Peruse mouthwatering menus at Del Ray dining destinations, craft cocktail bars and cozy cafés among more than two dozen new restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia, located just outside of D.C. Keep reading for new and coming-soon concepts, from sweet spots to fast casual eateries and beyond, in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Old Town, Del Ray, Carlyle and Eisenhower and the West End.
Table of Contents
Del Ray Dining
Pictured: Zuki Moon; Image Credit: Costa Dino Photography
Open Now:
Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ: In June 2023, Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ debuted in beloved Del Ray eatery Evening Star Café’s backyard, featuring menu items such as brisket-stuffed corn tortilla tacos and meaty platters decked out with pickled peppers and smoked crema.
Zuki Moon: Zuki Moon opened in fall 2023 with an Asian fusion menu intertwining Japanese and Filipino flavors to savor during live DJ performances on the weekends.
Jet’s Pizza: Also in fall 2023, Jet’s Pizza brought its sizzling Detroit-style slices to E. Glebe Road, at the edge of Del Ray and Arlandria.
Benny Diforza’s Pizza: The East Coast-based franchise, known for its gargantuan 28-inch pies, opened a Del Ray outpost in early 2024.
Coming Soon:
LA’BAIK: Look for LA’BAIK to bring Mediterranean flavors to Mount Vernon Avenue in spring 2024 in the previous Stomping Ground and Rubia’s Tacos location.
La Petit Ananas: Beginning in spring 2024, Le Petit Ananas will serve up shaved ice treats from a trailer beside Bagel Uprising, the perfect way to end a meal at one of the neighborhood’s newest eateries.
New Beer, Wine and Spirits Spots
Pictured: Casa Luna
No matter your drink of choice, Alexandria’s new openings have you covered.
Open Now:
Mieza Blendery: Mieza Blendery opened to beer aficionados (and their furry friends) in summer 2023 with a tasting room featuring draft pours and bottles to go.
Casa Luna: The cocktail-inclined should head below Kisso Asian Bistro to Casa Luna, exuding subterranean speakeasy vibes with creative handcrafted cocktails paired with sophisticated bar bites.
Alice Cocktail Bar: Visit wonderland with a trip to Alice Cocktail Bar above Thai Signature.
Negus Winery and Meadery Tasting Room: Open since fall 2023, Negus Winery and Meadery, located off Van Dorn Street, specializes in renditions of Ethiopian tej, honey wine, based on a recipe from owner Gize Negussie’s mother. It’s thought to be the first tej tasting room in the U.S.
Orkney Springs Distillery: Orkney Springs Distillery opened in North Del Ray in December 2023 with a tasting room proffering vodka and gin.
Coming Soon:
Atlas Brew Works: Look forward to the 2024 opening of D.C.-based Atlas Brew Works in Carlyle Crossing, with a brewery, taproom running on sustainable energy, plus food from award-winning Andy’s Pizza.
Hotel AKA Alexandria: In addition to the full kitchen opening this spring, Hotel AKA Alexandria’s terrace invites you to sip on artisanal cocktails from the seasonal bar or gather around the fire pits.
Hotel Heron: Slated to open in spring 2024, Hotel Heron will boast a hearth-inspired restaurant offering Mid-Atlantic cuisine, a cozy cocktail bar and the city’s first seasonal rooftop bar.
Cooper Mill: In late 2024, one of the city’s last remaining historic waterfront warehouses will be transformed into a new upscale market and relaxed tavern space in Robinson Landing called Cooper Mill, a nod to the former mill on the site which fabricated barrels for the Alexandria Flour Company.
MacMillan Spirit House: In 2024, the team behind MacMillan Whisky Room in the Mosaic District is opening a new concept with expanded offerings and live music in Old Town North, MacMillan Spirit House.
Coffee Shops and Sweet Spots
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Getting out of bed just got a bit more appealing with these new coffee shops and sweet spots.
Open Now:
The Greenery by TLC: On Queen Street, The Greenery by TLC is a new sustainable coffeehouse offering chef-crafted, plant-based specialty drinks, fresh coffee, teas and refreshments.
Call Your Mother Deli: The beloved D.C.-based bagel franchise opened its much-anticipated Old Town outpost in February 2024, featuring all the “schmearz” to satisfy your cravings and their first-ever onsite coffee roasting operation.
Tatte Bakery & Café: Boston-based Tatte Bakery & Café, with popular locations throughout the D.C. region brought its breakfast sandwiches, gluten-free goods and airy vibe to King Street in January 2024.
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar: Craving a sweet coda to the day? Share an over-the-top milkshake at The Crazy Mason, a fresh addition to King Street.
Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas: Find bubble teas and desserts like a taro mousse crepe at Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas, newly open in Carlyle with a robust savory menu, from noodles to bao and beyond.
Coming Soon:
Founding Farmers: In late summer, a new Founding Farmers restaurant location is coming to the Oakville Triangle development in Potomac Yard, named one of the ten most sustainable restaurants in America.
Connect & Sip Café: PIES Fitness Yoga Studio owner Marsha D. Banks-Harold and her family will soon open Connect & Sip Café adjacent to the studio to further cultivate community. Post-workout diners and passersby alike can enjoy coffee, tea, small plates, pastries and CBD products.
Bloom Tea: Boba tea aficionados can look forward to Bloom Tea, also serving Vietnamese coffee, coming to South Old Town.
Ben’Yays: Fans of sugar-dusted fried dough will delight in the upcoming opening of Ben’Yays on upper King Street.
Madame Coco: The Enchanted Emporium: Fantasy will meet luxury in this whimsical chocolate lounge with ice cream infused with boozy flavors and a retail store full of delightful gift items.
Fast Casual Spots
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Grab a quick bite at one of Alexandria’s newest eateries.
Open Now:
Capo Italian Deli: Located just off King Street, this outpost of the regional franchise offers hot and cold subs, Italian dishes such as baked ziti, eggplant parm and more.
Empanadas de Mendoza: Order from the new ghost kitchen on Glebe Road for satisfying fried dough stuffed with fillings from spicy beef to South American humita, inspired by the owner’s namesake hometown of Mendoza, Argentina.
Coming Soon:
Pupatella’s: Pupatella’s eighth location will bring their signature Neapolitan pizzas to Old Town North.
Read more about what’s new in Alexandria in 2024 here.
Header images, left to right (Credit: Evan Michio): Casa Luna; Negus Winery and Meadery Tasting Room (Credit: Redeat Hable); Zuki Moon (Credit: Costa Dino Photography)
