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.
June
Maman, 2920 District Ave., Fairfax | Coffee
This New York-based cafe opened its first Virginia location in the Mosaic District. Enjoy pastries like a Nutella beignet or one of their sandwiches like the bacon, egg, and cheese.
La Posada, 320 23rd St. S., Arlington | Tex-Mex
This spot in Crystal City is serving items like roasted poblano braised beef ribs and duck with guajillo sauce. The owner, Julian Giraldo, is no stranger to the DMV restaurant scene, having worked in it for 20 years.
Naisho Room, 1825 Capital One Dr., Tysons | Japanese
Hidden behind a discreet entrance inside the gym at the Watermark Hotel, this new speakeasy invites discovery. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m., guests can indulge in a 21-course tasting experience or opt for refined small bites — standouts include the Tebasaki Sausage.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in June? Let us know.
May
Oiso, 7133-C Columbia Pike, Annandale | Korean
This spot offers Korean street food dishes ranging from kimbap to donkatsu. It is closed on Mondays, but is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every other day of the week.
First Watch, 12192 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston | Brunch
This popular brunch chain has opened a spot in Reston. Daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., you can get pancakes as big as your head, crispy bacon, and more. This is also a perfect spot for a larger group as they have seating for about 170 guests.
Pop-Up District, 6763 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church | Asian
This new food hall in Falls Church is serving up a variety of Asian cuisine, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean dishes. There are also bakery, ice cream, and cocktail options for you to enjoy.
Bakery Museum + Co., 11923B Lee Hwy, Fairfax | Cafe
Try sweet treats that are out of this world, like a cookie croissant. Wash it down with the Pink Matcha — its signature matcha topped with a strawberry cold foam. It also serves coffee drinks, cakes, and sandwiches.
Tous les Jours, 1100 S Hayes St., Arlington | French + Asian
This French-Asian bakery in Pentagon City is serving up freshly baked treats and specialty drinks. Highlights include mango cream-filled donuts, spinach feta Danishes, and a variety of pastries that blend international flavors.
Flavor Hive, 4260 John Marr Dr., Annandale | Halal
Flavor Hive Food Truck opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Annandale. Known for popularizing the Bring Your Own Chips craze, the eatery opened in a former Wells Fargo.
La Pluma Coffee + Wine | 1000 Cameron St., Alexandria | Café + Bar
Americano by day and a bottle of Cabernet by night. With a coffee shop on the first floor and a bar on the second, this is the perfect spot for an all-day affair.
Bar Chinois, 244 19th Ct S. #105, Arlington | Chinese Fusion
Located on the ground floor of the Grace and Leva apartments, this is Bar Chinois’ second location. Known for its award-winning drink program, don’t forget to grab a cocktail with your har gow and garlic noodles.
Ice Cream Jubilee, 151 W. Falls Station Blvd, Falls Church | Ice Cream
This popular DC-area ice cream shop has opened its sixth location in West Falls Church, bringing more sweet treats to the NOVA area. One scoop of banana pudding ice cream, please.
Rooftop Recess, 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington | American
Located where the Arlington Bar + Grill used to be, this restaurant will be serving up American food, and we’ve got our eyes on the pecan praline baked brie — I mean, can you blame us?
Little Falls Café, 106 Little Falls St., Fairfax | Café
This café offers a vintage vibe full of thrifted decor. There will be breakfast, lunch, and an aperitivo hour.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in May? Let us know.
April
Cuco’s Peruvian, 146 Maple Ave. W., Vienna | Peruvian
This spot is serving a variety of Peruvian dishes from salchipapa to Peruvian chicken wings.
Haraz Yemeni, 11015 Main St., Fairfax | Coffee Shop
This new spot in Fairfax Junction Westfair shopping center serves Yemeni coffee, pastries, and Dubai chocolate.
Two Nine, 1218 31st St. NW, Georgetown | Japanese | Reservations
This omakase restaurant and cafe in Hamilton Court offers seasonal seafood imported from Japan.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in April? Let us know.
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
Layered, 3924 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax | Café | ETA: Fall 2025
The former McDonald’s at Courthouse Plaza in Fairfax City is going to become a new coffee shop. Along with coffee, the shop will serve up pastries, desserts, sandwiches, and more.
Eclarions Pastry and Coffee House, 430 S. Washington St., Alexandria | Bakery | ETA: To be determined
Plans for a new French bakery in Old Town Alexandria were presented to the Board of Architectural Review today. Originally started in Arlington, Eclarions Pastry and Coffee House hopes to open at the site of the old Firehook Bakery.
Buffalo + Bergen, 1028 N. Garfield St., Arlington | Deli + Soda Shop | ETA: Summer 2025
This will be the fourth location for this NYC-style restaurant. From egg creams to classic deli dishes, stay tuned for this new spot.
Scolapasta, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington | Pasta | ETA: Summer 2025
Originally planned to open at 4219 Fairfax Drive this summer, this restaurant will now open as a kiosk at Ballston Quarter.
Brats n Beers, 1610 Washington Plaza North | Bratwurst | ETA: Early 2025
A new beer and bratwurst restaurant from the folks behind Shipgarten is coming to Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. Look forward to a selection of brats — from traditional German to jalapeno cheddar — and German, Belgian, and American beers.
Texas Donuts, Glyndon Plaza, Vienna | Donuts | ETA: June 2025
Texas Donuts is slated to open in Glyndon Plaza in Vienna as early as June. Can’t wait that long for fresh donuts? Check out the current locations in Centreville, Manassas, and Lorton.
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.
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.
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 | ETA: March 2026
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.
