Restaurant review: EatBar
2761 Washington Boulevard
Arlington, Va.
703-778-5051

By Jerry Munk

The name comes from the decades-old neon “EAT” sign that hangs over what used to be Tallula’s front bar and Whitey’s before that. EatBar claims to be the New World cousin of English gastropubs – places where one can get a good pint and good, locally produced food, prepared with care. EatBar is all that and at a price more appropriate for a weeknight than its upscale neighbor.

Restaurant review: Asahi Kaiten
Ballston Common Mall
Arlington, Va.
703-248-0777

Many mall restaurants aren't worth their square feet, but Asahi Kaiten breaks this mold. It pairs high-quality sushi with a fun atmosphere. Service is also particularly attentive.

Restaurant review: Willow
4301 North Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, Va.
(703) 465-8800

Willow is a fantastic addition to Ballston, where fine dining and formal settings are a rare breed. The food is billed as French-Northern Italian, but chef Tracy O'Grady seems to enjoy ranging further afield. The bill of fare isn't deep, but small shifts in ingredients and dishes keep the solid core of the menu fresh.

Restaurant review: Layalina
5216 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, Va.
703-525-1170
Web site

Layalina is the perfect example of a neighborhood restaurant done right. The service is gracious, atmosphere warm and food delicious.

Lebanese fare hits many of the trendy notes now in vogue, with its large selection of small plates and exotic ingredients such as pomegranate seeds. But this established restaurant is no flash in the pan and definitely worth the trip.

Restaurant review: Pho 75
1721 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, Va.
703-525-7355

Vietnamese beef noodle soup, or pho, is ubiquitous throughout Northern Virginia. One of the best options is Pho 75.

Restaurant review: Il Radicchio
1801 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, Va.
(703) 276-2627

Restaurants with gimmicks often flop, but the endless spaghetti paired with a variety of a la carte sauces at this little-known spot offer some tasty Italian food at a reasonable price.

Restaurant review: Taqueria Poblano
2503 N. Harrison St.
Arlington, Va.
703-237-8250

A wide selection of a la carte tacos forms the foundation of this family-friendly restaurant, which also has an Alexandria location. It's a little bright, and the kid-count can reach maddening levels, but the good food and some of the friendliest service around are worth the trip.

Restaurant review: Sala Siam
3813 Lee Highway
Arlington, Va.
(703) 528-5833

Formerly dubbed Supee's Kitchen, this true hole-in-the-wall serves some of the best Thai in the D.C. area, but the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.