August brings balmy weather and summer breaks, both of which are great excuses to check out new restaurants in the area. Why not dive into tantalizing Korean, Creole, or French fare, newly opened for your dining pleasure? Now is the time to get a table at these must-try eateries.
Alexandria
Catboat Pizza Bar
Dive into slices, salads, and sandwiches from DC’s Sonny’s Pizza, made fresh for discerning diners at the Washington Sailing Marina. The simple menu offers delightful options for a charming waterside meal, as well as beer, wine, sodas, and boozy slushies. 1 Marina Dr., Alexandria
Que Rico
For homestyle Puerto Rican cooking, look no further than Que Rico. Dine on a variety of kabobs, pulled pork, stews, rice, beans, and fried plantains at this island comfort restaurant. 1033 W. Glebe Rd., Alexandria
Bollywood Masala
Craving authentic Indian cuisine with tantalizing flavors and aromatic spices? Look no further than Bollywood Masala, Alexandria’s newest Indian destination offering fragrant curries, crispy samosas, and grilled kabobs. This is the restaurant’s second location. 211 King St., Alexandria
Annandale
Jets Pizza
Jets Pizza locations are multiplying, with the newest in Annandale. Dig into classic flavors like Margherita and pepperoni, or expand your horizons with zesty curated offerings like BLT or Hawaiian pizza. A myriad of salads, calzones, and desserts round out the tasty menu. 7026 Columbia Pk., Annandale
Arlington
Dumpling District
Dumpling District offers authentic homemade dumplings and traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Your dumpling dreams come true here with lots to choose from — including shumai, steamed and fried dumplings, and a rainbow of six flavors of soup dumplings. 4238 Wilson Blvd. Ste. 128, Arlington
Immigrant Food
The globally minded “gastroadvocacy” concept that got its start in Washington, DC, has branched out into NoVA for the first time with a new Ballston location. Diners here will find dishes imbued with international flavors, including Filipino fried chicken and Indian samosas. And, with the restaurant’s focus on immigration advocacy, it’s a meal that makes a positive impact. 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Siam Miyaki Cafe
Get Thai food and sushi in one place at this new Asian fusion spot in Arlington. Pick a special platter like tum lard with chicken or fish, classic noodle or curry dishes, or order from the sushi menu, which features nigiri, sashimi, and specialty rolls. Cocktails and boba tea are also available. 3813 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Ashburn
Yum Yum Hibachi
Yum Yum Hibachi’s fun and simple ordering process makes dining here an experience to remember. Pick a protein, a base, and toppings, then choose your sides at this custom-tailored restaurant. Protein options include chicken, steak, salmon, shrimp, and tofu. 20706 Wellers Corner Sq., Ste. 110, Ashburn
Centreville
Hankki
In Korean, ‘Hankki’ means ‘a meal,’ and at this new restaurant, diners embrace authentic Korean cuisine. Noodles, hot pots, and soups fill the menu, with plentiful appetizers and house specialties such as steamed ox knee as well. For a warm, comforting dish, try the sundubu jjigae, a tofu soup with the option to add seafood, beef, clam, mushroom, and more. 14215-S Centreville Sq., Centreville
Fairfax
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Come with a group to this new all-you-can-eat spot for Korean barbecue and hot pot. Choose which experience you want (or pay an extra $5 to do both KBBQ and hot pot), then get to work grilling your beef, pork, seafood, and chicken or dunking your meats, vegetables, noodles, and seafood into the flavorful broth. There’s a two-hour time limit, and all diners at the table must select the same option. 4000 Gateway Dr., Fairfax
Wooboi Hot Chicken
This popular poultry destination offers zippy heat with tender, antibiotic-free and free-range chicken. Select your desired degree of heat from six spice levels, ranging from no heat to the “super extra hot” code blue. You can try it as tenders or in a sandwich, or opt for a burrito with grilled chicken and eggs. 12721 Shoppes Ln., Fairfax
First Watch
This busy chain opened a new location in Fair Lakes in early July. Comfort food goodies like shishito brisket hash, blueberry lemon cornbread, million dollar bacon, and Floridian French toast rock the menu. You can also go healthy with options like a power breakfast quinoa bowl and a chicken avocado chopped salad. 12249 Fair Lakes Promenade Dr., Fairfax
Herndon
Old Town Coffee
Coffee lovers are flocking to this new spot in Herndon, connected to its sister store, Moo Thru Ice Cream. Stop in for a specialty latte like lavender oat milk or white chocolate raspberry, and pair it with a pastry or breakfast sandwich. 315 Spring St., Herndon
La Bonne Vie
The 32-year-old Russia House quickly changed cuisine to become a French spot on Pine Street in Herndon. The chefs will celebrate French cuisine using time-honored techniques at this Parisian bistro. Consider ordering classics like trout amandine, steak au poivre or magret de canard. 724 Pine St., Herndon
H Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
You jump in the driver’s seat at this ‘cook it yourself’ Korean spot in Herndon. Choose from a large selection of meats and other items, then grill them on your tabletop. Or choose to cook in the hot pot, where you drop your meats into a pot of simmering brother on your table. 400 Elden St., Herndon
Manassas
Voodoo Brothers Cajun Creole
If you’re craving a meal straight from the bayou, you’re in luck. Voodoo Brothers Cajun Creole offers a delightful array of spicy dishes with Louisiana flare. Devour etouffee, gumbo, Cajun grits, po’ boys, and more. 9112 Center St., Manassas
Purcellville
Knead Wine
Stop into this newly opened pizza and wine shop, an expansion from the Middleburg location. Dine inside or on the patio, savoring pizzas like the Hendrix, with shiitake mushrooms and sausage; the Trucks, with kale, potato, red onion, taleggio, and pistachio; or the Santana, with Mexican street corn and roasted tomato. Whatever you choose, pair it with a bottle from the extensive wine list. 721 E. Main St., Purcellville
Reston
Kook Dogg Cafe
A new restaurant for pizza, sandwiches, and beer is open Reston Town Center. After some delays to open, the spot is now in its soft opening phase, with plans for a grand opening in September. The menu has a focus on “upscale sandwiches and specialty pizzas,” which are accompanied by specialty cocktails, mocktails, local beers, and shareable plates. 12100 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston
Feature image courtesy First Watch
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