There are plenty of food establishments to choose from in the forever growing metropolitan area of Northern Virginia. But it gets dull munching on the same meal from the run-of-the-mill eatery and the rest of the lot are usually second-rate at best. If you’re sick of the same old same old, check out these underrated restaurants that are sure to impress.
Loving Hut:
Dedicated to adding a spark of flavor to the limited variety of foods a vegan diet has to offer, Loving Hut is one of the fastest growing vegan chain restaurants worldwide. Each location has a unique menu to allow for innovative meals catered towards the surrounding community. Our local Loving Hut serves up Vietnamese favorites with a green twist. Skeptical foodies might raise their eyebrows at of the lack of animal products (a common ingredient in Vietnamese cooking), but Loving Hut is eager to prove them wrong. Dishes to try– the Lemongrass Protein and the Canoli. Even though milk is not used to make the cream and meat is not the source of protein, these dishes are still sweet and savory.
Rose Kabob Restaurant:
This family-run restaurant has won the Washingtonian Best Bargain Restaurant Award ever since they’ve opened up in 2007, and quite possibly serves the best Persian food in the area. Don’t be deterred by the plain decor or hole-in-the-wall location; fresh ingredients and punchy flavors are easily the stars of the show. Plus, they never fail to please with their classic American-Persian dish, the Kabob Kubideh.
Maple Ave
Established by a young engineer that wanted to pursue his passion for food, Maple Ave serves up eclectic, American cuisine with only eight tables to fair. Founder and head chef Tim Ma risked everything he had to study the culinary arts, revamping a local Anita’s into a chic, gourmet restaurant. They’re praised on their distinctive flavor to the standard American food. Maple Ave is one of a few selected restaurants to be recognized by DC’s Eater 38. With that being said, good food comes at a great price- Maple Ave is by far the priciest place on our list.