Restaurants come and go in our area all the time, and we are here to help you keep track. Recently opened eateries are now serving oversize cookies, delectable dumplings and wow-worthy imports from Japan. But save room: A ton of new dining options are coming soon to a neighborhood near you. Our breakdown previews new spots on the horizon, too.
Now Open
Crumble
This fast-expanding dessert franchise has a new home in National Landing, thanks to owners and longtime Northern Virginia residents Natalya and Chris Hummer. Find giant and mini cookies in flavors such as Churro Cakes or Molten Lava and Sea Salt Toffee. Flavors change often, so check the website to see what’s baking. Opened: Feb. 7. // 1421 S. Hayes St., Arlington (National Landing)
Little Tiger Dumplings
An offshoot of chef Leopold Liao’s Tiger Dumplings in Clarendon, this new addition to the Upside on Moore food hall serves a mix of Northern Chinese and American favorites, including Dan Dan Noodles and Chengdu Spicy Wontons, with six styles of dumplings. Opened: Feb. 1. // 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Cafe Zevian
Featuring dishes with Turkish, Greek and Lebanese flavors, this new Little City restaurant has a long menu of cold and hot mezzes such as baba ghanoush and fried halloumi, seafood such as pan-seared octopus, and veal and lamb doner kebab, served over rice. Top off a meal with pistachio or walnut baklava. You can grab breakfast or lunch here, too. Opened: Jan. 31. // 700 W. Broad St., Falls Church
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Yunnan by Potomac
The name of this noodle house is an homage to China’s most diverse province. Try mixian rice noodles in chicken bone broth, xiaochi (small plates) and multiple kinds of bao buns, including a version stuffed with fried nine-spice chicken, pickled red onion, chili oil, whipped tofu sauce, spring onion and cilantro slaw. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with festive dishes such as whole Norwegian king crab and Lucky Jiaozi dumplings. // 721 15th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
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Marufuji Japanese Market
Japanophiles take note: This 18,000-square-foot Tysons newcomer opened last month to great fanfare and long lines. A specialty store selling Japanese ingredients and products, including sashimi-grade fish and wagyu beef, it’s also home to a cafe that sells rice bowls and a grab-and-go section with sushi and bento boxes. Opened: Jan. 25. // 8520 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
Gagawa
This Turkish restaurant chain has opened its first U.S. outpost at Tysons Corner Center with a menu centering on chicken, pasta and Mediterranean salads. Marinated for 12-14 hours, the star protein comes in flavors such as sweet chili and cheesy rosemary. Opened: Jan. 22. // 7939 Tysons Corner Center, McLean
Call Your Mother Deli
The self-described “Jew-ish” deli with a cult following in the DMV moved into one of the kiosks in National Landing’s Water Park last month, serving its signature bagels, schmears and sides. (Year-round latkes? Yes, please!) Opened: Jan. 13. // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
New Offerings
Immigrant Food
Ballston’s gastroadvocacy pub is now offering “wine tapas”—small bites perched atop any glass of wine for an additional $1 on top of the drink price—with options that rotate seasonally. Chef Ben Murray’s current offering is Spanish Manchego cheese marinated in garlic, cherries and orange peel. Also, this month, the restaurant has a BOGO deal on dim sum: Buy dim sum for two guests and get a third for free. // 4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Coming Soon
Bar Chinois
With a Chinese food menu and a French-inspired cocktail and wine program, this restaurant’s flagship location in the District has racked up accolades, including a listing in the Michelin Dining Guide USA and 2024 RAMMY Award for Best Bar in D.C. A second location is now forthcoming on this side of the Potomac, in National Landing. Prep your palate for red chili wontons, crispy duck spring rolls, honey-glazed salmon with wasabi seaweed-seasoned rice, and signature cocktails like the Coco Marseille with tequila, basil sesame coconut cream, Suze, honey and lime. // 1900 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
First Watch
The popular daytime cafe is opening a new spot Feb. 17 in Falls Church with free pots of coffee during its first week. Known for brunchy fare such as breakfast tacos (stuffed with scrambled eggs, Cajun chicken, chorizo, cheddar, Monterey Jack, avocado and pico de gallo) and Million Dollar bacon (caramelized with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and maple syrup), the eatery also offers select cocktails, fresh-pressed juices and lunchtime soups and salads. // 7501 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Grazie Grazie
The Italian sandwich shop is bringing its first location outside of D.C. proper to Ballston. Look for options like the 8+1 (Genoa salami, hot capicola, prosciutto and sharp provolone) and NYC Bodega (hand-breaded or grilled chicken with Caesar dressing, romaine lettuce, pecorino and lemon), plus cheesesteaks, pizzas, big salads and cannoli. // 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
King Street Oyster Bar
Old Town’s ever-popular seafood joint has five locations peppering the DMV, with a sixth soon to join the rapidly expanding restaurant landscape in National Landing. Get your ocean fix with oysters on the half-shell, Peruvian-style ceviche, crab cake sandwiches and a catch-of-the-day. // 480 11th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Lantern Restaurant and Bar
This Asian eatery has a soft opening planned for Feb. 20. An online menu suggests diners can look forward to options like yam and sparerib soup, pickled Chinese cabbage fish, honey chicken and spicy tofu. // 320 23rd St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Lapu Lapu
Aiming for a spring opening in National Landing, the Filipino eatery from chef Javier Fernandez specializes in breakfast sandwiches made with pan de sal buns from Gwenie’s Pastries, a bakery owned by Fernandez’s sister and mother, which is also opening a storefront in the neighborhood. The buns come stuffed with corned beef, sweet pork chorizo, turkey bacon and more. // 550 14th St., Arlington (National Landing)
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Ravenna Pizza
A new addition to the Shops in Rosslyn, this Roman-style pizzeria plans to open on Feb. 24, serving rectangular slices with toppings such as eggplant, pepperoni, smoked bacon, hot honey and Grana Padano cheese. The menu also includes sandwiches such as Mortadella with burrata and roasted pistachios, plus Italian pastries including tiramisu and a lemon tart. // 1500 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
SHō Sushi & Izakaya
A new sushi bar is preparing to open in McLean, promising “fine Japanese cuisine with a Western twist,” according to its social media posts. // 6828 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Closed
Abay Market
The casual Ethiopian eatery near Skyline Condominiums has closed. // 3811 S George Mason Drive, Falls Church
California Tortilla
A fixture in Courthouse for 20 years, this chain restaurant shuttered on Nov. 30. // 2057 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Mah-Ze-Dahr
The NYC-based cafe and bakery opened in June 2021 and closed last month. // 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Parc de Ville
The website for this Mosaic District eatery (whose sister restaurants include Cafe Colline and El Rey taqueria) says the closure is temporary for renovations. Reopening dates are currently unavailable. // 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Waterhouse Coffee
The former coffee shop across from the Clarendon Metro closed its doors Dec. 1 after a six-year run. // 3033 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)