Soul food restaurant interior with warm lighting and cross

Best Soul Food Near You in Arlington

Northern Virginia's #1 Soul Food destination! Aaron Green serves authentic soul food near you in Green Valley Arlington, just minutes from DC.

Family Recipe
Arlington Location
Fresh Daily
First Impression Logo - Majestic Lion with Crown
Our Story

A Legacy of Love & Flavor

Aaron Green opened First Impression Soul & Seafood with the influence of his grandfather, who previously ran a carry-out restaurant in Arlington. Now proudly serving all of Northern Virginia - from Arlington to Alexandria, Fairfax to Loudoun County.

After opening just 15 months ago, Aaron has built Northern Virginia's top-rated soul food restaurant. We serve the best fried catfish, mac and cheese, and southern fried chicken in NOVA. Offering takeout and corporate catering for government agencies, federal buildings, and companies throughout Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Tysons, and beyond.

"Holy moly. So fresh and delicious. Not salty, not bland, incredible."

What Our Guests Say:

"This is the type of fish I grew up eating. Simple, seasoned and fresh"

"Definitely tucked away and a low‑key spot but that mac and cheese..."

"First Impression left a spectacular one on me"

3rd
Generation
Fresh
Daily Seafood
NOVA's
#1 Soul Food
"Every dish tells a story. Every recipe carries the wisdom of those who came before. When you taste our food, you're tasting generations of love."
Aaron Green
Owner & Chef
5-Star Reviews

What Our Customers Are Saying

Real reviews from real customers who have experienced Aaron's authentic soul food and hospitality.

"Holy moly. So fresh and delicious. Not salty, not bland, incredible."
Facebook Foodie Group Member

Yelp Review

"This is the type of fish I grew up eating. Simple, seasoned and fresh. We had the shrimp; they were big and good. The catfish was fresh and tasty as well."
Quenton B.

Yelp Review

"First Impression left a spectacular one on me. While it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing on the outside, the inside is full of love and soul. I was warmly greeted by Aaron…"
Robert M.

Yelp Review

"Really solid food. The fish was well seasoned but the shrimp was just okay. If you do go, order ahead so you're not waiting for the food."
Keyin L.

Yelp Review

"Definitely tucked away and a low‑key spot but that mac and cheese…"
Usamah N.

Yelp Review

Ready to experience what our customers are raving about?

Call (202) 820-2059 to Order
Visit Us

Come Taste the Tradition

Northern Virginia's premier soul food destination. Serving Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun & all of NOVA. Corporate catering for government agencies & businesses.

Find Us in Green Valley

Conveniently located in Arlington, serving authentic soul food to all of Northern Virginia

2534 S. Shirlington Rd, Arlington, VA 22206

Green Valley Area • Free Parking Available

Our Location

2534 S. Shirlington Rd
Arlington, VA 22206
Serving All Northern Virginia

Get Directions

Call Us

(202) 820-2059

Soul food takeout available. Corporate catering, office catering, meeting catering, and party platters throughout Northern Virginia.

Hours

Tuesday - Saturday1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday & MondayCLOSED

Hours may vary on holidays. Call to confirm.

Find Us in Green Valley

We're conveniently located in the Green Valley area of Arlington, serving the community with authentic soul food and fresh seafood made with generations of love.

Catering Available

Planning an event? We offer catering services for parties, meetings, and special occasions. Call us to discuss your needs and let us bring the authentic soul food experience to you.