Recently Opened Restaurants in Washington DC
In Washington DC around 40% of establishments feature cuisines from various countries, ranging from Ethiopian cafes to fine French dining. The capital's status attracts renowned chefs: José Andrés operates here, Wolfgang Puck has opened a restaurant, and 24 establishments have been awarded Michelin stars. In late 2024, the city's dining scene expanded with a number of new restaurants offering fresh concepts and unique dishes.
Kajiken Alexandria

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Kajiken, located at 6550 K Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312, is a popular ramen and Asian fusion restaurant that specializes in Abura Soba, a soupless ramen dish featuring thick noodles and a variety of customizable toppings. Opened recently, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes appetizers like Takoyaki and Gyoza, alongside signature dishes such as Sukiyaki and Teriyaki Tori.
Menu Highlights:
Appetizers:
Takoyaki: Deep-fried octopus balls served with sauce.
Gyoza: Pan-fried pork dumplings.
Karaage: Deep-fried marinated chicken.
Spicy Chili Edamame: Edamame tossed in spicy chili seasoning.
Hiyashi Wakame: Seaweed salad.
Abura Soba (Soupless Ramen):
Sukiyaki: Noodles with sliced marinated beef, onion, and scallion.
Homura: Noodles with spicy minced pork and a poached egg.
Teriyaki Tori: Noodles topped with teriyaki chicken and corn.
Old Bay Ebi: Noodles with shrimp, mixed greens, and lemon.
Ramen:
Traditional ramen options are available.
Donburi:
Rice bowls featuring various toppings and flavors.
Drink Options:
A selection of soft drinks and possibly Japanese beverages to accompany your meal.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/kajiken.official/

Pink Tiger

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Pink Tiger on the Wharf opened December 31, 2024 at 751 Wharf St SW in Washington, DC. Managed by former Kaliwa restaurant staff member Brooke Demetriou, the two-story restaurant serves fusion cuisine combining Southeast Asian and American dishes, including miso deviled eggs and tableside wagyu beef.
Menu Highlights:
Garlic Noodles: A flavorful dish featuring noodles tossed in a garlic butter sauce, topped with fresh herbs and scallions.
Tuna Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with fresh tuna, avocado, mango salsa, and drizzled with a zesty sauce.
Pumpkin Soup: A creamy and comforting pumpkin soup garnished with toasted seeds and a hint of spice.
Sizzling Wagyu Skewers: Tender wagyu beef skewers grilled to perfection and drizzled with ponzu sauce.
Family Style Menu: A rotating selection of dishes designed for sharing.
Drink Options:
Sake Flights: A curated selection of sake to complement your meal.
Craft Cocktails: Innovative cocktails made with fresh ingredients.
Wine Selection: A thoughtfully chosen list of wines available by the glass or bottle to pair with your food.
Mocktails: Creative non-alcoholic beverages for those looking for refreshing options without alcohol.

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Llamabar Cafe

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Llamabar Cafe officially opened in January 2025, focusing on serving cold-pressed juices, smoothies, breakfasts, lunches, coffee, and cocktails. Its mission is to provide a healthy menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The cafe is designed as a welcoming space for the local community with reliable Wi-Fi for those who want to work or study.
Menu Highlights:
Wagyu Chopped Cheese: A flavorful sandwich featuring wagyu chopped beef, American cheese, shredded lettuce, heirloom tomato, and truffle aioli, served on a toasted roll.
Chicago Hot Beef: A hearty Italian sub roll filled with roast beef, peppers, au jus sauce, and horseradish cream.
Crabby Patty BLT: A toasted brioche bun filled with a jumbo lump crab cake, butter lettuce, heirloom tomato, bacon, and cajun remoulade.
Llama Breakfast Burrito: A filling burrito packed with scrambled eggs, American cheese, roasted potatoes, sausage, bacon, peppers, onions, and house-roasted tomato salsa.
Smoked Salmon Toast: Sourdough bread topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, dill, and lemon zest for a fresh and flavorful option.
Greek Yogurt Bowl: A healthy bowl featuring Greek yogurt topped with honey, granola, mixed berries, chia seeds, and coconut flakes.
Drink Options:
Cold Pressed Juices: Freshly made juices featuring a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Smoothies: Organic smoothies made with fresh ingredients to energize your day.
Coffee: A selection of coffee drinks including espresso and brewed coffee.
Specialty Teas: Various hot and iced teas available.

