1788 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA Modan, an upscale, chic Japanese fine dining restaurant, has opened in McLean. Inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya culture, this modern, 7,000 square-foot restaurant invites guests to experience Executive Chef Micheole “Chico” Dator’s exquisitely-crafted menu. Merging the spirit of casual dining with the elegance of modern cuisine, Modan’s food and beverage selections are a reflection of Japan’s rich culinary heritage. The menu boasts an array of contemporary plates designed for sharing – from fresh sashimi, innovative sushi rolls and robata-grilled skewers to Modan’s spin on traditional dishes like Wagyu Dumplings, Teba (chicken wings) and Modan Tacos, featuring crispy nori (seaweed) taco shells topped with sweet onion salsa, complete with your choice of wagyu, lobster, tuna, salmon or cauliflower. The beverage program showcases an artfully crafted selection of sake, Japanese whiskey, and playful, technique-driven Japanese-inspired cocktails such as Modan’s modern take on a Lychee Martini; a King of Kaiju, a tropical milk clarified margarita; and a Japanese A5 wagyu-washed Benkyō Old Fashioned. Guests can also get excited for Modan’s propriety in-house dry aging program, Omakase, and caviar programPhoto by eJin.

1252 4th Street NE SHIA, a groundbreaking fine dining concept, has opened in the heart of the Union Market District. Merging ancient Korean culinary traditions with modern innovation, SHIA celebrates sustainability, environmental responsibility, and leadership within the industry. With its bold vision, SHIA aims to help create a blueprint for the next generation of sustainable restaurants. The 22-seat fine dining establishment, alongside a 12-seat bar, offers a unique and intimate experience. Guests are treated to a meticulously curated 7-course Tasting Menu that guides guests through the restaurant with each progressive course. SHIA currently operates with two seatings per night, five nights a week. In collaboration with The LEE Initiative, SHIA explores practical solutions to critical industry challenges such as:Zero-plastics usage, Waste reduction, and Zero-gas kitchens. The menu at SHIA reflects what is fresh and seasonal, while dishes are prepared with minimal manipulation and a commitment to sustainability. For more information, visit their website here.

4465 Connecticut Avenue NW Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj has opened his newest restaurant, Rosedale, in the Forest Hills neighborhood of DC. Named after an important estate in Cleveland Park's historic district, Rosedale has 100 seats indoors and a patio with 30 seats. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the inviting U-shaped bar. This new American restaurant will has a diverse seasonal menu along with daily specials. For more information, click here.Renderings by Martin Vahtra of Projects Design Associates 

660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the NYC born and nationally beloved ice cream brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice cream, has opened its seventh D.C. area location in Capitol Hill. To celebrate the opening, Van Leeuwen will be offering $1 scoops from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1st. Additionally, the first 100 customers in line will receive a free Van Leeuwen tote. Specific to the Capitol Hill store, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream offers a 15% discount to Capitol employees with a Congressional ID Badge. The same discount will apply to the store’s neighbors at the Marine Barracks, with a valid military ID. The Capitol Hill location features a selection of the brand’s signature flavors––including Honeycomb, Sicilian Pistachio (made with pistachios sourced from Mount Etna in Sicily), Marionberry Cheesecake (made with vine-ripened berries from Oregon farm partner Stahlbush Island Farms), and BIGFACE Coffee Affogato (made in partnership with NBA star Jimmy Butler)––along with custom sundaes, handmade ice cream sandwiches, root beer floats, milkshakes and pints to-go. The menu also features several of Van Leeuwen’s famed vegan flavors, such as Strawberry Shortcake and Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Capitol Hill is open daily from 11:00 a.m. - Midnight. For more information, click here.

440 Penn Street NE F1 Arcade, the world's first official Formula 1 simulator racing experience to put socializing at its core, has opened its second location in the US in DC's Union Market District. Guests can get excited to enjoy state-of-the-art racing simulators, all while enjoying globally inspired food and cocktails. The 17,500 square-foot space features a 1,500 square-foot outdoor area, a large cocktail bar, F1-circuit inspired chandeliers, and much more. F1 Arcade is expected to host Watch Parties and weekend DJ series. Some of the F1 inspired drinks include Champagne cocktails, local craft beers from hand selected partners, and an imaginative non-alcoholic ‘Designated Driver’ menu. The concept also boasts a range of cutting-edge tech features that enhance the social gaming experience including the F1 Arcade Hub, where guests can create personal driver profiles and immerse themselves in a world tailored to their individual preferences and achievements. For more information, visit their website here.

