Former President Joe Biden was seen in Arlington, Virginia, on Sunday evening, just hours before the off-year election in Virginia, which is scheduled for Tuesday.

The ex-commander-in-chief was, however, far away from the political action in the state, and appeared to dine with a man bearing a striking resemblance to former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. 

A blonde woman who appeared to be a former Assistant to the President, Annie Tomasini, was also seated at the table.

The trio appeared at Carbonara, an Italian restaurant in Arlington’s Virginia Square neighborhood, per posts shared by the restaurant on their Instagram account. Biden was seen wearing a jacket with a blue-collared shirt underneath it.

The footage shared by the venue featured chef and owner Mike Cordero presenting dishes such as bacon-wrapped shrimp and preparing tiramisu at the table. 

Another photo shows Biden posing with Cordero and several members of the restaurant’s staff, with several members shooting their own selfies simultaneously.

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.