If you have been waiting for an excuse to finally try that restaurant everyone keeps recommending, this is the week to make the reservation. Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week 2026 runs from Monday, August 24 through Sunday, August 30, bringing special brunch, lunch, and dinner menus to more than 380 restaurants across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
The Northern Virginia lineup is especially strong this summer. More than two dozen participating restaurants are located in Fairfax County, with options across Tysons, Reston, Merrifield, McLean, Fairfax, and Herndon. Diners can choose from Persian cuisine, Korean barbecue, Peruvian ceviche, steaks, seafood, Mediterranean dishes, Italian favorites, and much more. The official Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week guide lets diners search participating restaurants and menus by location, cuisine, and price.
Even better, Restaurant Week overlaps with both Fairfax City Restaurant Week and the first Summer Falls Church Restaurant Week, making late August one of the best times of the year to explore Northern Virginia's dining scene.
Great restaurants, walkable town centers, entertainment, shopping, and community events are also a big part of what makes Northern Virginia communities desirable places to live. If you are exploring the area while you dine, check out Team DDA's Northern Virginia area guides to learn more about the communities surrounding your favorite restaurants, or connect with Team DDA if you are considering a move.
Quick Facts About DC Summer Restaurant Week 2026
- Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week runs August 24 through August 30, 2026
- More than 380 restaurants across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia are participating
- More than two dozen Fairfax County establishments are included
- Lunch and brunch menus are generally available at $25 or $35
- Dinner menus are generally available at $40, $55, or $65
- Some restaurants offer optional wine, cocktail, or alcohol free beverage pairings
- More than 30 restaurants are participating in Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week for the first time
- Fairfax County newcomers to the program include Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Tysons and The Simon in Reston
- Fairfax City Restaurant Week runs August 20 through August 30
- Falls Church Summer Restaurant Week runs August 21 through August 30
The official Washington DC tourism guide notes that Restaurant Week includes multiple price levels, allowing diners to choose everything from a casual $25 lunch to a more elaborate $65 dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially at popular restaurants and during Friday and Saturday dinner service.
Restaurant Week in Tysons
Tysons has one of the strongest collections of participating restaurants in Fairfax County this year, making it possible to experience several completely different cuisines within a relatively small area.
Joon
Joon is one of the standout Northern Virginia restaurants participating this year. Located at 8045 Leesburg Pike in Tysons, Joon specializes in elevated Persian cuisine and has received national and regional recognition.
Washingtonian highlighted Joon as one of its recommended Restaurant Week destinations for 2026. The restaurant is offering a $25 three course lunch, $35 three course brunch, and $65 dinner, with the dinner including family style rice and tahdig.
For diners who have wanted to experience Persian cuisine beyond familiar kabobs, this is one of the most interesting Restaurant Week reservations in Northern Virginia.
Agora Tysons
Agora Tysons brings Greek, Mediterranean, and Turkish influences to Tysons. The restaurant is included in the official Restaurant Week lineup and also offers paired wine or cocktail options through the program.
Its combination of shareable dishes and Mediterranean flavors makes Agora an especially good choice for a group dinner.
Ometeo
Located at Capital One Center, Ometeo serves Tex Mex cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions stretching from West Texas to the Gulf Coast. The restaurant combines classic Tex Mex flavors with seafood and regional ingredients in one of Tysons' most distinctive newer dining spaces.
Its location at Capital One Center also makes dinner easy to combine with an evening exploring the growing entertainment and dining district around The Perch.
Ingle Korean Steakhouse
Ingle Korean Steakhouse offers a more refined interpretation of Korean barbecue and is another Tysons participant in the 2026 Restaurant Week lineup. RAMW categorizes the restaurant as Korean cuisine and lists the Virginia location in Tysons.
Circa at The Boro
Circa at The Boro provides a convenient Restaurant Week option in one of Tysons' most walkable mixed use destinations.
