Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, the 350-seat restaurant steps from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, has earned Wine Spectator's 2026 Award of Excellence for its wine program.

The honor, announced Wednesday, places the Reston Station location among roughly 2,100 restaurants worldwide that met the magazine's criteria: a wine list of at least 75 selections featuring quality producers whose offerings complement the menu in style and price.

Founder Steve DiFillippo said the recognition reflects his team's commitment to pairing each bottle with the restaurant's Northern Italian menu. "We are honored by this recognition and will continue to celebrate the art of food and wine pairing in Reston," he said.

The Award of Excellence is the entry-level tier of Wine Spectator's three-level Restaurant Awards program, which has recognized wine service since 1981. Above it sit the Best of Award of Excellence (1,830 winners in 2026) and the Grand Award (99 winners). In all, 4,012 restaurants across 87 countries and territories received recognition this year.

Wine Spectator chairman and CEO Marvin R. Shanken said in a statement that restaurants are adapting as diners grow more selective about what they drink, calling the 4,012 winners part of a shift toward more creative wine programs.

Davio's opened at 1902 Reston Metro Plaza on Nov. 2, 2022, as the chain's first Virginia location. The 13,000-square-foot space includes a 32-seat bar and five private dining rooms, and the restaurant serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. General Manager Don Laing and Chef Edgar Mendoza lead the on-site team.

It is one of several Davio's locations nationwide, with others in Massachusetts, Atlanta, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and The Colony, Texas.

The full list of winners appears in Wine Spectator's Aug. 31 issue, which hit newsstands July 21.