10 Alexandria restaurants you have to try

Jeff Matthews | The Town Talk

Show Caption Hide Caption Best burger in the U.S. is in North Carolina, according to TripAdvisor This Chapel Hill establishment serves a burger that tops a new country-wide ranking based on millions of reviews.

Maybe you've never heard of Pamela's Bayou in a Bowl.

It's OK. Owner Pamela Boutte won't take offense.

The 4-year-old restaurant is easy to miss. Boutte hardly ever advertises. Pamela's is nestled on a frontage road off busy MacArthur Drive, where cars more often than not speed right by without even noticing the small, nondescript building.

Those who have stopped, though, have been treated to one of the area's hidden gems. And, thanks to a growing online buzz, more and more people have discovered it.

Taking into account all online reviews from Google, Facebook, Yelp and TripAdvisor, Pamela's has an average rating of 4.93 out of 5. That makes Boutte's restaurant the highest rated in Alexandria.

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Bouttee, a self-trained chef, serves what she calls "Southern comfort food," as well as favorites such as burgers and Po-boys. The menu changes daily.

Customers rave about the portion sizes and how the food tastes like it's "cooked with love."

"I can do everything from caviar to red beans and sausage," Boutte said. "It's my passion. I love what I do, and when you love what you do, it's not hard."

Here's the full list of the 10 restaurants in Alexandria that have the highest average online reviews:

1. Pamela's Bayou in a Bowl

Average review: 4.93 (out of 5)

Location: 33 MacArthur Drive

What reviewers said: "Would give them 10 stars if possible. Absolutely soul food done right."

"May very well be the best home style cooking we've ever eaten."

"We walked in hungry, got our amazing lunch special plate with mounds of food, and walked out full and with some to take home for dinner! I can't say enough about how fantastic the food is."

2. Noodles and Grill

Average review: 4.83

Location: 3650 North Blvd.

What reviewers said: "This is the place to go if you're looking for Thai food in Cenla."

"The food is well priced and absolutely delicious! The owners are amazingly friendly and it's just a great place to grab a bite. Cannot recommend it enough."

"Love that they serve various types of foods from different cultures."

3. Caro's

Average review: 4.77

Location: 1412 Metro Drive

What reviewers said: "Having lived in Mexico for 4 years I can say that the food is very authentic and super-tasty!"

"Every single dish is exceptional! Delicious, authentic, clean tasting food. Your tummy will thank you! Every employee’s face is smiling. Excellent service!"

"If you are looking for authentic, hole in the wall Mexican food, this is your place."

4. (tie) Good People Kitchen

Average review: 4.73

Location: 94 Versailles Blvd.

What reviewers said: "I can’t say enough good things. How do they make eating healthy taste so delicious? I don’t know. I don’t feel like I am missing out when I eat at Good People because the flavors are so amazing."

"I always have a great experience when I come here. Great people, great service, great food — a winning combination."

"Its fresh produce and delicious combinations won me over."

4. (tie) Le Bistreaux Coffee and Waffle Bar

Average review: 4.73

Location: 5803 Coliseum Blvd., Suite H

What reviewers said: "Loved this place! Clean, the employees were sweet as can be, the food was amazing, and the coffee was on point! My new favorite breakfast and coffee place!!!"

"Best breakfast and brunch food to ever hit you taste buds."

"Their variations on waffles are numerous and thoughtful. If you are looking for a fun place for breakfast or lunch, this is your place."

4. (tie) The Main Dish & More

Average review: 4.73

Location: 1426 Metro Drive (moving next year to Provine Place)

What reviewers said: "We regularly enjoy lunch here and pick up a casserole to take home for later. The quality of the food is always fresh and very good. They are very consistent."

"There are so many dishes that they serve that is really good but the chicken salad is the best to me."

"Love this place! Great food and good service. Too tired to cook or need a large meal quick? Prepared meal options are lifesavers."

4. (tie) Wildwood Pizza

Average review: 4.73

Location: 1260 Texas Ave. #H

What reviewers said: "BEST PIZZA In Alexandria! No doubt!" ... ""The wood fired oven gives the thin pizza crust a really great flavor. They have mastered the art." ... "Just moved here and my search for a pizza joint is over! Wildwood Pizza simply blew me and my family away! Pizza was delicious, ingredients fresh, toppings perfect."

8. Viet Thai Bistro

Average review: 4.72

Location: 1473 Dorchester Drive

What reviewers said: "This is hands down my favorite place to eat in town. Everything I've tried has had impeccable flavor and spice, the portions are super generous, and the staff is amazing."

"Everything we had left the beautiful 'just one more bite, i think' aftertaste in our mouths."

"This place is amazing! I am so grateful to have found a delicious Thai restaurant in Alexandria!!!"

9. Word of Mouth Cafe

Average review: 4.71

Location: 918 Foisy St.

What reviewers said: "Light enough to qualify as healthy, good enough to count as authentic Southern cuisine, and very reasonable. Plus great service in the intimate, homey dining rooms."

"Impressed isn’t the word. Five stars doesn’t begin to cover the experience I had!"

"Always love finding a place making home cookin' daily. Just like momma used to make. Great little spot. I will add that momma never made a salad as fresh or tasty."

10. Three Potato More

Average review: 4.67

Location: 1600 Metro Drive

What reviewers said: "You hadn't had a potato if you haven't eaten from this place!!!!! Always fresh! Always delicious! Great price for the amount of food! Good customer service!"

"Best hole in the wall place to eat ever."

"Love this place! The baked potatoes are wonderful, and their baked sweet potatoes are even better! Love the sandwiches and salads. I have never had anything from here that I didn't like."