On Sunday evening, just ahead of Virginia’s off-year election set for Tuesday, former President Joe Biden was spotted in Arlington, Virginia.
Despite the impending political events, Biden seemed to steer clear of the political hustle, choosing instead to dine with a man who closely resembled former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Joining them at the table was a woman who appeared to be Annie Tomasini, previously an Assistant to the President.
The gathering took place at Carbonara, an Italian eatery located in the Virginia Square area of Arlington, as evidenced by posts on the restaurant’s Instagram page. Biden was casually dressed in a jacket over a blue-collared shirt.
Video clips from the restaurant showcased chef and owner Mike Cordero serving dishes like bacon-wrapped shrimp and crafting tiramisu right at the table.
In another image, Biden is seen smiling alongside Cordero and several restaurant staff members, with many seizing the moment to capture selfies.
Additional footage seen on the restaurant’s Instagram account shows people clapping for Biden as he exited after his meal, and one woman can be heard exclaiming, ‘I miss you.’
Carbonara describes itself as a ‘classic’ New York-style Italian restaurant and wine bar.
Since opening early last year, it has received strong reviews and was included on Yelp’s list of ‘Best New Restaurants of 2024.’
Former President Joe Biden is shown eating at Carbonara Italian restaurant in a set of Instagram stories and videos posted by the eatery, located at 3865 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia 22203
Former President Joe Biden being served the table side tiramisu at Carbonara Italian restaurant by Chef Mike Cordero in a set of Instagram stories and videos posted by the eatery
Former President Joe Biden is seen posing with staff at Carbonara Italian restaurant in a set of Instagram stories and videos posted by the eatery, located at 3865 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia 22203
Biden has visited Arlington several times over the years, both during his presidency and vice presidency, including previous stops at Metro 29 Diner on Langston Boulevard and Liberty Tavern in Clarendon.
Biden’s visit came the day after his former running mate, Barack Obama, headlined a rally for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk, Virginia, over 200 miles away.
The Democrats’ most recent president has been absent from any political campaigning in 2025, as even Democratic voters remain sour with him for staying in the 2024 race so long, juicing Trump’s political comeback last year.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama hugs Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger after campaigning for her at a rally in the Chartway Arena on November 01, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia. Spanberger will face off against Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s off-year election for governor and other statewide offices on November 4
People listen as Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger speaks during a campaign rally featuring former U.S. President Barack Obama at Chartway Arena on November 01, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia. Spanberger will face off against Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s off-year election for governor and other statewide offices on November 4
Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (C) greets attendees during a campaign rally featuring former U.S. President Barack Obama at Chartway Arena on November 01, 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia
Obama is not the only former Democratic president to lend a helping hand to Spanberger’s campaign in the month before the election.
Both Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, starred at a fundraiser for Spanbegre earlier this month.
Spanberger pulled in a record-breaking $2.2 million at a McLean, Virginia fundraiser hosted by former Virginia Democrat Governor Terry McAuliffe at his home.
The gathering drew more than 350 donors and became the ‘largest gubernatorial fundraiser in Virginia history,’ according to Politico.
