If you've got Mediterranean fare on the brain, you're in luck: we've found the freshest Arlington eateries to quell your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine.
Cava
4121 Wilson Blvd.
Cava is a rapidly expanding fast-casual Mediterranean spot specializing in customizable bowls and salads where customers can select their grains, proteins, vegetables and dips.
Options include saffron basmati rice, jalapeño-infused feta mousse, cauliflower quinoa and spicy lamb meatballs with harissa.
With a 3.5-star Yelp rating out nine reviews, Cava has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Stuart M., who reviewed Cava on May 12, wrote, "The gyro hash brown had a nice crunch with a surprisingly light interior. The feta, tomatoes, and onions brought more depth than your typical hash. ... The challah had honey, berries and cream, and was delicious, but more of a dessert than a brunch entree. Lots of temptations remain for next time."
"As a fast-casual option, Cava can't be beat with the unlimited options," Yelper Iris S. said. "I ordered a grain bowl with falafel and basically everything else that caught my fancy."
Cava is open from 10:45 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Delia's - Arlington
2931 S. Glebe Road
Delia's - Arlington is the newest addition to the homegrown Italian and Greek chain, offering brick-oven pizzas and Mediterranean fare. Delia's — with Virginia outposts in Springfield, Alexandria and Sterling — is in the space that formerly housed Tazza Kitchen, Eater Washington D.C. reports.
Offerings include daily specials and everyday menu items such as housemade linguine with shrimp, fresh jumbo lump crabmeat, rosé sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese; and Gyritos — gyro meat, feta cheese, tzatziki and balsamic reduction deep-fried in a white corn tortilla. (Check out the dinner menu here.)
Delia's currently holds 4.5 stars out of 13 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Lynne P., who reviewed Delia's on May 14, wrote, "This is my favorite neighborhood restaurant. It's only been open a month and I've recommended it to neighbors and friends, and I have eaten there four times already. The menu is seasonal with plenty of healthful options."
"The food is amazing," shared Yelper Graham D. "From the thoughtful charcuterie and cheese board, to the off-the-chart calamari and Mediterranean dips with housemade pita."
Delia's is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday–Thursday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Badaro
933 N. Quincy St.
Last (but not least), Badaro is a fast-casual Lebanese and Mediterranean eatery that recently debuted in Arlington.
The restaurant offers build-your-own meal options and provides over 20 different sauces and toppings, including fried cauliflower, pitted olives, crumbled feta with thyme, Badaro walnut sauce and several varieties of hummus.
Several different protein options are available ranging from kefta (ground beef, parsley, onions and spices) to chicken shawarma. (See the full menu here.)
Badaro's current rating of 4.5-stars out of 31 reviews on Yelp indicates positive attention from users.
Yelper Prairie S., who was one of the first users to visit Badaro on May 14, wrote, "Badaro is my foodie find OF THE ENTIRE YEAR. The flavors of each food item in this build-your-meal Lebanese bowl are banging. The depth and range of textures mixed into your bowl (at about $11) are exciting to the palate and demonstrate expert and slow cooking from the kitchen."
And Yelper Andy W. added, "Great food, good portion sizes, nice people and inviting space. The rewards program is very easy to sign up for and gets you a great deal."
Badaro is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday.
