Finding exceptional dining experiences often means looking beyond the obvious, and this week's featured restaurant proves that some of NoVA's best food is hiding in plain sight.
Northern Virginia's dining scene rewards those willing to venture beyond the obvious choices and trending hotspots. While new openings and popular chains have their place, some of our region's most satisfying meals are found in unassuming strip malls and quiet corners. This week, we explore one such hidden gem, along with the latest developments reshaping our local restaurant landscape.
Today we'll cover:
Let's dig in.
Tucked into an Alexandria strip mall, Makeda offers a welcoming introduction to Ethiopian cuisine, even if its lunch pricing might give casual diners pause. On my Tuesday afternoon visit, the quiet dining room was dotted with what appeared to be regulars – always a promising sign for an ethnic eatery.
The restaurant strikes a comfortable balance between casual and refined, with a well-appointed bar area that hints at livelier evening gatherings. Tables are thoughtfully spaced, allowing conversations to flow without feeling isolated, even during quieter lunch hours.
Despite operating daily from 11am to 11pm, Makeda maintains the same pricing throughout – with entrées in the high teens pushing $20. A dedicated lunch menu or special midday pricing could help draw the area's working crowd, especially given the quality of the fare on offer.
My meal began with a sambusa – a filo pastry filled with seasoned lentils. While the filling carried pleasant Ethiopian spicing, the multiple layers of delicate pastry overwhelmed the ratio, leaving the dish a touch dry even with the spicy sauce that accompanied it. The beef version was unavailable during my visit, though it promised a potentially juicier alternative.
The star of the show was the lamb lega tibs, featuring cubes of leg meat that struck an ideal balance – neither falling apart nor tough, swimming in a delicately spiced sauce that left a warming tingle on the palate. It arrived with injera, the traditional Ethiopian sourdough flatbread that serves as both plate companion and eating utensil. Served warm, the injera's slight tanginess and spongy texture made it the perfect vehicle for scooping up the aromatic lamb.
Perhaps surprisingly, the accompanying side salad proved a standout, offering crisp freshness and a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that cut through the richness of the main dish. This thoughtful acid balance elevated the entire meal.
Service was notably warm and knowledgeable, with staff taking care to gauge spice preferences and guide the Ethiopian cuisine novice through the menu. The whole experience, including a lentil sambusa appetizer and lamb tibs entrée, came to $30 before gratuity – reasonable given the portion sizes and quality, though potentially steep for regular lunch visits.
Makeda also offers a weekend Ethiopian brunch menu, featuring traditional takes on egg dishes alongside their regular Ethiopian fare. Given the well-stocked bar and spacious layout, evening visits likely offer a more vibrant atmosphere than my quiet lunch experience.
Bottom Line: While Makeda might benefit from introducing lunch specials to attract midday diners, it delivers a solid introduction to Ethiopian cuisine in a comfortable setting. The warm service, well-executed classics, and thoughtful attention to detail make it worth a visit – perhaps especially during evening hours when the energy level likely matches the cooking's warmth.
South Block, NoVA's homegrown açai bowl and smoothie chain, continues its expansion with a new location opening January 18 at 9672 Main St., across from Woodson High School. The grand opening celebration kicks off at 11am with free mini açai bowls, exclusive swag for early birds, and an appearance by Washington Spirit player Chloe Ricketts. This marks their 19th location, showcasing the growing demand for healthy, quick-service options in our area. Hours will be 8am to 7pm daily.
A significant shift is coming to NoVA's Greek dining scene. All four SouvlakiBar locations (Sterling, Leesburg, Oakton, and Alexandria) closed on December 21, reopening as The Big Greek Cafe. This Maryland-based chain, known for their "just like yia yia used to make" approach, is making their first expansion into Virginia. While reopening dates haven't been announced, this transition promises to maintain Greek cuisine's presence in these communities while potentially expanding menu offerings.
Following last week's coverage of the restaurant row fires, Arlington County Fire Department has announced an arrest. The suspect faces three counts of arson related to the January 9 incidents affecting Crystal City Sports Pub, Freddie's Beach Bar, and McNamara's Irish Pub. The investigation remains ongoing.
