Plenty of fabulous dining opportunities have opened up, just in time to beat the winter doldrums of February. Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese street food, authentic Indian food, brick oven pizza, or Korean noodles, check out what new restaurants have opened in NoVA.
Alexandria
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Newly opened in Old Town Alexandria, Boston-based Tatte’s dazzling display of tempting baked goods, coffee concoctions, salads, and sandwiches make ordering a challenge. See what all the buzz is about at this popular spot. 515 King St., Alexandria
Arlington
Sakaki Izakaya
Japanese street food is the name of the game at Sakaki Izakaya — dive into beautifully presented portions of ramen, signature kamameshi, sushi, sashimi, yakitori, and nabe. 3227 Washington Blvd., Ste. D, Arlington
Makers Union Pub
A third location for a comfortable neighborhood pub opened recently in Arlington at the Metropolitan Park at Amazon HQ2. Grab a drink, brunch, lunch, dinner, or happy hour at this welcoming spot. You’ll find appealing sandwiches, bowls, salads, steaks, pasta, seafood, chicken, lamb, and pork. 1450 S. Eads St., Ste. 65, Arlington
Falafel Inc.
Falafel Inc. is the world’s first falafel fast-casual food franchise. Drop by for authentic vegetarian falafel, hummus, bowls, and sides made daily with all natural, fresh ingredients. It’s a business with a conscience: The Palestinian-owned restaurant partners with the World Food Program to deliver aid to refugees around the world. 1631 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Brij
Proceeds from every order at this woman-owned coffeehouse go to local nonprofits that support single mothers, the LGBTQ+ community, and the regional homeless population. Start your day with a latte, cappuccino, mocha, cold brew, or drip coffee. 1621 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream
Indulge at this friendly neighborhood ice cream shop. Making a name for himself in the local Filipino community, Toby Bantug brings his ice cream to Amazon’s new HQ2, offering ice cream cakes, coffee, and flavors inspired by his Filipino roots. 510 14th St. S., Ste. 70, Arlington
Ashburn
Honey Pig Korean BBQ
This female-led, minority-owned business opened January 20 and serves up smoky Korean BBQ. Drop by to hear some K-Pop music blaring while dining on meaty beef ribs, spicy pork belly, or thinly sliced bulgogi. 43330 Junction Plz., Ste. 180, Ashburn
Dunkin’ Donuts
Just across from One Loudoun at Flagship Commons, visit Dunkin’ for donuts, iced coffees, cold brews, and ice teas. There’s indoor seating and a drive-thru lane. 44795 Dulles Overlook Dr., Ste. 180, Ashburn
Centreville
Artisana Pizza
Give into your yearnings at this brick-fired pizza joint. Try alluring shareables like Nonna’s meatballs and brick oven wings, or skip to the main attraction — crave-worthy signature pies like blanca, margherita, salsiccia e fungi, and more. 14114 Lee Hwy., Ste. B, Centreville
Chantilly
Lee Hwa Modern Chinese Tapas & Bar
Park yourself here for Chinese small plates, noodles, and rice. Check out this new destination’s tasty options, like deep fried shrimp with garlic chili sauce, spicy seafood noodle soup, and baby back ribs with chef’s special sauce. 13934 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly
Pupatella
Puputella knocks it out of the park, racking up award after award for its to-die-for Neapolitan pies. Chantilly is the newest location. Pizza varieties include chorizo, burrata, margherita, pesto, and mushroom. 13619 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy., Chantilly
Fairfax
Songbird
Songbird Asian Cafe & Bar offers classics like Thai panang red curry, sashimi, maki rolls, Peking duck, and moo shu pork. Indulge in the cuisine, but make sure to check out the cocktails, natural wine, and beers. 10940 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Jjigae Korean Soup, Noodle & Rice
Jjigae offers traditional Korean cuisine, with savory seafood, fresh vegetables, succulent meats and soft tofu, all simmered in authentic Korean seasonings. The diverse menu reflects the rich flavors and culture of Korea. 13005 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy., Fairfax
Falls Church
Guapo’s Merrifield
Guapo’s has a huge following in our neck of the woods, and Merrifield is the 10th location for this buzzworthy Tex-Mex restaurant. Satisfy all your guacamole desires while sampling sizzling fajitas, ceviches, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, and more. 3052 Gate House Plz., Falls Church
Herndon
Mirch Dhamaka Indian Restaurant and Bar
Get your Indian food fix at Mirch Dhamaka, offering enticing vegetarian entrées, as well as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, chicken jalfrezi, and palak mutton. Guests can even enjoy five varieties of naan. The March issue of Northern Virginia Magazine will have a First Bite review. 2443 Centreville Rd., Ste G1, Herndon
Wiseguy Pizza
Thompson Hospitality Group has opened the sixth location of its pizzeria, in the same location as its former Big Buns D#*! Good Burgers. Wiseguy Pizza serves old-world style pizza with choices for classic toppings. And it has inventive specialty pies like Korean chicken and paneer tikka. 1142 Elden St., Herndon
Leesburg
Marie De La Fleur
Founded by private chef Natalie Ramos and daughter Tiana Ramos, Marie De La Fleur offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items — some inspired by culinary greats like Jacques Pepin, Julia Child, and Bobby Flay. 19375 Magnolia Grove Sq., Leesburg
Gringo Gordo Empanadas
Gringo Gordo offers 18 styles of empanadas as well as housemade chimichurri sauce. Consider breakfast, cheese, meat, and vegetable empanada varieties, or pick up a family pack to sample and save. 101 S. King St., Leesburg
Manassas
Bob & Edith’s Diner
This beloved diner has been serving up old-school comfort food since owners Robert and Edith Bolton purchased the flagship location in Arlington in 1969. Now, the seventh location has opened its doors in Manassas to provide diners with classics like pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, burgers, and hand-spun milkshakes. 9221 Sudley Rd., Manassas
Reston
Shah’s Halal Food
Stop in at this new certified halal franchise in Reston. You’ll be sure to get your fill of authentic kebabs, falafels, gyros, lamb or chicken platters, salads, and sandwiches. 1474 North Point Dr., Reston
Springfield
Best Buns Bakery & Burgers
Set your GPS for Best Buns’ third bakery, a product of Great American Restaurants. The new location cooks up freshly made bagels, rolls, scones, croissants, specialty sandwiches, salads, certified angus beef burgers, and bread. 6119-A Backlick Rd., Springfield
Woodbridge
Bangkok Street
Craving Thai food? Savor spring rolls, satay, som tum, beef massaman curry, noodles, and fried rice. The extensive menu offers all your favorites at this restaurant’s third location. 12527 Dillingham Sq., Woodbridge
Feature image courtesy Best Buns
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