The independent spirit that exists in historic Alexandria, Virginia has inspired some of the nation’s top chefs and food purveyors. Strolling down the cobblestone streets I found myself tempted by the charming cafes and creative restaurants housed among 18th and 19th century architecture. Whether your looking for revolutionary dining or a meal rooted in tradition your taste buds are sure to be happy in Alexandria.
Vermilion is one of the jewels of Alexandria’s dining scene focusing on seasonal, farm to table offerings with a modern twist . The cozy ruby hued booths downstairs are perfect for a romantic date night while the casually modern space upstairs is great for groups. Our night started with expertly crafted cocktails from the bar from the bar and an amuse of house cured smoked salmon topped with local goat cheese and dill. Go for the four course tasting menu which highlights the chef’s favorite dishes that evening or choose what speaks to you from the seasonal menu. Baby beet and shaved radish salad was the perfect veggie mix of sweet and spicy, the smoked sesame seeds on top lent a unique take on a familiar flavor. Lamb tenderloin was succulent and fork tender, paired with grilled polenta and local asparagus showcased the best the spring menu has to offer.Dessert the absolute highlight of my night. The in house pastry chef has fun with childhood favorites and her take on lemon meringue paired with pistachio-rose ice cream and a pomegranate drizzle was a heavenly take on a classic pie. Vermilion is a presidential favorite as well having hosted President and Mrs. Obama for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.
Tucked into one of Alexandria’s classic brick townhomes, La Bergerie will take your taste buds straight to Lyon. The charming owner Laurent greeted us warmly as we settled in one of the cozy booths.Exposed brick walls, elegant floral arrangements and candlelit tables set the tone for our romantic evening. Feeling adventurous I ordered the escargot to begin my meal. Previously I’ve found the texture of these gastropods to be tough and rubbery but at La Bergerie I was pleasantly surprised. Served in a dedicated Staub escargot dish these snails were tender with a mild flavor that was a great foil for the delicate garlic sauce. I have a personal rule that if something comes to the table on fire I must order it and at La Bergerie dinner is about the show as much as the meal with many of the dishes prepared tableside. The experienced staff flambeed my lobster in a blaze of cognac finished off with a bit of lemongrass which was served alongside a spring vegetable risotto. Another standout dish of the night was the elk tenderloin with sweet potato souffle, an elevated take on the ubiquitous filet mingon. You can never, ever go wrong with french dessert and La Bergerie again delivered. I got to enjoy another bit of pyrotechnic theatrics with the classic crepe Suzette prepared at our table and the Grand Marnier souffle was an airy, eggy, citrusy delight. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or just in the mood for classic French cusine La Bergerie will surely impress with its romantic atmosphere and impeccable service.
Located a short drive from Old Town in the lively Del Ray neighborhood Cheesetique is a temple to all things cheese. Grab a seat at the bar and let the friendly staff help you choose the perfect cheese plate to savor with a glass of wine or head back to the charming dining room for a romantic date night. Not to miss is their gooey, melty mac ‘n’ cheese; ranked as one of the best in the country by none other than Food & Wine magazine. Cheesetique carries an assortment of select cheeses from around the world as well as a variety of gourmet sundries. Don’t know a chevre from a camembert? Let the knowledgeable cheese mongers steer you in the right direction or stop by during one of their classes to improve your cheese IQ.
Elena says
The three places look very classy and your food pictures just made me wanna go out for dinner 🙂
Brianna says
We enjoyed all 3 places, it was hard to choose from the menus though. Everything looked so good!
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
I like both tableside cooking and souffles, so La Bergerie would be a winner for me. Cheesetique is an interesting concept in that I’ve never been to a cheese-oriented restaurant. The closest thing I’ve encountered is a straight up cheese shop. And I like that Vermillion has both the romantic and group gathering meals covered. Great suggestions.
Brianna says
I really enjoyed eating my way through Alexandria, everything was delicious!
Samantha says
The cheese and wine place looks like it would be right up my alley! Ah I miss cheese….Czech Republic has only plastic cheese! Yuk!
Brianna says
You can never go wrong with cheese. The cheeses they feature are small family owner farmers and creameries, no fake orange cheese here.
Christina says
Fake cheese? Glad I live in Austria. We don´t have fake cheese (at least not where I live and shop).
The side flambe looks great as well as the decoration in all the three places.
Brianna says
I always love watching my food be prepared, whether its a street vendor or tableside flambe at a fancy restaurant.
Dave Cole says
Ah, Old Town – such a beautiful spot to walk around on a spring evening. Vermilion does look cozy – if it’s good enough for O, it’s good enough for me 🙂 I really like the design in the shot of Cheesetique and can picture myself there with a plate of their mac and cheese and a glass of Rioja the next time I’m in D.C.
