From curry to steak, I spend my year playing favorites. With the New Year’s Eve ball about to drop, it’s time to dole out some recognition one last time before our calendars turn to 2026. In alphabetical order, these were the best new restaurants of 2025 for any occasion.
For Dim Sum and Then Some
1983 Chinese Cuisine
Usually, critics will steer you away from restaurants with too many items on the menu. But at this elegant Cantonese spot in Arlington’s Westpost at National Landing, nearly 100 dishes on offer are part of the appeal. That’s because many are small plates that combine into a single memorable meal of steamed spare ribs, pork-filled bao, and Portuguese egg tarts, to name but a few. 1101 S. Joyce St., B26, Arlington
For a Hard-to-Find Cuisine
Banana Leaf
In NoVA, we are wealthy with South Asian options. Whether it’s Nepali momos and sekuwa or Indian fare from around the vast country, or even fiery Pakistani tasting menus, we are deeply lucky. With the addition of Banana Leaf, we can now add Sri Lanka’s spice-laden cuisine to the list. The varied bill of fare more than makes up for what the space lacks in formality. 9686 Liberia Ave., Manassas
For Bistro Comfort
Brasserie Royale
One of the worst vestiges of pandemic dining is the added charge for bread that now graces most menus. I get it, restaurants need to make a profit, yet usually, I’m left disappointed. But order the freshly baked baguettes here, and you’ll be happy to shell out a little bit extra. Paired with lightly updated versions of bistro classics, such as steak frites and vacherin glacé, you’ll be singing “La Vie en Rose” in no time. 46290 Cranston St., Sterling
For a Spot of Tea
Flore Café
At $89, the high tea experience tucked inside Sisters Thai in Tysons may not sound like the best deal on this list, but trust me, you will leave amply (perhaps even excessively) satisfied. Chef Oksana Chepoy changes the menu four times a year, but one thing that remains throughout the 12 months is a few delightful Thai-inspired bites alongside the seasonally themed sweets and savories. If you have a sweet tooth and a desire for a fancy afternoon, this is your place. 7735 Capital One Tower Rd., McLean
For Your Special Event
The Huntōn
The fine-dining surprise of the year, this upscale hunting lodge presents everything from Persian flavors to local game meats with equal parts seriousness and whimsy. I bestowed four-and-a-half stars (only my second time to go to such heights in almost six years) on the restaurant based on the à la carte menu. Now, chef Vincent Badiee is adding a tasting menu and I can’t wait for a bite. 208 S. King St., Leesburg
For the Most Stunning Ambience
Lantern Restaurant & Bar
“Airy” and “bright” are words we critics overuse when describing a lovable restaurant setting. Lantern upturns that expectation by sinking diners into darkness that feels a bit like boarding Disney’s Space Mountain ride. But a pleasing visual aesthetic is just the beginning for this karaoke bar and Sichuan restaurant. I loved the variations of red contained in bowls of fiery dishes just as much. 320 23rd St. S., Retail G, Arlington
For Baked Goods Worth the Price
Layered
I’ve made no secret of my obsession with Château de Chantilly. When its team debuted this bakery and café this summer, Instagram hopped on board, thanks to its pretty pastries. But a reel can do no justice to the craft of delectables like a realistic-looking mango that contains multitudes of flavor and texture. Every treat is indeed a layered experience. 3924 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax
For the Best Meal Inside a Grocery Store
Marufuji Japanese Market
They say it’s important to have third spaces in your life. Since I was a child, one of my most central has been my local Japanese market. This Tysons descendant of the Greenwich, Connecticut, market with which I grew up doubles my pleasure with an excellent café and restaurant inside. Whether it’s a katsu don, creamy matcha, or ultra-fresh chirashi, its wares are a hug in edible form. 8520 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
For the Cure You Need
Proof Kitchen + Bar
The name predicts good whiskey (after all, this restaurant at NOVA Live is adjacent to MurLarkey Distilled Spirits), but even a teetotaler like me has ample reason to visit. Paramount among them? The house pastrami. The juicy flesh graces everything from Reuben Egg Rolls to one of the year’s best burgers. 9861 Discovery Blvd. Ste. 115, Manassas
For the Most Impressive Entry in the Biggest Trend
Seoul Prime
There’s no question: 2025 was the year of upscale Korean barbecue. While Oseyo Korean BBQ was the best all-arounder (and very worthy of an honorable mention on this list), I chose to go to Seoul Prime on my birthday. That’s because the Korean steakhouse serves up not only the highest quality meat in the pack, but also the most innovative sides and starters. It truly combines the best of both American and Korean meat experiences. 106 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Feature photo of The Huntōn by Michael Butcher