1326 14th Street NW From Chef Johnny Yi, the third floor of Takara DC has turned into Raw Omakase DC, an eight-seat sushi counter with two reservation times each night. The first seating of the night features 15 courses ($125) and is from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., and the second seating of the night consists of 18 courses ($150) and is from 8:15 - 10:00 p.m. Also available during guests omakase experience are sake and wine pairings, available at an additional cost.Photo by Deb Lindsey

1228 ½ 31st Street NW RM Wellness, a new premium mini-spa specializing in massage therapy services and manual lymphatic drainage from Founder Regina McLinden, has opened in the heart of Georgetown. RM Wellness serves as a destination for relaxation, recovery, health and wellbeing. RM Wellness is the first woman-owned mini-spa of its kind in D.C., offering traditional massages such as deep tissue, Swedish, and prenatal, and manual lymphatic drainage services in Georgetown. RM Wellness’ mission is to bring intentional care to delivering relaxation, comfort, and a deeper connection with one’s mind and body, whilst relieving stress and the painful symptoms of injury and illness. RM Wellness therapists conduct a thorough consultation with every client ahead of their session to assess and build a custom service for each visit. For more information, visit their website here.Photo by Annette Lee Photography

1100 Rhode Island Avenue NW Dog Daze Social Club, a new hospitality concept with a restaurant and adjoining dog-friendly garden, has opened in Logan Circle. Guests can enjoy food and drinks in the café and restaurant or socialize and play with their furry companions in the 6,000 square foot dog-friendly garden. Some food offerings at Dog Daze Social Club include coffee, smoothies, açaí bowls, pizza, sandwiches, and more. Dog Daze is the first restaurant in DC to feature Lost Barrel Brewing, the winner of the Virginia Craft Beer Cup. Additionally, a menu of handcrafted cocktails created by DC cocktail veteran Lukas B. Smith is also available. The dog-friendly garden features mature trees and brand-new synthetic turf, which is cleaned daily, ensuring a fun and safe environment for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Additionally, Dog Daze offers a selection of specialized treats made just for dogs. For more information, visit their website here.Photo by Sophie Macaluso/IRL Agency

1258 4th Street NE JINYA Ramen Bar, founded by Tomo Takahashi, has opened a brand new location in DC’s Union Market district. This two-story, 5,167 square-foot restaurant marks the seventh JINYA in the DC Metro Area. JINYA’s culinary program is led by Executive Chef Kazuya Takebe, and focuses on bringing the rich, savory flavors of Japan to the U.S. The restaurant offers guests a unique dining experience featuring six signature slow-simmered broths and handmade noodles, and the new location will feature beloved dishes like Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Chicken Ramen, and Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, alongside a selection of toppings, craft cocktails, and small plates inspired by Japanese cuisine. On JINYA Union Market's grand opening day, the first 100 guests in line by 11:00 a.m. will receive complimentary ramen on the house.

699 14th Street NW Beloved Italian Trattoria, Olio e Più, has officially opened in DC’s Metro Center neighborhood, marking the third location overall. Located in the historic National Bank Building and founded by Emil Stefkov, Olio e Più is known for its authentic Italian dishes, warm ambiance, and vintage yet refined décor. The menu, curated by Michelin-starred executive chef Danilo Galati, will take guests on a culinary journey across Italy. Olio e Più’s extensive wine list highlights celebrated Italian producers such as Michele Chiarlo and Tenuta San Guido, alongside lesser-known boutique wineries and a selection of biodynamic and organic wines. The cocktail program includes classic Italian liqueurs like amaro, grappa, and limoncello, alongside innovative creations that incorporate locally inspired flavors. Complementing the wine program, award-winning DC-based mixologist Kapri Robinson has crafted two specialty cocktails exclusively for Olio’s signature menu. The restaurant boasts 147 seats inside, with an additional 20 bar seats and 30 outdoor seats, offering a variety of spaces to suit different occasions.