As the temperature rises, Northern Virginia’s culinary scene is heating up with a fresh wave of new restaurants. From Asian fusion experiences to biryani eateries, these new establishments are redefining the local food landscape. Whether you’re a foodie hunting for your next favorite spot or just craving something different, check out these new restaurants.
Arlington
Simply Banh Mi
Banh mi fans will applaud the outstanding Vietnamese sandwiches created at this friendly second outpost in Arlington. It’s not fancy, but the barbecue pork belly and lemongrass chicken versions of the sandwich are getting plenty of positive reviews online. A variety of pho noodle soups, halal meats, and freshly baked breads seal the deal. 801 N. Quincy St. Arlington
Centreville
Mi Casita
If the thought of a Salvadoran Mexican grill and rotisserie chicken eatery gets your attention, drop by Mi Casita. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, enjoy classics like carne asada, enchilada platters, and rotisserie chicken. The abundant menu provides extensive offerings. 5649 Stone Rd., Centreville
Chantilly
H1B
Biryani aficionados may want to visit this newest eatery in Chantilly, offering an eclectic selection of the savory rice dish. Choose from six varieties (including chicken and veggie), as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers to please every diner. Dig into chicken options like peri-peri or tandoori and much more. 4230 Lafayette Center Dr., Ste. Q, Chantilly
Rice Culture
Diners dig Rice Culture’s Japanese taiyaki waffles and other housemade Asian desserts. Indulge your sweet tooth with creative desserts in jars, ice cream in fish-shaped waffles, and refreshing cold sips. 14408 Chantilly Crossing Ln., Chantilly
Falls Church
Kajiken
Kajiken is a renowned Japanese chain known for its abura soba, a brothless specialty ramen dish. With 10 savory varieties like sukiyaki and chicken curry, there’s a flavor for every palate. Also sample tasty gyoza, ramen, donburi, and more at this newest outpost of the international restaurant. 7505 Leesburg Pk. Ste. D, Falls Church
Fairfax
Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ
Head to the Mosaic District for a taste of smoked meats and Tex-Mex, all in one place. This concept from The Neighborhood Restaurant Group (behind area eateries like The Evening Star, Josephine, and B Side) opened on March 1 in the location formerly occupied by the group’s Red Apron butcher shop. This is the second Hi/Fi; the other is in Del Ray. 8298 Glass Alley, Ste. 110, Fairfax
Leesburg
Ebisu Sushi and Thai
Visit this new Leesburg restaurant for rolls, bowls, sushi, sashimi, and Thai cuisine. The menu is extensive at this fusion destination — think pad thai, panang curry, and drunken noodles from the Thai side and ramen, tempura, and katsu from the Japanese side. 101 S. King St., Leesburg
Big Greek Cafe
Known for its souvlaki, gyro, and bifteki pita, Big Greek Cafe recently opened a new location in Leesburg, adding to the Maryland-based restaurant chain. The Mediterranean menu also features a variety of rice and meat bowls, spanakopita, burgers and salads. 9 Catoctin Cir. SW, Leesburg
Reston
Call Your Mother
The newest location of this popular area bagel shop is launching in Reston’s North Point Village Center on Thursday, March 6. It will have all the authentic New York–style bagels, shmears, sandwiches, and coffee that make the other 12 DMV locations a fan favorite. 1484 North Point Village Ctr., Reston
Sterling
CHīKO
Talk about a beautiful mashup. CHīKO takes the best of Chinese fare and combines it with Korean culinary flair to create a flavorful sensation. We’re talking must-try dishes like Korean garden noodles, spicy bulgogi stir fry, and garlic shrimp dumplings. This is the fifth location of the local chain, but the first to include a full-service bar. 46308 Cranston St., Sterling
DoughLab
Get fluffy, flavorful malasadas — a type of filled doughnut — from this new shop. It features rotating specialty flavors, including a savory everything bagel doughnut topped with chives (don’t knock it ’til you try it.) More conventional flavors include red velvet, cinnamon sugar, chocolate, and coffee cream. Check the Instagram page for daily flavor availability. 21426 Epicerie Plz., Ste. 180, Sterling
Taco Bamba
The newest addition to chef Victor Albisu’s Taco Bamba family arrived in the Cascades Marketplace on February 28. The growing chain serves up creative tacos, quesadillas, tortas, breakfast, bowls, and more — and each location has a slightly different menu. This is the first location in Loudoun County. 20968 Southbank St., Sterling
Feature image of Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ by John Rorapaugh, courtesy LeadingDC
