From longtime loves like Four Sisters to newcomers like Jiwa Singapura, here’s a look at some of the Northern Virginia restaurants that closed permanently in 2023.
Jiwa Singapura
The region’s first Singaporean restaurant made a big splash when it opened in February at Tysons Galleria. Led by chef Pepe Moncayo of Cranes in DC, Jiwa earned a four-star review from food critic Alice Levitt in August and landed on our 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list — but quickly closed in early December. Moncayo has said patrons of the mall weren’t looking for a sit-down meal at the 250-seat spot. He plans to offer a pop-up version of the restaurant at Cranes and may make it permanent there, if it’s successful.
Blend 111
The upscale modern Latin American eatery had been in the Top 10 of our 50 Best Restaurants list for two years but closed in August. Owner Michael Biddick wrote that the business had suffered after losing its outdoor patio space (which offered half of its seating) in 2022 and was also hurt by the rising costs of inflation. In its place came Le Bistro, a French pop-up from the owners of Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano, located just down Church Street in Vienna from the former home of Blend 111.
Four Sisters
Early in 2023, our readers voted Four Sisters the Best Vietnamese restaurant in NoVA, but the location in Mosaic closed on Mother’s Day after serving the region for 30 years. The Lai family first opened the eatery at Eden Center in Falls Church and had been located in Mosaic for the last 15 years. The two daughters who had taken over from their parents said they were facing a rent increase if they renewed their lease, and were also coping with inflation and labor shortages, reported The Washington Post. You can still get a taste of the family’s food at Four Sisters Grill in Clarendon or 4 Sisters Asian Snack Bar in Ashburn, each of which is run by other members of the Lai family.
Mon Ami Gabi
Patrons were shocked when this mainstay of Reston Town Center announced in November that it would close permanently on December 31 after 15 years, as its lease at the space was expiring. The French bistro had been popular for brunch and holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. Operated by the group Lettuce Entertain You, Mon Ami Gabi locations in Bethesda, Chicago, and Las Vegas remain open.
FoxFire Grill
Offering American cuisine, this restaurant in the Fairfax County section of Alexandria was in business for 20 years before it closed on October 31. It was featured on an episode of the Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible show that aired in January 2023, where celebrity chef and host Robert Irvine revamped the décor and the menu. “Unfortunately, we were unable to renew our lease. Our 20 years at Pinecrest Plaza have been amazing!” owner Terri Fox said in a statement posted on the restaurant’s website.
Good Eats Emporium
Usually, we hear about Great American Restaurants opening, but Good Eats Emporium closed in December. Located just across a parking lot from the Fairfax-based chain’s popular Sweetwater Tavern in Sterling, Good Eats Emporium opened in 2020 and showcased an eclectic mix of GAR’s familiar favorites from across its various restaurants under one roof. GAR will continue to operate in the space, though, now as a kitchen for its philanthropic arm, the Great American Community Kitchen, which operates a food truck to serve those in need in NoVA.
Little Beast Café & Bistro
Just after our January 2024 issue went to print with our list of the 18 best pizza places in NoVA, we heard that one of them would close on December 23. Little Beast Café & Bistro, best known for its Detroit-style pies, was lovingly named for the owner’s two young daughters. It opened just over two years ago. The Chevy Chase location will remain open, and the lease will be taken over by a new pizza and sandwich shop in the spring.
Faccia Luna
It’s the end of an era on Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria, where Faccia Luna closed its doors for the last time on December 23 after 27 years in business. The Italian trattoria served pastas and wood-fired pizzas and thanked the community for its outpouring of support after announcing its closure.
Feature image courtesy Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
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