Vermilion Restaurant & Bar
A hip Old Town Alexandria spot offering creative New American farm-to-table cuisine with impeccable service and a dreamy date night atmosphere.
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Vermilion Restaurant & Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hip Old Town Alexandria spot offering creative New American farm-to-table cuisine with impeccable service and a dreamy date night atmosphere.
"Experience an unforgettable dining journey with a thoughtfully curated tasting menu and impeccable service."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and tends to fill up quickly.
Try the Tasting Menu
Opt for the Chef's tasting menu for a delightful surprise of seasonal dishes and exceptional culinary experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Farm-to-Table Tasting Menu
Experience creative, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients in a thoughtfully curated tasting menu.
Standout Farm-Fresh Dishes
Indulge in creative dishes like Cornmeal Fried Oysters or the New Frontier Bison Short Rib.
Charming Date Night Ambiance
A hip spot with a dreamy, intimate atmosphere featuring exposed brick and Edison lights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and tends to fill up quickly.
Try the Tasting Menu
Opt for the Chef's tasting menu for a delightful surprise of seasonal dishes and exceptional culinary experience.
Festive Holiday Vibe
Visit during the Christmas season to enjoy the beautifully decorated surroundings.
Wine Pairings
Consider pairing your meal with recommended wine selections, like a White Pinot from Oregon.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and tends to fill up quickly.
Try the Tasting Menu
Opt for the Chef's tasting menu for a delightful surprise of seasonal dishes and exceptional culinary experience.
Festive Holiday Vibe
Visit during the Christmas season to enjoy the beautifully decorated surroundings.
Wine Pairings
Consider pairing your meal with recommended wine selections, like a White Pinot from Oregon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Vermilion for its farm-to-table approach, creative New American cuisine, and impeccable service, making it a popular date night spot. While most find the food delicious and beautifully plated, some reviews mention limited main course options or occasional issues with dish availability or temperature.
"Great meal. Farm to table dishes and all tasted very fresh. Many specialty drinks. My husband enjoyed “the chef is from Virginia” the squash appetizer was delicious and I enjoyed the Fluke. Fun atmosphere. I would recommend making a reservation as it was packed and we had to sit at the bar but that didn’t take away from the experience"
Bianca Belmonte Giancoli
"Went for our anniversary, had an amazing experience. We did the tasting menu which was phenomenal. Came with a few chef’s extras Huge portions, we were stuffed. They also brought us some cake pops to celebrate and some champagne at the beginning. The only thing I’ll say was that it’s a smaller menu with only a few main course options, and we weren’t told that the fish was sold out until we tried to order it, leaving us with only meat and veggie-only options. Everything was delicious, though!"
Julianna Wooley
"Delicious food, casual relaxed atmosphere, implacable service.
It was our first time here, we opted for their prefix menu, they call it “farm-to-table menu” I think.
There was a nice mix of appetizers, a reasonably sized entree and a few other amuse-bouche bites. Every dish has an interesting, yet excellent twist, with a good mix of complimentary flavors and textures. Like figs & blue cheese, fried oysters and anchovies, etc.
The short rib entrée was delicious, complimented with roasted peanuts and perfectly charred, slightly crunchy broccoli rabe.
It’s a bit useless to share specific items we had, since menu is seasonal and ever changing, but I will add pictures."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as Vermilion is a popular spot and tends to get very busy.
Many guests recommend opting for the Chef's tasting menu for an exceptional culinary journey with seasonal surprises.
The menu is seasonal and farm-to-table, often featuring creative vegetable dishes. It's best to inquire directly about specific vegan options.
The restaurant offers a hip, casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, with a dreamy and intimate ambiance, especially for date nights.
While not always guaranteed, staff have been known to accommodate requests for cocktails not explicitly listed on the menu.
Yes, the restaurant is a popular choice for anniversaries and special occasions, with attentive service and a romantic setting.
