Now Open: Rosa Mexicano, Circa Tysons, Puzukan Tan and More

Arlington has long been a destination for great restaurants, with new spots popping up on a weekly—and sometimes daily—basis. Here are some of the most recent additions to the area.

Silver Diner

The Clarendon location of this locally founded eatery may have closed, but both its staff and its decidedly retro vibe have merely moved down the street. Silver Diner’s new Ballston location features indoor and outdoor seating, free two-hour parking (with validation) and a full bar. It also carries a robust menu of shakes, appetizers and all-day fare, such as the lumberjack breakfast (silver dollar pancakes, eggs, meat, home fries) and bacon blue burger (onion straws, A-1, honey mustard). As for cocktails, take a peek at the deluxe mimosas and the Tropical Sidecar (Hennessy cognac, Grand Marnier, mango mix). And if you’re feeling nostalgic about the Clarendon dining room, its contents are being auctioned off through Dec. 22. Opened: Dec. 14. // 4400 Wilson Blvd., Arlington 

Rosa Mexicano

The nearly 40-year old brand that started in New York has carved out a new home inside the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, moving in to the space formerly occupied by Sugar Factory. The Mexican eatery sports an expansive patio and a bar, carrying more than 100 types of tequila and related spirits. Nibble on black bean and cheese empanadas, shrimp ceviche or guacamole made tableside. Or dive into something more substantial, such as duck carnitas enchiladas (red guajillo chile sauce, cotija cheese, chihuahua cheese) or roasted mushroom huarache (black beans, sautéed spinach, chile pasilla salsa, epazote). And if you can’t decide on a cocktail or dessert to close out the evening, try both in one: the margarita lime tart folds Corralejo Reposado tequila, triple sec and lime zest into an árbol graham cracker crust and tops things off with whipped cream. Opened: Dec. 12. // 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington 

Él Bebe

This new spot for Mexican street fare is the concept’s first location in Virginia; its Navy Yard storefront opened in 2019. The eatery joins the lineup at The Boro in Tysons, now home to dozens of eateries, shops and services. From chef Michael Huff—culinary director of Metropolitan Hospitality Group (Circa, Salt, Open Road)—comes a menu loaded with apps, taco platters and platos grandes such as open-faced tamales (pork carnitas, green-tamale masa, refried beans) and camarones diablos (grilled shrimp, salsa diabla, pickled jalapenos). Beverage director Paul Williams adds several margs (frozen and otherwise) and cocktails to the list, including the My Paloma is Smoking (Banhez mezcal, aperol, fresh grapefruit). Opened: Dec. 5. // 8354 Broad St., McLean

Circa

Circa, another Metropolitan Hospitality Group concept, debuted in Dupont Circle in 2007. Though that location and its Chinatown storefront are now shuttered, the brand has witnessed a significant expansion over the past several years, with four locations in D.C. and Virginia. The Tysons outpost, situated immediately beside Él Bebe at The Boro, offers new additions and old favorites such as tuna poke nachos (sesame-ginger marinade, wasabi-avocado cream, tobiko) and wild mushroom flatbread (arugula, pesto, truffle oil). Find low-proof cocktails and other drinks on the bar list, also from beverage director Paul Williams, including the Purple Rain (Hanson of Sonoma habanero vodka, blueberry-habanero shrub) and a maple old fashioned. And don’t skip the pumpkin cheesecake and brioche bread pudding—a portion of dessert sales at Circa and Él Bebe will benefit Inova Children’s Hospital. Opened: Dec. 5. // 1675 Silver Hill Drive, Tysons

 

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Khun Yai Thai

This new eatery off Langston Boulevard bills itself as “homestyle Thai cuisine made by Grandma.” The restaurant replaces Ghin Na Ree Thai and is owned by the family behind the long-running Thai Pilin restaurants in Falls Church and Tysons. On the expansive menu, find kanom jeeb dumplings (chicken, shrimp and crabmeat), som tum papaya salad (string beans, carrots, tomato, crushed peanuts), roasted duck red curry (bamboo shoots, pineapple, coconut milk) and more. Opened: Nov. 7. // 2509 N. Harrison St., Arlington

