Virginia’s Italian dining scene offers a vibrant mix—from upscale tasting menus to heartfelt neighborhood trattorias. If you’re curious what is the most famous Italian restaurant in Virginia, seeking popular Italian restaurant in Virginia spots, or chasing the #1 Italian restaurant in Virginia, this list of the best Italian restaurants in Virginia is your guide. Each entry spotlights the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants to try.
List of Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Virginia
1. Carbonara (Arlington) – Tableside Show & Old‑School Flavor
Carbonara in Arlington is often called the most famous Italian restaurant in Virginia, blending Rat Pack nostalgia with tableside cheese‑wheel pasta. Crowds come for bucatini in cheese, prime short‑rib lasagna, and chicken parm—some of the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. It won “Best Italian” in 2025 Northern Virginia and ranks among best Italian restaurants in Virginia for its theatrical, tasty experience.
2. Sfoglina (Rosslyn, Arlington) – Pasta Artisan Hotspot
Sfoglina is a popular Italian restaurant in Virginia celebrated for its handcrafted pasta and minimalist sauces. Think goat‑cheese ravioli, zucchini spaghetti, and Roman rigatoni—all most popular dishes in Italian restaurants among foodies. Frequently named among the best Italian restaurants in Virginia, it delivers elegant yet approachable dishes in a factory‑chic space .
3. Thompson Italian (Falls Church/Alexandria) – Seasonal & Sophisticated
Thompson Italian, with locations in Alexandria and Falls Church, is frequently listed as a top Italian restaurant in Virginia. Their signature dishes—fritto misto, squid ink linguine, and berry tiramisu—are counted among the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. This 5‑star Italian restaurant in Virginia balances seasonal sourcing with modern flair.
4. Trattoria Villagio (Clifton) – Celebratory Crowd Pleaser
Clifton’s Trattoria Villagio is a popular Italian restaurant in Virginia, known for hearty pastas and family‑style charm. Signature dishes like shrimp Bada‑Bing and tagliatelle Bolognese are quintessential most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. It shines in regional guides as one of the best Italian restaurants in Virginia, ideal for festive gatherings and comforting meals.
5. Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano (Vienna) – Chef-Driven Excellence
Chef Roberto Donna’s Vienna restaurant is a popular Italian restaurant in Virginia, celebrated for refin ed seasonal pasta dishes like pappardelle al cinghiale and fried ravioli. Reviewers point to goat cheese–fig culatello, tiramisu, and innovative pastas as most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. It ranks high among the top Italian restaurants in Virginia for its creative menus and approachable elegance .
6. Edo’s Squid (Richmond) – Bold & Hidden Gem
Edo’s Squid in Richmond tops many “best Italian restaurants in Virginia” lists. Tucked down a staircase, this popular Italian restaurant in Virginia is celebrated for fried squid, tangy arugula salad, and classic puttanesca—the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants derived from bold flavors. It consistently ranks #1 in Richmond dining awards.
7. Mama Cucina (Glen Allen) – Rich Red‑Sauce Tradition
Mama Cucina—voted among best Italian restaurants in Virginia—is a Glen Allen standout offering generous portions of lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and meatball subs. These are perennial most popular dishes in Italian restaurants loved by locals seeking hearty, comforting Italian-American flavors.
8. The Grapevine (Richmond) – Modern Comfort in RVA
Ranked #2 for “Best Italian” in Richmond regional awards, The Grapevine is a popular Italian restaurant in Virginia offering modern takes on Italian-American classics. With approachable ambiance and a focus on pasta, risotto, and meat entrees, it serves most popular dishes in Italian restaurants ideal for casual dinners .
9. Lost Letter (Richmond) – Creative Newcomer
Lost Letter in Richmond is already a rising star—named the best Italian restaurant in Virginia by 5 Reasons To Visit—for its housemade pasta, seasonal produce, and curated wine list. Dishes like squid-ink tagliolini and pork ragu rank among the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. A must-visit for modern Italian enthusiasts.
10. Portico Restaurant (Richmond) – Richmond’s Refined Favorite
Portico Restaurant in Richmond, with a 4.7 OpenTable rating, is a popular Italian restaurant in Virginia praised for wood-fired pizzas, burrata, and classic pasta entrées—staples among the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. Recognized as one of the best Italian restaurants in Virginia, it blends service and flavor seamlessly.
🍝 Conclusion: Virginia’s Italian Culinary Highlights
From Arlington’s theatrical Carbonara and Sfoglina to Richmond’s hidden Edo’s Squid and Lost Letter, Virginia features Italian dining that ranges from dramatic to deeply comforting. Whether you’re seeking the most famous Italian restaurant in Virginia, craving the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants, or aiming to find the #1 Italian restaurant in Virginia, this list of top-tier and beloved local spots offers exactly what you need. Buon appetito!
