Whatever kind of cuisine you’re craving, chances are you can find it in Northern Virginia, where the dining out options range from elegant special-occasion dinners to street foods in a spectrum of global flavors, and everything in between. Save your appetite for these spring and summer openings.
Bar Chinois
Known for its Chinese food menu and 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 a 2024 RAMMY Award for Best Bar in D.C. May brings a second location to National Landing with tempting dishes such as red chili wontons, crab rangoon, garlic noodles and signature cocktails like the Lucky Dragon, made with Sorgin Grapefruit Gin, Doctor Bird Rum, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple amaro, ginger honey, lemon and clarified milk. // 1900 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Boe
Ready to wrangle a few friends for drinks? Soon to take over the former Coco B’s space in Clarendon, this country-themed bar will have a mechanical bull for patrons brave enough to take a wild ride. // 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Grazie Grazie
The Italian sandwich shop is bringing its first location outside of D.C. proper to Ballston this spring. Save your appetite for the 8+1 (Genoa salami, hot capicola, prosciutto and sharp provolone) and NYC Bodega (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
The ever-popular seafood joint has five locations peppering the DMV, with a sixth soon to join the rapidly expanding dining landscape near Amazon’s HQ2. Get your ocean fix with oysters on the half-shell, Peruvian-style ceviche, crab cake sandwiches and the catch-of-the-day. // 480 11th 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 pandesal buns from Gwenie’s Pastries, a bakery owned by Fernandez’s sister and mother, which is also opening a storefront in the same neighborhood. The buns come stuffed with corned beef, sweet pork chorizo, turkey bacon and other tempting fillers. // 550 14th St., Arlington (National Landing)
Luna Bar
Luna Hall, the food group behind Dumpling District, Tous Les Jours and Kung Fu Tea, is bringing a bar with East Asian flair to Ballston Quarter this spring. Expect offerings like bao buns, fried rice and slurpable noodle soups. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
View this post on Instagram
Maman
The celebrated New York City bakery is soon to take up residency in the Mosaic District in the former Oath Pizza space. Set to open this summer, this will be the chain’s first Virginia location. Look for a menu packed with quiche, breakfast bowls, sandwiches, pastries, and lots of coffee and tea drinks. // 2920 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Nettie’s Tavern
Reese Gardner, founder of Copperwood Tavern in Shirlington, is working to open a new concept in the former B Live space in Clarendon. He’s aiming for an August debut. // 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Scapegoat Beer Garden
Slated to open this summer behind Crystal City’s 23rd Street “Restaurant Row,” this indoor/outdoor watering hole by restaurateur Kendrick Wu will feature a tiered patio and deck, rotating craft beers, wine, cocktails and Asian comfort foods. The menu, designed by Huy Nguyen and and Long Lai, owners of Vietnamese eatery Balô Kitchen, will include fan favorites such as crackling pork belly rice bowls, wok-fried garlic noodles and bò lá lốt, a traditional Vietnamese grilled beef skewer wrapped in betel leaves. // 556 22nd St., S., Arlington (Crystal City)