Thompson Italian Alexandria is definitely not a clone of the Falls Church modern Italian eatery, which ranks in the Top 10 of Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2022 50 Best Restaurants.

The new spot is a destination-worthy restaurant with a distinctive menu illuminated by executive chef Lucy Dakwar’s Palestinian heritage. Dakwar, who has worked side-by-side with Katherine and Gabe Thompson at the Falls Church location, is enhancing traditional Italian dishes with the clever use of Middle Eastern techniques and ingredients.