2 Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, MD Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, the renowned Peruvian gastrobar, has officially opened its newest location at 2 Bethesda Metro. This marks the first location in Maryland and the third in the DMV, solidifying its reputation as the go-to destination for an authentic, elevated Peruvian dining experience. Known for its lively atmosphere, innovative cocktails and signature dishes like Ceviche Tradicional, Lomo Saltado, and Chaufa, Pisco y Nazca aims to bring fresh ingredients and vibrant, bold flavors. The new Bethesda location, led by Chef Aldo Verastegui, continues this tradition by creating an inviting space that blends contemporary design with traditional Peruvian decor. In addition to the lunch & dinner menus, the Bethesda location features an expansive bar, featuring cocktails and a curated selection of wines and craft beers from around the world. Happy Hour is offered daily from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Guests can also enjoy weekend brunch with an optional brunch pix fixe menu or an a la carte menu that features unique brunch dishes like Cholo Benedicto, Huevos Rancheros, and Lechón Hash. For more information, click here.Photo from Pisco y Nazca Website

11580 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, MD Bouboulina, a new full-service American grill influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, will has opened on the street level of the new 915 Meeting Street Office in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose development. This new 3,080 square-foot concept from Ted Xenohristos, Dimitri Moshovitis, and Ike Grigoropoulos is the group's third concept in Pike & Rose (Melina and Julii). The restaurant is named for Bouboulina, who commanded her own fleet and private army during the Greek War of Independence. The restaurant features a wood-fired grill, premium steak cuts, fresh seafood, and more. For more information, visit their website here.Photo by Deb Lindsey

7239 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda has officially reopened, offering refreshed, expanded dining spaces and menu offerings at the “bistro classique.” After more than 23 years serving the community, the popular Bethesda Row destination for French cuisine is debuting a reimagined main dining room, a bar that’s doubled in size, two redesigned patios, three renovated private event rooms and revamped menus that evoke the timeless cafe culture of Paris and New York. The restaurant’s main entrance is now prominently situated on the corner of Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues, welcoming guests to rediscover Mon Ami Gabi’s French signatures and find new favorites, such as a chilled martini program, new brunch dishes and happy hour. For more information, click here.Photo from Mon Ami Gabi Bethesda Instagram

1328 4th Street NE The team behind Jane Jane has opened a new destination cocktail bar, Bar Betsie, in DC’s Union Market District. Bar Betsie offers a menu of thoughtfully crafted cocktails, wines, beers and bar snacks, inside a striking and intimate space. Bar Betsie aims to be a soulful, unpretentious gathering place for guests. Neon accents play off mirrored walls, wood paneling and a dramatic sculptural ceiling. There are four intimate booths, an extensive banquette, a 14-seat bar and an outdoor patio space. Listen to JP Sabatier, Ralph Brabham, and Drew Porterfield talk about Bar Betsie on Foodie and The Beast here!Photo from Union Market’s Website

949 Wharf Street SW Whitlow’s has opened a second location at the Wharf in the space formerly home to Brighton. Jon Williams, whose family has owned Whitlow’s for decades, looks to carry on the tradition of a lively bar with live music and a menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches, shareable appetizers and brunch. This new 6,000 square-foot location boasts a similar vibe and decor to its predecessors. 

1475 Pennsylvania Avenue NW The Occidental, Stephen Starr’s glamorous reimagining of the legendary Washington restaurant that once drew the world’s most important statesmen for the ultimate in power dining, has opened at the historic Willard Hotel. Designed by Ken Fulk, the 280-seat Occidental is STARR Restaurants’ most luxe Washington restaurant yet, with caviar service, perfectly executed martinis, and a menu featuring  iconic American dishes and steakhouse favorites. The Occidental’s menu is uniquely focused on reviving classic American fare for a new generation of diners. Menu highlights include Shrimp Louis, Lobster Newberg, Prime Rib, and more. The Occidental’s cocktail menu is equally focused on classics, perfectly executed. The wine list is among the most expansive of any STARR restaurant in Washington, drawing from wine-growing regions around the world, from California, Washington and Western Europe to Greece, Lebanon and Armenia. For more information, click here.Photo by Birch Thomas

1901 14th Street NW 2nd Floor James Beard Outstanding Restauranteur semifinalists, KNEAD Hospitality + Design, have opened their first fine dining concept, Sagrada, on the second floor of MI VIDA 14th street. The first-of-its-kind dining experience explores the transformative power of psychedelics through food. While no actual psilocybin is used, the tasting menu mirrors the stages of a psychedelic trip, from visually immersive dishes to sensory shifts. A portion of proceeds from Sagrada will support Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, the world’s leading institution studying the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. For more information, click here.Photo by Rey Lopez

600 H Street NE Industry Veterans Dante Datta and Chef Suresh Sundas have opened their newest concept, Tapori, in DC’s H Street Corrdior. Tapori celebrates Indian Street Food with the power to bridge communities through culinary prowess with regional dishes and cocktails from their native homeland. The restaurant is inspired by the street foods, taking inspiration from regions in India- the South: Kerala (coconut, spicy, seafood) Mughal-influenced Hydrabad, Center-west like Mumbai, and Eastern regions like Sundas' native Nepal(influenced by both India and China). Guests can get excited for dishes like innovative street food such as Pani Puri, Vada Pav and Dosas, as well as recipes inspired from Chef Suresh’s single mom where he grew up in the impoverished rural village of the Pathari village of the Morang district in Nepal. Cocktails include an “Indianish” take on the classic Pornstar Martini, and ingredients that include indigenous spices and fruits like chaat masala, jackfruit puree, kashmiri chili and hibiscus. For more information, click here.Photo by Rey Lopez

6919 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, MD Laurel Leaf, a retail destination in Takoma Park, has officially opened. This new shop is a collaboration between three small businesses: HouseMade Books & Vintage, Indigro Plant Design, and Cheeky’s Vintage. Laurel Leaf offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books, plants, furniture, and decor. Laurel Leaf will also host events like plant workshops. For more information, click here.

1023 31st Street NW Canal House of Georgetown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers a lively new escape in the heart of historic Georgetown. Perfectly situated just steps from the iconic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, Canal House of Georgetown is designed to be a central hub of connection and inspiration for both guests and locals alike. The hotel features an array of unique accommodations, including two attached townhomes, specialty suites, and vibrant social spaces such as a library lounge and private courtyard. Canal House of Georgetown offers 92 guest rooms, 10 specialty suites, 3  terrace rooms, and 2 expansive townhouses. Each guest room offers a sense of intimacy, style, and charm, with sizes ranging from 326 square-feet for standard rooms to 846 square-feet for townhouses. Guests can dine in the C&O Lounge, which offers a menu inspired by local ingredients and flavors, further enhancing the guest experience. Additionally, Canal House of Georgetown offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, ensuring that both relaxation and well-being are a priority during their stay. For more information, click here.Photo Courtesy of Marriott International