Northern Virginia’s dining scene is looking bright for 2026, with an exciting lineup of restaurants set to open across the region. From curated chef-driven kitchens to beloved brands expanding into new neighborhoods, these most anticipated restaurants are worth putting on your radar.
Alexandria
Floriana
A Northern Italian favorite from Washington, DC,Floriana is set to open in June inside Old Town Alexandria’s Atrium building. The new location will feature housemade pastas as well as steaks and chops, while expanding to include breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Owner Jamie Branda says the neighborhood restaurant is designed to serve the surrounding community, offering an all-day destination for everyday dining and special occasions. 277 S. Washington St., Alexandria
Finn & Fire
Finn & Fire is gearing up to open in Old Town in late winter. The globally inspired menu will center around elevated seafood with sushi and a dedicated oyster bar. Look for grilled steaks and meats infused with international flavors. Led by chef Aaron Gadson, the restaurant will emphasize premium ingredients, inventive pairings, and a stylish atmosphere. The space was formerly home to the acclaimed Kismet Modern Indian, which closed in May. 111 N. Pitt St., Alexandria
Peter Chang
Renowned chef Peter Chang is targeting a fall 2026 opening for his next restaurant in Alexandria’s South Alex development, bringing another highly anticipated dining destination to the neighborhood. Chang, a celebrated Szechuan master, has earned multiple James Beard recognitions and this latest opening marks the 19th restaurant in his growing culinary portfolio. South Alex Development, Alexandria
Grazie Nonna
Grazie Nonna is bringing classic red-sauce Italian-American comfort to Old Town with a lively, neighborhood-driven vibe. The restaurant will serve pizzas, pastas, and generous shareable plates alongside classic cocktails. Lunch spotlights house-baked focaccia sandwiches, while dinner offers hearty portions in a comfortable setting. 425 Montgomery St., Alexandria
Dok Khao Thai Eatery
This Pattana Restaurant Group eatery already has two locations in Maryland and one in Woodbridge. Two more Virginia locations are planned for 2026 openings in Alexandria and West Falls Church. They will offer an extensive all-day Thai menu including vegetarian and gluten friendly options. 2501 Oakville St., Alexandria
Fairfax
Ruthie’s All-Day
Previously slated to open last fall, the Fairfax Corner location of chef Matt Hill’s popular Southern comfort restaurant is now reportedly planning a March opening. The menu will be similar to the Arlington location and offer a “modern take on meat and three,” including 100 percent wood-smoked barbecue, smoked brisket, buttermilk biscuits, smoked Crescent duck, and sticky spareribs. 11951 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax Corner, Fairfax
Falls Church
Dok Khao Thai Eatery
In addition to the new Alexandria locations, a Dok Khao is also scheduled to open this year in West Falls Church. 180 W Falls Station Blvd., Falls Church
Gainesville
Carbonara
A 250-seat second location for the popular Arlington-based Italian restaurant plans to open in June. Executive chef Mike Cordero says the new outpost will carry on the same old-school Italian traditional cuisine, with a side of dramatic flair in the dining room. 14081 Promenade Commons St., Gainesville
Lovettsville
Foraged.
Foraged., a hyper-seasonal eatery known for its ingredient-driven cuisine and close relationships with regional growers and foragers, will take over day-to-day restaurant operations at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, which was No. 1 on our 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024. Reopening is planned for early 2026 and the partnership brings together foraged.’s micro-seasonal culinary philosophy and Patowmack Farm’s decades-long dedication to agriculture, education, and hospitality. 42461 Lovettsville Rd., Lovettsville
Reston
Clarity
On the back of success at its Vienna location, Clarity is poised to bring its refined culinary vision to Reston. Slated to open in March, guests can expect a dedicated lunchtime menu offering polished but efficient options, alongside the restaurant’s full signature dinner service, showcasing the same craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail that define the original. The space will also feature three private dining rooms, a patio, and a curated bar offering happy hour favorites, craft cocktails, wines, and bar bites. 1996 Opportunity Way, Reston
Ebbitt House at Reston Row
A sister concept to the historic Old Ebbitt Grill in D.C., this highly anticipated opening brings the beloved brand’s classic charm to Reston Row. Guests can look forward to signature oysters from its raw bar, elevated American comfort fare, fresh seafood, hearty plates, and seasonal specialties. 1860 Reston Row Plz., Reston
Grazie Nonna
The classic Italian American is also opening in Reston. 2000 Opportunity Way, Reston
Noku Sushi
Sushi, hibachi, and ramen superstore Noku Sushi, located in the Village of Leesburg, is opening a new Reston location. Make a date for poke bowls, katsu, ramen, and udon noodles in this new destination. 1800 Reston Row Plaza #120, Reston
Yunnan by Potomac Noodle House
Yunnan By Potomac Noodle House is expanding to Reston this spring or summer, bringing its celebrated take on regional Chinese cuisine to a new audience. The restaurant is known for its ‘Chef’s Endless Table’ all-you-can-eat feast, flavorful rice noodle bowls, rich broths, distinct sauces, and modern interpretations of Yunnan comfort dishes. RTC Next, Opportunity Way, Reston
Upperville
Hunter’s Head Tavern
Noel Sweeney, the owner of Trinity Farm in Upperville, recently announced on social media that he’s purchased Hunter’s Head. “The pub will close in January and February undergoing some minor renovations, with great care being taken to preserve its heritage while readying it for a fresh and exciting future. We’ll be announcing the new operator soon and can’t wait to share what’s ahead. Schedule to reopen on March 1st,” he posted. James-Beard nominated chef Jarad Slipp is working on the menu. The owner of Tremolo and Knead Wine in Middleburg, Slipp is also a master sommelier and the former estate director of the acclaimed RdV Vineyards in Delaplane. 9048 John S Mosby Hwy., Upperville
Vienna
Electric Bull
From acclaimed chef Victor Albisu, Electric Bull is bringing bold flavors and high energy to Vienna. Set to open early this year, it’s brought to you by the chef responsible for the Taco Bamba sensation. Electric Bull will be an upscale steakhouse with all the trimmings. Chef Victor Albisu aims to create a comfortable neighborhood eatery with excellent cuts of beef, elevated egg dishes, a curated raw bar, and a market with a variety of cuts of meat, marinades, and seasonings. 1176 Maple Ave. W, Vienna
Feature image courtesy Grazie Nonna
