The Fairfax Girl Team 
Northern Virginia neighbors constantly cite the region’s diverse food scene as one of the best parts of living here. Cuisines from nearly every culture are available here, not to mention the creative ways chefs work with blending flavors to create fusion styles. Perhaps no one place embodies that ‘all in one place’ vibe more than Falls Church. Even though it’s known as the Little City at just over two square miles, it’s home to over 150 restaurants representing dozens of cuisines. Falls Church Restaurant Week, taking place from January 23rd through February 1st, is the ideal chance to try a type of food you’ve never heard of, revisit an old favorite, or just blindly pick from the list of participating spots and see what happens. Read on for more about Falls Church Restaurant Week.
Punching Above Its Weight
By now, we’re all pretty familiar with the restaurant week concept. During slower times of the year, restaurants offer special menus or menu items as a way to draw customers in. Restaurants, which are small businesses, get more foot traffic, and we, the consumers, get some deals and an excuse to try new places. Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi said, “Restaurant Week is my favorite reminder that the best way to experience Falls Church is by pulling up a chair, ordering local, and enjoying a great meal. Our small businesses are the heart of this community. What a better win-win: you enjoy a great meal and our local businesses feel the love. And we’ve added so many new businesses the past few years – it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy something new or go back to an old favorite.”
As far as picking where to go, Mayor Hardi said, “No, just like my kids – I’m not picking favorites – I love them all equally!”
See more: One Man, 36 Cheesesteaks: Ranking Northern Virginia’s Best
Tricia Barba, co-owner of Preservation Biscuit Co., is one of the organizers of Falls Church Restaurant Week, and she shared her thoughts with us via email.
The Fairfax Girl: What makes Restaurant Week unique in Falls Church?
Tricia Barba: Falls Church Restaurant Week reflects the city itself: locally owned restaurants and a strong sense of community. Our Restaurant Week highlights independent operators and chefs who are deeply rooted in the city. All of this unfolds within Falls Church’s just 2.2 square miles, where a diverse dining scene feels personal and easy to explore. Another defining feature of Restaurant Week is its flexibility — restaurants aren’t limited to a single format. Participants can offer prix-fixe menus, debut new dishes, create special discounts, or highlight favorites in a way that best represents their business, giving diners a wide range of experiences throughout the week.
TFG: How has it grown over time?
TB: Falls Church Restaurant Week has grown steadily since its first year, 2024, when 38 restaurants participated. This year, more than 60 restaurants are taking part — showcasing both the continued enthusiasm from local operators and the growth of Falls Church’s dining scene as new restaurants open in the city.
TFG: What is a less-obvious benefit to dining out during Restaurant Week?
TB: Falls Church Restaurant Week includes the Passport Challenge, which turns dining into a citywide adventure. Guests can pick up a passport at Clare & Don’s, Dominion Wine & Beer, Harvey’s, or Preservation Biscuit Company, visit at least eight different restaurants to get stamps, and then drop off their completed passport at one of the same locations by Friday, February 6th. Completed passports enter participants to win one of three $100 gift cards! This fun, interactive element encourages diners to try new restaurants, explore the city, and engage with the community — turning Restaurant Week into more than just a meal. Passports will be available soon, and you can even print one at home to get started.
TFG: What’s something people should know about FCRW?
TB: We love photos and hope folks share their adventures with us using #fallschurchrw and tagging the Falls Church Economic Development Office @fallschurchedo.
For more information about Falls Church Restaurant Week and to find participating restaurants, click here.
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