As fall arrives in DC, restaurants prepare to embrace the season with warm cocktails and autumn-inspired menus.
What's New
Selva blends nightclub owner Antonis Karagounis’s Mediterranean heritage with Chef Giovanni Orellana’s Latin American roots, offering a vibrant fusion of flavors. Guests can taste bold Latin American–inspired tapas or share larger plates. The bar program, crafted by Dennis Garcia, spotlights tropical cocktails including the “Signature Coco Loco,” served in a fresh coconut.
Chai Pani, the James Beard Award–winning Indian street food restaurant from Asheville has arrived in the District. Chefs Meherwan Irani and Vishwesh Bhatt have crafted a menu that fuses Indian street food with fresh creations inspired by Vish’s Gujarati heritage and Southern culinary roots. The 4,000-square-foot space will reflect the colorful and lively energy of the bustling streets of India.
Yala Greek Ice Cream, a new Georgetown shop from Chrys Kefalas, serves bold and inventive flavors. Yala translates to “milk” in Greek and also loosely means “let’s go” in Arabic, reflecting the shop’s fusion of Middle Eastern and Greek culinary traditions. The menu ranges from Greek classics to beloved American favorites, all made with farm-fresh milk and premium ingredients from Greece.
Opening Soon
The acclaimed team behind Pascual, Lutèce and Lapis is launching Maison Bar à Vin, a French-inspired wine bar and restaurant from The Popal Group. Set in a charming three-story brownstone, the intimate space will offer an intimate ambiance, a curated menu of French bites and cocktails crafted by beverage director Suzy Critchlow.
Translating to house in Japanese, Uchi is coming to DC later this fall. Chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award-winner, is bringing a signature blend of tradition and innovation to the nation’s capital. The menu will feature a tasting course, traditional sushi and seasonal omakase.
Known for Lucky Buns, Chef Alex McCoy, is bringing back Alfie’s in early 2026. The Isaan-style spot will return in a cozy 25-seat Georgetown location, featuring dishes like beef-rib khao soi, plus natural wines and cold beer.
The acclaimed Miami-based doughnut shop The Salty Donut is coming to DC later this year, with locations planned for The Wharf, Barracks Row, and Georgetown. The family-owned brand is taking over the former District Doughnut spaces. Known for its brioche dough and creative flavors, each location will also feature a DC-inspired doughnut.
The iconic Giordano’s is coming to DC next year. Famous for its Chicago deep-dish pizza, the pizzeria uses Wisconsin mozzarella, Mendocino County tomatoes, and specially sourced Minnesota flour. The restaurant will occupy the former home of MXDC and allow up to 150 guests across 7,400 square feet, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
Cork & Wine Bar will open a third location in Cleveland Park this fall. The cozy space will include a 20-seat wine bar and retail shop, a tasting room for classes and events, and outdoor seating. The restaurant will offer an extensive variety of wines by the glass and a curated menu of cheese, charcuterie and small plates.
JINYA Ramen Bar is set to open two new locations this year—Georgetown, featuring a late-night menu, and the Wharf, debuting the brand’s first waterfront setting. Founded by Tomo Takahashi, the popular ramen spot is known for its meticulously crafted broths, aged noodles, and Japanese-inspired ambiance.
Pitango Gelato is expanding to 14th Street. Known for hand-churned gelato made with organic milk and fresh ingredients, the new shop will offer 20 rotating flavors, including dairy-free sorbets. The space will also serve Vigilante Coffee, Italian baked goods, and house-made treats like biscotti and almond cookies.
Recent Additions
Tucked beneath Street Pizza, Gordon Ramsay brings his popular UK-born Street Burger to DC. With a focus on smash burgers and wings, the menu also includes vegan friendly bites. The lively spot offers a full bar, arcade games, and live sports for a complete experience.
Flor Coffee, a Buenos Aires-inspired café and bookshop, is the creation of international author Florencia Argazo and her partner Marco Ferrario. The café serves specialty coffee alongside Argentinian and French pastries, and soft serve from Dolcezza. Guests can browse a handpicked selection of books in English and Spanish, explore Tarot decks, or enjoy a “blind date with a book” focused on well-being.
Wonder’s first DC location on 14th Street houses more than 20 restaurants, featuring concepts from celebrity chefs like Streetbird by Marcus Samuelsson and Bobby Flay Steak. The takeout franchise plans to expand with two additional locations in the West End and Cleveland Park later this fall.
From the team behind Shilling Canning Company comes Fancy Ranch Amish fried Chicken in Union Market. Husband and wife duo Chef Rei Shilling and Sara Quinteros designed the concept to be “a celebration of comfort food done with intention.” The menu highlights include a cornbread waffle, aji verde potato salad, and a specialty Fancy Ranch house sauce.
New York City institution H&H Bagels recently opened a storefront on K Street. The legendary bagel shop prides itself on sticking to an original recipe, using water sourced from New York City and unbromated, unbleached high-quality flour. Patrons can enjoy a variety of cream cheese spreads or classic bagel sandwiches like fresh nova lox.
A new French-Mediterranean restaurant arrived at Farragut Square in late July. Barbouzard features a sophisticated menu that blends classic Mediterranean dishes with contemporary twists. The design reflects an upscale ambiance, aiming to provide an elegant environment.
photo credit - Selva, Deb Lindsey
photo credit - Street Burger