Puzukan Tan

From brothers Sunghoon and Kibum Kim comes this Korean barbecue destination featuring hybrid charcoal-and-gas grills, and dry-aged meats. The Falls Church eatery is the newest addition to a growing restaurant group that also includes Puzukan in Alexandria and Rateba Grill and Ramen in Fairfax. The menu presents a variety of meats (beef and pork) to be cooked at the table, as well as bacon-kimchi fried rice, spicy ramen and the Butcher’s Omakase: a pre-fixe meal with house salad, crunchy potato pancakes, bulgogi sushi, four meats and bingsoo. Opened: Oct. 5. // 8114 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church

Seamore’s 

Seamore’s, a James Beard Smart Catch Leader, opened its first Virginia location this fall in Clarendon. Take your pick of appetizers like firecracker cauliflower (sweet chili aioli, sesame seeds) and steamed Virginia littlenecks, then move on to mains such as red curry mussels (scallion, mint, basil) with fries, or Baja fish tacos (seared or crispy), or simply grilled fresh catch with your choice of sides. For dessert, enjoy a churro ice-cream sandwich, made with caramel-chocolate-chunk ice cream, caramel sauce and cinnamon sugar. Opened: Sept. 28. // 2815 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington

Junction

Since the original Junction Bakery & Bistro opened in Del Ray in 2016, the brand has expanded to Capitol Hill, Chevy Chase and now the Mosaic District. The Merrifield location—from Common Plate Hospitality (Mason Social, Urbano) and Rex Management (Landini Brothers, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream)—celebrates cinematic history with a mammoth mural and a 20-foot-by-20-foot projection screen. From the all-day menu, consider the falafel bowl (mixed lentils, sumac pickled beets, harissa labneh), Thai street noodles (shredded chicken, vermicelli, coconut), California toast (avocado puree, roasted mushroom, toasted almonds) and an array of other brunchy and suppertime foods. Cocktails? They have those too, including Peruvian sangria (pisco, white wine, Cocchi Americano) and the Mezcalero Negroni (mezcal, Campari, nitro cold brew). Opened: Sept 28. // 2985 District Ave., Suite 115, Fairfax

Pirouette

“Wine-driven restaurant” Pirouette brings charred radicchio and reasonably priced wines to Ballston. The wine shop-and-bistro hybrid, by first-time restaurant owners Jackie and Philippe Loustaunau, features a menu from executive chef Adam Hoffa (formerly with D.C. restaurants Fiola and St. Anselm) that includes house-made pasta and whole branzino (scallop and espelette mousse, cremini mushrooms). And wines are available by the glass, bottle and half-bottle. Opened: Sept. 16. // 4000 Fairfax Drive, Suite C, Arlington

 

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Tuna

Arlington’s Cherrydale neighborhood welcomed Laotian eatery Tuna this fall, in the space formerly occupied by Maneki Neko Express (its Falls Church sister restaurant remains open). Owner Sak “Tuna” Vong recommends “signature” menu options Lao flying noodles (Wagyu meatballs, shrimp, Lao sausage, egg) Lao papaya salad (shrimp, tomatoes, chilies) and chirashi, a sashimi rice platter. Opened: Sept. 1. // 3813 Langston Blvd., Arlington

Kura Sushi

Known for its revolving bar of nigiri and maki, Kura Sushi launched its first Virginia location this month with a Tysons storefront. Find more than 140 items on the menu (spicy garlic popcorn shrimp rolls, beef udon, taiyaki ice cream) from this brand with roots in 1970s Japan. And get ready for robots—Kur-B the KuraBot will be whizzing by your table to serve you beverages. Opened: Sept. 1. // 8461 Leesburg Pike Suite C, Tysons 

