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 June 23.
June Openings
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)
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)
April Openings
Boulevard
Just in time for warm temps comes a new rooftop restaurant and bar in the former Wilson Hardware space. Opened April 29, Boulevard is helmed by former Wilson Hardware chef Homero González in partnership with Bayron Navarro (formerly of Raku). Together, they’re turning out a menu created in consultation with chef Juan “Nacho” Olivera of Ceibo in D.C. Expect dishes like lamb slider bao buns, king salmon tiradito with yuzu leche de tigre, cavatelli with king mushrooms, sushi and spicy salmon ceviche. The rooftop, called Solset, offers lighter bites and drinks, such as caviar-paired Gibsons. 2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
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Little Beast
A Detroit-style pizzeria with two locations in D.C. crossed the Potomac to open in The Little City on April 29. The kid-friendly venue is decorated in colorful, friendly monsters by German street artist Kim Köster, but the menu appeals to all ages. Pizzas named for famous parts of Detroit include the 6 Mile, topped with a brick cheese blend, salami, pepperoni, pickled jalapeños, tomato sauce and spicy honey. Other eats include buffalo wings and watermelon salad with corn, avocado, tomato, cotija cheese and cilantro. A martini bar keeps the adults relaxed. 119 E. Broad St., Falls Church
Helena’s Mexican Restaurant
Two years after its Alexandria debut, the owners of this easygoing Mexican cantina opened another location in The Little City on April 21. The menu includes fan favorites such as tacos, fajitas, guac and chips, carne asada, and pollo con mole. Order sangria and margs by the glass or pitcher, available in flavors such as passionfruit, mango and pineapple. Can’t pick just one? Ask for a mini margarita flight and choose four. 502 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Zesto Pizza
Citi Pizza and Wings has a new name, new owner and new menu, as of April 17. Each pie is made with an organic flour dough that is naturally fermented for 48-72 hours before it’s spun into a New York-style crust, and the tomato sauce uses Italian San Marzano tomatoes. But when it comes to toppings, it breaks from tradition, with combos such as the Bee Sting (pepperoni, mozzarella and honey) and Korean Beef Bulgogi (marinated beef, kimchi, gochujang sauce and mozzarella). Salads, wings, calzones and house-made pasta are also available. 5127 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Yorktown)
Westover Taco
The taqueria that opened in 2023 is getting a repechage round as the area’s first women’s sports bar. Sarah White, an original owner who bought out her partners, reopened the doors April 16 alongside players from women’s sports teams including the D.C. Divas, DMV Queens and DC Shadow Ultimate. The menu has nearly daily specials, including $3 regular tacos on Tuesdays (when else?). Specialty cocktails include the Rise and Grind Mocha (coffee, Belle Isle Cold Brew Moonshine, Kahlúa Chocolate, cream and sugar) and Spicy Pina-Rita (local agave spirits, pineapple juice and fresh sour mix). 5849 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)
Phở Thìn
A restaurant concept founded in Hanoi in 1979 is now serving Vietnamese soups and rolls in Falls Church as of April 3. Visitors can enjoy eight types of pho, including one called the “Phila Chicken” and the signature Thìn Special (wok-seared ribeye with garlic, fatty brisket, flank steak, tendon and meatballs). Ask for extra noodles, meat or a poached egg. The drink menu includes Vietnamese coffee and iced tea, and Thai tea lemonade. 7263 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Closings
Il Radicchio
A fixture at the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Rhodes Street since 1994, this Italian restaurant closed June 1. An Instagram post suggests it will reopen elsewhere, although the date and place is TBA. 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
Whino
The Ballston Quarter restaurant and bar centering on “low brow art” shuttered at the beginning of May, a month shy of its fifth anniversary. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Board Room
The game bar and brewery closed April 30. 925 N. Garfield St., Arlington
