As autumn approaches, a wave of exciting new dining spots is emerging throughout the D.C. area.
Among the highly anticipated openings are: Chandelier, an upscale steakhouse located on prestigious Pennsylvania Avenue; Ebbitt House, a suburban extension of a beloved downtown landmark; Bar Nuestro, a Latin-inspired bistro with a European twist in Navy Yard; the Berliner, a revamped biergarten in Adams Morgan; and many others.
What: The previously vacant address on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, which was home to Del Frisco’s, will soon house a luxurious American steakhouse known as Chandelier. This upscale establishment features lavish decor, including an impressive 30-foot custom chandelier that graces the dining area, surrounded by a stunning waterfall complemented by fire elements. The spacious venue accommodates 40 bar patrons, 180 guests indoors, and 77 on the outdoor patio, along with a private dining room for 30, complete with its own entrance. Chandelier aspires to reflect the opulence of prestigious dining establishments in cities like New York, London, Turkey, and Dubai. Patrons can expect premium cuts of meat, seafood options, craft cocktails, and an expertly curated wine list. Chandelier marks the flagship location for Keystone Hospitality Group, with Promod Sharma, Jyoti Mahajan, Kamal Azzouz, Joseph Azzouz, and Anthony Azzouz—brothers known for Urban Roast—at the helm.
Where: 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
When: October
A new Spanish-Japanese restaurant and listening bar called Bajo is opening soon in Blagden Alley, courtesy of husband-and-wife team Chef Max Rivera and Sarah Montell from Hambre Hospitality. The restaurant will feature a unique menu inspired by the fusion of Iberian and Japanese cuisines, offering tapas, yakitori, and crudo, along with an extensive beverage selection that includes Spanish and Catalan wines, sake, and even vinyl music provided by DJs. Chef Rivera’s experience encompasses roles in Michelin-starred kitchens across six countries, including as the opening executive chef at the renowned Brazilian restaurant Cana and most recently at José Andrés’ minibar. Bajo will take over the former location of the vibrant cocktail bar Never Looked Better, which closed last year, situated right above the Eighteenth Street Lounge.
Where: 130 Blagden Alley NW
When: Late October
What: The popular South Korean dessert cafe, Twosome Place, is set to make its debut in the United States this fall in Old Town, occupying a spacious 2,600-square-foot space. Renowned for its specialty coffees and delicious cakes, the cafe will feature a strawberry chocolate cream cake alongside its best-selling ice box cake. Guests can also look forward to a variety of drinks including a Dalgona cream top, black sesame latte, and Misugaru frappe, alongside an all-day menu featuring K-toast with bulgogi and egg, K-chicken panini, and bibimbowl.
Where: 404 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia
When: Mid-October
In a remarkable comeback, the Popal Group is reopening their beloved German beer hall, which had closed its doors in Georgetown last year. This fall, the Berliner will resume operations in Adams Morgan, featuring the same hearty German offerings, lively atmosphere, sausages, pretzels, and a rotating array of local beers that made the original so popular. The Berliner will be situated in the former location of Mellow Mushroom, joining other well-known establishments by the Popal Group, including Lapis, Lapop, and Maison Bar a Vins.
Where: 2436 18th Street NW
When: October
The Buzzard Point area near Audi Field is set to welcome Brisa, a coastal Latin restaurant conceptualized by Chef Carlos Delgado. Known for his work with D.C.’s acclaimed Causa and Maru San, Delgado aims to showcase delectable dishes such as ceviche, barbacoa ribs, lomo saltado, and innovative cocktails crafted by Bolivian bar director Paola Salinas. Brisa is brought to life by Eaternity Hospitality, the team responsible for the waterfront restaurants La Vie and Kinfolk.
Where: 2121 1st Street SW
When: Late October
What: The acclaimed Kneads bakery and café from Baltimore is expanding to the Washington, D.C. area, taking over a prominent location at the base of the Thompson Hotel. This spacious 5,500-square-foot spot will feature a pastry counter, a full-service bar, and a large dining area catered to remote workers, not to mention a large outdoor seating area. Guests can enjoy an all-day menu that includes breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner options. Popular items from its Baltimore location include crème brûlée doughnuts, pistachio baklava croissants, and seasonal dishes like sun-dried tomato and roasted garlic sourdough.
