Get ready to indulge this month. A new batch of inspired dining destinations has debuted in the region. And we’ve rounded up a whopping 20 new restaurants to try.
Alexandria
Valletta Port
Transport yourself to Malta at Valletta Port, the newest Mediterranean eatery in Old Town. Each dish is handcrafted meticulously by chef Daniyar Goliyev, including signature starters, spreads, and house-made pastas, paired alongside an expansive collection of wine, beer, and craft cocktails. Valletta Port also offers a coffee and pastry shop. 682 N. St. Asaph St.
Eras Pop-Up Bar
Swifties rejoice: Eras is a Taylor Swift-themed pop-up cocktail bar in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood. This immersive experience transports guests through all 11 of Taylor Swift’s iconic albums, each represented by unique decor and ambiance. Highlights include a wall dedicated to her ex-boyfriends and a variety of themed cocktails named after her songs (try the Romeo & Julep). The trendy bar welcomes all ages before 8 p.m., and only-21 plus after. 2312 Mount Vernon Ave.
The Farmhouse Tuscan
The Farmhouse Tuscan offers rich Italian flavor in a rustic, welcoming setting. Enjoy Mediterranean classics with a twist here — hand tossed pizzas, house-made pastas, grilled meats, and more. Dishes celebrate fresh, local ingredients in a menu that owners describe as bold Italian for the modern palate. 7879 Heneska Loop
Arlington
Lantern Restaurant and Bar
Lantern Restaurant & Bar is a recently opened Asian eatery offering a blend of authentic dishes and familiar favorites. Notable menu items include crispy whole sweet-and-sour fish, artfully prepared, as well as classics like orange chicken, beef with broccoli, and fried rice. And in addition to its diverse culinary fare, Lantern features six private karaoke rooms, a dining area, performance stage, full-service bar, and outdoor patio. 320 23rd St. S.
Ashburn
Biryani Grill
Biryani Grill, known for its authentic Indian cuisine, specializes in biryani — a fragrant dish of seasoned basmati rice cooked with various meats or vegetables. The interesting menu also features a variety of traditional Indian dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. 43530 Yukon Dr.
Loud ‘n Roasted
Loud ‘n Roasted Coffee Roasters has expanded its presence with a new Ashburn location. Established in 2019 in South Riding, the family-run business is renowned for its freshly roasted coffees and monthly coffee flights. The Ashburn cafe offers a variety of hot and iced coffee beverages, teas, and pastries. 43930 Farmwell Hunt Plz., Ste. 112
Fairfax
Grub Palace
Grub Palace offers a diverse menu of Afghan and Mediterranean cuisine. Notable dishes include the Chicken Kabob Platter, featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection. The Beef Kubideh Platter showcases seasoned ground beef skewers. For starters, try the Bulani — a traditional Afghan appetizer of shredded fresh onion mixed with mashed potato, seasoned with black pepper, and deep-fried. 11280 James Swart Cir.
Black Sesame Rolls
Get your fix of Korean and Japanese rice rolls, bento boxes and rice bowls here, with fresh, healthy options for every taste. Choose from tempting choices like shrimp tempura, bulgogi beef, or spicy salmon rolls, as well as miso soup, seaweed salad, and nigiri. 11166 Fairfax Blvd., Ste. 102
Bakery Museum & Co
Bakery Museum & Co. is open for business. The cafe offers a variety of fresh brews, beverages, and pastries. Indulge in a refreshing cold brew, smoothie, or gelato. Or dine on sandwiches, pitas, and salads. 11923 Lee Hwy., Ste. B
Falls Church
First Watch
This busy chain feeds the masses with dependably tasty fare. Visit for breakfast, brunch, or lunch and dine on dishes like farm stand breakfast tacos, biscuits and turkey sausage gravy with eggs, a chile chorizo omelet, or a ham and gruyere melt. 7501 Leesburg Pk., Ste. G
Herndon
Tiffin Hut
Tiffin Hut brings a fresh take on Indian breakfast to Herndon, offering a menu packed with South Indian classics like dosas, idlis, and vadas, all made without meat or eggs. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, house made flavors and caters to both vegetarians and those looking for lighter, flavorful meals throughout the day. 2338 Woodland Crossing Dr., Ste. A
Sushi Kabuki
Sushi Kabuki offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality sushi and traditional Japanese dishes. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other specialty dishes, including tempura, teriyaki, and udon. 2533 John Milton Dr.
Jet’s Pizza
In the mood for a gooey, cheesy pie? Jet over to Jet’s for a classic pizza with all the trimmings. This Herndon location marks the chain’s continued expansion in Northern Virginia, following recent openings in Annandale and Alexandria. The new location offers Jet’s signature Detroit-style deep-dish pizzas, along with hand-tossed, thin-crust, and New York-style options. 905 Herndon Pkwy., Ste. G
Meanwhile Coffee
This new café features a vibrant, comic book-inspired decor and offers a variety of coffee favorites, including unique options like an Iced Lavender Mocha. Patrons can also enjoy a selection of pastries, and the cafe plans to introduce empanadas from local purveyor Empanadas de Mendoza soon. 2309 Woodland Crossing Dr.
Lake Ridge
Cuppi Coffee
Get refueled at this coffee, breakfast, brunch, and pastry spot. Indulge in a flavored latte or espresso, along with scones, muffins, eggs, as well as a variety of sandwiches and blended drinks. 12505 Dillingham Sq.
Leesburg
Oseyo Korean BBQ
Oseyo Korean BBQ is located in the Lansdowne Town Center, taking over the space previously occupied by The French Hound Brasserie. The restaurant features traditional Korean barbecue dining, with tables equipped with grills for guests to cook meats. The menu focuses primarily on beef and pork dishes, complemented by sides like spicy cold noodles, kimchi pancakes, and fried dumplings. 19286 Promenade Dr.
Manassas
East Coast Wings & Grill
With a diverse menu that includes oodles of flavors of wings, burgers, salads, tacos, sandwiches, and desserts, East Coast Wings & Grill caters to every palate. Savory sides like fried pickle chips, onion rings, and fries round out the meal. 9805 Liberia Ave., Ste. 121
McLean
Sorn Thai
Sorn Thai’s menu is based on owner Supisa “Boom” Teawbut’s grandmother Sorn’s southern Thai recipes. Check out the Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and Moo Hong southern style pork belly stew. Sorn Thai is also open for brunch. 6224E Old Dominion Dr.
Reston
Call Your Mother
This expanding chain serves up gigantic sandwiches on wildly popular bagels. Choose from intriguing options like the Don Cesar, the Boca Club, or the Bacon Sun City. Or just order from the variety of bagel flavors with inventive schmearz and fixings. Grab a cuppa joe with your dining masterpiece. 1484 N. Point Village Ctr.
Sterling
JW’s Fish and Biscuits
JW’s Fish and Biscuits offers a variety of Southern-inspired seafood dishes. Diners can dig into fried catfish, jumbo shrimp, mac and cheese, potato salad, and biscuits. Bring your appetite: the restaurant also serves shrimp and grits, po’ boys, and other Southern specialties. 101 Executive Dr., Ste. 101
Feature image courtesy First Watch
