The competition for the best food hall in Virginia is on, with over 10 establishments popping up in just the last year. Of the many flavors and feasts offered at the myriad food halls in Virginia, there’s something special about UPSIDE on Moore.
Since opening in 2024, the 30,000-square-foot food hall has established itself as not only one of the tastiest and liveliest indoor food markets in Virginia, it’s also one of the most convenient to get to, given it’s located steps above the Rosslyn Metro Station for those who like to take the train, as well as attached to a spacious parking garage with ticket validation for anyone who prefers to drive. Already inspired to take the trip? Keep reading to learn why UPSIDE on Moore is one of the best places to eat in Arlington, Virginia.
Where This Food Hall Is and What Makes It Special
UPSIDE on Moore is an indoor-outdoor rooftop food hall nestled on the second floor of the Rosslyn City Center complex in Rosslyn, a heavily urbanized and highly popular area of Arlington—not to mention an area conveniently located directly across the river from D.C., if you’re planning to make a visit to or from The District.
Local hospitality firm Mothersauce Partners took over the vast space in 2024 with the goal of creating a hyperlocal food hall that celebrates the baristas, chefs, and pastry connoisseurs of the DMV. Apart from the delicious lineup of vendors, what sets UPSIDE on Moore apart from your typical food hall is its energy and environment. With an outdoor terrace overlooking Rosslyn and the Key Bridge, and a basement brimming with pinball, retro arcade games, video games, foosball, and even a vintage carousel horse ride for kids, this massive Virginia food market truly has something for everyone, regardless of age, palate, or pastime preference.
The Vendors and Dishes You Cannot Miss
Speaking of palates and preferences, UPSIDE on Moore is a Northern Virginia gem, with a multicultural menu that showcases everything from authentic Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese food to reimagined American bistro fare and out-of-this-world desserts.
Craving simple yet flavorful street tacos, melty quesadillas, stuffed burritos, or mouth-watering Mexican street corn? La Michoacana, considered one of the best taquerias in the DMV by Washingtonian and The Washington Post, is a must. Have a hankering for steamed dumplings, crab cheese rangoon, and noodles with delightful bubble tea to wash it down? Little Tiger Dumplings has you covered. More of a sushi fanatic? Neko Panchi brings the Tokyo street food scene to Arlington with its modern menu of rolls, sashimi, nigiri, bao buns, and apps. (You can never go wrong with Chicken Karaage.)
On the American front, Ghostburger dishes up smash burgers with serious flavor and build-your-own burger, chicken, and veggie sandwiches for lunch, as well as a variety of breakfast sandwiches for earlier visitors. For more of a sit-down meal, grab a stool at Lili’s to enjoy lunch and dinner dishes like hushpuppies, deviled eggs, Caesar salad, and steak frites, as well as all-day smoothies and soft-serve ice cream.
While most of the vendors at UPSIDE on Moore are local, there’s one New Jersey standout that Virginia patrons are thrilled to have access to from the comfort of home. Tony Boloney’s is a cult-favorite pizza and sub shop that started in Atlantic City and later opened locations in Hoboken and Jersey City. Known for its ultra-unique pies (hello, Swamperoni—a masterpiece of pink vodka sauce, smoked cup and char pepperoni, dry-aged fresh mutz and smoked mozzarella, and ‘roni ranch drizzle), jam-packed, extra-meaty subs, a variety of “mutz sticks,” and some of the sauciest garlic knots you’ll ever eat, Tony Boloney’s is the spot to go if you’re looking for a massive meal with even bigger flavor.
Meanwhile, if you’re not super hungry and just want to grab a coffee or matcha, or a slice of cake to sit and savor, Lightning Coffee and Frost & Flourish fit the bill.
What It’s Like to Visit
UPSIDE on Moore is located in a highly-trafficked business district. This means that weekdays can be particularly busy, while weekends can have slightly smaller crowds. That said, when summer comes around, this Virginia food hall becomes even more lively, thanks to an overflowing event calendar, including Mahjong Mondays, improv comedy nights, cooking classes, yoga flows, market pop-ups, and more.
Thanks to its varied vendors and many events, UPSIDE on Moore is great for families, friends, couples, solo foodies, and even kids. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly dining options in the area, with many dishes ringing up between $10 and $20. Whether you’re looking for a new date night spot or a prime going-out rooftop, UPSIDE has a lot to offer, especially given that it can be a great first stop before a night out in D.C.
Tips for Visiting
Given UPSIDE on Moore is located in a prime business district, it’s a great spot to pop in before, during, and after work, as well as on the weekends. The Northern Virginia food hall is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and it’s closed on Sundays.
As for the best time to visit, it depends on your goal. For a speedy in-and-out experience, avoid the lunch hour—going at 11 or 1 can be less crowded than noon. To score a deal, pop in between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. for happy hour deals Monday to Friday…