Brianna says
I loved that I felt comfortable in jeans at a restaurant frequented by presidents. Sitting at the bar in Cheesetique with a plate of cheeses and a glass of cabernet was the perfect way to pass a few hours.
Karen Warren says
It looks fabulous. Especially the cheese – one of my favourite foods ever!
Brianna says
You can never,ever go wrong with cheese.
Samantha says
All those places look pretty fancy! Must be, if it’s good enough for the president!
Brianna says
While they look fancy they are by no means pretentious. Alexandria has a creative spirit and is a very welcoming place.
Illia says
I choose Cheesetique! Just because I love cheese & wine so much. Nothing never ever can beat this combination. 🙂
Brianna says
Cheese and wine are definitely two of life’s greatest pleasures.
Rashad Pharaon says
A grand marnier souffle? Ooff.. looks so scrumptious and sumptuous I’d probably get drunk I’d eat so many. Love your classy taste… wonderful picks.
Brianna says
That’s exactly why I ordered it, orange is one of my favorite flavors and this dessert did not disappoint.
Brad Frankel says
cant go wrong ever with cheese and wine – plus the lamb looks awesome.
Brianna says
The lamb was one of the best I’d tasted!
Bob R says
Well, if I ever make it to Alexandria, I’ll need to look no further than this list for dining destinations. They all look excellent – Vermillion looks the most appealing. At least right now. 🙂
Brianna says
Whichever one you choose you really can’t go wrong.
Lindsay says
I love Vermilion and La Bergerie! Never tried Chessetique. I think my absolute favorite in Old Town is Restaurant Eve, though. That place is SPECIAL!
Brianna says
Restaurant Eve is definitely on the agenda the next time I’m in Alexandria.
Bianca @itsallbee says
Oh my I am now hungry just looking at those food pictures. Looks like a place to add to my list.
Brianna says
You certainly won’t leave any of these establishments hungry.
Corinne says
Cheesetique sounds like just the place for me. Yum!
Brianna says
I’m fairly certain I could eat cheese for every meal.
Beth says
If I ever visit Alexandria, I think I’d pick Vermilion! … Though, you can’t really go wrong with good cheese (except where I live we get plenty of that!)
Brianna says
Vermilion will definitely have a return visit from me. Great food in a casual atmosphere and a chance to rub elbows with the Obamas? I’m in!
Christine says
OMG! Remind me to never read your post when I’m hungry! I am seriously drooling, everything sounds amazing. You do a great job of describing every mouthwatering bite. Excuse me while I go find a midnight snack…
Brianna says
I’ve made myself hungry when going through my pictures! Unfortunately there’s no one at my house to make me lobster flambe…….
Margherita @The Crowded Planet says
All three places look fab, but if I had to choose I would go for Cheesetique. Great to see that the art of table-side flambé is not yet extinct. I love that kind of restaurants!
Brianna says
Like I mentioned in the post, if something comes to the table on fire I must order it 🙂
Adelina | PackMeTo says
Oh boy that souffle looks delish! I really like the store front of Vermilion too so cute.
Brianna says
That souffle was worth every single calorie!
frankaboutcroatia says
All three places look fabulous. It’s hard to pick a favorite one. I love the look of Vermilion. And I’m a sucker for anything local, fresh and seasonal, so this would perhaps be my first choice for eating out in Alexandria. Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
You really are spoiled for choice in Alexandria when it comes to restaurants, Vermilion has definitely earned its reputation as one of the nation’s best.
Heather @ TravelingSaurus says
Oh my goodness, look at that souffle!!
Since I reside in DC, I have absolutely no good excuse not to go check out these places.
Brianna says
You definitely must go! Out of the 3 Vermilion was my favorite.
Lauren says
Your rule of ordering things that are on fire is so funny! I’m glad that you found such wonderful restaurants! 🙂 Thank you so much for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust! Just as a quick sidenote, when you link up we do require that you post our #WeekendWanderlust image with a link back to one of the blogs that hosts! I have all of the instructions available here – http://justinpluslauren.com/link/ , it’s an easy cut and paste of code to place at the bottom of your post. Thank you so much for linking up this week and we hope to see you back next week as well! 🙂
Jessi says
Oh, the flambe looks amazing. I love food they light on fire first. Wonderful pictures. I love Alexandria, though I haven’t been there in ages!
Brianna says
The flambe was so much fun(and darn tasty too!)
Carmen (CarmensTravelTips) says
What a great selection of restaurants. I’ve driven through Virginia but have never stopped in Alexandria. I’ll make sure to stop next time we are in the area. Thanks for being part of #WeekendWanderlast this week.
Brianna says
Alexandria is great for a weekend stop and very easy to get to from DC.
Jane says
The food presented in your images looks interesting even if in the first place I thought that I will see some bugs or other strange things.
I think I will give it a try next week.