12117 Darnestown Road, Gaithersburg, MD Fish Taco, the beloved DMV-based taco spot, has once again expanded with the opening of its newest location in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Known for its Baja-style tacos, fresh seafood, and laid-back coastal vibe, the new location brings the brand’s signature menu of hand-crafted tacos, house-made sauces, and more to Darnestown. This new location marks the sixth Fish Taco location in the DMV.Photo Credit: Nina Palazzolo

1000 H Street NW Chef Joevel Magpantay has opened his new concept, Oribu, within the Grand Hyatt DC. Inspired by the historic connection between Japan and the Mediterranean through the Maritime Silk Road, this 4,666 square-foot concept blends Japanese precision with Mediterranean warmth in a dining experience rooted in craftsmanship. Oribu offers jet-fresh sushi, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, curated wine and sake, and artisanal cocktails. For more information, click here.

1539 Seventh Street NW Chef Sanjay Mandhaiya has opened his latest concept, The  Grace, in Shaw in the space formerly home to The Passenger. A modern American saloon with well-priced pub favorites and classic,  approachable cocktails, the Grace aims to be a neighborhood destination that encourages repeat visits. Courtney Evans serves as The Grace’s executive chef, bringing her expertise to create an eclectic menu spanning American and bistro influences. Highlights include Slow-Roasted Half Chicken, The Reuben, and Burger. The beverage program features, among other classics, a variety of daiquiris made with house-pressed sugarcane juice, honoring the cocktail’s traditional roots.  Photo Credit: Hawkeye Johnson

1621 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA Duke’s Grocery, the East London-inspired gastropub known for its award-winning Proper Burger®, has expanded into Northern Virginia for the first time with a new fast-casual concept, Duke’s Burgers, opening at Water Park in National Landing. Duke’s Burgers brings a streamlined, fast-casual spin on the Duke’s Grocery brand, centered around its signature burgers, including the Proper Burger®. Designed for speed and convenience, the new location features kiosk ordering and a tighter menu of guest favourites, built for quick service without sacrificing quality as every dish is made to order. In addition to burgers, guests can expect the Wagyu and Impossible burgers, along with fish and chips, Hackney Hot Wings, sandwiches, fries, and white truffle mac and cheese. New menu items developed specifically for this location will also roll out over time.

950 New York Avenue NW Less than a year after opening their first shop in Georgetown, Yala Greek Ice Cream has officially expanded with their second shop located inside Conrad DC at CityCenterDC. Alongside nine Yala Greek Ice Cream favorites, they are also introducing “Pursuit of Happiness”, a flavor inspired by one of America’s most enduring ideals. 

4700 Wisconsin Avenue NW Tenley Provisions, a new neighborhood eatery, has opened in the heart of Tenleytown in the previous Steak 'n Egg space. The eatery brings together three culinary concepts under one roof: Sofie's, a fast-casual café serving fresh crêpes and all-day breakfast favorites; Bistro Metzger, a chef-driven experience with a globally inspired menu; and El Jefe Woodfired Pizza, a neighborhood pizzeria dedicated to handcrafted pies. Nearly everything is made from scratch, to an artisan, fine-dining standard—at a price point that makes it easy to come back again and again. Additionally, almost everything on the menu is also available for takeout. Tenley Provisions was built to support local culinary talent—giving independent chefs and operators a platform to share their food and creativity without the barriers typically associated with opening a standalone restaurant.Photo from @tenleyprovisions Instagram

1504 B Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA From the team behind Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar, Partner Matt Sloan, Culinary Director Eric Brannon, and Beverage Director Michael Riojas have opened Little Birdie, a new neighborhood restaurant centered around one simple idea: celebrate chicken! Little Birdie blends thoughtful sourcing, seasonal cooking, and a sense of fun to create a space that feels both refined and approachable. At its core, Little Birdie is about quality and intention—sourcing chicken from trusted Pennsylvania farms, working with local bakers for Japanese milk buns, and letting the seasons shape the menu. The result is a lineup of inventive chicken sandwiches alongside a broader menu designed to encourage gathering, sharing, and returning often. To complement the food, Beverage Director Michael Riojas has developed a beverage program that mirrors the restaurant’s playful, thoughtful approach.Photo by SV Images LLC via @littlebirdieva Instagram

7606 Main Street, Unit A, Downtown Sykesville, MD Black Barn Alpacas, one of Maryland’s most recognizable agritourism destinations, has opened its first downtown retail shoppe in the heart of Sykesville’s award-winning Main Street district. The new shoppe brings Black Barn Alpacas’ farm-inspired brand into a retail setting featuring alpaca fiber goods, including apparel, socks, sweaters, blankets, yarn, pillows, rugs, stuffed animals, and home goods. All products are made from soft, hypoallergenic alpaca fiber sourced from the farm’s herd of more than 150 alpacas. Black Barn Alpacas operates a 50-acre farm in Maryland offering seasonal events, wellness experiences, and immersive alpaca encounters.Photo from @downtownsykesville Instagram 

1700 N. Moore Street, Arlington, VA Frost & Flourish and Just Ron Chocolate have combined their talents, and will be offering a whole variety of delights at their new stall within UPSIDE at Moore Food Hall. The Sweet District’s menu will include a variety of desserts and gourmet chocolate, all made on site. Both of Filipino descent, Ron and Audrey are also serving items that bring a bit of Filipino flair and flavor. In addition to the American baked good classics (carrot cake, cinnamon rolls, plus more) guests can try Halo Halo, a Filipino classic consisting of shaved ice with sweet beans, coconut jellies, flan and ice cream. For more information, click here.

1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner, VA Maggiano’s is now open in Tysons Corner Center, bringing its classic dining on Italian American hospitality. The new restaurant is designed for everyone, fit for casual dining at the bar or enjoyable for memorable gatherings that includes meals with family and friends, or private dining with three new private event spaces to accommodate groups ranging from 50 to 150 guests. Guests can enjoy signature favorites including Rigatoni D, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, and house-made desserts such as Gigi’s Buttercake and Tiramisu. The new location introduces a more modern take on the traditional Maggiano’s atmosphere while staying true to the brand’s Italian-American roots. Maggiano’s is open for both lunch and dinner. For more information, click here.