We’re just three months into 2024, but the region has already seen its fair share of restaurant closures. From a town favorite brewery to a restaurant serving up one of the best pizzas in Northern Virginia, here are the eateries that have closed so far this year.
Akai Tori Ramen & Yakitori
Akai Tori served its last customer on Leap Day. The authentic Japanese restaurant shuttered after being open for just over a year. Our food critic reviewed the restaurant last February and said she was impressed with the ramen with its umami flavors despite a limited menu due to staffing shortages.
Bonefish Grill and Carrabba’s
In February, the company behind Bonefish Grill and Carrabba’s announced a handful of closures across the country due to underperformance. On that list included the Bonefish Grill in Broadlands Village Center, the only one in Loudoun County, and Pentagon City. The Carrabba’s in Reston also closed. There are still four Bonefish Grill and four Carrabba’s locations in Northern Virginia.
Delirium Café
The Leesburg restaurant and bar closed its doors on March 1. The bar, which was the first licensed U.S. location of Delirium Café, opened back in 2017 and became a key part of the downtown community. The spot was known for its extensive list of beers on tap, including many from the Delirium brand.
Esposito’s
Opening in 1982, this Fairfax restaurant had to call it quits after four decades. The Italian restaurant didn’t make the decision to close, instead being told the restaurant had two weeks to vacate the building after it sold. The building that hosted the restaurant is set to be redeveloped into a Tommy’s Express Car Wash.
Lezzet
Vienna diners now need to find a new spot to fulfill their Turkish cravings. Lezzet closed its Vienna location after nearly two years in business. The Mediterranean restaurant served up flatbreads, yogurt-based entrées, and grilled meats, including lamb chops and beef shish. Diners can still find the Turkish delights at the eatery’s Centreville location.
Middleburg Deli
After making endless sandwiches, salads, and burgers, owners Maria and Pedro Fuentes made the decision to retire. At the end of February, the town of Middleburg honored the town deli after 30 years in the community.
Pizzeria Orso
Created by the minds of 2941, Pizzeria Orso served the Falls Church community for nearly 14 years. Serving up tasty Italian dishes – including pastas, calamari, and bruschetta – the pizzeria was one of 18 restaurants named in Northern Virginia Magazine’s Best Pizzas in Northern Virginia.
Rustico
On March 10, the Ballston restaurant made its last artisan pizza. In-person diners enjoed lunch, dinner, and happy hours both in the restaurant and out on the patio. Rustico fans can still get their pizza fixes at the restaurant’s Alexandria location.
The Freshman
Crystal City coffee and cocktail enthusiasts will need to find a new café. After three years in business, the owners of The Freshman decided to permanently close. Owner Nick Freshman mentioned new projects on the horizon, with his latest project coming to Rosslyn this winter.
Feature image by Dawn Klavon
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