Arlington Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Arlington. Your complete guide to dining in Arlington.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Arlington! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Arlington has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Arlington's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Arlington like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Arlington offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Arlington.
The Tipsy Oak
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.5 stars from 2560 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 301 E Front St, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
The Social House
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.4 stars from 1963 reviews.
📍 1705 N Collins St #101, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Rodeo Goat - Arlington
Highly rated American in Arlington with 4.5 stars from 394 reviews.
📍 333 E Division St, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
Highly rated American in Arlington with 4.9 stars from 4325 reviews.
📍 1805 N Collins St #121, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Cafe Americana
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.6 stars from 293 reviews.
📍 403 E Main St, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Padaek Arlington Ridge
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.6 stars from 214 reviews.
📍 2931 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22206, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Highly rated American in Arlington with 4.4 stars from 3848 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 241 E Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76018, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Hurtado Barbecue
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.5 stars from 3718 reviews.
📍 205 E Front St, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Royal Nepal TX Bar and Grill
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.9 stars from 157 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 406 W Abram St, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Soy Cowboy
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.4 stars from 258 reviews.
📍 888 Nolan Ryan Expy Ste. A, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Beirut grill Arlington
Highly rated Mediterranean in Arlington with 4.8 stars from 929 reviews.
📍 2410 W Abram St Suite 126, Arlington, TX 76013, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Mediterranean cuisine
Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.6 stars from 361 reviews.
📍 209 N Pecan St Ste 101, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Arlington.
Farmers Market - Arlington TX
Highly rated International in Arlington with 4.7 stars from 486 reviews.
📍 3001 W Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76016, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
International Food Land
Highly rated Bakery in Arlington with 4.2 stars from 324 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 1729 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Downtown Arlington Farmers Market
Highly rated International in Arlington with 4.9 stars from 9 reviews.
📍 300 W Front St, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Ben Thanh Plaza and Central Market
Highly rated International in Arlington with 4.1 stars from 2997 reviews.
📍 1818 E Pioneer Pkwy Ste 100, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
WinCo Foods
Highly rated Bakery in Arlington with 4.5 stars from 3096 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 4620 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76017, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Global Food Market
Highly rated International in Arlington with 4.6 stars from 278 reviews.
📍 800 E Sublett Rd #100, Arlington, TX 76018, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Southwest Farmers Market
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 3.8 stars from 1142 reviews.
📍 1011 E Arkansas Ln, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Farmers Market
Highly rated International in Arlington with 4.6 stars from 105 reviews.
📍 Plaza, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Arlington.
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Arlington.
Kaldi's Social House
Highly rated Cafe in Arlington with 4.4 stars from 838 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3100 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Simona Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Arlington with 4.7 stars from 593 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2507 Franklin Rd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Arlington with 4.7 stars from 1075 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 520 12th St S Suite 150, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
Highly rated Bakery in Arlington with 4.4 stars from 1884 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1515 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
maman
Highly rated Bakery in Arlington with 4.9 stars from 95 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2055 15th St N Suite 1B, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Tous les Jours Bakery and Cafe
Highly rated Bakery in Arlington with 4.8 stars from 207 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1100 S Hayes St suite h40, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Detour Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Arlington with 4.5 stars from 612 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 946 N Jackson St, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Northside Social Coffee & Wine
Highly rated Cafe in Arlington with 4.5 stars from 2563 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3211 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Arlington.
Signature Dish
A must-try Arlington specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Arlington dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Arlington with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Arlington specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Arlington creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Arlington classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Arlington specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Arlington dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Arlington with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Arlington specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Arlington.
Caves Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Arlington with 4.5 stars from 1025 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 900 W Division St, Arlington, TX 76012, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Salt
Highly rated Bar in Arlington with 4.7 stars from 380 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1201 Wilson Blvd g113, Arlington, VA 22209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Barley Mac
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.5 stars from 2712 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1600 Wilson Blvd Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Celtic House Whiskey Bar
Highly rated Bar in Arlington with 4.9 stars from 38 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2500 Columbia Pike LOWER LEVEL, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Cowboy Cafe
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.4 stars from 545 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4792 Langston Blvd., Arlington, VA 22207, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Brass Rabbit
Highly rated Restaurant in Arlington with 4.3 stars from 226 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1210 N Garfield St, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Arlington's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Arlington vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arlington is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Arlington offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Arlington specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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