and pico de gallo.
Silpancho from Luzmary.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Fava Pot

Copy Link

Falls Church’s only Egyptian restaurant charms with warm service and tall, frosty glasses of mint lemonade. Traditional dishes such as freekeh-stuffed squab and lamb chops with grape leaves appear alongside familiar spreads like hummus and baba ghanoush. The restaurant also serves breakfast all day. Order online here.

Various dips with a basket of charred bread in the background.
A trio of spreads at Fava Pot.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Rice Paper

Copy Link

It’s almost impossible to choose from the many excellent Vietnamese options presented by Eden Center. Rice Paper is one of the MVPs, with an expansive menu, cooking precision, and a spare but stylish design. Order online here.

Spin Pollo

Copy Link

Falls Church has several solid options for pollo a la brasa, but Spin Pollo takes it to the next level with their impressive variety of sides, from fragrant pinto beans to chaufa to mac and cheese. Other Peruvian dishes are available as well, such as lomo saltado. Always order extra green sauce. Takeout/delivery available on Toast, GrubHub, DoorDash, and Seamless.

Peruvian chicken surrounded by lomo saltado, wings, fries, chaufa, steak, corn, and more.
A variety of dishes from Spin Pollo.
Spin Pollo/Facebook

Bertrand Chemel’s European-influenced destination restaurant has widened its options over the years to be both a place for special occasions and random nights out. Fish dishes, pastas, and soups are among his specialities, all served in a picturesque setting complete with a koi pond. The serene scene attracts many wedding parties.

2941 exterior, including a view of the pond and the restaurant lit up at night.
2941’s exterior.
2941

Lee's Sandwiches

Copy Link

Falls Church is bursting with options for banh mi, from local stalwart Banh Mi DC Sandwich to Eden Center’s own Banh Mi So 1. Lee’s Sandwich, which opens early in the morning and often draws an immediate line (there is coffee and breakfast sandwiches as well) has a variety of interesting fillings between its baguettes, but don’t sleep on that bread, which you can buy on its own fresh from the oven. Pro-tip: the carefully wrapped sandwiches are a great meal to bring on a plane.

Two wrapped banh mi.
Lee’s Sandwiches
Lee’s Sandwiches/Facebook

This restaurant started it all for D.C.’s Lao cuisine ambassador, Seng Luangrath. Previously called Bangkok Golden, the menu here has shifted to focus more on Lao dishes, though a Thai menu is still available. Carryout through the restaurant website; delivery through DoorDash (reservations suggested for dine-in).

Hong Kong Palace

Copy Link

A longtime destination for the area for Sichuan fare, including beef in hot pepper broth, spicy flounder, cumin lamb, and more. The restaurant also does a fine job with American-style Chinese food, whether it be General Tso’s or Happy Family. Ask about the specials on the wall. Online ordering here.

Celebrity Delly

Copy Link

This homey diner is where Falls Church residents go for generous sandwiches (give the steak and grilled cheese a whirl), a fine bowl of matzo ball soup, knishes, and latkes. Also a favorite for breakfast and brunch, the deli has been around for more than 50 years; they recently streamlined their menu and added a few new touches, like poutine. Order online through the website.

A French dip sandwich with jus, fries, and a pickle.
French dip from Celebrity Delly.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Checheho Ethiopian Restaurant

Copy Link

It’s easy to miss this restaurant, hidden in an industrial strip off of Seminary Road. But that would mean missing out on excellent versions of doro wat, various tibs dishes, kitfo, and more. The vegetarian combo is a must. Order online here.

A pile of meats and noodles surrounded by various colorful Ethiopian vegetarian dishes on top of injera bread.
A combination plate from Checheo.
Checheho/Facebook

Taco Bamba

Victor Albisu’s mini-chain of Mexican restaurants got its start right here. The original location is the most no-frills, but it’s still the place to find stellar tacos stuffed with everything from octopus to carnitas. Albisu’s mother Rosa Susinski runs the Plaza Latina market housed in the same shopping center. Order takeout here.

Two tostadas with a runny egg in the middle.
Tostadas from Taco Bamba.
Taco Bamba

Spacebar

This tiny, divey haven for grilled cheeses with various toppings is a Falls Church standby. Diners can customize their sandwiches (as well as their totchos) with just about every ingredient imaginable. There’s a wide selection of beers to wash it all down. Online ordering available here.

A pile of fried tater tots topped with cheese and bacon.
Totchos from Spacebar.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Northside Social Falls Church

Falls Church’s coffee scene has been stepping up in recent years, with great options like local roaster Rare Bird and chill cafe Cafe Kindred in the mix. This particular all-day gathering place is a local haunt for coffee and pastries in the morning, brunch on the weekends, and pizza and wine in the evenings. Don’t miss items like the Earl Grey blueberry scone or the giant cinnamon buns. The owners also oversee nearby Liberty Barbecue. Order online here, extensive outdoor seating available (expect many patrons with cute dogs on the patio).

Maneki Neko Japanese Restaurant

This charming Japanese restaurant with consistently friendly service sells a variety of traditional dishes ranging from katsu don to tempura udon to Japanese curry. A sushi board inside details daily specials (get the live scallop if it’s available). Order carryout directly through the restaurant; delivery available thru UberEats. The restaurant has a tiny patio.

A big bowl of udon with tempura positioned to the right.
Tempura udon and more from Maneki Neko.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Thompson Italian

This Falls Church restaurant came on the scene a few years ago to rave reviews for its homemade pastas and impressive desserts (don’t miss the olive oil cake). Starting dinner with an order of the garlic bread is a must. Outdoor seating available; order takeout online. A second location just opened in Alexandria.

