Even with the recent chilly temperatures, an exciting array of restaurants in the area are preparing to open their doors this winter. Noteworthy new spots to anticipate include: Canton Disco, a vibrant venue serving Chinese cuisine in Navy Yard, helmed by a star-studded hospitality team; Maru San, a counter on Capitol Hill offering Nikkei-inspired dishes crafted by an acclaimed Peruvian chef; Marv’s Dogs, a go-to spot in upper Northwest for Chicago-style hot dogs paired with games; and much more.
What: Introducing itself as an “Afro-futuristic upscale dining destination,” Vibe Restaurant and Lounge has made its debut in downtown Silver Spring. This venue offers an eclectic menu including favorites like okra coconut curry and plantain-cornbread ice cream. For those who want to sample a variety of dishes, a sampler ($55) features options such as char-grilled suya, twice-fried wings with guasacaca vinaigrette, harissa calamari and shrimp, jollof rice, sweet plantains, and pepper sauce. Co-founder Nicolette Orji, a Nigerian American with strong connections to the fashion industry, ensures a “semi-formal attire” dress code is “strictly enforced.”
Where: 8081 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland
Fruitive’s cold-pressed juices.Fruitive
What: Fruitive, a fast-casual establishment that specializes in plant-based and organic selections, is expanding its presence in D.C. with a second sizable location situated in Penn Quarter. Building on its decade-long success in CityCenter DC, the new store, which spans 2,500 square feet, features a more comprehensive menu offering hearty grain bowls, gluten-free waffles, and an array of vibrant cold-pressed juices. Founded by a husband-and-wife duo, Gregg and Katie Rozeboom, Fruitive is also celebrated for its acai bowls, smoothies, and wraps. The historic Market Square location, previously home to 701 Restaurant, is also set to welcome a sophisticated outpost of Chicago’s RPM Steak in 2027.
Where: 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Canton Disco’s incoming lineup.
Saltbridge Strategies
What: Canton Disco, a new eatery inspired by Cantonese cuisine, is brought to you by Side Door Pizza co-founder Brian Schram, chef Timothy Yu, and sommelier Brent Kroll. This unique venue will operate as a café by day and transform into a full-service restaurant and bar by night. Given Yu’s family background in the culinary world, specifically at Hollywood East Cafe—a respected Chinese restaurant that operated for nearly 30 years before closing last summer—the menu is expected to be outstanding. Patrons can look forward to dishes featuring bold garlic flavors and spice, including salt-and-pepper wings, clams in fermented black bean sauce, fried whole branzino adorned with Fresno peppers, and chile wontons. Kroll, recognized as a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, also manages Pop Fizz Bar and Maxwell Park in Shaw. Canton Disco will take over the location formerly held by Pho Junkies, and before that, Justin’s Cafe.
Where: 1025 1st Street SE
What: The Dupont location of Ala, which has been a staple for five years, is temporarily closing for an extensive $1.5 million renovation. This 10,000-square-foot Levantine restaurant, known for its dishes from Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey, will be completely revamped. After the makeover, it will feature new kitchen and bar equipment, as well as updated dinnerware, glassware, tables, and chairs. A redesigned bar layout will provide additional seating, while the patio will be revitalized with lush greenery. A second Ala location was introduced in Bethesda in 2023.
Where: 1320 19th Street NW
Monstera’s big burritos are coming to Arlington.
Mack Ordaya/Pink Kix Media
What: Chef Alex McCoy, known for his work at Alfie’s, is bringing his West Coast-style breakfast burrito venture to National Landing’s all-outdoor food hall called Water Park. Initially launched as a well-received weekend pop-up in Georgetown and now a staple within Grace Street Coffee, Monstera specializes in flavorful burritos filled with beef barbacoa and homemade salsas, all wrapped in flour tortillas imported from Mexico. The menu also includes refreshing aguas frescas, creative cocktails, ginger-lemongrass lemonades, and egg-filled tortas on freshly baked bread featuring chorizo or bacon.
Where: 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia
What: Acclaimed Peruvian chef Carlos Delgado, who operates the Michelin-starred tasting room Causa, is expanding his culinary repertoire with a new quick-service spot serving Nikkei cuisine in Eastern Market called Maru San. This establishment will offer a 25-seat counter featuring hand rolls, à la carte dishes, and a curated selection of beers, sake, and non-alcoholic beverages for lunch and dinner daily. The experience also includes a special nightly offering, available to four guests at a time, where the Lima-born chef presents a fine dining take on the fusion dishes he is known for. Nikkei cuisine is already a highlight at José Andrés’ China Chilcano, where Delgado served for many years as the executive chef.
Where: 325 7th Street SE
When: Late February
The popular food truck Char’d is making its mark with its first Maryland location in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose complex. Known for serving Zabiha halal, grass-fed smash burgers in OG and Hot Char’d variations, each burger comes crafted with American cheese, lettuce, onions, and their special homemade sauces. Additionally, the menu boasts duck-fat fries and gluten-free chicken filets, all complemented by delicious milkshakes. Char’d currently has another location in Tysons and plans to open in Logan Circle soon.
Where: 11580 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, Maryland
When: Mid-February
What: The Commodore is bringing its unique “five-star dive” charm to Old Town this winter. The ownership team of Rob Van de Graaff and Steve Kim, who took over the iconic Dupont bar in 2024, will be extending their brand across state lines for the first time. Guests can look forward to a familiar menu featuring classic pub fare like burgers and wings, fast-pouring espresso martinis, and engaging nightly events including trivia and bingo. The new Commodore Old Town will replace the previous establishment located at Mystic BBQ & Grill, and before that, Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ.
Where: 220 N. Lee Street, Alexandria, Virginia
When: Early March
Marv’s Dogs does the Chicago staple justice.
Marv’s Dogs
What: Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, the visionary owners of the beloved Logan Circle establishment Cork Wine Bar, are set to introduce a nostalgic eatery in Tenleytown. Marv’s Dogs will specialize in authentic Chicago-style hot dogs garnished with traditional pickled toppings, accompanied by creamy vanilla and pistachio milkshakes. This relaxed, family-friendly venue, conveniently located near American University, will also offer a range of video games for added fun. Recently, the duo expanded their footprint with a new Cork in Cleveland Park.
Where: 4936 Wisconsin Avenue NW
When: Early March
What: Renowned New York City chain, famous for its hand-pulled noodles, is opening its first location in the D.C. area in Rockville, Maryland. Established for two decades, this brand made its D.C. debut last year inside the Four Mile Food Co. ghost kitchen in Alexandria. The forthcoming standalone location will proudly serve its signature dishes such as stewed pork burgers and spicy-and-sour lamb dumplings.
Where: 12031 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland
When: Late March
New York hot spot Xi’an is en route to Rockville.
Jenny Huang