A meal here can easily turn into an evening at The Boro, where restaurants, entertainment, residences, offices, and outdoor gathering spaces are concentrated together.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a new participant in Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week for 2026, even though the restaurant itself has served Tysons for many years.
FFXnow reports that Fleming's and The Simon in Reston are among the Fairfax County restaurants joining the regional Restaurant Week program for the first time this summer.
More Tysons Restaurants Participating
The Fairfax County list also includes:
With so many participating restaurants close together, Tysons may be the easiest place in Fairfax County to turn Restaurant Week into several different dining experiences.
If you enjoy the combination of restaurants, shopping, Metro access, offices, and newer residential development in this part of Northern Virginia, explore Team DDA's Fairfax County communities for more information about Tysons, McLean, Vienna, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Restaurant Week in Reston
Reston has another impressive concentration of participating restaurants, particularly around Reston Town Center and Reston Station.
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar is one of the clearest Restaurant Week values in Northern Virginia this summer.
The Reston location is offering a three course brunch for $35, three course lunch for $25, and three course dinner for $40 from August 24 through August 30. The promotion is available for dining in.
The menu gives diners an opportunity to explore modern Peruvian flavors, including ceviche and dishes influenced by Peru's coastal cuisine. The restaurant's summer offerings also include dishes such as Chanchito Nikkei, seafood empanadas, salmon escabeche, and seasonal desserts.
For diners focused on finding a strong Restaurant Week value, the $40 dinner price makes Pisco y Nazca one of the Reston options worth considering.
The Simon
The Simon is another notable addition to this year's Restaurant Week lineup.
Located at the JW Marriott at Reston Station, The Simon opened in September 2025 and is participating in Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week for the first time in 2026.
Its location also gives diners an opportunity to experience the continued transformation of Reston Station into a major dining, hotel, office, residential, and Metro connected destination.
PassionFish
PassionFish remains one of Reston Town Center's better known seafood destinations and is included among the Fairfax County restaurants participating this summer.
For seafood lovers looking for a special occasion Restaurant Week dinner without heading into Washington DC, this is one to check when comparing menus.
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse combines steakhouse dining with Northern Italian influences and is another Reston participant.
Heirloom
Heirloom adds another option for diners who want a more intimate atmosphere in Reston.
Makers Union
Makers Union provides a more casual Restaurant Week choice near the center of Reston Town Center.
Morton's The Steakhouse
Morton's The Steakhouse gives steakhouse fans another reason to plan a Reston dinner during the event.
North Italia
North Italia has locations participating in both Reston and Tysons, giving Northern Virginia diners multiple opportunities to try the Restaurant Week promotion.
Reston's combination of restaurants, Metro access, shopping, public spaces, and residential neighborhoods makes it one of Northern Virginia's major lifestyle centers. Team DDA's Northern Virginia area guides can help you explore Reston and other communities if you are considering living closer to the places you already enjoy visiting.
Restaurant Week in Merrifield
Merrifield and the Mosaic area provide another excellent Restaurant Week cluster.
2941 Restaurant
2941 Restaurant is one of the premier fine dining options on the Fairfax County list.
Its Summer Restaurant Week menu is a three course $65 prix fixe dinner available Monday, August 24 through Friday, August 28.
The 2026 menu includes appetizer choices such as Maryland soft shell crab tempura, yellowfin tuna tartare, tomato gazpacho, and American Wagyu tartare. Entrée choices include grilled branzino, tomato raviolini, grilled ribeye, and braised pork cheeks, followed by desserts such as peach pavlova, strawberry cheesecake, and chocolate toffee cake.
Restaurant Week can be particularly appealing at restaurants like 2941 because it provides a structured way to experience a higher end restaurant at a set price.
B Side
B Side is another Merrifield participant and offers a different atmosphere for diners who prefer a more relaxed evening centered around meat, cocktails, and casual dining.