Where: 221 Tingey Street SE
When: October
Old Ebbitt Grill, a popular establishment within Clyde’s Restaurant Group located directly across from the White House, will soon launch its first-ever suburban branch, Ebbitt House, at Reston Station. The dining venue will feature a familiar lineup of American classics along with its renowned raw bar and will offer some intriguing twists. It will have a spacious dining area for 260 patrons, two private rooms, and two bars, complemented by a 125-seat patio that also includes its own bar area. Diners can expect oysters, martinis, cheeseburgers, steaks, pasta dishes, and shareable plates. General Manager Ajay Bhatia and Executive Chef Diego Ramirez have previously worked at Clyde’s of Reston, which shuttered in 2022 after a notable 30-year run.
Where: 1860 Reston Row Plaza, Reston, Virginia
When: Mid-October
Colada Shop founder Daniella Senior is launching Bar Nuestro, a Latin bistro that will feature seafood, meats, and pastas complemented by a retro European ambiance at Navy Yard. Her newly formed 5C Hospitality group also encompasses the new cocktail bar Elegancia at Union Market.
Where: 1331 Yards Place SE
When: Targeting October 20
What: Chef Michael Rafidi, known for his renowned establishments Albi and La’ Shukran, is establishing a permanent venue for his inviting wood-fired pizzas, previously a highlight at his Georgetown Levantine café, Yellow. Nestled within a Georgetown alley, this restaurant will serve up 48-hour-fermented sourdough pizzas alongside an extensive selection of meze, charcuterie, and natural wines.
Where: 3246 Prospect Street NW
When: Fall
What: Major Yum, a new fast-casual restaurant by D.C. chef Scott Chung, is set to open in the historic site previously home to the celebrated Filipino spot Bad Saint. The eatery aims to highlight a blend of Chinese, Korean, and other Asian flavors that Chung showcased at his past ventures, including Bun’d Up, Sparrow Room, and Rice Crook. Notably, the menu will feature “Chung’s Chicken,” a creative fusion of General Tso’s and Korean fried chicken, presented with house-made pickled vegetables inspired by banchan found in Korean dining. For beverages, Major Yum will offer a selection of specialized Asian-inspired drinks, beer, and wine. Preview pop-ups are scheduled throughout the fall, with a kickoff at Kuya Ja in Rockville, Maryland, on Friday, September 11, followed by events at Morena Cafe, Timber Pizza, and Little Engine.
Where: 3226 11th Street NW
When: Fall
What: The James Beard Award-winning culinary team behind the vibrant Indian eatery Chai Pani D.C. will unveil two new dining concepts in the coming fall season: the casual Botiwalla by Chai Pani in Tenleytown, and a new spice counter sibling called Spicewalla in Georgetown, situated adjacent to East Fork Pottery, which is also run by Asheville friends. Chef-owner Meherwan Irani is preparing for a cookbook launch this fall on September 22.
Where: Botiwalla by Chai Pani (4000 Wisconsin Avenue NW); Spicewalla (1317 Wisconsin Avenue NW)
When: Fall
What: Ted Xenohristos, a co-founder of the fast-casual Mediterranean chain Cava, is launching a contemporary Italian restaurant in Potomac, Maryland. This sixth full-service venture from the team will present a menu featuring starters, pastas, and main dishes created by Executive Chef Aris Tsekouras, including rosemary focaccia, fritto misto, linguine and clams, chicken Parmesan, and grilled branzino. A distinctive feature of this establishment will be a dedicated menu focusing on innovative variations of the classic Negroni cocktail. The design integrates vibrant green tones, floral patterns, curated artwork, striking photography, terracotta floors, brass features, and reclaimed wood beams to transform the previous Renato’s location in Potomac Village.
Where: 10120 River Road, Potomac, Maryland
When: Fall
What: An intimate 20-seat tasting room in Shaw is poised to become D.C.’s premier Haitian fine dining destination. Chef Sebastien Salomon, who has an impressive background from the White House and the Haitian Embassy, plans a prix-fixe menu that will feature unique dishes like coconut-milk brioche and grilled pigeon served with caramelized leeks and breadfruit puree, highlighting the rich flavors of Haitian culinary tradition.
Where: 1416 11th Street NW
When: Fall
