4 Great Places To Eat In Fairfax

Fairfax has bee ranked the third-best place to live well in the USA, and with many fantastic restaurants, it is not hard to see why. The city, formerly known as Providence, has one of the best selection of restaurants in northern Virginia. From NoVa (North Virginian) seafood to fresh Indian food, Fairfax has it all. A diverse group of restaurants has been feeding locals, college students, and their parents for decades. Given below are some of my favorite places to eat American food in Fairfax.

Artie's

Artie's is an American restaurant located at 3260 Old Lee Hwy Fairfax. Artie’s is a nautically-themed restaurant (think yacht club and model boats) serving legendary prime rib and lobster bisque that make this spot a must. Artie’s has superb service. This 40-year-old spot remains packed from open to close.  Some of my favorites include the short smoked salmon salad, brick chicken with grilled broccolini, smoked beef ribs, and blackened prime rib.

29 Diner

29 Diner is also an American restaurant located at 10536 Fairfax Blvd Fairfax. This iconic restaurant is on the National Register of Historic Places. But that’s not the only thing which attracts the customers. Its longevity is due to the all-day breakfast plates (steak and eggs, corned beef hash, biscuits, and gravy), assorted comfort foods (chili cheese fries, patty melts, fried chicken), and owner John Wood’s passion for smoked meats.

21 Great American Bistro

21 Great American Bistro is again an American restaurant located at 10427 North St #102 Fairfax. This family-run restaurant in the heart of the city has amassed a strong following in nearly four years of business. Three chefs with more than 80 combined years of experience man the kitchen, including a Watergate Hotel alum. Their fine dining background is evident in impeccable presentations. “Teasers” like baked brie and beef lollipops are joined by heartier fare like sous-vide duck breast, racks of lamb, and crab cakes. I suggest this restaurant if you are looking for great service combined with great food.

Coastal Flats

Coastal Flats is an American, seafood restaurant located at 11901 Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax. It is a local favorite. This beach house-themed restaurant serves coastal classics, bringing the best of a beach vacation right to its Tyson’s Corner Center shopping quarter location. Quirky fish sculptures hang from the ceiling, bringing a fun sea vibe perfectly aligned with the seafood on the menu, including all the classics such as crab cakes, clam chowder, and lobster roll.

Properties in Fairfax

Large (820 sqft) 1 Bed 1 Bath Condo.

4480 Market Commons Dr #206

Open Ceiling, Hardwood Living area, Granite Countertops with Breakfast Bar, Stainless Steel Appliances. Balcony overlooking courtyard. [Elan At East Market - $389,000]

Beautifully updated and modernized split level home in Fairfax.

11105 Byrd Dr

NO HOA!! Enormous and fully fenced backyard perfect for barbeques and/or fur babies. Inside, the home has been tastefully upgraded to have all of the must have modern conveniences such as a wall unit fireplace, large walk in closet in the primary suite, elegantly RE-designed primary en suite bathroom, hidden office for privacy while working from home, recessed LED lighting throughout. The family room is pre wired for an overhead projection tv and pre plumbed for a wet bar. Brand New Water Heater just installed. Check out the extra storage under the Main Level - accessible from the Utility room. There is nothing left to do but move right in and start unpacking. [Fairfax Villa - $740,000]

Welcome home to this lovely and expansive split foyer house in the sought after Middleridge community.

10707 Deneale Pl

Situated on a large lot off of a cul-de-sac, this extraordinary yard has been lovingly landscaped and boasts extensive hardscape and an in-ground pool. The bright entryway leads up to a large living and dining room expanded by a beautiful open, sun-room/breakfast room addition which bathes the eat-in kitchen and back of house in light. The kitchen has updated 42" custom cabinets, granite countertops and new luxury vinyl floors. The main level extends to a large primary bedroom with a walk-in closet and TWO en-suite full baths. (You don't have to share your bath with your partner!) This floor is rounded out by two good-sized bedrooms and a full hall bath. In the lower level family room where the hardwood floors extend, you can get cozy by the brick wood-burning fireplace or test your skills at the pool table. An additional LARGE fourth bedroom and renovated full bath complete the lower level living spaces. There is plenty of room for a workshop in the laundry/utility room on this floor. Off of the sunroom you walk out to the composite deck area with extensive terraced landscaping. Its a wonderful place to serve an alfresco meal or wander up the wide composite staircase to the in-ground pool set in the grassy, park-like, secluded back yard. The garage is large with a huge secondary area for storage or working out. The yard is fully fenced and has an in-ground irrigation system to keep the grass and landscaping watered and looking lush. This location can't be beat, with easy access to shopping, restaurants, GMU and major commuter routes. Updates: 2023 Roof, Hot Water Heater, Kitchen LPV flooring 2020 Main Floor Carpet Replaced 2019 Sunroom, Bay, and Casement Windows Replaced 2018 Driveway Repaved 2016 Trex Deck, Retaining Walls, and Front Walkway Installed [Middleridge - $965,000]

Wonderful opportunity to own a delightful home in The Assembly community - a parklike setting.