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The Best Restaurants In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia - Washington DC
Vermillion sources their ingredients from farms throughout Virginia and neighboring mid-Atlantic states, so on any given night, you might have bread made from grains from a Pennsylvania mill or a salad dressed in vinegar from a craft distiller in Virginia. You can grab bar bites like crispy chicken sliders and lobster hushpuppies downstairs, but we like to come here for the three-course tasting menu in the formal dining room, which showcases the best of Vermillion’s farm-to-table spirit.
The Best Restaurants In Alexandria, Virginia
Vermilion in the Old Town of Alexandria has been richly praised for the simple, modern American cuisine on offer. The menu provides regional cuisine using locally sourced ingredients that isn’t over-complicated or over-refined. On the menu are entrees such as pan seared salmon, house cut tagliatelle, locally sourced beef sirloin, and ‘Fields of Athenry’ lamb.
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As for bars in Old Town w/o music, I love Union Street Public House (they have a website if you google it), and Vermilion (on King St.), which has a more lounge-y atmosphere.
Vermilion Reopens in Alexandria With a Fresh Look and Talent
Vermilion, a night-out fixture in Old Town, Alexandria for nearly twenty years, is reopening after a long pandemic closure. The Neighborhood Restaurant Group (NRG) is bringing the seasonal American spot out of hibernation on Tuesday, July 19 with a refreshed look and new talent at the helm: chef Ben Pflaumer. The Osteria Morini alum most recently served as culinary director of Creative Food Group, overseeing restaurants like Michelin-starred Masseria, newly opened Greek tasting room Philotimo, and more.
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Vermilion is a must-visit destination for anyone craving New American cuisine served in a casual yet sophisticated setting, all in one of Alexandria’s best neighborhoods. This restaurant is committed to using local ingredients and offers a menu that reflects seasonal changes and the best of regional produce. With dishes created by Chef Anthony Chittum, Vermilion serves contemporary American cuisine that highlights the freshness and quality of local agriculture.
Enjoy the Perfect Date Night at One of These Most Romantic Places in Alexandria
When your date night is around a mealtime, enjoy a bite at Vermilion, a restaurant offering historic charm and delicious menu options. The Obamas have dined at Vermilion on Valentine’s Day, along with many local couples who love the ambiance that comes from the eatery’s exposed brick interior and flickering lamps. It’s located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and the head chef has curated seasonal menus that include local and farm-raised ingredients.
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Vermilion offers deceptively simple modern American cooking in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. From seasonal cooking using local, farm-raised products whenever possible to the warmth of its ambiance and graciousness of hospitality its staff brings to the table, vermilion serves as an ideal location for a casual weekday dinner, a special occasion destination, or simply a great gathering place for drinks with friends” (Vermilion).
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One of the most perennially popular (and lauded) restaurants in the area is undoubtedly Vermilion, whose simple, ingredient-driven menu changes seasonally based on available produce. The kitchen is newly helmed by Ben Pflaumer, a fresh face with a fresh take on New American cuisine. Personal favorites include the octopus a la plancha and the crispy skin local rockfish — but remember, the menu changes frequently.
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Old town Alexandria’s culinary scene is alive and well, largely thanks to the reopened hip spot known for its unique tasting menus and perfectly paired wines. Under the guidance of Chef Pflaumer, diners can enjoy an extraordinary experience. With tasty dishes like black truffle-scented risottos, grilled octopus with white beans and salsa verde, and suckling pigs with fingerling potatoes and rosemary.
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For those seeking a sophisticated dining experience, Vermilion presents modern American cuisine with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced ingredients. The chef's creativity is evident in every dish, from innovative starters to exquisite entrees and desserts. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service make Vermilion a top choice for celebratory meals or business dinners.
Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Named one of Washingtonian's "100 Best Restaurants" in 2013, Vermilion is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and serves contemporary American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Chef Thomas Cardarelli's regional menu focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, and a Farm Table is even available on the first and third Tuesday of the month, featuring a six- to eight-course meal.
