Restaurants come and go in our area all the time, and we are here to help you keep track. Recently opened eateries are serving over-the-top ice cream sundaes, healthy fare with a Miami flair and Korean chicken. Find your new favorites here.
Last updated July 26.
July Openings
Call Your Mother
The bagel takeover in Arlington continues with the opening July 7 of this beloved local chainlet. Husband and wife owners Andrew Dana and Daniela Moreira opened the first location of the “Jew-ish deli” in 2018 in D.C.’s Park View neighborhood after sell-out performances at farmers markets. Today, their playful pink concept has nearly 20 locations and a devoted fanbase for bagels they describe as “a New York-Montreal mashup.” The dough is fermented for at least 24 hours, then boiled in malt for a shiny, chewy exterior and given a kiss of honey for a slightly sweet finish before being baked fresh in the shop daily. Check out the new summer menu, which includes the Delray Club (bacon, jalapeño, nectarine, potato chips, and peach cream cheese on plain bagel). 4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Duke’s Burgers
D.C.-based Duke’s Grocery, which has been recognized for having the best burgers around, began serving its patties in Water Park on July 1. It’s the first Virginia location for the London-inspired spot, and yes, it will have menu items specific to the location, but also the signature Proper Burger, an angus burger with gouda and red onions. 1621 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
June Openings
The Angie
On the border of the Ballston and Virginia Square neighborhoods sits a new French-inspired bistro that opened June 26. The menu includes a raw bar, featuring Kaluga caviar; pastas such as Lobster Pasta with a whole Maine crustacean; duck au poivre; and steak frites. Pair the meal with the Angie’s Bramble (Bulleit rye, chambord, lemon and Sprite) or a Coconut Espresso Martini. 3901 Fairfax Drive, Arlington
The Sweet District
Opened June 24 at the Upside on Moore food hall in Rosslyn, this sweet spot comes from the talented folks behind Frost & Flourish and Just Ron Chocolate. With 15 years’ experience each, the confectioners are combining their expertise to make cinnamon rolls, carrot cake and Filipino halo halo. 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
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Little Birdie
From the team behind Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar in Del Ray comes a new chicken-centric spot on the same block that opened June 23. The kitchen sources birds from Pennsylvania farms and works with local bakers to procure Japanese milk buns—a pairing at the foundation of the eatery’s inventive chicken sandwiches. Those include the Birdie’s Classic (spiced chicken thigh, biddie sauce, garlic dill pickles and shredded cabbage slaw) and the Got’chu (fried chicken thigh with gochujang sauce, pickled daikon and scallion slaw). Besides sammies, find cold noodle salad, honey cornbread and whole trout, plus cocktails crafted and bottled in-house. Stop in for brunch and order up the Cacio e Pepe Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy or Crack Chicken Dip. 1504 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria (Del Ray)
Coffee Libations
Get your caffeine fix from a new coffee truck that opened June 22 to serve Nepali favorites. They include chiya, a slow-simmered spiced tea, and Nepali milk tea. The food menu features momos, which are Himalayan dumplings, and protein-packed black chickpeas. Herbal teas, espresso and lattes are also available. Liberty Gas Station, 4019 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Cherrydale)
Stillwater & Stone
American coastal cuisine is the focus of this new restaurant and bar inside the Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport, with entrees such as pan-seared salmon with ancient grains and charred broccolini, and chicken breast wrapped in bacon with spinach-artichoke stuffing and a side of roasted fingerling potatoes. Signature cocktails include the Fig & Smoke (rye, orange bitters, angostura, fig syrup and light smoke) and Peach & Pepper Collins (vodka peach puree, lemon juice, simple syrup and a black pepper-dusted rosemary sprig). 1800 Richmond Highway, Arlington (National Landing)
Altitude
A listening lounge that pays homage to air travel’s golden age opened in National Landing on June 16. Find an acoustically attuned listening room with a vinyl library, plus Italian food, bespoke cocktails and 70 wines by the bottle and 20 by the glass. The bar is designed to resemble the cross-section of a plane’s wing, and custom furnishing are reminiscent of in-flight lounges of the 1950s and ’60s. Specialty cocktails include the spritzy Autodromo and Acido e Classico, a New York sour with an Italian flavor. Chefs Mariela Pacheco and Andres Lopez, alumni of D.C.’s Pineapple and Pearls, have put together a menu that includes handmade pasta, house-baked breads and signature dishes such as Ricotta Gnocchi and grilled branzino. 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Cielo
A new Latin supper club with a heaven-and-hell theme, nightly live music and gorgeous cocktails joined Clarendon’s nightlife and dining scene June 16. Menu temptations include a dry-aged, coffee-rubbed tomahawk steak, branzino with kiwi chimichurri, and ceviche with roasted corn and sweet potato. Sip a blue foam-topped Ethereum (craft vodka, lemon, prickly pear, blue spirulina, rosewater and egg white) or go for the Internal Conflict, which has mezcal, vodka and olive brine, and comes with Manchego-stuffed olives. 1137 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Since closing last September after about three decades at Tysons Galleria, the family-style Italian restaurant reopened June 15 at Tysons Corner Center with the same menu devotees of the chain know and love. Popular mains include the creamy Rigatoni D, chicken parm and fettuccine alfredo. Hosting a party? Ask about three new private event spaces that accommodate groups of 50-100 people. 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Chelsea Market & Deli
Opened June 12 in the former Bob & Edith’s diner location on Langston Boulevard (and following on the heels of a sister location in Courthouse), this eatery’s eclectic menu includes everything from Korean wings and pizza to sushi or ramen. On hot summer days, order a smoothie such as Sunrise, made with strawberry, pineapple, mango and orange juice. 5050 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Van Leeuwen
As of June 12, there’s yet another way to get your hands on this New York City-based shop’s famous vanilla. (The New York Times named its Vanilla Bean one of the best vanilla ice creams on the market.) Stop by the brand’s Ballston outpost for this and other tempting flavors, including Strawberry Matcha Latte and Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Brownie. You’ll also find milkshakes, sundaes, house-made waffle cones and vegan ice cream. 4075 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 2800 Clarendon Ave., Arlington (Clarendon); and 269 19th Court S., Arlington (National Landing)
Pizzeria Paradiso Pronto!
