Best of Arlington 2025

Want to know what the best wine shop in Arlington is? Or the best Plumber?

Best Chef: Adam Hoffa, Executive Chef of Pirouette

Less is more” is a guiding principle for Adam Hoffa, executive chef of Pirouette restaurant and wine shop in Ballston. Many of his dishes feature simple, seasonal ingredients from local farms, highlighting flavors that complement different wines. “I like to do upscale things in a format that’s approachable and unpretentious,” says the chef, who previously cooked at Fiola and St. Anselm in D.C. Here, his signature mac and cheese croquette—a nod to his South Carolina upbringing—made with Gouda and aged cheddar, is breaded and fried, then topped with pepper jelly and green onion relish. Pair it with a glass of bubbly and you’ll be set for the night. –Jamie McCrary

Other top vote-getters: 

David Cardona (SER), Miljohn Dimaano (Lyon Hall), David Guas (Neutral Ground), Matt Hill (Ruthie’s All-Day), Jason Johnston (Ballston Local)

Best Bakery: Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe on Langston Blvd.

Arlington’s favorite Bavarian bakery has a 50th anniversary coming up in February, but co-owners Carla and Wolfgang Büchler have no plans to retire anytime soon. That’s a good thing for devotees of their special occasion cakes and very German breads (including holiday pfeffernüss and Black Forest sourdough rye), and those in the habit of dropping by for coffee and a doughnut or something from the deli counter. The legacy of this beloved neighborhood business speaks for itself. “We’ve had a lot of customers that have been coming here from the beginning,” Carla says, and even employees whose mothers or grandmothers once worked in the shop. –Adele Chapin

Other top vote-getters:

Bakeshop, Best Buns, Livin’ the Pie Life, Pastries by Randolph, Tatte Bakery & Café, Village Sweet

For the full list, click HERE

Courtesy of Arlington Magazine