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DIVINO Ristorante Enoteca

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Divino Ristorante Enoteca, located at 2505 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, opened in November 2024 and is a northern Italian restaurant that emphasizes craft pasta and wood-fired meats.
Menu Highlights:
Pumpkin Ravioli: Delicate ravioli filled with seasonal pumpkin and served in a brown butter sage sauce.
Braised Oxtail Agnolotti: Handcrafted pasta filled with tender braised oxtail, served with Tuscan kale and grana padano cheese.
Chicken Milanese: A crispy panko-crusted chicken breast served with a side salad of mixed greens and charred lemon.
Acquerello Risotto Vino Rossa: Creamy risotto made with high-quality Acquerello rice, flavored with red wine and topped with matsutake mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Osso Bucco: A classic Italian dish featuring braised veal shank served with gremolata and accompanied by creamy polenta or risotto.
La Tur Cheesecake: A creamy cheesecake made with La Tur cheese and poached pears, providing a sweet finish to your meal.
Drink Options:
Curated Wine List: An extensive selection of fine wines from Italy and beyond, available by the glass or bottle to perfectly complement your meal.
Craft Cocktails: Innovative cocktails made with fresh ingredients, including classics like the Amaro Old Fashioned.
Italian Beers: A selection of Italian beers to enjoy alongside your dishes.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Various soft drinks and sparkling waters available.

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Minetta Tavern

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Minetta Tavern opened on December 10, 2024. This is a classic New York-style tavern run by chef Kate McNally, who has a reputation for creating iconic dining experiences in New York City. The tavern has a Parisian menu and is known for its vintage charm and fine dining. The original Minetta Tavern in Greenwich Village was founded in 1937 and has hosted many literary figures and celebrities over the years.
Menu Highlights:
Grilled Island Creek Oysters: Fresh oysters grilled with pancetta, Fresno chili butter, and panko breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.
Soupe à l’Oignon: A rich and hearty French onion soup topped with Gruyère cheese and served with baguette.
Coq au Vin: A classic dish featuring chicken braised in red wine, accompanied by housemade gnocchi, chanterelle mushrooms, and guanciale.
Black Label Burger: A signature offering made from a selection of prime dry-aged beef cuts, topped with caramelized onions and served with pommes frites.
Smoked Long Island Duck Breast: Tender duck breast served with delicata squash, parsnip purée, and a blackberry-honey glaze.
Bone Marrow: Roasted bone marrow served with baguette soldiers and shallot confit.
Drink Options:
Curated Wine List: An extensive selection of French wines available by the glass or bottle.
Craft Cocktails: Innovative cocktails crafted from fresh ingredients.
Beer Selection: A variety of local and imported beers.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Soft drinks, sparkling water, and other refreshing options available.

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Cordelia Fishbar

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Cordelia Fishbar opened November 20, 2024 at 550 Morse St NE in Washington, DC. The 7,500-square-foot seafood restaurant seats 250 guests, including bar and outdoor areas. Led by chef Rene Caceres, it specializes in charcoal-grilled seafood, with a menu featuring raw options, roasted fish, and seafood platters. The venue includes The Cove private dining room for up to 45 guests. The beverage program offers coastal wines, cocktails, and local beers.
Menu Highlights:
Coal-Roasted Oysters: Fresh oysters roasted over charcoal, served with a flavorful topping that enhances their natural brininess.
Hamachi Crudo: Thinly sliced hamachi dressed with citrus and herbs.
Yellowfin Tuna Belly Conserva: A delicacy featuring aged tuna belly served with accompaniments that highlight its flavors.
Giant Prawns: Charcoal-grilled prawns that are both impressive in size and taste.
Sea Bream: A beautifully cooked fish served with seasonal sides that showcase the freshness of the ingredients.
Apple Pie: A classic dessert featuring homemade crust and filling.
Drink Options:
Cocktails: A creative selection of cocktails categorized by flavor profiles, including unique concoctions like the "Fountain of Youth" and "Bye Felicia" (an espresso martini).
Wine List: An extensive collection of wines available by the glass or bottle, carefully chosen to complement the seafood offerings.
Beer Selection: A variety of local and imported beers to enjoy alongside your meal.
Happy Hour Specials: Enjoy half-price oysters and specially priced cocktails during designated happy hour times.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/cordeliafishbardc/

Legacy HiFi
Legacy HiFi, located at 2471 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, is a nostalgic bar and grill that opened on November 27, 2024, featuring a retro-inspired decor with vintage elements like chunky analog TVs and payphones. Owned by Tim Slayton, Tyler Stoe, and chef Mathew Ramsey, the menu focuses on gourmet sliders and hot dogs, including smash patty sliders and all-beef smoked franks. The bar offers a variety of cocktails starting at $10, in a vibrant and LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere designed to be a safe space for all visitors. With ample seating and an outdoor patio set to open in the spring, Legacy HiFi also features live music on a newly constructed stage and operates daily from 5 PM.
Menu Highlights:
Gourmet Hot Dogs: A variety of hot dogs served with different toppings and sauces.
Sliders: Mini sandwiches with various fillings, ideal for sharing or as a light meal.
Fries with Dips: Crispy fries served with a selection of house-made dips.
Charcoal-Grilled Items: Seasonal dishes cooked over charcoal for added flavor.
Seasonal Specials: Rotating menu items that feature fresh ingredients.
Drink Options:
Cocktails: Priced around $10, including options like:
Espresso Martini
Moscow Mule
Old Fashioned
Rum Punch
Paloma
Gin Rickey
Beer Selection: Local and national beers available on tap and in bottles.
Shot Combos: Various shot combinations.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Soft drinks and other options.

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Press Club Cocktail Bar

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Press Club Cocktail Bar, located at 1506 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, is a unique subterranean venue that opened on December 12, 2024. This bar combines the ambiance of a 1970s cocktail lounge with the aesthetic of a 1990s record store. The menu features two options: the "Track List," which includes up to a dozen à la carte cocktails presented on custom record sleeves, and the "Play List," a tasting menu with four cocktails paired with bites for $95 per person. The bar is designed to accommodate 22 guests at the main bar and an additional 20 on an upper patio during warmer months. Co-founded by mixologists Will Patton and Devin Kennedy, Press Club emphasizes a harmonious blend of high-quality cocktails and an immersive musical experience, featuring full LPs from various genres. The venue is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 PM to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10 PM, making it a vibrant addition to the Dupont Circle nightlife scene.
Menu Highlights:
Cocktails:
Paris, Tokyo: Vodka, lychee, yuzu sake, lemon, and bergamot.
French Waltz: Green Chartreuse, pisco, Kabinett Riesling, and lime.
Imaginary Players: Gin, shochu, raspberry, and fino sherry.
Smooth Operator: Sake, Armagnac, solera rum, coconut, and pineapple.
Devil in a New Dress: Cognac, rye, cacao, strawberry, and Amontillado.
Nights Over Egypt: Bourbon, Calvados, yogurt, seasonal fruit, and Bordeaux.
Snacks:
Beer Nuts: A mix of seasoned nuts.
Marinated Cucumbers: Cucumbers with chili and sesame.
Tempura Dishes:
Maitake Mushrooms
Delicata Squash
Wagyu Flank Steak (per 4 oz)
Local Murasaki Sweet Potato
King Trumpet Mushrooms (per 2 pcs)
Other Food Options:
14oz Ribeye “Gyukatsu”: Served with egg fudge and pickled cucumbers.
Katsu Sando: Sandwich with mortadella and Swiss.
Fried Chicken Karaage

Photo Credit: instagram.com/pressclubcocktailbar/

Chadol Korean BBQ

Photo Credit: instagram.com/chadolkoreanbbq/
Chadol Korean BBQ, located at 630 Rhode Island Ave NE Unit 2B, Washington, DC 20002, is a popular Korean barbecue restaurant that opened recently and has quickly gained a positive reputation. The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) menu with lunch priced at $30 and dinner at $40, featuring a variety of high-quality meats such as brisket, bulgogi, pork belly, and seasoned chicken, along with complimentary banchan side dishes. The restaurant also features convenient ordering through tablets and utilizes a conveyor belt system for efficient food delivery. Chadol aims to provide an elevated Korean barbecue experience while being veteran-owned and operated.
Menu Highlights:
All You Can Eat (AYCE) Menu:
Lunch: $29.24
Dinner: $39.62
Includes various meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and seafood.
Chadol Beef: Thinly sliced brisket, typically served as part of the AYCE or combo options.
Pork Belly: A popular choice for grilling, known for its rich flavor and tenderness.
Spicy Pork: Marinated pork with a spicy sauce.
Kimchi Fries: Fries topped with kimchi and other seasonings.
Steamed Egg Custard: A soft and fluffy side dish that complements the main offerings.
Drink Options:
Soju: Available in various flavors, priced around $15.59.
Beer: Options include Asahi and Sapporo, with prices ranging from $7.34 to $12.84.
Makku (Rice Wine): Priced at $8.25, available in original and flavored varieties.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Soft drinks and juices available for purchase.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/chadolkoreanbbq/

SHIA Restaurant

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SHIA Restaurant is a modern Korean fine dining establishment that opened on November 1, 2024, under the direction of celebrity chef Edward Lee. This nonprofit restaurant focuses on sustainability and innovation, offering a seven-course tasting menu priced at $160 that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local agriculture and the Korean peninsula. The intimate venue features a 22-seat dining area and emphasizes eco-friendly practices, such as eliminating plastic use and creating menus from recycled materials. SHIA also serves as a research hub for sustainable dining practices, collaborating with academic institutions to share findings on reducing waste and environmental impact. Signature dishes include Doenjang Pork Belly and Pine Nut Soondubu Porridge. The restaurant operates Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Menu Highlights:
Seven-Course Tasting Menu: Priced at $165 per person, featuring seasonal ingredients and traditional Korean flavors.
Pumpkin Mandu: Dumplings filled with pumpkin.
Scallop & Fried Oyster Ssam: A dish combining scallops and fried oysters wrapped in lettuce.
Pine Nut Soondubu & Apple Juk: A soft tofu stew served with apple porridge.
Sustainable Tuna "Bibimbap": A rice dish topped with tuna and vegetables.
Doenjang Pork Belly: Pork belly marinated in fermented soybean paste.
Roseda Farms Kalbi-Braised Short Rib: Short rib braised with kalbi sauce and root vegetables.
"Nurungji" Rice and Boricha Ice Cream: Crispy rice served with a boricha (barley tea) flavored ice cream.
Drink Options:
Wine Pairings: Available for an additional $65 per person to complement the tasting menu.
Cocktails: A selection of cocktails that align with the restaurant's innovative approach.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Various options available to accompany the meal.

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SOST
SOST, located at 1901 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, is a three-story venue that celebrates the Black and African Diaspora through music, art, and cuisine. It features a café, a vinyl room, and a rooftop lounge. The restaurant has received a high rating of 4.7 based on 81 reviews, with a price range of $50–100. SOST offers a diverse menu that includes comfort food, vegan and vegetarian options, as well as an extensive drink selection featuring cocktails, beer, and wine. The venue is family-friendly and LGBTQ+ inclusive. With a capacity for up to 400 guests for receptions and an emphasis on live music, SOST is designed for both casual dining and special events. Reservations are accepted, and the restaurant is conveniently located just a short walk from the U Street Metro station.
Menu Highlights:
Suya Skewers: West African spiced beef skewers, a popular street food item.
Berber-Q Braised Chicken: Chicken cooked with spices and served with traditional sides.
Jollof Rice: A flavorful rice dish commonly found in West African cuisine.
Harissa Salmon: Salmon fillet seasoned with harissa spices.
Drink Options:
Signature Cocktails: A selection of cocktails inspired by global flavors.
Ethiopian Coffee: Traditional coffee served in an authentic style.
Spiced Tea: A warm beverage option featuring aromatic spices.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/sost.dc

Mikey & Mel's Deli

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Mikey & Mel's Deli, located at 1828 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, is a deli that opened on January 3, 2025, offering a taste of traditional Jewish delicatessen fare. Founded by brothers Harley and Aaron Magden, the deli features a menu filled with overstuffed sandwiches, including their signature Reuben and house-cured meats, alongside breakfast options available all day. The deli is equipped with modern ordering kiosks and provides options for curbside pickup and delivery. Opened daily from 7 AM to 3 PM.
Menu Highlights:
Reuben Sandwich: Corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
Bagel Sandwiches: Various options including lox and cream cheese or turkey and avocado on freshly boiled bagels.
Skirt Steak Salad: Grilled skirt steak served over mixed greens with mushrooms and onions.
Matzo Ball Soup: A comforting soup featuring matzo balls in a flavorful broth.
Knishes: Baked pastries filled with potato or meat, served as a side or snack.
Pickle Bar: A selection of pickles available for customers to enjoy with their meals.
Drink Options:
Coffee and Tea: Freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas available throughout the day.
Sodas and Juices: Various soft drinks and juices to accompany your meal.

Photo Credit: yelp.com

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