10517 Assembly Dr

Spacious brick townhouse has great bones and just needs a little TLC. Large primary bedroom ensuite and large closet. Other features include an eat in kitchen, built-ins in living room with fireplace, walk out basement (with additional fireplace) to lovely yard, hardwoods on main level and hardwoods likely upstairs under carpet. This community and home exude charm and are close to everything location - but feel very private. Lots of greenery! Located in the heart of Fairfax City -this is where you want to be. Easy commute with Metro and nearby Rt 66/50/29/495 and George Mason University. Come and get it! Here's your chance! [The Assembly - $529,000]

One owner home since it was built in 1957.

11002 Oakwood Dr

Incredible location directly across the street from Westmore Park. Expanded three bedroom Raised Rambler with full unfinished basement ready for your finishes. Large updated kitchen and family room addition. Lovely deck looking over the prettiest yard in the neighborhood. Great driveway for up to 4 cars. The owner was in the midst of a renovation and has decided to move on from the family home. Loads of nice updates. Bring your sweat equity and make it your dream home on your dream lot. The current heat is oil/forced air. There oil tank is in the basement. New owner can switch to natural gas or heat pump. The tank outside is for propane for the back up generator. Take a look at virtual tour for truplace link to floor plans & photos. [Westmore - $650,000]

No one knows exactly why Mantua is named so—perhaps after an Italian town, or maybe inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

9307 Saint Marks Pl

Regardless, one thing is certain: Mantua is a vibrant community, home to over 7,000 residents and conveniently located in the suburbs of Washington D.C. Welcome to this move-in ready, exquisitely renovated home, perched on a generous 0.46-acre premium lot in a quiet cul-de-sac within the heart of Mantua. Upon entering, you are greeted by a flawlessly updated interior that combines modern luxury with comfort. The heart of this home is undoubtedly the custom-designed kitchen, a dream for culinary enthusiasts with its top-of-the-line appliances, striking quartz countertops, and sleek cabinetry. It’s a space crafted for both the seasoned chef and the casual entertainer. The living spaces are designed with versatility and elegance in mind. The sunlit home office offers panoramic views that inspire productivity and creativity, while the cozy family room, anchored by a wood-burning fireplace, provides a warm retreat for intimate family gatherings or relaxed evenings. The lavish owner’s suite is a true sanctuary, featuring a spa-like primary bathroom equipped with a dual vanity, heated floors, designer tiles, a spacious shower, and a generous walk-in closet. The upper level is complemented by two additional bedrooms, each exuding comfort and style, perfect for family or guests. Descend to the lower level for more leisure space, where a modern laundry area and a designer full bathroom add functionality and style. This area is ideal for entertainment or as a private retreat for guests. This home isn’t just a place to live—it’s a testament to the beauty of modern renovation and thoughtful design, nestled in a community rich with history and charm. Whether you’re basking in the peaceful outdoor setting or enjoying the sophisticated indoor ambiance, this home invites you to experience the best of Mantua living. In addition to its tranquil residential setting, this home benefits from its close proximity to shops, restaurants, and major routes, enhancing convenience for daily living. The Mosaic District, just 10 minutes away, is a vibrant and upscale shopping and entertainment destination. The Mosaic District offers a unique blend of national retailers and local boutiques, along with a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. It’s also home to a cinema and several beautiful outdoor spaces, making it a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors looking for a lively, yet refined atmosphere. [Mantua Hills - $1,349,000]

Better than new construction, this 7-year-young custom beauty has what many new construction homes do not: a level, lush acre of land with mature landscaping and thick, leafy green grass and a mostly finished basement with a bit of customizable area, perfect for an exercise room and/or a media room (currently part of the unfinished area houses a greenhouse!).

