Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, tapas, crab cakes, or falafel, we’ve got you covered with this list of 21 new restaurants that opened recently in Northern Virginia.
Alexandria
Pupatella Neapolitan Pizza
Pupatella serves classic wood-fired pizzas with fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional dough that’s soft, airy and perfectly charred. The menu also includes house-made calzones, salads, and a selection of Italian desserts, making it a go-to spot for pizza lovers. 700 Slaters Ln., Alexandria
Arlington
Toastique
The fast-casual spot serves gourmet toast topped with avocado, spicy crab, or honey-roasted peanut butter, fruit and granola — try a smoothie bowl. The Dragonberry Bowl is packed with a blend of pitaya, mango, agave, strawberry and coconut water topped with fresh strawberries, kiwi, coconut, goji berries, granola, and honey. 244 19th Court S., Arlington (National Landing)
El Mercat Bar de Tapas
Tapas are designed to be snack-sized and there’s lots here to try: Get veggie-based ones like mushroom croquettes or fried shishito peppers, meaty ones such as St. Louis pork ribs in a cider glaze and seafood-centric choices like mussels and chorizo in white wine. The restaurant also serves five kinds of paella. 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
Lapu Lapu
This Filipino eatery from chef Javier Fernandez specializes in breakfast sandwiches made with pan de sal buns, stuffed with corned beef, sweet pork chorizo, turkey bacon, and more. 550 14th St., Arlington (National Landing)
Locket
Situated inside the new 36-story Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key, this all-day restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, salads and sandwiches at lunch, and raw bar selections at dinner. Indulge in specialties like house-made spicy bucatini, black pepper crusted tuna, and 72-hour dry aged chicken. 1900 Fort Myer Dr., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Ashburn
Frye’s Famous Crab Cake Co.
Known for its Maryland-style jumbo lump crab cakes, Frye’s brings authentic coastal flavor to Ashburn. Their menu also includes seafood sandwiches, sides, and plenty of Old Bay charm. 44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ste. 147, Ashburn
Bkd Bagels
BKD Bagels brings authentic New York–style bagels to Loudoun, boiled and baked fresh daily with classic and creative flavors. The shop also offers hearty breakfast sandwiches and locally roasted coffee. 23634 Strickland Dr., Ashburn
Yummy Shawarma
This casual spot delivers bold Middle Eastern flavors with its juicy shawarma wraps, falafel, and fresh mezze. Perfect for a quick bite or a family meal. 42882 Truro Parish Dr., Unit 103, Ashburn
Machu Picchu Restobar
Bringing a taste of Peru to Loudoun, Machu Picchu Restobar blends traditional flavors with modern presentation. Think ceviche, pisco cocktails and a warm, stylish setting. 20020 Ashbrook Commons Plz., Unit 117, Ashburn
Fairfax
NAJA Mediterranean
NAJA Mediterranean has officially opened its doors in the former Kirby Club space. Run by former Kirby Club employee Tariq Alaeddin, NAJA features a renovated interior and traditional Lebanese dishes, plus Mediterranean favorites like cheese manaeesh. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax
Fairfax City
Shake Shack
The beloved burger joint has landed in Fairfax City, serving up its signature crispy crinkle-cut fries, hand-spun shakes, and ShackBurgers. Local comfort lovers will embrace this new location. 11040 Main St., Fairfax
Khan Korean Grill & Bar
Located in Fair Oaks Mall, Khan Korean Grill & Bar offers an immersive all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience. Diners can enjoy grilling premium meats like brisket, pork belly, and spicy pork at their tables, complemented by traditional banchan and sauces. 11724 Fair Oaks Mall, Ste. K237, Fairfax
California Fish Grill
California Fish Grill’s menu is centered around fresh, responsibly sourced seafood. Guests can choose from a wide variety of grilled and fried options — from salmon, mahi mahi, and shrimp to classics like fish and chips or poke bowls — all paired with tasty sides and bold sauces. 11048 Main St., Fairfax City
Falls Church
GrillMarX Steakhouse and Raw Bar
This family-owned spot from Maryland offers a raw bar with baked oysters, snow crab clusters, and shrimp cocktail, alongside tempting steaks. Casual options include burgers, crab cake sandwiches, and fresh salads. 510 S. Washington St., Falls Church
McLean
Sunday Morning Bakehouse
Soft croissants, brioche doughnuts, custom cakes, and all-day breakfast and lunch delights await at this woman-owned bakery’s first Northern Virginia outpost. Weekend-only cocktails and mocktails round out an inventive menu. 1793 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
Reston
The Simon
Housed in the JW Marriott Reston Station, the refined mid-Atlantic restaurant features signature dishes like dry-aged duck a la presse and open-fire grilled fish. With its airy dining room overlooking the open kitchen, a chef’s table and tableside service like cheese carts, it’s ideal for special occasions or refined nights out. 11340 Reston Station Blvd., Reston
Kusshi Sushi
A DMV favorite for its inventive rolls and fresh fish, Kusshi has expanded to Reston. Expect a mix of Japanese classics and playful twists, plus sleek decor and a lively vibe, perfect for a night out. 11830 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston
Corsica Wine Bar
Inspired by the rustic coasts of Corsica, France, and Italy, Corsica Wine Bar offers tempting shareables like meatballs, mussels, whipped ricotta toast and hearty entrees, all in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Expect more than 200 wines by the bottle (plus cocktails and aperitifs). 11950 Democracy Dr., Ste. 120, Reston
Sterling
Tio Pinche Bar & Grill
Serving up authentic Mexican dishes with flair, Tio Pinche also offers a lively bar atmosphere with cocktails to match. A fun new spot for casual dining and family nights out. 22034 Shaw Rd., Ste. 114, Sterling
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee serves espresso drinks alongside traditional specialties like Mufawaar (a cardamom-cream blend) and Sheeba (a spiced coffee husk drink). Using 100% premium Yemeni beans, the shop pairs its brews with fresh baked goods, including its standout honeycomb pastry. Shoppes at Potomac Corner, Sterling (Route 7 & Potomac View Road)
Vienna
Chef Tan
Chef Tan brings serious Hunan fire to Vienna. This is the chain’s first DC-area spot: expect bold heat, spicy pickled vegetables, classic Hunan lamb, crispy fried chicken and the kind of flavors you don’t always get in suburban Chinese restaurants. 32 Branch Rd. SE, Vienna
Feature image courtesy NAJA
