This is Eater’s comprehensive guide to new dining options, bars, and cafes that launched in August. If there’s a recent opening in your area that we haven’t covered, please reach out to us at dc@eater.com.
Georgetown: A food truck from Alexandria, Virginia, known for its inventive cuisine, has made waves online and on Thursday, August 27, opened its first permanent location in Washington, D.C., marking the expansion to its seventh site. Flavor Hive specializes in unique combinations, offering South Asian-inspired dishes like Middle Eastern quesadillas, dal puri (a type of Indian flatbread) tacos, and satisfying rice bowls. Their generous portions have garnered a loyal customer base, particularly for their BYO chips topped with abundant meats and veggies at a cost that has recently increased from $10 to between $12 and $18. This establishment received notable attention in a review by Keith Lee, which highlighted its popularity among local food enthusiasts. 3287 M Street NW
Arlington: The Penrose Square in Arlington now boasts MoMoGoGo, an all-you-can-eat sushi destination, which opened recently. Diners can indulge in a variety of sushi, sashimi, and nigiri options. Specialties include a crunchy roll made with spicy crab and avocado, as well as the decadent “ultimate” roll featuring fried shrimp and crab, topped with eel sauce. The ambiance mimics traditional Japanese gazebos, complete with screens displaying nods to Japanese culture. 2501 Ninth Road S., Arlington, Virginia
Dupont Circle: Introducing La Merna, which has recently made its debut in Dupont Circle, serving up exceptionally thin-crust, Chicago-style tavern pizzas alongside an array of cheesy pasta dishes, toasts, and salads. The husband-and-wife team of Bradley Shorten and Meg Schmitt, who previously ran successful pizza operations in Chicago, bring their culinary expertise to D.C.—with Meg also contributing her cheese-making background to enhance the menu with creative Italian dishes. The restaurant’s decor, featuring dark wood panels and cozy red leather booths, evoke a nostalgic Midwest supper club. Since launching in early August, the couple has plans for a late-night menu, which will include two varieties of the Juicy Lucy burger, alongside an adjacent sandwich spot set to open in October. 2153 P Street NW
Falls Church: Located within the vibrant Vietnamese Eden Center, Tam Tam Brunch and Dinner has joined the local dining scene as an upscale option since its early August opening. Restaurateurs Thao Tran and Tin Truong aim to elevate the dining experience at Eden Center by offering a sophisticated menu that includes salmon crudo, abalone soup, and a range of delightful hot pots. 6767 Wilson Boulevard, Falls Church, Virginia
Navy Yard: On Friday, August 14, the Caribbean-themed restaurant Croix opened its doors atop the Cambria Hotel. This dining venue is a tribute to the flavors and culture of St. Croix, the largest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The diverse menu features delicious options such as casabes—round cassava discs topped with braised beef, herbed shrimp, and assorted vegetables—alongside lamb ribs on sweet potato hash, and whole sea bass served with escovitch. Chef de cuisine Malika King leads this culinary journey, which also includes the indoor Botanic Bar, showcasing ingredients like fever grass, tonka bean, and sorrel. Guests can also enjoy bites and frozen cocktails on the picturesque Croix Veranda rooftop patio. 69 Q Street SW
Takoma: A new chapter for award-winning pizzaiolo Giulio Adriani has begun with the introduction of Slice & Pie at the Parks at Walter Reed. The beloved pizza chain launched its fourth location on Tuesday, August 25, feasting local patrons on New York and Detroit-style pizzas with a grand opening celebration slated for September 8. Guests attending the event from 3 p.m. can enjoy complimentary slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza, with the shop also featuring offerings such as meatballs, garlic knots, and various Italian-style sandwiches. The new pizzeria operates daily from noon to 9 p.m. 1155 Dahlia Street NW
Union Station: Continuing its expansion, Capo Deli has established a new location in Union Station, making its presence felt in the historic train hub by late August. This marks the deli’s seventh site as it takes over a former Potbelly’s space, offering a delightful selection of hot and cold subs, crafted with generous portions of meat. 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE
Woodley Park: In the heart of Upper Northwest, a vibrant new restaurant called El District 24 has emerged, showcasing the culinary heritage of Guerrero, Mexico. Launched in late August, this lively establishment offers a variety of dishes, including fried quesadillas, flautas, and six different types of tacos. The bar boasts an expansive selection of margaritas and micheladas, perfect for pairing with the colorful menu. 2605 24th Street NW
