Explore The Best Italian Restaurants In Old Town Alexandria 

If you are an Italian food lover and seeking the best Italian eateries in old town Alexandria, let me end your dilemma! Having great food can light up your mood and as a foodie, you’d always love to explore new restaurants. Who wouldn’t want to feel the essence of Italy without leaving the country right here in Alexandria? Let’s dive deep together and have a glance at some of the best Italian restaurants in our old town. 

Landini Brothers Restaurant 

Landini Brothers Restaurant has been an integral part of Alexandria since 1979, providing a traditional Italian dining experience. This family-run eatery is famous for its cozy environment and Tuscan cuisine including homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and premium steaks. When you step into the restaurant, you’ll feel the strong aroma of fresh herbs and garlic that will transport you straight to Florence. All the food is made with family recipes to sustain the evergreen taste of Italy. 

Now the main concern of all travel enthusiasts is taking memorable pictures in a wonderful ambiance! The restaurant’s ambiance provides you with an aesthetic look and feel, the walls are made of exposed bricks reflecting the rustic feel making it well-suited for any romantic dinner or other special occasions.  

Must-try Dishes 

• Agnolotti alla Fiorentina (A homemade pasta filled with spinach and ricotta cheese) 

• Linguine alle Pescatora (Mane diver sea scallops, shrimps, baby clams, squid, and fresh mussels fried in crushed red pepper, garlic, and white wine. 

• Scaloppine di Vitello Landini (Milk-fed veal scaloppini fried in butter and white wine) 

Little Tip For You 

Try something from their vast wine list which includes some great Italian vintages to enjoy with your meal. 

Porto Ristorante 

Another best option is undoubtedly the Il Porto Ristorante, founded in 1973 and truly the heritage of Alexandria. The restaurant has been serving classic Italian food for almost 50 years. This huge period is evidence of its significance within the community. The unique selling point of this restaurant is their food is made from scratch and has a modern touch with classic flavors. Its historic building is an attraction for many people to visit its beautiful ambiance plus you can organize your special occasions there since they provide party rooms for events with a space of around 100 people.  

 Il Porto is keenly connected with the community of Alexandria, plays a major role in local events, and supports community initiatives. That’s how the restaurant is adorned as a local eatery. For anybody who wants to try genuine Italian cuisine, Il Porto must be on your bucket list offering a warm and cozy aura and a beautiful mashup of traditional and contemporary dishes. 

Must-try Dishes 

• Pollo Siciliano (boneless chicken breast topped with fried eggplant, creamy tomato sauce, and mozzarella presented over Fettuccine Alfredo) 

• Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (Soft potato dumplings baked with mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and tomato sauce) 

• Branzino alla Griglia (Grilled Mediterranean sea bass presented with a light lemon and caper sauce) 

Little Tip For You 

They have the most amazing Tiramisu for dessert, so make space in your tummy for it! 

RedRocks Neapolitan Bistro 

RedRocks Neapolitan Bistro is the most adored restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, famous for its wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza. After being cooked in the Italian wood-fired oven, it gives the pizza one-of-a-kind texture and flavor. RedRocks offers a range of dishes including starters, salads, paninis, charcuterie, and calzones. So, no matter if you are in the mood for a light bite or a mood for a heavy meal, RedRocks Neapolitan Bistro is your go-to place. Another reason to love and visit this place is its beverage collection, which includes imported beers, microbrews, and wines; this place is undoubtedly the best place for those who love drinks with their meals. 

 Its building is 2,500-square-foot with an open floor plan and high ceilings, marble table tops, and a mezzanine level, making it a welcoming place for any type of casual or formal event accommodating up to 20 persons on the mezzanine. 

Must-try Dishes 

• Classic Margherita Pizza (A wood-fired Neapolitan pizza stuffed with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) 

• Calzones and Paninis (Ideal for a substantial meal, baked in the same oven used for pizzas) 

• Salads and Charcuterie (Ideal for light bite meal with bold flavors) 

Little Tip For You 

Take advantage of their happy hour specials to save a lot on pizzas and drinks! 

Vola’s Dockside Grill 

Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge is trademarked as the best outdoor restaurant and is one of the most desirable places on the Alexandria Riverfront. They offer tacos, fresh seafood, and American cuisine along with cocktails, wines, and beers in a most family-friendly atmosphere. Hi-Tide Lounge is linked to Vola’s Dockside via the hallway. If you are looking for a place to chill with family and friends in tranquility, Vola’s is a place for you. Plan your lunch there and get the chance to sip on traditional drinks presented in a midcentury-modern style. And yes, don’t miss their special brunch on Saturday and Sunday! 

 Vola’s ambiance is just worth visiting not only for locals but also for tourists since they can enjoy the coolest outdoor views and refreshing atmosphere. Aren’t you just feeling like heaven just by reading about this awesome place? Imagine what would be the experience of visiting this place!  

Must-try Dishes 

• Crab Hush Puppies (Blue crab with cheddar and jalapenos presented with remoulade) 

• Chesapeake Crab Dip (A rich dip made with lump blue crab, pimientos, and cheddar cheese and presented with grilled garlic bread) 

• Pan Seared Scallops (served with chorizo risotto, asparagus, cippolini onions, corn, and roasted red pepper butter) 

Little Tip For You 

Dine on the patio for a stunning waterfront view! 

Mia’s Italian Kitchen 

If you are outside of your home or country and miss the food made by your mom or grandmother then Mia’s Italian Kitchen is worth visiting for you. The restaurant is situated at the end of King Street in Alexandria. It is famous for its homestyle Italian dishes made with the traditional recipes of the owner’s Sicilian grandmother. You can enjoy an extensive range of delicious food, including homemade pasta, Italian sandwiches, and their special rectangular pizza baked in an 800-brick oven. 

 How amazing it is to have a place where you can feel the essence of your home! We want to travel all around the world but still crave homemade food – Mia’s Italian Kitchen uses the exact ideology. If we take a look over its ambiance, we’ll see the aesthetic decor on the second floor including rustic wooden table chairs, cozy sitting arrangements, and an open kitchen where you can observe the chef’s work easily. For casual yet trendy vibes, go down to the first floor which has a trendy bar and pizza counter. 

Must-try Dishes 

• Giant meatball (18oz home-made all beef meatball presented with mozzarella, marinara sauce, grated Parmigiano, and rustic garlic toast) 

• Pasta Alla Zozzona (Rigatoni pasta with a blend of spicy homemade sausage, pancetta, pecorino romano, egg yolk and san marzano tomatoes) 

• Bucatini Cacio e Pepe (A Roman pasta dish having bucatini tossed with creamed pecorino romano, black pepper, and sea salt) 

Little Tip For You 

They have a wonderful brunch buffet, including bottomless mimosas! 

Final Words 

There are various Italian restaurants in the old town of Alexandria which offer  the true spirit of Italy. Whenever you wander into the streets of Alexandria, do not forget to stop at one of these restaurants. Just bring your time and your love for Italian food with you to enjoy these incredible places. Each restaurant offers its specialty in Italian classics no matter whether you are a pizza lover or pasta lover you’ll have it all here.