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

Keep the summer going at this new seafood stop in Shirlington. The eatery offers several spins on the classic lobster roll, as well as lobster BLTs and shrimp rolls, plus clam chowder, potato salad and lobster mac and cheese. Born in Annapolis in 2014, the company also has locations in D.C., Reston and Annapolis. “Arlington is unique; it has a small town feel and patrons are loyal to local businesses,” co-owner Taj McCree said in a press release. Opened: Aug. 18. // 4017 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)

Hawkers

Satisfy your craving for hot chicken and pork belly bao at this Ballston destination for Asian street food. The Florida-based chain serves a robust menu of small plates, rice and noodle dishes, and treats (say yes to the doughnuts). Thirsty? Choose something from the lengthy list of craft cocktails, sake, whiskey, beer, wine and zero-proof quaffs. Opened: Aug. 4. // 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 0170, Arlington (Ballston)

RASA

With this Mosaic District storefront, the Indian fast-casual brand from “lifelong besties” Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod now has four locations in the DMV. Stop in for the Tikka Chance on Me (chicken tikka, tomato-garlic sauce, sauteed spinach, rice, mint-cilantro chutney) or Goa Your Own Way (spiced beef, coconut ginger sauce, basmati rice, green beans, pickled onions, chutney, roasted lentils). And consider a “fast-casual” date night: They’ve got cocktails. Opened: July 30. // 2905 District Avenue Suite 160, Fairfax (Mosaic District)

Kusshi

Come for the shishito peppers, stay for the mochi at sushi outpost Kusshi. The new addition to Westpost, with a sister location in Bethesda, is named for the Kusshi oyster. Find those (served by the half- or full dozen) as well as several other starters, entrees and sushi combos on the menu. And if you’re feeling fancy, opt for omakase, a multi-course meal designed by the chef. Opened: July 1. // 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Pentagon City)

Bar Ivy

From veteran restaurateurs Greg Algie and chef Nathan Beauchamp comes this breezy West Coast-style eatery. Both Beauchamp and executive chef Jonathan Till have roots at Alexandria restaurants (Restaurant Eve and Evening Star, respectively). Pull up to a table, grab a seat at the bar or relax on the leafy patio and dive into brandade and dandelion croquettes, watermelon poke, cauliflower fettucine or icebox cake. As for liquid indulgences? Try the Purpletini (Empress 1908 Gin, creme de violette, rose vermouth, sour flower water) or the Incensed Sailor (vanilla-infused vodka, grapefruit, pink sea salt). Opened: June 29. // 3033 Wilson Blvd. Suite 115R, Arlington (Clarendon)

Oh K-DOG

Why reach for a corn dog when there’s a Korean rice dog available? The fried concoction on a stick comes in several varieties at this new Ballston Quarter food stall (one of some two dozen locations across the country), including sweet potato and sausage with cheddar. And don’t forget to try the egg toast; the “classic” comes with scrambled eggs on brioche toast with sriracha mayo and ranch. Opened: June 9. // 4238 Wilson Blvd. Suite 118, Arlington (Ballston) 

Maman Joon

The McLean location of this Persian kabob house, which shares a space and a founder with Z Burger, is the first in the Commonwealth. Feast on dolmeh, falafel and daily specials that include lamb shank and filet mignon kabob. And consider letting your mother know about the place; the restaurant’s name roughly translates as “Dear Mom.” Opened: June 30. // 1408 Chain Bridge Road, McLean

UnCommon Luncheonette

Co-owner Joon Yang (American Prime, Epic Smokehouse) and chef Jon Mathieson (2941, BLT Steak) form the duo behind this Manhattan-style diner in Clarendon. Snag breakfast starting at 7 a.m., or swing by for lunch before the kitchen wraps up in the afternoon. What’s on the menu? An uncommon number of comforting options, from biscuits and gravy to breakfast poutine to the Nashville hot chicken sandwich. Opened: May 4. // 1028 N. Garfield St., Arlington (Clarendon)

