The Columbia Pike corridor in South Arlington is one of the most diverse areas in the region. Often referred to as “the world in a zip code,” the area is home to residents that speak more than 100 languages. It is also home to numerous small, locally-owned restaurants. This winning combination creates the ultimate international foodie destination for those of us who desperately miss traveling during the pandemic.
And, luckily for us, the restaurant community here has not seen mass closures that several other areas have succumbed to. While they are all still dealing with capacity restrictions and other COVID-19 regulations, the Columbia Pike community has banded together and worked hard to help these local gems survive and preserve the corridor’s identity and diversity.
Many of the restaurants have also been able to implement TOSAs, Arlington’s Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas, that allow you to dine safely outdoors at those restaurants that previously did not have patios.
Here are the top spots to visit along the 3.5 mile stretch of Columbia Pike in Arlington County for a whirlwind culinary experience of over a dozen countries across six regions…no passports required!
AFRICA
- Dama Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopia)
Location: 1503 Columbia Pike, (703) 920-3559
Outdoor Seating: NO
- Other African Cuisine: Ethio Cafe, Idido’s Coffee & Social House
ASIA
- Top’s China (China)
Location: 2520 Columbia Pike, (703) 486-8277
Outdoor Seating: NO
- City Kabob and Curry House (India)
Location: 3007 Columbia Pike, (571) 257-8816
Outdoor Seating: NO
- Boru Ramen (Japan)
Location: 2915 Columbia Pike, (703) 521-2811
Outdoor Seating: NO
- Rincome Thai Cuisine (Thailand)
Location: 3030 Columbia Pike, (703) 979-0144
Outdoor Seating: NO
- Other Asian Restaurants: Andy’s Carry Out, Bangkok 54 Restaurant, Ginger Beef, Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant, Mrs. Chen’s Kitchen, Panda Bowl Restaurant, Takohachi Japanese Restaurant, Thai Square
CENTRAL AMERICA
- Los Chamacos (Mexico)
Location: 922 S Walter Reed Dr, (571) 257-5894
Outdoor Seating: NO
- Sofía’s Pupusería (El Salvador)
Location: 3610 Columbia Pike, (571) 483-0487
Outdoor Seating: YES
- Other Central American Restaurants: Abi Azteca Grill & Bar, Atlacatl Restaurant, Burrito Bros, Restaurante El Salvador, Taqueria el Poblano, Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita
EUROPE
- The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant (Ireland)
2500 Columbia Pike, (703) 746-9644
Outdoor Seating: YES
- Pupatella (Italy)
1621 S Walter Reed Dr., (703) 647-9076
Outdoor Seating: YES
SOUTH AMERICA
- Pike Restaurant (Bolivia)
Location: 4111 Columbia Pike, (703) 521-3010
Outdoor Seating: YES
- Café Sazón (Multiple – Colombia, Perú)
Location: 4704 Columbia Pike, (703) 566-1686
Outdoor Seating: YES
- The Café by La Cocina VA (Multiple – Perú, Argentina, Americana)
Location: 918 S. Lincoln St., (703) 596-1557
Outdoor Seating: NO
MIDDLE EASTERN
- Atilla’s Restaurant (Turkey)
Location: 2705 Columbia Pike, (703) 920-4900
Outdoor Seating: NO
- Caspi Restaurant & Lounge (Multiple – Mediterranean)
Location: 2901 Columbia Pike, (703) 566-4173
Outdoor Seating: NO
Not looking to travel that far? Check out our top picks for local Americana fare.
- Lost Dog Cafe
Location: 2920 Columbia Pike, (703) 553-7770
Outdoor Seating: NO
- Rebellion on the Pike
Location: 2900 Columbia Pike, (703) 664-0297
Outdoor Seating: YES
- Ruthie’s All-Day
Location: 3411 5th St S, (703) 888-2841
Outdoor Seating: YES
- William Jeffrey’s Tavern
Location: 2301 Columbia Pike, (703) 746-6333
Outdoor Seating: YES