Naja Mediterranean
Naja Mediterranean at Mosaic adds Mediterranean cuisine to the local Restaurant Week mix.
Trio Grill
Trio Grill rounds out Merrifield's participating group and provides another polished dinner option close to Mosaic District.
The ability to combine dinner with shopping, a movie, or a walk through Mosaic makes Merrifield one of the easiest areas to turn Restaurant Week into a full evening out.
Restaurant Week in McLean
McLean has several recognizable restaurants participating this year.
J. Gilbert's
J. Gilbert's Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood on Old Dominion Drive is part of the Fairfax County Restaurant Week lineup.
For diners looking for steaks and seafood in a traditional dining room setting, it provides an option outside the larger commercial areas of Tysons and Reston.
Matchbox
Matchbox in McLean is also participating. Its more casual atmosphere makes it a good option for diners who want to take part in Restaurant Week without turning dinner into a formal occasion.
Restaurant Week in Fairfax
Fairfax has participating restaurants in the regional RAMW event while Fairfax City is simultaneously holding its own Restaurant Week.
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille at Fair Lakes Promenade is participating in the Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week program and provides another steakhouse choice for Fairfax area diners.
Velocity Bar and Kitchen
Velocity Bar and Kitchen on Braddock Road is also participating this summer.
FFXnow featured dishes from Velocity as part of its coverage of the 2026 event, giving Fairfax residents another local option without traveling to Tysons, Reston, or Washington DC.
Restaurant Week in Herndon
Wiseguy Pizza
Wiseguy Pizza on Elden Street represents Herndon on the Fairfax County participation list.
It is a good reminder that Restaurant Week is not limited to white tablecloth dining. The event includes a broad range of restaurant styles and price points across the region.
Restaurants With Multiple Fairfax County Locations
Several participating restaurant brands have more than one Fairfax area location, giving diners even more options.
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers has participating locations in Franklin Farm, McLean, Fairfax City, Reston, and Vienna.
Founding Farmers
Founding Farmers has participating locations in both Tysons and Reston.
Milk & Honey
Milk & Honey has participating locations in Fairfax City and West Springfield.
North Italia
North Italia is participating in both Reston and Tysons.
The full Fairfax County list was reported by FFXnow using Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington participation information.
Fairfax City Restaurant Week Is Happening at the Same Time
Restaurant lovers in Fairfax have an additional reason to go out this week.
Fairfax City Restaurant Week runs from August 20 through August 30, 2026, overlapping with the regional Metropolitan Washington event. It is sponsored by Fairfax City Economic Development and the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Old Town Fairfax Business Association.
The 2026 participating restaurant list includes a wide variety of cuisines and dining styles, including:
- Baku Delicious
- Bellissimo Restaurant
- Big Buns
- Boba TomTom
- Commonwealth Brewing Co
- Curry Mantra
- Dolce Vita
- Draper's Steak & Seafood
- El Pollo Rico
- Hamrock's Restaurant
- Kelly's Oyster House & Bar
- Meokja Meokja
- Milk & Honey
- Ned's New England Deck
- Okonomi Asian Grill
- Ornery Beer Company
- PJ Skidoos
- Tandoori Fairfax
- The Auld Shebeen
- The WOO Korean BBQ & Cuisine
- Vivi Bubble Tea
- Wine House
- Yanzi Noodle House
The official Fairfax City Restaurant Week site provides participating restaurant information and menus, making it easy to compare choices before deciding where to eat.
For Fairfax residents, the overlap between the city event and the larger RAMW program means there are more dining promotions available at the same time than most weeks of the year.
Falls Church Launches Its First Summer Restaurant Week
Falls Church is also joining the celebration.
The first Falls Church Summer Restaurant Week runs from Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 30, 2026.
The event celebrates the wide range of cuisines packed into the City of Falls Church, including Vietnamese, Thai, Afghan, Italian, Korean, Turkish, seafood, bakeries, coffee shops, and casual family restaurants.