Pizzeria Paradiso’s first fast-casual concept debuted June 11 at Water Park with a high-speed oven that can fire a 9-inch pizza in less than five minutes. Try the Atomica with salami, olives and hot pepper flakes, or the Bosco, topped with spinach, mushrooms and red onions. Not super hungry? Four pies, including the Macellaio topped with pepperoni and pork sausage, are available by the slice. There are gluten-free and wheat crust options, too. Other menu items include salads, panini and chicken wings. 1611 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
The Scoop N Scootery
Just in time for summer, this ice cream franchise offering 70-plus creative sundae variations opened June 6 in Clarendon. Treat yourself to a Mint City (mint Oreo ice cream with a chocolate-frosted cake core, topped with fudge, chocolate chips and homemade Oreo frosting) or the cheekily named Banana Hammock (salty caramel ice cream with Reese’s peanut butter cups, banana slices, chocolate syrup and homemade whipped cream). Don’t feel like going out? Get your frozen sugar fix delivered until 2 a.m. on Tuesdays-Saturdays. The shop is closed Mondays and open 3-10 p.m. on Sundays. 1138 N. Irving St., Arlington (Clarendon)
May Openings
Pura Vida Miami
Opened May 21 in the Mosaic District, this casual restaurant brings South Florida vibes with a menu of salads, smoothies and bowls topped with salmon, tuna or falafel. 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
BHC Chicken
The South Korean chicken franchise opened in Arlington on May 15, turning out what it calls “original K-food.” Think Bburinkle (fried chicken topped with Korean cheese seasoning) and Matcho-King (chicken in aged soy sauce). Other entrees are rose tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes stir fried in a creamy sauce) and Kimchi Cheese Fried Rice. 875 N. Randolph St., Arlington (Ballston)
Constellation
Tucked inside a Crystal City office building, this café, which opened May 14, features a “slow bar” coffee station where guests can get large-format pour-overs. (A manual brewing method yields large batches without losing the taste of a traditional single-cup pour-over.) The made-to-order menu stars all-day breakfast items such as a smoked salmon plate and hearty lunches, including rigatoni Bolognese. Grab-and-go items areb available for folks with more of a time crunch. 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Maman
This picturesque French-inspired cafe out of NYC continues its takeover of the DMV with the May 7 opening in National Landing. It’s the 12th cafe in the area, joining sister locations in the Mosaic District, Courthouse and Ballston. Expect the usual coffee and food options, including pastries, salads and sandwiches. 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Café Monet
The McLean Project for the Arts and Knead Hospitality + Design teamed up to introduce this European-inspired café and bistro that opened May 6 inside the new MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center. Designed as a community gathering place for artists and art-lovers, it serves a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, including lemon ricotta pancakes, croissant sandwiches, jamón ibérico croquettes, tuna crudo, steak frites and roasted branzino. The beverage program stays on theme with a menu of refreshing summer spritzers, plus signature cocktails such as the Roman Holiday, a mix of Sardinian Citrus Gin, Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, basil and lemon. 6910 Fleetwood Road, McLean
Paris Baguette
The French-inspired bakery cafe opened yet another Northern Virginia location on May 2, this time in Clarendon. Indulge in artistic cakes, Nutella-stuffed croissants, baguettes and sticky milk buns. 3101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Closings
Alta Strada
Mosaic District’s popular Italian restaurant closed July 25. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax
Il Radicchio
A fixture at the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Rhodes Street since 1994, this Italian restaurant closed June 1. According to an Instagram post, it will reopen at 2909 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 1801 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Original Pancake House
The Falls Church outpost closed abruptly on May 25. The Bethesda and Rockville locations remain open. 7395 Lee Highway, Falls Church
Pike Cornerstone
After just two years on Columbia Pike, this restaurant and bar closed May 11. 2900 Columbia Pike, Arlington
