Washingtonian Top 100 Restaurants: Two Alexandria Standouts Recognized

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Washingtonian‘s Top 100 Alexandria restaurants are in the spotlight right now, with Alexandria’s Nasime and Thompson Italian earning places among the region’s most celebrated dining destinations.

The Washington, D.C.–Maryland–Virginia region continues to earn national recognition as one of the country’s most exciting places to dine—and Alexandria is proudly part of that story.

The Washingtonian released its annual list of the 100 Very Best Restaurants, and two Alexandria favorites earned coveted spots among the region’s elite:

• Nasime, 1209 King Street, ranked #8, celebrated for its intimate setting and refined, Japanese-inspired tasting menus.

• Thompson Italian, 1024 King Street, ranked #90, is recognized for its soulful, modern approach to Italian classics.

  

  Nasime, an intimate Japanese restaurant in Old Town, is led by Ginza-trained chef Yuh Shimomura and known for its seasonal multi-course tasting menus that showcase meticulous technique, pristine seafood, and refined dishes such as seared Wagyu and delicately composed sashimi. The restaurant’s thoughtful, artful approach has earned it repeated recognition from Washingtonian and a loyal following well beyond Alexandria.

Thompson Italian, also located on King Street, offers a warm, neighborhood-driven take on Italian cooking, blending classic foundations with creative seasonal touches. Known for its fresh pastas, inventive small plates, and house-made gelato, the restaurant balances traditional technique with a modern, approachable style, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

For Alexandria diners, the recognition affirms what locals already know: the city’s restaurant scene punches well above its weight.

When Nasime shared the honor in its social media, chef-owner Yuh Shimomura reflected on the achievement, saying,

“It is truly an honor to see our very small, suburban restaurant included among Washington’s most celebrated dining destinations. Our sincere thanks to everyone at Washingtonian for this recognition.”

Beyond Alexandria, the broader region is also basking in the glow of national culinary acclaim. The James Beard Foundation recently announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists, widely regarded as the most prestigious honors in American dining—often compared to the Oscars of the food world.

Several Washington, D.C. restaurants popular with Alexandrians were among those recognized, underscoring that world-class dining is just minutes away across the Potomac. Honored establishments include:

• Centrolina – Outstanding Restaurant

• Maison Bar à Vins – Best New Restaurant

• Moon Rabbit – Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

• Bresca – Outstanding Hospitality

• Marcus DC – Emerging Chef

• Maxwell Park – Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service

• Cucina Morini, 2Fifty Texas BBQ, Mita, Ama, My Little Chamomile, and Tapori – Best Chefs by Region (Mid-Atlantic)

Taken together, the Washingtonian rankings and James Beard semifinalist announcements highlight a powerful truth for local diners: Alexandria’s restaurant scene stands proudly on its own, while also benefiting from proximity to one of the nation’s most celebrated culinary regions.

Whether staying close to home on King Street or venturing just across the river, exceptional dining is never far away.