Restaurant review: Hunan Gate
4233 N. Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, Va.
703-243-5678

Takeout Chinese is often hit-or-miss, and too often different restaurants churn out food tasting exactly the same. But if you’re careful with the menu, most takeout joints will have a few dishes better than the rest.

Restaurant review: La Tasca
2900 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, Va.
703-812-9120

La Tasca, a Tapas spot in Clarendon, seems to have a lot going for it. The location couldn't be better, smack in the middle of booming Clarendon. The space is fun, three levels but not overly loud. And it's tapas, king of the small-plate craze.

But look beneath the surface and this place is plain awful.

Restaurant review: Vapiano
4401 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, Va.
703-528-3113

Vapiano, a pizza/pasta/bar combo, recently opened its doors in Ballston. The capital region will boast three locations, the first group in North America for this German chain.

Vapiano is a hybrid fast-food joint with a lounge-like feel. Upon entering, you receive what appears to be a gift card (in fact, that's what it is in Europe, worth 50 euros) that records purchases. Swipe the card when ordering food or drink, then present the card as you leave to pay.

Food stations include pasta, salads, and a pizza/appetizer post. There is also a bar with a variety of drinks. Food is made-to-order, and the quality of ingredients generally high.

Restaurant review: Taqueria El Charrito Caminante
2710 N. Washington Blvd.
Arlington, Va.
703-351-1177

Taqueria El Charrito Caminante isn't an easy restaurant to promote, at least not outside the Latino community. Visit at any time of day and it's clear that this hole-in-the-wall takeout counter sees a lot of traffic, just not many gringos.

And that's too bad. With the scarcity of quality Mexican food in Washington, this gem is a perfect introduction for the uninitiated to delicious Mexican fast food.

Restaurant review: Huong Que (Four Sisters)
6769 Wilson Blvd.
Falls Church, Va.
703-538-6717

Huong Que, or Four Sisters, is a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant tucked in the northwest corner of Eden Center near Seven Corners in Falls Church.

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: Aladdin's Eatery
4245 Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, Va.
703-528-0078

Lebanese food is growing in popularity. From the upscale Layalina and the Lebanese Taverna chain to the speedy Aladdin's Eatery, there are more options than ever.

A new Aladdin's outpost opened in January in Ballston, in the space formerly occupied by the Flat Top Grill. It joins its cousins in Shirlington and Burke.

Restaurant review: Elevation Burger
442 S. Washington St.
Falls Church, Va.
(703) 237-4343

West Coast natives should be familiar with In-N-Out Burger, the fast food equivalent of crack. Burgers are cheap and fabulous, fries out of this world. Potentially the best fast food ever, with a cult-like following.

Washington now has its equivalent, Elevation Burger.

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.