Usher in the holiday season by taking in the many new NoVA dining options. From cozy spots perfect for a romantic Asian-fusion date night to fast-casual spots for tasty and convenient bite, December brings an enticing mix of flavors worth exploring. If you’re a passionate foodie or just looking for a new favorite, these restaurants promise to make your taste buds sing.
Alexandria
La Tingeria
Located at Port City Brewing Company, this award-winning halal taqueria offers authentic dishes to cater to every palate. Try specialties at this third La Tingeria location: chicken tinga tacos, birria tacos, and quesadillas. 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
Arlington
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Experience the bold flavors of Asian street food at Hawkers. With locations in seven states, the Asian fusion hot spot expands. Order dim sum favorites like pork belly bao buns or chili crisp wontons, then devour an array of noodles, rice, curries, and meats. Located in Ballston, it offers sit-down service or a walk-up takeout window. 4201 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 0170, Arlington
Hyde Social
With offerings like bang bang shrimp, mushroom ravioli, and a toffee cookie skillet, the menu here is one great reason to visit; live musical performances Thursday through Saturday evenings are another. Specialty cocktails — including the Havana Cider, the Espresso Rye, and the Hyde Fashioned — are the icing on the cake. 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Kaldi’s Social House
It was a hit in Clarendon, so plan to check out the second Arlington location of Kaldi’s Social House. Diners savor traditional brunch items and coffee beverages, in addition to the offerings on the full dinner menu. Dine on trout and farro pilaf, Korean fried chicken sandwiches, and more. 3639 S. Glebe Rd., Arlington
Taqueria Xochi
Located at National Landing in Arlington, this third location for the popular DC eatery offers authentic homestyle and street-style Mexican food. Dig into gems like tortas, nachos, cemitas, tacos and more. Top it off with a refreshing frozen cocktail, wine or beer. 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington
Chantilly
Ichigo Sushi
This premier sushi bar in Chantilly offers beautifully presented sushi, sashimi, noodles, teriyaki, and katsu for eager diners. The restaurant also offers party platters for large groups. 24650 Southpoint Dr., Ste. 130, Chantilly
Fairfax
Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken salad lovers will flock to this new location for convenient, satisfying lunches. Order from a selection of freshly prepared salads, soups, sandwiches, and sweet treats. This is the second NoVA branch of the expanding national chain. 13057 Route 50, Ste. 36, Fairfax
KoBo Korean Kitchen
KoBo offers traditional Korean dishes with global influences. Here, you can build your own bowl, burrito, or do-si-rak. Just choose a base, a protein, and add-ons at this casual. 13005 Route 50, Fairfax
Sugar Mama’s Ice Cream
This Fairfax ice cream spot has reopened with new owners. The menu now features Indian-inspired flavors such as pan masala and mava malai, in addition to the classics like mint chocolate chip and rocky road. 11208 Lee Hwy., Fairfax
The Alley
This popular Taiwanese boba chain opened its first NoVA location. Choose from a variety of specialty drinks including strawberry green tea with jelly, original purple rice yogurt, and orange peach oolong. 11017 Lee Hwy., Fairfax
Two Burritos
If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican street food, grab yourself a burrito bursting with flavor. Adobo chicken, shrimp, mahi mahi, and chorizo are just a few of the many options for the eponymous dish, as well as for tacos. Sandwiches, quesadillas, and burrito bowls are also on the menu. 4290 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax
Falls Church
Casa Mariachi Bar and Grille
Spread the word to your Tex-Mex lovin’ friends: Casa Mariachi offers a giant menu full of burritos, fajitas, pupusas, tacos, and quesadillas, as well as chicken, beef, and seafood entrees. Still hungry? Churros will do the trick at this festive Falls Church restaurant. Stop in for live music to complement lively dining. 133 E. Annandale Rd., Falls Church
Dolan Uyghur
This area Uyghur restaurant has opened its third location. Enjoy traditional Central Asian dishes like hand-pulled noodles, chicken stew, Laghman, and handmade dumplings. 400 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Seoul Prime
A new sister location of Honest Grill, one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s 50 Best Restaurants, is now open in Falls Church. The new Korean steakhouse prioritizes serving high-quality cuts of meat, sourced from around the region. Diners can order a la carte or experience a taste of four different cuts of beef, accompanied by sides, with the Seoul Prime Tour offered on the menu. 106 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Front Royal
Royal Zaika Grill and Bar
Taste the authentic flavors of India at this new Front Royal restaurant. Drop in for a delightful spread of aromatic curry, fluffy naan, and juicy kabobs. 219 E. Main St., Front Royal
Lorton
Pho Nomenal Deli
Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this deli, offering Vietnamese pho noodle soups, banh mi sandwiches, and a vast selection of boba beverages. 7200 Telegraph Sq Dr., Lorton
McLean
Char’d
Fuel up for a shopping spree in Tysons Galleria with burgers, fries, wings, and more in this new burger joint. The burgers here are grass-fed, organic, and served with a signature sauce. First established as a food truck, the eatery has opened its first brick-and-mortar location within the mall. Tysons Galleria: 2001 International Dr., McLean
Modan
This large restaurant in the new Heming apartment complex serves contemporary Japanese cuisine. Specialty sushi rolls include the Modan Rainbow, with king crab, tuna, king salmon, yellowtail, whitefish, shrimp, and caviar; and the Lollipop, with cucumber, tuna, king salmon, yellowtail, and snow crab. Dine a la carte or allow the chef to choose with an omakase option. 1788 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
Rabbit Taco
A new eatery for Mexican street food has opened in Tysons Galleria.Diners at the mall’s third-level food hall will find tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Tysons Galleria: 2001 International Dr., McLean
Scolapasta
Find authentic, handmade pasta dishes at this new Tysons Galleria spot. Customers will choose their pasta shape base, their sauce, and their toppings to create a dinner. Tysons Galleria: 2001 International Dr., McLean
Springfield
Stupid Good BBQ
Great American Restaurants is opening a new barbecue joint in Springfield, with a grand opening on December 5. The fast-casual concepts specializes in smoked meats, smashed potatoes, and other decadent barbecue essentials that pack a lot of flavor. 6125 Backlick Rd., Springfield
Sterling
Kokee Tea
Fresh flavors and all-natural cane sugar create inviting hand-crafted tea drinks here. Sip on a wide variety of milk teas, fruit teas, cold brews, and blended refreshments that are sure to quench your thirst. Town Center at Sterling: 21800 Towncenter Plz., Sterling
AllGoRhythms Dulles Bar and Restaurant
AllGoRhythms has a fun vibe and a diverse menu. Enjoy live music and dance events, along with signature dishes like Lamb Chop Lullaby, Biryani Beat, and Fajita Fiesta. 21035 Dulles Town Cir., Sterling
Tysons
Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory at Tysons Galleria will close permanently as of December 1, but fans of the massive-menu restaurant chain don’t have to fear. A new location will open on December 5 in Tysons Corner Center. We’ll never get through the more than 250 menu items or 30 decadent cheesecakes — but we’re always willing to give it a try. Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, First Floor
Vienna
Japomen
Delight in a wide selection of sushi, ramen, and more at this Japanese restaurant. Get your wagyu on here, with seared wagyu ramen, along with sushi combos and tempting platters. Meticulously crafted to honor tradition, Japomen’s cuisine will transport diners straight to the land of the rising sun. 2676 Avenir Pl., Ste. J, Vienna
Feature image courtesy Char’d
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