Alexandria, VA – The Del Ray Business Association hosted the 16th Annual Taste of Del Ray on June 1, showcasing a diverse collection of Del Ray’s top restaurants. The sold-out event featured a spirited competition between 15 participating neighborhood restaurants.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap’s Birria Tacos won the People’s Choice Award, as voted by festival attendees, while Bella Napoli’s Chicken Brunello won the Judge’s Choice Award. The 2025 judge, former Meet the Press host Chuck Todd, called Del Ray “the coolest food neighborhood” in the Northern Virginia area. “My winner is Bella Napoli. They made a Chicken Brunello that was amazing. You’re eating outside in a little cup and you’re like, it’s fantastic,” said Todd. “Lena’s was my second place, a terrific Cuban Birria taco, just awesome, and of course, being a Miami guy, I’m gonna be partial to anything like that.”
Rounding out the awards were a tie for the People’s Choice Award for 2nd place going to La’Baik and Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ; a 3rd place People’s Choice finish for Spice Kraft, plus a 3rd place Judge’s Choice win for Taqueria Poblano’s Chilled Seafood Gazpacho.
Held every June in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Taste of Del Ray showcases the culinary diversity of the neighborhood. Proceeds from ticket sales help fund neighborhood events throughout the year. For more information, visit visitdelray.com
