Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, many exciting dining options are springing up across the city. Here is a running list of recent openings. Other new and notable restaurants are featured here. Know of a place that should be on this list? Send us a tip by emailing [email protected]

August 2022

BALLSTON—Hawkers Street Asian Fare will bring a variety of dim sum, tiki drinks and curries to Ballston on Thursday August 4th. The planned location, which took two years to complete, occupies a 4,380 square foot corner of the Ballston Exchange complex. Founded in 2011 in Orlando, the fast-growing chain debuted in the DC area at Bethesda Row in 2020. Its first Virginia location is a bit smaller than its Maryland counterpart. Hawkers, which pays homage to the “hawker” street food stalls found in Asia’s bustling night markets, is known for its Malaysian flatbreads and other recipes from co-founder Allen Lo’s family. 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia.

July 2022

ARSENAL-Chicken + Whiskey, the popular South American rotisserie and whiskey bar on 14th Street NW since 2017, is adding a larger follow-on location right next to Nationals Park on Saturday, July 30. Star Latin chef and partner Enrique Limardo (Seven Reasons, Immigrant Food, Imperfecto) designs a menu of 12-hour brined slow roast chickens and Venezuelan arepas to accompany a long list of national and international whiskeys. Unlike the original’s narrow layout – a chicken up front, with a speakeasy hidden behind a fridge door in the back – Chicken + Whiskey puts its two components side-by-side in Navy Yard with roll-up garage doors covering the length of the facade. 70 N Street SE

DOWNTOWN-Immigrant Food+, the nearly year-long destination for artistic global plates and dim sum at the literary-themed museum Planet Word, unveiled a new Negroni Patio on Tuesday, July 26. The beloved summer cocktail, made up of equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, takes center stage on its peaceful backyard patio. In Immigrant Food+ fashion, the Negroni gets some global twists with spirits from France, Italy and India. There are six types to choose from ($15 each) and customers can sample three as part of a $21 flight. The patio is open from Tuesday to Saturday. 925 13th Street NW

NATIONAL REAGAN—Fuel up before a flight at Elevation Burger’s brand new location in Terminal E inside the airport. Founded in 2002, the health-conscious patty pioneer known for its grass-fed burgers and fries cooked in olive oil also sends ice cream shakes, cage-free chicken sandwiches , breaded onion rings in gluten-free breadcrumbs and meatless protein. .

ALEXANDRIA—Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Connecticut’s iconic New Haven-style pizzeria, opens its second DC-area location on Monday, July 18 at the Alexandria Commons Mall. Founded nearly 100 years ago, the cult chain maintains a devoted following in New England for its chewy charcoal pies with a thin, oblong crust and charred finish. The region’s first outpost opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this spring. 3231 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia.

LED RAY—Elo’s Italian, the rustic Italian pop-up that has called Live Oak home during the pandemic, has replaced the Southern restaurant for good. Named for the daughter of executive chef and owner Justus Frank, Elo’s family restaurant serves pastas, flatbreads, charcuterie, cocktails and wine. 1603 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia.

UP NORTHWEST—DC’s first-ever Wegmans opened on Wednesday, July 13, with in-store dining options (Burger Bar and Pizza Shop); a raw bar with poke bowls and sushi; a bakery with homemade pastries and donuts; and the Buzz Café, as well as 500 types of spirits, vermouths and sakes. 41 Ridge Square NW

BETHESDA—Pizza TBD, Ensemble Digital Kitchen’s newest delivery and takeout brand, debuted in early July with a unique Roman-meets-Detroit style that relies on a 40-hour ferment. Opening offerings include a “Truffle Shuffle” and “Pep Boi” pie. The Ghost Kitchen run by Steve Salis also sends Bib Gourmand-designated dishes from its Honeymoon Chicken and Federalist Pig. 4856 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland.

Pizza to be determined

SILVER SPRING—DMV food truck Trippy Tacos has unveiled its first restaurant in Silver Spring featuring tacos on homemade corn tortillas. There are also quesadillas, nachos, tortas, and burritos, plus new breakfast offerings, loaded nacho fries, and pizza pupusa. 12134 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland.

DOWNTOWN-CitySwing’s first permanent golf studio opened on Thursday, July 7, with simulator rentals and lessons. From early August, the bar and lounge will go live with a full food and beverage program. 901 New York Avenue NW

SILVER SPRING—Last fall, Mrs. K’s iconic Tollhouse transformed into an all-day business called Zinnia, utilizing her tavern and garden spaces. A stylish café joined the mix on Wednesday, July 6, with Counter Culture café drinks and full breakfast and lunch menus. 9201 Colesville Road, SilverSpring, Maryland.

Zinnia

DISTRICT HEIGHTS—Chef Damien Brown has a neon-lit, pop art-filled new spot to stock his whimsical treats. Uncaged Desserts opened in early July with Bourbon Peach Cobbler Puddings and Samosas Cookies, Lemon Cakes and Slices of Cheesecake stuffed with Cream of Oats and Cherry. Go from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. 6031 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, Maryland.

June 2022

ALEXANDRIA—Jollibee, the Philippines’ global fast-food chain with a hyper-loyal fanbase, is bringing buckets of fried chicken and other favorites to Alexandria. Some 2,500 guests showed up for the late June opening at the Plaza at Landmark mall. Its first DC-area location debuted a year ago in Wheaton, Maryland. 4809 Beauregard Street, Alexandria, Virginia.

Jollibee

WEST END—Bandoola Bowl, the Southeast Asian salad shop that debuted in Georgetown in 2019, is the newest vendor at the Western Market food hall. Flavors from Burma, Vietnam and Thailand can be found in personalized salads or hot bowls. Choose a base of spicy rice noodles or brown rice that can be topped with an array of proteins, spices, fruits, vegetables, and toppings. Upcoming on-site events include a pet adoption event on Wednesday, July 20 and live music on Thursday, July 28. 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

ADAMS MORGAN—Jerk at Nite, the popular food truck founded by Howard University alumni, is adding a new nightlife-focused location to enjoy its modern Jamaican menu and cocktails. 2406 18th Street NW

CHINESE DISTRICT-The space that once housed Honeygrow has transformed into a fast-casual Chinese restaurant, Wasai, serving dumplings, stir-fried noodles, wonton soup, pulled pork buns from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 716 7th Street NW

SPRING VALLEY-Australian-style coffee roaster Bluestone Lane launched its third DC cafe in Spring Valley in mid-June with its familiar white dishes, avocado toast and new fried chicken sandwiches. Order pickup, dine, or delivery through its app from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 4874 Massachusetts Avenue NW