Unlike the regional RAMW event, Falls Church restaurants are free to structure their promotions in different ways. Some offer prix fixe meals, while others provide discounts, free items, family meal packages, or special combinations.
Examples include:
- Harvey's with a $20 three course lunch, $25 three course brunch, and $48 three course dinner
- Nue Elegantly Vietnamese with a $35 lunch and $65 dinner
- Ireland's Four Provinces with a $25 prix fixe menu
- Seoul Prime with a $65 three course menu and side
- The Falls with a $30 three course lunch and $45 three course dinner
- Rare Bird Coffee Roasters with a coffee and mocha coffee cake offer
- Preservation Biscuit Co. with a Restaurant Week discount
- Ice Cream Jubilee with a buy one scoop and receive another scoop promotion
Falls Church is also offering a Restaurant Week Passport. Diners who visit at least eight participating restaurants and collect stamps can submit the completed passport for a chance to win one of three $100 restaurant gift cards.
Explore Team DDA's Falls Church and Fairfax County area information if Restaurant Week has you spending more time exploring neighborhoods throughout this part of Northern Virginia.
Washingtonian Picks Worth Knowing About
Washingtonian's 2026 Restaurant Week guide highlighted a number of restaurants where the special menus provide particularly interesting opportunities.
For Northern Virginia diners, one of its notable recommendations is Joon in Tysons, where the $25 lunch, $35 brunch, and $65 dinner provide multiple ways to experience the acclaimed Persian restaurant.
Another Northern Virginia option highlighted by Washingtonian is Brasserie Royale in Sterling. Although it is outside Fairfax County, the restaurant may be worth the drive for Loudoun County diners. Washingtonian highlighted its $55 dinner menu and $35 brunch, including dishes such as French onion soup, steak frites, halibut, and profiteroles.
Washingtonian also points out one of the most important Restaurant Week strategies: higher end restaurants can sometimes represent the strongest value because diners can experience restaurants they might normally save for a special occasion at a predictable fixed price.
How Much Does Restaurant Week Cost in 2026?
According to the official Washington DC Restaurant Week guide, participating restaurants may offer:
- $25 lunch
- $35 lunch
- $25 brunch
- $35 brunch
- $40 dinner
- $55 dinner
- $65 dinner
Specific offerings vary by restaurant, and some restaurants may provide optional wine or cocktail pairings.
Always check the individual restaurant's current Restaurant Week menu before making your reservation because menu options, meal periods, availability, supplements, and participating days can vary.
For example, 2941's $65 Restaurant Week dinner runs from August 24 through August 28 rather than through the full weekend, while Pisco y Nazca's promotion runs from August 24 through August 30.
How to Get the Most Out of Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week sounds simple, but a little planning can make the experience much better.
Check the Menu Before Booking
Do not choose a restaurant based only on its normal reputation. Compare the actual Restaurant Week menu to the restaurant's regular menu.
The best value is often a restaurant where several signature dishes are included without large supplements.
Look Beyond Dinner
Lunch and brunch can provide some of the strongest values of the entire event.
A $25 lunch at a restaurant you have wanted to try can be an easy introduction without committing to a more expensive evening reservation.
Make Reservations Early
Popular restaurants can fill quickly, especially during Friday and Saturday dinner service.
The official DC tourism guide specifically encourages diners to review the complete participating restaurant list and reserve tables in advance.
Check the Participating Dates
Not every restaurant participates every day of the official event.
Always confirm the Restaurant Week dates directly with the restaurant.
Watch for Supplements
Some restaurants allow diners to upgrade to premium steaks, seafood, drinks, or specialty dishes for an additional charge.
That can still be worthwhile, but it is helpful to know before ordering.
Remember Tax and Gratuity
Restaurant Week pricing generally refers to the menu itself. Tax, gratuity, beverages, and supplements may be additional.
