Openings

Keeping you up to date on the absolute latest in restaurant openings in the DC Metro area.
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THE MUNI
1400 14th Street NW Bringing the look and feel of the hey-day of Municipal golf courses, The Muni, a golf-inspired bar and club, has opened in Logan Circle. The Muni is a welcoming space for all, whether a seasoned player, a casual fan or just there for the vibes. The decor goes back to the mid-century era of golf’s popularity. It is anything but vintage, however, with state-of-the-art simulators, laser-lit putting greens and dart boards and Full Swing immersive simulators offering digital images of hundreds of the world’s best golf courses. Guests can play some of the toughest holes at St. Andrews to Torrey Pines. The bar has the familiar Municipal clubhouse vibe with Mid-Century furnishings, golf bags mounted on the walls, vintage trophies and right-out-of-Mad Men photos. The bar menu, much like a clubhouse concession stand, includes craft pizza, chicken tenders, and a  bucket of fries. The bar, one of the largest in DC, serves craft cocktails, and a variety of canned beers, beers, and cocktails. For more information, visit their website here.
Openings
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WILLOWSONG
801 Wharf Street SW Willowsong, the new modern American concept led by nationally acclaimed Chef Jeffrey Williams, has officially opened within the ground floor of InterContinental DC. Willowsong honors DC's globally influenced, hyper-seasonal cuisine by bringing house-made pastas, locally sourced meat and seafood and fresh vegetables to the city's waterfront neighborhood. Willowsong’s menu is anchored by Chef Williams’ community-driven ethos and relationships with local DMV purveyors like Family Cow, Ovoka Farm and Miller Farms. Inspired by the elegance of the willow trees found throughout the DMV area, from the banks of the Potomac to the pond at Constitution Gardens, Willowsong’s name is a tribute to the land and water that create new growth. The 152-seat concept’s sun-washed ambiance is complemented by natural textures and live greenery throughout, with luxurious accents. Guests can also enjoy the patio in fair weather, basking in the Wharf boardwalk and views of the Washington Channel. The centerpiece of the dining room is a mural by Maryland-based artist Irene Pantelis.  The beverage menu explores the region’s vast offerings of wine and craft beer, with brews from nearby makers like DC Brau and Right Proper, along with bottles from old-world makers like Barons de Rothschild and E. Guigal. Along with wine and beer, cocktails crafted by restaurant general manager Hakan Alagoz include highlights like the Lost Count, along with the Delayed Flight. Guests can also enjoy a limited beverage menu during happy hour at the 20-seat bar. For more information, click here.Photo by Anna Kariel
Openings
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FRAICHE
3345 14th Street NW Fraiche, a brand new restaurant in Columbia Heights, is now open, offering a fresh take on culinary fusion with inspiration from multiple cultures including French, Cajun, South American, and Caribbean. The concept is led by Executive Chef and cookbook author Matt Price who has risen to social media fame with 1 million Instagram followers as Mr. Make It Happen. Fraiche captures the spirit of freshness and renewal, a restaurant where tradition meets modernity, seamlessly blending timeless elements with contemporary design. It offers an inviting culinary experience, striking a balance between sophistication and approachability, delivering upscale dining without the pretension. Fraiche currently seats 100-110 guests, and anticipated this spring, additional sectioned seating will be available in front of the restaurant for guests to dine during the warmer months. The restaurant will also in the future feature a lively brunch experience, complete with a live DJ. For more information, visit their website here.
Openings
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SEVEN Restaurant
1975 Opportunity Way, Reston, VA AC Hotel & Residence Inn by Marriott Reston has opened a chic lobby-level restaurant, SEVEN Restaurant. SEVEN distinguishes itself with an eclectic menu rooted in European culinary traditions, under the direction of Executive Chef Alexis Hernandez who draws inspiration from his South American heritage and worldly travels. With a focus on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients and artful presentations, Hernandez’s innovative cuisine with the use of French techniques takes diners on a culinary journey designed to explore fresh perspectives on food and diverse flavors. At the entrance, guests are greeted with cozy lounge areas, perfect for sipping cocktails at the glass-encased fireplace. The central, sleek bar is filled with top-shelf spirits and wine, presenting a mesmerizing focal point in a restaurant built to dine, connect, relax and unwind. SEVEN offers breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information, visit their website here.