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Vermilion is a trendy place on King Street in Old Town, Alexandria, with wonderful, whimsical décor on two levels. Downstairs can get a bit noisy when the crowds gather. Chef William Morris is dedicated to using local, seasonal ingredients and farm-raised local products, which he combines to offer traditional American comfort food with his own imaginative interpretation.
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Vermilion offers a diverse menu of American fare in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria. They are known for their superb service and dedication to their diners, so you can be sure you’ll never lack for a thing. The lightly cured Hamachi and pistachio beets are some local faves, but if you’re not sure what you want, you can’t go wrong with their tasting menu.
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A local mainstay, Vermilion on King Street was among the first Old Town eateries to champion farm-to-table eating. And under chef Thomas Cardarelli’s capable hands, all the carefully-sourced ingredients get elevated to unexpected new heights. Even standards like steak tartare surprise, with the addition of smoky egg yolk and crunchy potato and peanuts.
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Chef William Morris uses local, farm-raised products for dishes on his menu to ensure you enjoy the freshest ingredients. The venue is exquisite inside and found on the very popular King Street in the historic Old Town district. The grilled octopus is a popular starter, followed by the Skuna Bay Salmon or Fields of Athenry Lamb for the main dish.
Restaurant | Dupont Circle
From there, he joined the Neighborhood Restaurant Group as Executive Chef of Vermilion and was quickly recognized as “Rising Culinary Star of the Year” by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, while the restaurant was named “Best Upscale Casual Restaurant” and received 3 stars from the Washington Post.
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For dinner, Vermilion is Alexandria's fine dining king—there's no wrong way to turn on this expertly crafted, exceptionally local menu, which features seasonal fare made with farm-raised options. Wet your whistle with a pick from their extensive selection of wine and whiskeys.
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Vermilion provides an intimate dining experience with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Chef Thomas Cardarelli's menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh flavors. For a memorable experience, pair your meal with a wine selection from their extensive list.
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He and the missus celebrated Valentine’s Day at the casually romantic Vermilion. The menu showcases regional American dishes with modern flair. Chef William Morris’s ambrosial tasting menu may be paired with buzz-worthy wines, including some Virginia gems.
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Another big plus for travelers: Alexandria's culinary scene has some of the most celebrated restaurants in the area — from the upscale bites at Vermilion and Virginia’s Darling to casual spots with riverside views, like BARCA Pier & Wine Bar and Cafe 44.
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Vermilion offers an intimate and stylish dining experience with a menu that highlights Mid-Atlantic flavors using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Known for its exceptional whiskey selection, it’s a favorite for food and drink connoisseurs.
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We were going to go to a different restaurant but they didnt have any gluten free options for my friend. We tried Vermillion and it is my new favorite restaurant. The food was so wonderful and my gluten free friend was well accommodated.
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Vermilion – I was so happy to see vermilion come back with a new chef and a fresh attitude. The food and ambiance hit the nail on the head for a great date night. The moody bar and enticing menu are truly an easy win for date night.
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Vermilion: This fantastic restaurant in Old Town Alexandria’s heart has become a favorite among locals and visitors. The restaurant specializes in seasonal New American cuisine, using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.
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Vermilion will serve a Mother’s Day brunch on Saturday and Sunday with a menu curated by the mothers of the restaurant team. Some of the standouts include Corey’s Buttermilk Biscuit, Croque Madame, and Tri-Colored Carrot Cake.
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From handcrafted cocktails in upscale restaurant bars like Vermilion to pints of locally brewed Port City Brewing Co. beer at pubs like Daniel O’ Connell’s, more than 35 bars offer memorable settings to kick off your weekend.
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Vermilion is best known for delicious but pricey modern American cooking, but it also has a bar and lounge where you can enjoy one of a number of specialty cocktails or high quality spirits. Yelp: 4 stars from 537 reviews.
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Vermilion – Classic neighborhood restaurant and bar located in Old Town. Features a menu of contemporary American cuisine and bar with extensive list of specialty drinks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit