Looking for the next new restaurant hitting NOVA’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Northern Virginia — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
March
Cooper Mill, 10 Duke St., Alexandria | Pizza
Enjoy this casual tavern vibe right along the waterfront. Go for the small bites like garlic knots or baked brie, but the star of the show is the fresh pizza.
Founding Farmers Restaurant, 461 Swann Ave., Alexandria | American
Take a quick stroll from Potomac Yard to this full-service restaurant and bar. Plus, there’s a weekday happy hour from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Snag a reservation.
HiFi Tex-Mex BBQ, 8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax | Tex Mex
Tacos, margs, and brisket are all offered at this new Mosaic District location.
Sorn Thai, 6224E Old Dominion Dr., Mclean | Thai
Named after the owner’s grandmother, this new spot offers southern Thai food like kua gling.
SYN Rooftop Bar & Lounge, 1975 Opportunity Way, Reston | Bar
Take in rooftop views atop the Marriott while snacking on small plates like deviled eggs with caviar and charcuterie. Make a reservation.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in March? Let us know.
February
Lantern Restaurant and Bar, 320 23rd St. S., Arlington | Asian fusion
Belt out your favorite songs at this karaoke bar with a relaxed vibe. Don’t sing on an empty stomach; there are plenty of Asian-fusion dishes and cocktails to go around.
Alara, 1303 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Georgetown | Mediterranean
Enjoy modern takes on cuisine from Turkey, Greece, and the Levant region. Make a reservation.
First Watch, 7501 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church | Breakfast
Start your day fresh at this chain breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot at Idylwood Plaza.
Noosh Grill, 9573 Braddock Rd., Fairfax | Afghan American
If you’re craving halal food, smash burgers, and rice bowls, this new spot in Kings Park West has you covered.
Flight Wine Shop, 269 19th Ct. S., Arlington | Wine
Don’t bring the same-old same-old to your next dinner party, shop this new store’s curated and limited-production wines.
Ravenna Pizza, 1500 Wilson Blvd., Arlington | Pizza
This new pizzeria in Rosslyn City Center offers Roman-style square pizza and gelato.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in February? Let us know.
January
Bonchon, 7133B Columbia Pike, Annandale | Korean fried chicken
After a previous location was destroyed in a fire, Bonchon is back in Annandale. Enjoy Korean fried chicken in a family-friendly environment.
Call Your Mother Deli, Arlington + Reston | Bagels
If you’re looking for a bagel that’s somewhere between the classic NY-style and the sweeter Montreal-style — we found your new happy place.
Yunnan by Potomac Noodle House, 1446 S. Grant St., Arlington | Chinese
Bao buns, dumplings, shaokao barbecue, and noodles noodles noodles are all on the menu at this Yunnan-style Chinese spot.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in January? Let us know.
These soft brioche doughnuts from Gwenie’s Pastries come with filling flavors like ube and mango.
Photo via @gweniespastries
Coming Soon
La Pluma Coffee and Wine, 1000 Cameron St., Alexandria | Salvadoran wine bar | ETA: April 2025
If you love coffee in the morning and wine in the evening, this spot will be for you.
The Salty, 2905 District Ave., Fairfax | Donuts | ETA: Early 2025
This wife and husband team has opened several locations, but Fairfax will be the first in Virginia. It’s self-described as a spot for a “really freakin’ good donut.” Can’t argue with that.
Gwenie’s Pastries, 550 14th St. S., Arlington | Filipino bakery | ETA: Spring 2025
Cupcakes and cakes are on the menu here, but don’t miss out on the Filipino delicacies like biko, buko pandan, and leche flan.
Mudhouse Coffee, 1119 King St., Alexandria | Cafe | ETA: Spring 2025
So long, coffee cart — hello, Old Town cafe. This beloved coffee spot already has locations in Charlottesville, Richmond, and Crozet.
Sharbat Bakery & Cafe, 1640 King St., Alexandria | Azerbaijani bakery | ETA: Early 2025
This woman- and immigrant-owned spot is headed to Old Town. Look forward to baklava, wedding cakes, and plenty of breakfast options.
Bar Chinois, 1900 Crystal Dr., Arlington | Chinese | ETA: Early 2025
Diners soon won’t have to travel across the river for har gow and garlic noodles. Don’t forget the French wine and cocktails.
Bar Colline, 1900 Crystal Dr., Arlington | French bistro | ETA: Mid 2025
The team behind Chez Billy Sud is bringing a new restaurant to Lee Heights Shops. Think: Parisian cafe.
Maman, 2920 District Ave., Fairfax | Coffee | ETA: Summer 2025
This New York-based cafe will open its first Virginia location in the Mosaic District.
Voodoo Brewing Co., Makers Rise at Dulles Station, Herndon | Brewery | ETA: End of 2025
The first Northern Virginia location for Voodoo is headed to Herndon. Get ready for beer, cocktails, and bar-food.
Clarity, 1996 Opportunity Way, Reston | Casual fine dining
Reston diners won’t have to trek to Vienna to get some Clarity. The Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year will open a second location at Reston Town Center.
