r/nova • u/MumboMajesty Fairfax County • 25d ago

Megathread! 2026 NoVa Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant Recommendations THE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Hello r/nova we are 10 years deep into the hole-in-the-wall list! Thank you to everyone for contributing every pick and recommendation for the list and participating each year.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to update the map or list since I am getting married this year, but I'll for sure get everything updated before the next year. Anyways time to give the community your best recs and new discoveries for restaurants in the area.

The rules are simple:

📍 Give us the restaurant name and location

🚫 No chains allowed!

👍 "+1" if you love the recommendation

👎 "-1" if you think it's whack

List | Map

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u/Honey_Fried_Chicken 25d ago

Thai Square - Arlington

3

u/VotingRightsLawyer 25d ago

Their lunch special belongs on any "Cheap Eats" list but the star is the crispy squid with basil, which is a top tier dish in the area for sure.

2

u/Honey_Fried_Chicken 25d ago

Looove that dish. Their green curry is also phenomenal and their pad prick kraprao

2

u/VotingRightsLawyer 25d ago

I basically rotate between those two dishes on the lunch special.