Restaurants come and go in our area all the time, and we are here to help you keep track. Recently opened eateries are serving Korean barbecue, authentic Indian eats and custom-made bowls. Find your new favorites here.
Last updated Dec. 2.
December Openings
Sweetgreen
The first salad-centric restaurant opened in D.C. almost 20 years ago, and on Dec. 2, McLean got its first outpost. The menu features the same favorites you’ll find at locations nationwide. They include suggested recipes and build-your-own bowls that come with grains, lettuce, proteins, veggies, cheeses and more. 6220 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
November Openings
Neko Panchi Sushi
The husband-and-wife duo Saran “Peter” Kannasute and Cici Yang who brought us Yume Sushi opened this spot Nov. 17 at Upside on Moore, a food hall in Rosslyn. On the menu are build-your-own sushi “sandwiches” and bao buns with protein options including soft-shell crab and chicken teriyaki. Meaning “cat punch” in Japanese, Neko Panchi offers signature sushi rolls with fun names like Hell Yeah! (shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, spicy crab, eel sauce, creamy jalapeño sauce and crispy rice) and Another One (tuna, salmon, crab sticks, cooked shrimp, avocado, cucumber and garlic ponzu sauce). 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Life Alive Organic Café
On Nov. 12, Virginia got its first outpost of this Massachusetts-based chainlet chain focused on promoting positive eating by using minimually processed ingredients. The spot in Ballston has signature dishes such as Spicy Peanut Noodles, Mighty Greens Salad, Crispy Falafel Pita and Miso Eggplant & Crispy Rice. It also will serve cold-pressed juices, acai bowls and specialty organic espresso drinks, including the Caramel Sea Salt Latte and Vanilla Tahini Latte, served hot or iced. 818 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Ballston)
Pink Saffron
A new Indian restaurant opened at Westpost at National Landing on Nov. 10. The menu features minced minted lamb, tandoori chicken, butter chicken and veggie korma. Scoop up every bite with a piece of garlic naan or roti. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
October Openings
Daydrift Books & Cafe
A West Coast-inspired spot that’s part curated bookstore and part cafe opened Oct. 29 in National Landing. On the menu, find sandwiches such as the heirloom tomato and silky egg, smoothies such as the Cold Brew Matcha and Super Green, and bowls like the Beet & Apple, with roasted red beets, Pink Lady apples, avocado and more. Pastries and grab-and-go cups of yoguer and overnight oats are also available. 550 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Pi BBQ and Bar
As of Oct. 18, Crystal City’s Restaurant Row has a new Korean barbecue joint. Watch your meat, such as wagyu or garlic pork belly, cook on an in-table grill while you enjoy an appetizer of corn cheese or fried oysters. Rice and noodle dishes are on the menu, too, in addition to desserts such as sweet red bean taiyaki and green tea mochi ice cream. 420 23rd St. S, Arlington (Crystal City)
Honeygrow
Falls Church now has a location of the fast-growing fast-casual restaurant known for made-to-order stir-fry, salads and desserty honeybars. When it opened Oct. 17 in Barcroft Plaza, it joined six other Virginia locations, including one in Tysons Corner (8399 Leesburg Pike, Vienna)Â 6464 Lincolnia Road, Falls Church
Van Leeuwen
This growing chain of scoop shops is adding to its collection of storefronts in Arlington, opening in the Clarendon spot that Nicecream occupied for 11 years. (It closed in August.) On opening day—Oct. 17—customers can get $1 scoops from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Like its sister spot in National Landing (269 19th Court, S., Arlington), this location will sell flavors such as Strawberry Matcha Latte and Marionberry Cheesecake. Vegan options include Cookies & Cream Caramel Swirl and Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb. 2831 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
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Falafel Inc.
To open its first free-standing location, this fast-casual falafel joint chose National Landing. The doors opened Oct. 16. The menu is simple: pita sandwiches and bowls, each of which you can customize with sauces such as the signature Habibi, garlic, spicy Invisible and more. Pair your pick with a side of za’atar fries or tabouli salad. Nothing on the menu is more than $6, and the restaurant donates a portion of its proceeds to the World Food Programme to help refugees. 500 23rd St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Tatte Bakery & Café
As of Oct. 15, Falls Church now has a location of this fast-expanding chain. Founded by a self-taught chef, the restaurant serves breakfast dishes, shakshuka, tartines and salads. Try the lamb kebab pita or short rib grilled cheese sandwich. For something more entrée-like, opt for the Roasted Salmon Winter Vegetable Rice Bowl. Wash down your meal with a Tahini Pumpkin Oat Milk Latte. Find other local locations in Clarendon (2805 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington) and National Landing (269 19th Court S., Arlington). 1001 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Closing
Laylà Mediterranean
The Clarendon restaurant that replaced Bar Ivy has closed. 3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington