Peruse mouthwatering menus at date night destinations, Italian eateries 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 grab-and-go lunch spots to brunch destinations and beyond, in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Old Town, Del Ray, Carlyle and Eisenhower and the West End.
Pasta and Pizza
Pictured: Thompson Italian
An influx of Italian eateries includes the opening of Thompson Italian on King Street in January 2023. The second location of the acclaimed husband-and-wife-owned Falls Church venture features the olive oil cake that earned Pastry Chef and Co-owner Katherine Thompson a James Beard nomination, expanded pasta and seafood menus and an infusion of Middle Eastern flavors courtesy of Executive Chef Lucy Dakwar’s Palestinian roots. Find more Italian plates at Michael’s on King, a new Old Town venture since fall 2022 from the teams behind the former Magnolia’s on King and Michael’s Little Italy. Plus, grab a slice at new pizza spots such as Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in Alexandria’s West End, Handover by the Slice on King Street and Andy’s Pizza in Old Town and coming soon to the new Atlas Brew Works location in Carlyle.
Date Night Destinations
Pictured, left to right: 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood; Virginia’s Darling; Lima Bistro Bar & Restaurant
Date night options have multiplied throughout Alexandria with tempting new openings such as 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood, a polished but inviting steakhouse in Old Town owned by Jahmond Quander, a member of one of the oldest documented African American families, and co-founded by Chef Sonny Tena. On the waterfront, Café 44 undergoes a 7,500 square-foot expansion at Canal Center and rebranding as “Jula’s on the Potomac,” in honor of the owner’s great-grandmother and namesake, with highlights including a new central bar with a view of the Capitol and the Potomac.
Also in Old Town, play sommelier with a wine list focused on female winemakers at Virginia’s Darling Wine Bar, a new “nightly dinner party” at Mae’s Market and Café, or head to Railbird Kitchen, a small plates, chicken sandwiches and cocktails concept designed to complement its sister establishment, Captain Gregory’s. In Alexandria’s West End, settle in over ceviche and Peruvian favorites at Casa Amigos or bring your appetite for traditional Ethiopian fare and live music to Roha Ethiopian Restaurant.
Along King Street, Thai Signature’s new Alice’s Cocktail Bar concept offers late-night drinks and small bites, while Indochen brings Indian-Chinese fusion cuisine to its second location in the Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria complementing its original Cameron Station location in the West End. Closer to the waterfront, Maryland-based Bollywood Masala will open an outpost in the former Ichiban Sushi spot, situated on the bustling King Street pedestrian-only zone. A few blocks off King Street, look for the opening of family-owned Elaine’s Modern Mediterranean.
Cozy Cafés
Pictured: St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub at Fairlington Centre
New cafés include a third St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub location in Fairlington Centre, boasting an eye-catching exterior mural, and European-inspired Electric Café in Alexandria’s West End. Opening on King Street in 2023, Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee is the second location of the Iraqi-owned Vienna shop specializing in lokma pastries. In Carlyle, sample the veteran-roasted beans from Sprig’s Coffee & Pastry Café, paired with Lebanese pastries, and look for the opening of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii later this year.
Enjoy waterfront views at the just-opened Lady Camellia, offering a charming high tea experience featuring sandwiches, scones, croissants and more. On Cameron Street, expect the opening of Pluma Café and Wine Bar for coffee cravers and amateur sommeliers alike.
Brunch Must-Haves
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Make a visit to District Biscuit Co. in Arlandria for savory sandwiches and sweet biscuit beignets, and look forward to the imminent opening of nearby Gostov Boulangerie & Brasserie in nearby Del Ray. In Eisenhower’s Carlyle Crossing development, Ted’s Bulletin and Sidekick Bakery will satisfy your sweet tooth with favorites such as their signature twist on Pop Tarts.Plus, anticipate a King Street location of popular regional franchise Tatte Bakery & Café and check out Chewish Deli’s second location, serving hand-rolled NY-style bagels on upper King Street.
Beer, Wine and Mocktails
Pictured and imaged credits, left to right: Atlas Brew Works, Umbrella Dry Drinks and Wine Gallery 108
Creative drinks abound among new openings. D.C.-based Atlas Brew Works will soon bring its artisan beer to Carlyle Crossing, featuring a brewery, taproom and food from award-winning Andy’s Pizza. Meanwhile, Carlyle’s Lost Boy Cider recently debuted a woman-led wine brand, Lost Girl Wine.
In Old Town, Wine Gallery 108 expanded at a new location, offering weekend tastings and events and featuring fine wines, craft beer, artisanal foods, local art and handcrafted gifts.
For crave-worthy non-alcoholic beverages, try Port City Brewing Company’s new line of hop-infused sparkling water, HOPWELL, or the zippy mocktails from Umbrella Dry Drinks’ Old Town bottle shop.
Casual Lunch Spots
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Enjoy a midday pick-me-up at lowkey lunch outposts around Old Town. Try Falafel, Inc., the new King Street location of the D.C.-based franchise serving pita sandwiches, bowls, za’atar fries and more, with proceeds benefitting global refugees through the World Food Programme. Coming soon, Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli, helmed by former Chop Shop Taco Chef Ed McIntosh, will boast a nostalgic vibe with cooking classes and a deli section featuring cold cuts, marinated mozzarella and more. Also coming this year, Zen Press will relocate from Fairfax County to Old Town, serving vibrant juices, nutritious fruit bowls and more.
Header Image Credits, left to right: Instagram account of Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee; Evan Michio for Visit Alexandria; SV Images/Steve Vilnit
