Northern Virginia Restaurant Notes
First published on my writing site: www.aliamin.info/2026/10/northern-virginia-restaurant-notes/
My Google Maps reviews of restaurants across Northern Virginia, from Woodbridge to McLean. Most are halal; where a place is not, I say so.
Bourbon and Fig, Lake Ridge
My rating: 5 out of 5
The most upscale ambiance & carefully decorated restaurant in the DMV. Surprising level of quality for Lake Ridge. Some of the meals rivaled meals we've been served at Michelin star restaurants. Artichoke, shrimp bisque, & coconut hallibut were highlights for me. Impeccable service, thanks to our waiter Chris. Met the owner Bassam. Everyone was so polite & courteous.
Bourbon and Fig, 2243 A Old Bridge Rd, Lake Ridge, VA 22192. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on February 6, 2026.
Kazan, McLean
My rating: 5 out of 5
Halal restaurant serving authentic Turkish food. One of the few restaurants I keep returning to year after year. A hidden gem, family owned and run. Very respectful and cordial. Albanian liver and doner kebab are to die for. Not a Michelin star establishment but more enjoyable than many of them. True comfort food.
Kazan Restaurant, 6813 Redmond Dr, McLean, VA 22101. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on March 16, 2024.
Kanoon Smoked Meat & Steakhouse, Herndon
My rating: 5 out of 5
Incredible halal smoked meat & steakhouse. So wonderful to have a place like this nearby. Fried barbeque chicken was sizzling and amazing. Short ribs were fantastic. I didn't like the mushroom sauce on the steak, I would've preferred a thicker steak with just a standard garlic sauce. Everything was delicious. Clean and respectful staff. Will be back soon.
Kanoon Smoked Meat & Steakhouse Restaurant, 1106 Herndon Pkwy, Herndon, VA 20170. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on January 21, 2026.
Layla's Lebanese Restaurant, Woodbridge
My rating: 5 out of 5
Very clean and well decorated Lebanese restaurant. Decently priced large portions. Enjoyed the kibbeh nayyah especially. Staff very friendly and accommodating. Recommend a trip.
Layla's Lebanese Restaurant, 2217 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on January 21, 2026.
Yume Sushi, Arlington
My rating: 4 out of 5
The decor and atmosphere is great. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Our server Kathy was very helpful and accomodating. She did a great job recommending pieces that were good for someone new to sushi.
We had the watermelon daikon salad, Crazy Monkey (smoked salmon), seared scallops, and Monster Trio (with salmon substituted for wagyu).
All of it was delicious. The Monster Trio in particular was fantastic.
Sushi is a bit expensive but to be expected for a restaurant of this caliber.
Yume Sushi, 2121 N Westmoreland St A-2, Arlington, VA 22213. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on January 21, 2026.
Marib, Springfield
My rating: 5 out of 5
Generous portions of rice and well cooked Yemeni food. Lamb hanidh was spectacular. Mom loved lamb shank. Chicken was a bit dry, but that's common Arab style.
Marib Restaurant, 6981 Hechinger Dr, Springfield, VA 22151. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on February 5, 2024.
Chili on Top, Woodbridge
My rating: 4 out of 5
The food was really delicious. Great flavors and interesting Korean Mexican fusion. The only problem was that the food arrived cold (room temperature)? Considering that it was delivered from only 4 miles away, that's confusing. I wanted to give this place 5 stars because the portion sizes were great, the execution was excellent, and the food was enjoyable. I just couldn't wrap my mind around how the food was already totally cold after arriving from a short drive away. I hope I can update this review with a better rating in the future.
CHILI ON TOP (WOODBRIDGE), 12531 Dillingham Square, Woodbridge, VA 22192. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on January 21, 2026.
Bansari Indian Cuisine, Vienna
My rating: 5 out of 5
Great halal Indian food. Had butter chicken bone-in and lamb rogan josh. Chole bhature
Bansari Indian Cuisine, 2750 Gallows Rd H, Vienna, VA 22180. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on March 29, 2024.
Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken, Woodbridge
My rating: 5 out of 5
Delicious halal Nashville style chicken and Korean style
Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings – Woodbridge, VA, 14111 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on March 16, 2024.
HCK Hot Chicken, Woodbridge
My rating: 4 out of 5
Delicious Nashville style chicken, just a bit expensive for the portion sizes. Halal!
HCK Hot Chicken, 14313 Potomac Mills Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on March 16, 2024.
Kabob Zone, Woodbridge
My rating: 4 out of 5
Great delicious reliable food. A bit on the pricey side lately. Butter chicken is great.
Kabob Zone, 1403 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on May 7, 2024.
Shawarma Taco, Woodbridge
My rating: 5 out of 5
Substituted our beef tacos for lamb gyro. Was absolutely delicious. Very friendly owner Mohammad.
Shawarma Taco, 2700 Potomac Mills Cir, Woodbridge, VA 22192. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on August 21, 2025.
Dosirock, Woodbridge
My rating: 5 out of 5
Very generous portion sizes to price. Food was good, although not spectacular. Seafood pancake was very filling and hearty.
Dosirock, 2042 Daniel Stuart Square, Woodbridge, VA 22191. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on February 9, 2024.
Southern Style Chicken & Waffle, Woodbridge
My rating: 5 out of 5
Food was good. Exactly what one would expect out of the items ordered. Prices are a bit high with respect to the amount of food. Cheaper if you order directly.
Southern Style Chicken & Waffle, 1933 Daniel Stuart Square, Woodbridge, VA 22191. View on Google Maps.
Posted on Google Maps on February 7, 2024.
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