This is the Eater’s guide showcasing all the exciting new restaurants, bars, and cafes that have opened in March. If you know of any openings in your area that we may have overlooked, please reach out to us at dc@eater.com.
Adams Morgan: On Tuesday, March 10, the Sorso Prosecco Bar made its debut in the charming space that previously was home to DLight Bakery (as well as Songbyrd before that). Sorso specializes in a wide selection of chilled bubbles, served by the glass and bottle. The menu also features Hugo spritzes, tartines, and small plates showcasing both Italian and Ukrainian culinary influences. 2475 18th Street NW
Alexandria: The popular Dupont neighborhood bar, the Commodore, has expanded across the Potomac River, opening a second location on Thursday, March 12. This new venue in Old Town features an array of fresh menu items, including Chicago tavern-style pizza and pastas adorned with spicy pork ragu and Cajun seafood. Several favorite dishes have also made the journey, such as a large Bavarian pretzel, a double-smash patty burger, and chicken wings. This new establishment from owners Rob Van de Graaff and Steve Kim also includes a patio and a game room featuring darts and pool. 220 N. Lee Street, Old Town, Virginia
Bethesda, Maryland: The Miami-born, Milan-inspired cafe Rosetta Bakery opened its first location in the D.C. area in late March, offering an assortment of fresh pastries, focaccia, and espresso drinks. This Maryland spot is also partnered with nonprofit organization Best Buddies. 4901-A Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland
Capitol Hill: In early March, pitmaster Rob Sonderman, known for his work at Federalist Pig, DCity Smokehouse, and Honeymoon Chicken, unveiled his latest concept called Little Engine at Eastern Market. This new chicken-centric restaurant focuses on wings and rotisserie chickens, elevated with various dry rubs and sauces. The venture is partially supported by Jeff Zients, a former Biden administration official who was also an early investor in the bagel chain Call Your Mother. 250 7th Street SE
Columbia Heights: A new Venezuelan eatery, DC Al Toque, opened its doors on Monday, March 9, featuring dishes such as arepas, pastries, and braided cheese bread. 3910 14th Street NW
Dupont: After undergoing extensive renovations, the five-year-old restaurant Ala reopened its dining area on Friday, March 20. The new space accommodates 220 guests and features bright Mediterranean-inspired decor. The outside patio and upper level are set to open soon. Additionally, a $28 meze lunch deal and a $36 bottomless brunch featuring dishes like braised lamb shoulder and manti (mini beef dumplings) have been introduced. 1320 19th Street NW
Downtown: The latest venture, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, opened on Thursday, March 19, at the upscale Waldorf Astoria Washington DC. This replacement for the previous Spanish-Japanese restaurant under Chef José Andrés offers a diverse menu that caters to meat lovers, featuring substantial cuts prepared using international methods. Menu categories include “Our Big Guys” and “Cooked José’s Way,” showcasing prime cuts like bone-in New York strips from Oregon and rib-eye chuletons from Texas. 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Downtown: The fast-casual lunch chain Just Salad opened its second D.C. location on Tuesday, March 31. To celebrate its launch week, the restaurant is offering a promotion featuring $5 salads, wraps, warm bowls, and market plates through Thursday, April 2. 1201 F Street NW
Downtown: The award-winning pizzeria Slice & Pie has launched its third D.C. location as of Wednesday, March 4. This new venue boasts the largest space to date, complete with a glass-enclosed area for dough production that supports the existing original location on 14th Street NW and Union Market. A fourth site is also planned for the Parks at Walter Reed. 1750 H Street NW
Georgetown: Along Wisconsin Avenue, two new restaurants debuted in March. OBA Turkish Grill opens next to Otto Mediterranean (in the former Cafe Divan space), bringing a variety of meze and seafood dishes. 1834 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Southwest Waterfront: The chic coastal Italian restaurant Capitano opened on Friday, March 6, in the Canopy by Hilton. This marks one of the first significant restaurant openings in The Wharf in some time. Located on the second floor, visitors will find chefs expertly flipping dough for Neapolitan pizzas in a domed oven, while the menu features Southern Italian classics like seafood, housemade pastas, crudo, and various salads. An expansive bar showcases spritzes and Italian wines, and the dining room offers breathtaking views with floor-to-ceiling windows complemented by vibrant ceramic tiles and potted plants. A wraparound patio provides a picturesque view of the scenic Southwest Waterfront. 975 7th Street SW
