June brings balmy weather and summer vacations, both of which are great excuses to check out new restaurants in the area. Why not dive into tantalizing Turkish, Italian, Southern, or Korean fare, newly opened for your dining pleasure? Check out hot-off-the-press spots for favorite cuisines (and unfamiliar ones) to put on your must-try dining list.
Alexandria
Mystic BBQ & Grill
Nothing says summer like good old-fashioned barbecue. Stop by Mystic for Texas brisket, baby back ribs, Carolina pulled pork, ribs, and wood-grilled steak. Southern seafood specialties include Delta catfish, shrimp and grits, shrimp and crawfish etouffee, and Creole bouillabaisse. They claim to have the “best crab cake in town” — see for yourself. You’ll feel like you’re on Bourbon Street with the plentiful Southern-style dishes — even Southern pecan pie and banana foster bread pudding are options for dessert. 220 N. Lee St., Alexandria
Lucky Buns
Lucky Buns’ fourth DC location is now open at Reagan National Airport. Grab a massive burger or chicken plate, chock full of international flavor, at this popular joint. The beef and chicken are halal, and buns are baked fresh daily in Washington, DC. Choose from five kinds of burgers, with oodles of add-ons. The airport restaurant will also serve breakfast until 10:30 a.m. daily, including breakfast burritos, chia pudding, and chicken and waffles. 2401 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Arlington, Terminal 2, B Gates
Helena’s Mexican Restaurant
A tasty new spot with inviting birria tacos and enchiladas, Helena’s offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. Try the chicken and steak fajitas, as well as the tres leches cake for dessert. Stop in for some chips and guac and stay for a memorable meal. 5735 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria
Arlington
T-swirl Crêpe
This new location of the national chain, located in Ballston Quarter’s underground food court, has something for every crêpe lover. Dig into an egg white mushroom truffle, spicy crabmeat, or angus short rib crêpe when you’re craving something savory. Or go for the strawberry banana, matcha azuki bean, or lychee romantic when you’re feeling like dessert. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Ashburn
Ohana Poke
When you’re feeling like digging into a fresh, Hawaiian poke bowl, give Ohana Poke a try. The new fast-casual dining destination offers a wide variety of options — pick one of the signature bowls or choose your base, mix-ins, poke, sauce, and toppings. Ashburn Village Shopping Center, Ashburn
Gastro High Octane Eats
Fuel up all around! This new food spot is located in the Schmitz Sunoco in Ashburn. Drop by its A-Plus store for freshly made, customizable breakfast and lunch sandwiches, like sandwiches all day, pizzas, salads, sides and desserts. 20435 Broad Overlook Dr., Ashburn
Leesburg
Mancha Cocina Mexicana
Be prepared to fill up at this full-service Mexican restaurant. Signature dishes like mango salmon, fajitas, and ribeye are available at this modern spot, with beverages like margaritas, beers, and palomas to seal the south-of-the-border deal. 200 Fort Evans Rd. NE, Leesburg
BKD Bagels
In the mood for a hand-rolled, small-batched, fresh bagel? BKD Bagels has you covered. Sample the variety of flavors of bagels and cream cheeses, Insta-worthy bagel sandwiches, and hot and cold coffees. 500 Fort Evans Rd., Leesburg
Gainesville
Mahana Fresh
Check out this fresh and healthy bowl restaurant. You choose the protein, base of noodles, rice or vegetables, freshly made sauces, add-ins, and vegetables for this customizable bowl. Fill up with nutritious options, including zucchini brownies for dessert. 5035 Wellington Rd., Gainesville
Manassas
Raising Cane’s
See what all the fuss is about at the newest location of this ever-popular poultry mecca, now open in Manassas. Join the legions of fans who clamor to devour fresh chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, Texas toast, and crinkle-cut fries at this expanding chain. 9501 Liberia Ave., Manassas
Fairfax
Kolbeh Turkish Cuisine
Kolbeh fuses traditional recipes and modern culinary techniques to create unforgettable Turkish fare. Enjoy sizzling kebabs, delicately layered baklava, shawarmas, pides, and more. For breakfast, diners are offered some American options alongside Turkish ones. 11715 Fair Oaks Mall, Ste. J141, Fairfax
Annandale
Sorimmara
Get ready for some heat with Sorimmara Korean cuisine. The growing restaurant chain is open across Asia and now in the U.S., offering signature dishes like malatang, malaxianguo, pork guobaorou, and chili shrimp. Those who overindulge may desire the hangover hot pot. 4231 Markham St., Ste. H, Annandale
Fredericksburg
La Bella Pizza
When a hot and cheesy pizza sounds like just the right ticket, La Bella Pizza is the perfect destination. Enjoy New York–style or Sicilian-style pizzas with traditional flavors or off-the-grid toppings like chicken alfredo and Philly steak. The restaurant serves appetizers, salads, pastas, and sandwiches as well. 2601 Salem Church Rd., Ste. 109, Fredericksburg
Laurita’s Chicken
It’s a fantastic fiesta at Laurita’s — experience Mexican cuisine where pollo is the star. Tacos, chicken platters, quesadillas, and burritos are filled to the brim with poultry, as well as other protein options like pork ribs and carne asada. Housemade desserts and aguas frescas round out the meal. 10621 Courthouse Rd., Fredericksburg
Haymarket
Monroe Bay Oysterette
The world is your oyster at Monroe Bay—this neighborhood seafood joint offers (surprise, surprise) oysters, scallops, crab cakes, mussels, lobster rolls, and more — there’s even steak frites for the landlubbers in the crowd. Craving some treasures from the sea? Look no further than Monroe Bay Oysterette, offering a smorgasbord of fresh seafood to please every palate. 15111 Washington St., Ste. 113, Haymarket
Vienna
Carnegie Diner & Cafe
Only about a month-and-a-half after the new Yellow Diner on Maple Avenue opened, it closed abruptly and changed owners. A popular New York restaurant with multiple locations took over the space and held a soft opening over Memorial Day weekend. At Carnegie Diner & Cafe, enjoy a traditional, extensive diner menu seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dig into organic burgers, salads, soups, all-day breakfast, and magnificent desserts. 501 Maple Ave. W., Vienna
Feature image courtesy Carnegie Diner & Cafe
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