Black colored spaghetti topped with seafood and pepper flakes.
Squid ink pasta from Thompson’s Italian.
Thompson Italian/Facebook

Pizzeria Orso

Chef Bertrand Chemel of fine-dining mainstay 2941 also presides over Pizzeria Orso, a casual neighborhood spot for Neapolitan pies (they’re certified), Italian small plates like arancini, excellent salads, and a small selection of pastas. The bar is a lively spot for half-priced wine on Wednesday evenings. Carryout available here.

A pizza topped with colored peppers and blobs of mozzarella.
Pizza from Pizzeria Orso.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Borek G Cafe & Market: Turkish Mom's Cooking

These Turkish favorites from the Falls Church farmers markets now have their own cafe for pastries, spreads, and even Turkish groceries. The namesake pastry, particularly the one filled with meat and tomato, is one of the best versions around, and they also have a way with thin, slightly filled flatbreads.

A mound of stuffed pastries studded with sesame seeds.
Beef borek from Borek G.
Borek G

Takumi

Chef Jay Yu shows exquisite craftmanship and showcases high-quality seafood at his tiny seafood restaurant in Falls Church. The chirashi is an affordable way to sample some of the freshest fish of the day; the seared scallop is a great standby nigiri, but consider the specials on the board for the freshest options available. Order takeout by calling the restaurant directly.

Four pairs of nigiri and two rolls.
A selection of sushi from Takumi
Missy Frederick/Eater

La Tingeria

This former food truck now has a permanent location on Lee Highway that is consistently packed with fans. They specialize in halal tacos, tortas, and more (try the “halal pastor”).

Luzmary Bolivian Restaurant

This unassuming little restaurant with an expanded patio is a great destination for Bolivian dishes. Don’t miss the silpancho — a breaded steak dish topped with egg — the ceviche, or the giant sandwich. There’s also a limited selection of Tex-Mex dishes. Takeout available here.

Breaded steak topped with fried egg and pico de gallo.
Silpancho from Luzmary.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Fava Pot

Falls Church’s only Egyptian restaurant charms with warm service and tall, frosty glasses of mint lemonade. Traditional dishes such as freekeh-stuffed squab and lamb chops with grape leaves appear alongside familiar spreads like hummus and baba ghanoush. The restaurant also serves breakfast all day. Order online here.

Various dips with a basket of charred bread in the background.
A trio of spreads at Fava Pot.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Rice Paper

It’s almost impossible to choose from the many excellent Vietnamese options presented by Eden Center. Rice Paper is one of the MVPs, with an expansive menu, cooking precision, and a spare but stylish design. Order online here.

Spin Pollo

Falls Church has several solid options for pollo a la brasa, but Spin Pollo takes it to the next level with their impressive variety of sides, from fragrant pinto beans to chaufa to mac and cheese. Other Peruvian dishes are available as well, such as lomo saltado. Always order extra green sauce. Takeout/delivery available on Toast, GrubHub, DoorDash, and Seamless.

Peruvian chicken surrounded by lomo saltado, wings, fries, chaufa, steak, corn, and more.
A variety of dishes from Spin Pollo.
Spin Pollo/Facebook

2941

Bertrand Chemel’s European-influenced destination restaurant has widened its options over the years to be both a place for special occasions and random nights out. Fish dishes, pastas, and soups are among his specialities, all served in a picturesque setting complete with a koi pond. The serene scene attracts many wedding parties.

2941 exterior, including a view of the pond and the restaurant lit up at night.
2941’s exterior.
2941

Lee's Sandwiches

Falls Church is bursting with options for banh mi, from local stalwart Banh Mi DC Sandwich to Eden Center’s own Banh Mi So 1. Lee’s Sandwich, which opens early in the morning and often draws an immediate line (there is coffee and breakfast sandwiches as well) has a variety of interesting fillings between its baguettes, but don’t sleep on that bread, which you can buy on its own fresh from the oven. Pro-tip: the carefully wrapped sandwiches are a great meal to bring on a plane.

Two wrapped banh mi.
Lee’s Sandwiches
Lee’s Sandwiches/Facebook

Related Maps

Padaek

This restaurant started it all for D.C.’s Lao cuisine ambassador, Seng Luangrath. Previously called Bangkok Golden, the menu here has shifted to focus more on Lao dishes, though a Thai menu is still available. Carryout through the restaurant website; delivery through DoorDash (reservations suggested for dine-in).

Hong Kong Palace

A longtime destination for the area for Sichuan fare, including beef in hot pepper broth, spicy flounder, cumin lamb, and more. The restaurant also does a fine job with American-style Chinese food, whether it be General Tso’s or Happy Family. Ask about the specials on the wall. Online ordering here.

Celebrity Delly

This homey diner is where Falls Church residents go for generous sandwiches (give the steak and grilled cheese a whirl), a fine bowl of matzo ball soup, knishes, and latkes. Also a favorite for breakfast and brunch, the deli has been around for more than 50 years; they recently streamlined their menu and added a few new touches, like poutine. Order online through the website.

A French dip sandwich with jus, fries, and a pickle.
French dip from Celebrity Delly.
Missy Frederick/Eater DC

Checheho Ethiopian Restaurant

It’s easy to miss this restaurant, hidden in an industrial strip off of Seminary Road. But that would mean missing out on excellent versions of doro wat, various tibs dishes, kitfo, and more. The vegetarian combo is a must. Order online here.

A pile of meats and noodles surrounded by various colorful Ethiopian vegetarian dishes on top of injera bread.
A combination plate from Checheo.
Checheho/Facebook

Related Maps