Just in time for the holidays, a wave of new cafés has arrived on the Northern Virginia dining scene. From artisanal bakeries serving Insta-worthy sweets to bookshop cafés dishing out globally influenced fare, these recent openings are well worth adding to your must-visit list.
Arlington
Maman
This beloved NYC-based café and bakery serves up rustic French-inspired fare in a warm, inviting setting. Stop in for fresh-baked pastries, flaky croissants, quiches and house-made sweets, alongside coffee, espresso drinks and light bites. 2055 15th St N, Ste 1b, Arlington
Life Alive Organic Café
Visit this organic eatery for nutrition-conscious options. Life Alive offers scratch-made bowls, healthy salads, ramen, noodles, acai bowls, wraps, soups and more. You’ll find inviting dishes like chili garlic noodles, teriyaki wraps and miso eggplant and crispy rice salads. 818 N. Quincy St., Arlington
Daydrift Books & Cafe
Drop by National Landing’s newest gathering place, where a café and bookstore come together under one roof. Enjoy global-inspired fare such as Greek lemon chicken soup, Mediterranean hummus mezze bowls, hearty breakfast burritos, and raspberry white chocolate matcha muffins. Browse the shelves, sip a warm drink and settle in at this cozy neighborhood retreat. 1550 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Fairfax
Bakery Museum & Co
Bakery Museum & Co blends artisanal baking with a warm, modern atmosphere. The menu features thoughtfully crafted pastries, breads, all-day breakfast sandwiches and desserts alongside coffee and outside-the-box specialty drinks. 11923 Lee Hwy, Unit B, Fairfax
Tatte Bakery & Café
Tatte Bakery & Café has arrived in Fairfax, bringing its popular blend of all-day artisanal pastries, thoughtfully crafted coffee and eclectic dishes. Savor flaky croissants and vibrant pastries, or savory options like shakshuka, breakfast sandwiches and seasonal salads. 11040 Main St., Unit 9A, Fairfax
Falls Church
Paris Baguette
This popular chain bakery café brings an array of beautifully crafted pastries, cakes and breads. Expect everything from buttery croissants and fruit-filled danishes to decadent layer cakes, savory sandwiches and artisan loaves, all paired with a variety of coffee and espresso drinks. 169 Hillwood Ave., Falls Church
McLean
Sweetgreen
Salad lovers rejoice: Sweetgreen has a new outpost in McLean. Fans seek out the build-your-own options as well as curated meals at this veggie-loving hotspot. Dive into bowls, protein plates and plant-forward salads. 6220 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Vienna
Toastique
Toastique brings an elevated twist to everyday favorites with its menu of gourmet toasts, from avocado smash and smoked salmon to sweet PB crunch. The café also serves smoothie and açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, collagen lattes and a full espresso bar. 208 Dominion Rd., NE, Vienna
Feature image of Life Alive Organic Cafe Courtesy Joe St. Pierre