4629 Holly Ave

It appraised for $1,750,000 in 2022 and since then the numerous upgrades throughout the home simply add to its specialness. As a new house, it was built with top-notch design elements and materials, and in the past two years, more thoughtful work has been done. About $150,000 in upgrades which include designer lighting fixtures (the Murano glass chandelier over the kitchen table is stunning) and ceiling fans, refinished wood floors, a new paver front walk and repaved driveway, a top-of-the-line security system, the latest and greatest garage door openers, an EV charger and, last but not least, solar panels. Take the stunning custom craftsmanship of this beautiful home, add all of these recent upgrades from the past two years, and you have the perfect new home awaiting you. And unlike so much of the new construction in northern Virginia, this home has so much yard! You have a full front yard and an outfield of a backyard, a full acre of land and perfect outdoor spaces - an expansive front porch and a huge back deck - from which to enjoy the bucolic views. Inside the house, the outside streams in - sunny and bright throughout the day. The main floor is so welcoming, with spaces open and flowing, but with boundaries that create coziness. And the main floor Primary Suite and laundry room make this the perfect home in which to not do stairs if you don’t want to! But you won’t want to miss the three large ensuite bedrooms/bathrooms on the second floor (and the second laundry room), nor the Rec Room, wet bar with beverage fridge, entertainment zone, the fifth bedroom and fifth full bath that you will find in the basement. Full of design, details, finishes, upgrades, and room for life to unfold, this house is the perfect home. The perfect home in the perfect place in the acclaimed Woodson school pyramid. It is so close to everything, with easy access to major thoroughfares, shopping and dining, yet, when you are home, you will feel as though you live in a small rural community, where life moves slowly and you are rooted in your land. What’s not to love? There are recording devices at the house. [Glen Alden - $1,795,000]

Come see this "VERY SPACIOUS" freshly painted brick front end unit townhome with 3 br's, 3.

12569 Royal Wolf Pl

5 ba's,, modern kitchen with island in the very desired Buckley's Reserve Community. Both the Breakfast Nook and the Family Room are off the kitchen. There's a Separate Din Rm with LARGE pass through from the kitchen. Beautiful white columns frame the dining room with its own decorative ceiling medallion and lovely chandelier. Office with built-in bookcases and recessed lights on 1st floor. Stainless steel double ovens and pantry. Corian kitchen counters. HW floors on 1st level and foyer. Crown moldings in living room, dining room and the 2 story foyer. Deck off breakfast room on 1st floor. Lots of recessed lights. 2 sets of french doors on the 1st floor (living room and library) are perfect for all the light and fresh air one could ask for. A wonderful feature!!!! Hardwood entry foyer with carpet runner. Beautiful white spindles. Doorbell and peephole to see who is at the front door! Front door has side lights and transom window. This townhome has it all!!!! W & D on upstairs level with light and shelving. Large Primary BR with sitting rm & 2 walk-in closets. Spacious primary bath with jetted soaking tub and separate glass shower. Double vanities, beautiful windows and white ceramic tile round out this lovely bath. There are 2 other nice sized bedrooms that are serviced by a tub/shower bath from the hallway. Nice linen closet. All upstairs bedrooms have ceiling fans with lights. The lower level has a huge rec rm with a gas FP and a wonderful extra space area for a pool table or a ping pong table or whatever you want it to be. Lots of recessed lights here too. Atrium doors from the rec room and the extra space area lead to a privacy fenced rear deck/patio. Think you have a Green Thumb? Grow your own flowers, vegetables or spices in your own backyard!!!! The two car garage is oversized. Large storage area off to the right side with a full sized window (very rare). There's even extra storage under the foyer entrance with its own light. Water spigots in garage and in backyard area. In 2 car garage there are extra electrical outlets in the storage area. There are electrical outlets on the front of the townhome and in the private backyard area too (great for Holiday decorations). Shelving and built-ins in garage convey. There's a keypad on the right side of the garage door entrance so one can get the garage door open when garage door is closed and you aren't in your car!!!! This garage is fully drywalled which is not done by most builders. Garage door opener with 2 remotes. 2 lights in the garage. 1/3 horsepower garage door opener. Entry to back yard and deck/patio through gate on right side of townhome. Verizon already in this townhome. Furnace replaced in attic about 5 years ago. Double ovens in kitchen replaced about 2013. Washer and dryer replaced in about 2022. There are too many features to list here. Wonderful community and property!!!! Community features 2 children's playgrounds, open green space and multiple walking paths leading to a beautiful community pond. Close to Shopping, Costco, Restaurants, Metro, GMU, Fair Oaks Mall and so much more. Great location. Right off Fairfax County Parkway, Lee Hwy near Ox Rd. and I-66. [Buckleys Reserve - $775,000]

Maryam

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Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.