Try Somewhere New
Restaurant Week is designed to encourage people to explore the region's dining scene. Consider using the week to visit a neighborhood or restaurant you normally pass by.
With events happening simultaneously in Fairfax City, Falls Church, Tysons, Reston, Merrifield, McLean, and Washington DC, there is no shortage of options.
Frequently Asked Questions About DC Summer Restaurant Week 2026
When is DC Summer Restaurant Week 2026?
Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week runs from Monday, August 24 through Sunday, August 30, 2026.
How many restaurants are participating in Restaurant Week 2026?
More than 380 restaurants across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia are participating in the Summer 2026 event, according to FFXnow's August 24 report.
Are Fairfax County restaurants participating in DC Restaurant Week?
Yes. More than two dozen Fairfax County establishments are participating, including restaurants in Tysons, Reston, Merrifield, McLean, Fairfax, and Herndon.
How much are Restaurant Week meals?
Lunch and brunch menus are typically offered at $25 or $35, while dinner options are generally $40, $55, or $65 depending on the restaurant.
Which Tysons restaurants are participating in Restaurant Week?
Participating Tysons restaurants include Joon, Agora Tysons, American Prime, Circa at The Boro, Fleming's, Ingle Korean Steakhouse, Ometeo, Wildfire, Founding Farmers, and North Italia.
Which Reston restaurants are participating?
The Fairfax County list includes Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Heirloom, Makers Union, Morton's The Steakhouse, PassionFish, Pisco y Nazca, The Simon, Founding Farmers, and North Italia.
Is Fairfax City Restaurant Week the same as DC Restaurant Week?
No. Fairfax City runs its own Restaurant Week from August 20 through August 30, while Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week runs August 24 through August 30. Some restaurant brands may participate in both programs.
Is Falls Church having a Restaurant Week in 2026?
Yes. Falls Church is holding its first Summer Restaurant Week from August 21 through August 30, 2026.
Do I need a ticket for Restaurant Week?
For Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, diners generally make reservations directly with participating restaurants. Falls Church Restaurant Week also does not require a ticket or coupon, although diners can participate in its optional Restaurant Week Passport program.
Where can I find the official Restaurant Week menus?
Visit the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week page for the regional event, the Fairfax City Restaurant Week website for Fairfax City, and the Falls Church Restaurant Week website for Falls Church.
The Bottom Line on Summer Restaurant Week 2026
Summer Restaurant Week 2026 arrives at an especially good time for Northern Virginia food lovers.
From Persian cuisine at Joon and Peruvian dishes at Pisco y Nazca to fine dining at 2941, steaks in Fairfax, Mediterranean food in Tysons, seafood in Reston, and dozens of independent restaurants participating in Fairfax City and Falls Church, there is enough variety to try something different nearly every night of the event.
The biggest challenge may simply be deciding where to make a reservation first.
Restaurant Week is also a great reminder that Northern Virginia is made up of much more than houses and commute times. Restaurants, walkable town centers, local businesses, entertainment, and community gathering places all contribute to what makes a neighborhood feel like home.
If you are exploring Northern Virginia and thinking about making a move, browse Team DDA's Northern Virginia area guides, explore Fairfax County communities, get a free home valuation, or connect with Team DDA to talk about your next move.
Debbie Dogrul Associates, known as Team DDA, is the number one eXp Top Producing Team in Virginia and one of Northern Virginia's most trusted real estate teams. With more than 35 full time real estate professionals, Team DDA serves buyers and sellers throughout Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and communities across Northern Virginia including Burke, Vienna, Reston, McLean, Tysons, Herndon, and Springfield.
From local community knowledge and home search guidance to pricing strategy, professional marketing, negotiation, and closing support, Team DDA helps clients navigate every stage of a Northern Virginia move.
Ready to make your next move? Get a free home valuation or connect with Team DDA to work with one of Northern Virginia's leading real estate teams.
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