Best Restaurants for People Watching in Merrifield

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodPizzeriaComfort FoodBurgers

Regions

District of ColumbiaVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArlingtonGeorgetownMerrifieldRestonTysons Corner / McLeanWest End

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of matchbox Merrifield restaurant

1. matchbox Merrifield

4.0

Excellent(1582)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Merrifield

Booked 27 times today

Bubbling, thin crust pizzas, mini burgers, crisp salads, and craft cocktails...four great reasons to visit matchbox today. We’re the neighborhood gathering place for fun, upscale casual dining, with local, award-winning beers, broad spectrum wines, and handcrafted signature cocktails you won’t find anywhere else.Overlooking Strawberry Park in the vibrant Mosaic District, our 40-seat patio offers outdoor dining and front row seats to Angelika Film Center’s outdoor screen and prime people-watching.Inside, exposed pipes and warm brick line the walls surrounding 220 seats, all with views of the glowing wood wall, reclaimed from barn-wood from Rochester, New York. The private Barrel Room accommodates 50 guests and comes with plush booths, a wood-burning fireplace and private wine coolers to store your favorite vintages.

2. Barrel & Bushel

4.5

Awesome(1172)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Tysons Corner / McLean

Booked 23 times today

We want our neighbors and guests visiting us in Northern Virginia to experience our region’s growing craft food and beverage industry. Purchasing local and creating handcrafted elements wherever possible, Barrel & Bushel embraces the philosophy of serving handmade, handcrafted, and hand-harvested food through a menu of regionally-inspired American food. Our food is complemented by our barrel-forward drink selections, completed by 22 local and regional craft beers on tap, more than 30 bourbons, and a wide assortment of unique wines and handcrafted cocktails that will satisfy any palate.Our friendly and knowledgeable staff, led by General Manager Amy Giles, are beer enthusiasts, wine lovers, spirit specialists and food fanatics. Stop by for a great time to meet the team. Barrel & Bushel is located in the heart of Tysons Corner’s business district on the Tysons Corner Center Plaza. Barrel & Bushel is open for business.

3. Härth

4.5

Awesome(984)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Tysons Corner / McLean

Booked 6 times today

Inspired by our namesake, we provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere anchored around our wood-burning oven where guests and groups can gather over seasonal food and drinks, sourced from local partners and elevated by our international culinary team.Whether you're in town on business, enjoying a night out with friends or hosting a special event, härth is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing experience made warm by the wood-fired oven that anchors the convivial atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you to our table.Executive Chef I Laurent Hollaender

A photo of CIRCA at Clarendon restaurant

4. CIRCA at Clarendon

4.8

Exceptional(1474)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 38 times today

All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!Our Dining Room and Patio are Open!

5. Peacock Café

4.8

Exceptional(2008)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Georgetown

Booked 37 times today

Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes. Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.

A photo of Chef Geoff's West End restaurant

6. Chef Geoff's West End

4.5

Awesome(1644)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West End

Booked 43 times today

A vibrant, modernized iteration of the original Chef Geoff’s offering seasonal dishes full of flavor. You will feel welcome here for any occasion large or small. Our made from scratch menu offers something for everyone. From pizza, salads and burgers to our more elaborate main dishes, one thing is for certain, we don’t skimp on flavor! Our bar covers all ends of the spectrum from our famous Supermugs (giant beers) to our handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy our open air dining, people watching on the patio or or our beautifully designed dining room!

A photo of Mazaro Italian Restaurant restaurant

7. Mazaro Italian Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(367)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Arlington

Booked 14 times today

A new Modern Italian Restaurant that will offer classic Italian cuisine and Neapolitan pizza baked in specialized, Wood-fired oven imported from Italy

A photo of PassionFish - Reston restaurant

8. PassionFish - Reston

4.6

Exceptional(6715)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Reston

Booked 54 times today

PassionFish Reston is dedicated to providing the finest quality, sustainable seafood available in an upscale/casual dining experience. Executive Chef/Owner Christopher Clime's seasonal menus celebrate the flavors of our global coasts with an impressive raw bar, a dedicated sushi chef and an extensive 'fresh catch' fish menu every day.Don't miss our weekday lunch specials, dinner nightly, and happy hour every day. We also offer a three-course brunch for $35 on Sundays! Garage parking at Reston Town Center will always be free for our guests. Please park in the Orange Garage on Explorer Street and check in with us when you arrive.

9. Punch Bowl Social - Arlington

3.6

Very Good(58)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Arlington

Booked 16 times today

We're all about good vibes and unforgettable hangs. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends, belting out karaoke tunes (even if you don't know all the words), or just laughing over a few gutterballs, we've got you covered. With fourteen locations, each offering their own unique adventures, there's always a reason to come through and make some memories with us. Every night brings something new, from our crowd-favorites, Music Bingo and Trivia, to Silent Disco with 3 DJs. Bring your besties or get ready to meet some new ones! Let us host your next event! We've got the beats pumping, drinks flowing, and games ready to go. From full venue buyouts to exclusive gatherings, we have options to fit your every need.

A photo of Das Ethiopian - Georgetown restaurant

10. Das Ethiopian - Georgetown

4.9

Exceptional(1547)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Ethiopian • Georgetown

Booked 20 times today

DAS Ethiopian offers you a cozy two story setting, with rare outside dining views and al fresco patio dining in season. DAS is located at the eclectically brilliant historic corner of the internationally renowned shopping district of Georgetown. A tent under which all come to feast is the very Amharic definition of DAS, and that is what you will enjoy here. From neighborhood diners, nearby students, journalists, to international visitors and performers, all enjoy the casual but refined atmosphere that serves up the freshest Ethiopian dishes from local and sustainable food sources. Let us know of your dining plans now so we may accommodate any extra needs or private dining desires you may have. We look forward to serving you again and again!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
DeidreVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was my first visit, but most certainly won't be my last. I had the burger and it was flavorful and cooked to perfection. The sautéed spinach was delicious. I'm looking forward to trying other items on the menu.
More info
HärthPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Tysons Corner / McLean
•
4.5
L
LizabethVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •164 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Peacock Cafe is our favorite brunch spot in Georgetown. The service, the food and ambience never disappoints. It is a lively restaurant and a great way to start enjoying a Spring Day in DC.
More info
Peacock CaféPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Georgetown
•
4.8
D
DanikaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent brunch options! We will definitely visit again.
More info
matchbox MerrifieldPrice: Moderate• American• Merrifield
•
4
M
MarkVIP
Tampa / Central Florida West •71 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great food, great setting ~ every meal is at CIRCA is always just right!
More info
CIRCA at ClarendonPrice: Moderate• American• Arlington
•
4.8
S
Sandra
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
The chicken with the brussel sprouts was very good.
More info
Barrel & BushelPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Tysons Corner / McLean
•
4.5

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