Openings
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ALARA
1303 Wisconsin Avenue NW Hakan Ilhan has opened his newest restaurant, Alara, in Georgetown, in the space formerly home to Paolo's Ristorante. The menu features Mediterranean classics from Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon. The 5,000 square-foot space has room for up to 120 guests across the dining room and bar. Ilhan also plans to serve some best sellers from Ottoman Taverna. Other menu highlights include hummus (topped with roasted mushrooms or spiced beef), karniyarik, roasted cauliflower with yogurt-garlic sauce, grilled halloumi with tomatoes and mint, and much more. On top of the a la carte menu, Alara offers a four-course prix fixe dinner menu for $54.95 per person. Guests can enjoy lunch, brunch, and dinner at Alara. For more infomation, click here.Photo by Scott Suchman
Openings
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BUFFALO & BERGEN: CLEVELAND PARK
3501 Connecticut Avenue NW Gina Chersevani has opened Buffalo & Bergen's third location in DC's Cleveland Park neighborhood. The menu at this new Cleveland Park location expands from its Union Market and Capitol Hill predecessors. Some new offerings include Danishes in the morning and a “Carb Bar” available later in the day. Other highlights include “Hot Pockets”, Pizzas, and other dishes that will reflect Chersevani's Italian heritage. Not only do the dishes include regional and seasonal ingredients, Buffalo & Bergen also imports dough from A&S Bagels in New York. The coffee service features beans from Ceremony Coffee and the beverage program is centered around a vintage soda machine. For more information, visit their website here. Also, listen to Gina Chersevani and Neil Dundee on Foodie and The Beast here!Photo from Buffalo and Bergen Website
Openings
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TATTE BAKERY & CAFÉ: ROCKVILLE
12232 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD Tatte Bakery has opened its second Maryland location in Rockville’s Towne Plaza. Guests can get excited for another spot to enjoy their pastries, desserts, brunch options, drinks, and more. For more information, visit their website here.Photo from Tatte’s Website
Openings
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LIFE ALIVE ORGANIC CAFÈ
2301 M Street NW Life Alive Organic Café has officially expanded into D.C.‘s West End, making it the brand’s first-ever location outside of Massachusetts. This marks a significant milestone for the beloved concept known for its invigorating, made-from-scratch food. Life Alive Cafe aims to provide a warm and inviting environment for guests to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and the D.C. location is no different. Guests can enjoy an elevated design with eclectic art, cozy nooks, ample plugs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hope is for the light-filled, spacious cafe to provide the West End neighborhood with an uplifting gathering place for guests to meet, linger, and simply feel at home.As part of the company's "Eat Positive. Live Positive."  vision, Life Alive is committed to providing guests with food that not only tastes amazing, but also leaves them feeling energized, uplifted, and fully alive. The chef-inspired menu offers a wide variety of options, including hearty warm grain bowls, salads, ramen-style noodles dishes, soups, açaí bowls and smoothies. All dishes are artfully prepared from scratch daily prioritizing whole, organic ingredients. For more information, click here.
Openings
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YUNNAN BY POTOMAC
721 15th Street S Unit 150, Arlington, VA Yunnan By Potomac, the acclaimed restaurant by Chef and Owner Shao Bruce that has captivated diners with its authentic flavors and vibrant cultural experiences, has opened a new location in Pentagon City. This location replaces their beloved flagship restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. To mark the grand opening, Yunnan will honor the Lunar New Year with a series of special events and menu items. Yunnan will also be offering a Take-Home Family Feasts, featuring generous portions of their most beloved dishes, perfect for celebrating special moments at home with loved ones. Yunnan is unveiling a new cocktail menu curated by their master mixologist, featuring festive drinks inspired by the season’s vibrant colors and flavors. Highlights include the “Dragon Blossom,” and the “Jade Emperor”. Yunnan Pentagon City is also introducing a weekend brunch menu, featuring fusion favorites such as Tea-Smoked Salmon Benedict and Scallion Pancake Breakfast Tacos. Guests can also enjoy hands-on culinary experiences with their Cocktail Making Class and Dumpling Making Class; For more information, visit their website here.
Openings
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SOFTSPOT
13905A Metrotech Drive, Chantilly, VA A new premium dessert cafe, SoftSpot, has opened in Chantilly, from the team behind MOLTN Cookies. Guests can get excited for innovative soft serve creations, alongside refreshing dirty sodas and sweet treats like MOLTN Cookies. Throughout February, enjoy Buy One Cup of Soft Serve, Get One Half Off, and from February 1st – February 10th, take advantage of a BOGO deal on all Craft Soft Serve (excludes New Zealand–style). Some menu highlights include New Zealand Style Soft Serve, Dirty Sodas & Energy Drinks, Iced Lattes & Espressos, and more. Soft Opening hours are Monday - Thursday from 1:00 - 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 - 12:00 a.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. For more information, visit their website here.  
Openings