Buena Vida Gastrolounge

After closing earlier this year for a revamp, Mexican eatery Buena Vida is back with a modified name and a new concept. The tri-level restaurant from Ivan Iricanin and Street Guys Hospitality (Ambar) first opened in 2019 with taqueria TTT on the first floor, upscale Buena Vida on the second, and a breezy rooftop bar. After pivoting to a carry-out focus led by TTT during the pandemic, the restaurant temporarily closed and made several changes; the entire restaurant now serves an unlimited tasting menu designed by Mexico City-bred chef Jaime Pelayo. Choose from shrimp chamoyada (poached shrimp, jicama, roasted peanuts, golden beef noodles, sweet potato), lamb barbacoa (slow-roasted with pickled cabbage, scallion, radish), mushroom quesadillas and more than three dozen other small plates. And beginning later this month, take in aerial views of Arlington and D.C. from its soon-to-reopen rooftop lounge. Opened: April 19. // 2900 Wilson Blvd #103, Arlington (Clarendon)

Quincy Hall

This Ballston beer hall and pizza place was in the works for nearly three years before unveiling its tavern-style pizzas and deep menu of ales last month. Pop by from 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and enjoy happy hour specials, including $5 rail drinks and discounted pints. Opened: April 15. // 4001 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)

The Union

This McLean-based, family-owned restaurant opened a second location in Arlington in April. The eatery is helmed by Giridhar Sastry, who draws on his Indian heritage and international travels for the brand’s eclectic fare. Find Mumbai panini (chaat masala, cilantro chutney, Havarti cheese, veggies), calamari with Lebanese garlic sauce and sesame wings on the menu. Opened: April 4. // 3811 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)

Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza

Feel like a Saved by The Bell cast member at this pizza and beer destination in Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row) from chef Johnny Spero (Michelin starred-Reverie), restaurateur Scott Parker and Aslin Beer Co. Highlights include littleneck clam pies, Wagyu beef hot dogs and low-ABV brews. Opened: March 24. // 1201 S. Joyce St. C10, Arlington (National Landing)

Harvey’s

From chef Thomas Harvey comes a Falls Church comfort-food spot that is steeped in nostalgia, from its checkered floors to its vintage Coca-Cola signs. In addition to an array of breakfast sandwiches, appetizers and indulgent entrees, find a well-stocked market with beers, wines (p.s. they have a wine club) and prepared foods to dive into at home. Opened: March 14. // 513 W. Broad St., Falls Church City

Brass Rabbit

Carrot “fries” and lettuce wraps are the order of the day at this Clarendon restaurant and nightspot from restaurateur Reese Gardner, the name behind Copperwood Tavern, Dudley’s Sport & Ale, The Pinemoor, Quinn’s on the Corner. Suggestion: Order a wild berry bramble (Empress gin, muddled berries, wild berry seltzer) beside its mini rabbit-themed gallery. Opened: March 22. // 1210 N. Garfield St., Arlington (Clarendon)

Urbanspace

After a two-year, pandemic-related hiatus, this Tysons food hall reopened with some new concepts in the lineup. Pick up a sashimi bowl at Japanese emporium Donburi, a mushroom and onion slice from Andy’s Pizza and, on weekends, pan-African soul food from Hedzole. Opened: March 22. // 2001 International Drive, 3rd Floor, McLean (Tysons)

Fog Point Oysters & Seafood

Rosslyn food hall Assembly added a new dining option in March with full-service coastal food outpost Fog Point Oysters & Seafood. Savor shucked-to-order oysters, Maryland crab soup, and cocktails that include a fresh take on a mint julep. Opened: March 15. // 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)

Taco Rock

The taqueria from restaurateur Mike Cordero unveiled its third location in March as part of the redeveloped Birch and Broad complex in Falls Church. The 2,815-square-foot eatery features puffy beef tacos, cream-filled churros and a spacious outdoor patio. Opened: March 8. // 1116 W. Broad St., Falls Church City 

Seoulspice

Get your fill of “kurritos” at this Korean fast-casual concept in Rosslyn from chef Eric Shin. The gluten-free, vegan-friendly restaurant includes a variety of options for its custom bowls, from purple rice to ginger-carrot sauce. Opened: Feb. 23. // 1735 N. Lynn St., Suite 106, Arlington (Rosslyn)