An abundance of innovative new restaurants have opened their doors in Northern Virginia. Whether you’re looking for the latest taco joint, Mediterranean eatery, pizzeria, or hot-chicken spot, add these freshly opened destinations to your list. Northern Virginia Magazine extends a hearty ‘Welcome to the neighborhood!’ to these new eateries.
Alexandria
First Watch
Drop in to First Watch for fresh, made-to-order breakfast and brunch fare like Hawaiian French toast, farmstand breakfast tacos, avocado toast, steel-cut oatmeal, and more. If lunch is more your style, favorites like the sweet honey pecan salad, ham and gruyere melt, or pesto chicken quinoa bowl will fit the bill. 7027C Manchester Blvd., Alexandria
La’Baik Del Ray
La’Baik Del Ray offers customizable Mediterranean wraps, bowls, and plant-based options that hit the spot. The fresh, healthy ingredients are plenty, so create your dream meal with a base of chicken shawarma, falafel, or lamb beef gyro. From there, make it a basmati rice bowl, pita wrap, or salad bowl with your choice of six inviting sauces. La’Baik also serves breakfast, soup, sides, and dessert. 2309 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Frankie’s Kitchen & Cocktail Bar
Nestled in the south end of Old Town, this spot impresses with carefully curated craft cocktails to match the lengthy assortment of delectable wood-fired pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Dig into starters like steak crostini, honey garlic shrimp, and pineapple-braised sticky ribs — there’s so much to explore. 823 S. Washington St., Alexandria
The Royal Restaurant
Royal Restaurant has been part of Alexandria’s dining scene since 1904. After its November 2023 sale, the café and diner reopened on April 11. It’s still serving favorites like the Royal Breakfast, in addition to some new dishes like crispy-fried chicken thighs. And, for the first time, it’s tackling dinner service in addition to breakfast and lunch. 730 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria
Aldie
Lark Brewing Co.
Folks visit for the beer, but don’t overlook the tasty cuisine at this new brewing spot. With pub grub like wings, nachos, soft pretzels, mega-sandwiches, and a variety of flatbreads, the long-awaited Lark Brewing is already winning fans. 24205 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie
Annandale
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
This isn’t your typical barbecue joint — instead of ribs and pulled pork, you’ll find rice bowls with toppings like beef, chicken katsu, and fried shrimp. Or you can try a Spam musubi, a thick slice of grilled Spam atop a bed of rice and wrapped up with seaweed for a portable bite. 4363 John Marr Dr., Annandale
Ashburn
Authors Ice Cream
The locally owned ice cream company that previously sold its wares at farmers markets and festivals finally has a brick-and-mortar shop, which debuted with a grand opening on April 14. Drop in for ice cream sundaes, floats, and shakes and perk up with a plethora of coffee offerings. 44933 George Washington Blvd., Ste. 150, Ashburn
Crafted
It’s an interesting concept: a glass studio and beer and wine bistro. Witness live glass blowing while enjoying a charcuterie board and chilled beer on tap. Other noshes like a chopped Italian sandwich, Caesar salad, and beef on weck offer guests solid dining options to pair with the bevy of beverages. 20693 Ashburn Rd., Ste. 125, Ashburn
Brambleton
Rush Bowls
Rush bowls bring healthy, fresh options to the Brambleton neighborhood. Delicious bowls, smoothies, bites, and even treats for pups are available at this popular chain. It’s all natural fruits and veggies, with pleasing toppers. It’s so good you’ll forget it’s good for you. 22895 Brambleton Plz., Brambleton
Paris Baguette
Get your carb fix at this polished bakery café. Do you want to munch on a buttery croissant, a turkey mozzarella panino, or maybe a buffalo chicken salad? They don’t make the decision easy, as every presentation impresses, but whatever you choose will satisfy. 23710 Schooler Plz., Brambleton
Bunny Tea
Bunny Tea has no shortage of offerings for milk tea lovers. Visit to try the intriguing varieties: brown sugar, coconut, Oreo, almond, mango, lychee, and more. Bring home a lemonade, smoothie, slush, yogurt, or frappe too. 22855 Brambleton Plz., Ste. 103, Brambleton
Fairfax
Taco Bamba Fair Lakes
Taco Bamba continues toward world domination with its newest Fairfax outpost. The chain is rightfully popular, with crave-worthy tacos, flavor-packed salsas, and creatively crafted cocktails. There’s even a breakfast menu full of wallet-friendly, delicious fare. 12239 Fair Lakes Pkwy., Fairfax
Leesburg
Mezeh
This franchised Mediterranean grill offers plentiful flatbread wraps, bowls, and pita pockets. Customers can build their own masterpieces by adding proteins like falafel, chicken shawarma, chicken kabob, and lamb kefta. The myriad of tasty toppings and zippy sauces bring the magic and may be why Mezeh is so popular. 555 Compass Point Plz., Ste. 100, Leesburg
Reston
The Red Bird
The hot-chicken craze continues, with Reston’s newest poultry spot bringing spicy goodness. Diners dig into 24-hour marinated halal crunchy chicken tenders and sandwiches, complete with Big Bird Sauce. 11130 F South Lakes Dr., Reston
Lovettsville
Train to Mumbai
A new casual Indian restaurant is open in Lovettsville, serving street food dishes made with traditional Indian cooking methods and plenty of spice. It’s primarily geared toward takeout and delivery, but there’s a cozy café area to eat there. 11 Town Center Dr., Ste. 185, Lovettsville
Tysons
Stellina Pizzeria
Stellina Pizzeria’s fifth location opens April 30 at the Capital One Center. The restaurant’s menu stays true to the concept’s authentic Italian roots and features traditional dishes inspired by Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Visit for indulgent pizzas, pastas, salads, paninis and appetizers, plus divine desserts. The restaurant is known for its pizzas’ Neo-Neapolitan style, coming in oodles of flavors. To celebrate their opening day in Tysons, the first 50 customers will receive a complimentary tiramisu with any purchase. 1610 Capital One Dr., Tysons
Sushi Umi
Japanese restaurant Sushi Umi opened a new location in Tysons in April. The first location is in the Worldgate Centre in Herndon. It serves a selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls, as well as rice bowls and a signature dish of unagi kabayaki. 7599 Colshire Dr., Tysons
Vienna
Yellow Diner
Yellow Diner is the much-anticipated creation from the Pagonis family (of Nostos fame). Emanuel Pagonis opened this cheerful eatery that welcomes diners for brunch and dinner. Expect creative spins on classic egg dishes, griddled items, and comfort food sandwiches and entrees. 501 Maple Ave. W., Vienna
Feature image courtesy Lark Brewing Co.
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