26 New Restaurants to Explore in the Washington Area

In May 2024, The Washington Post food columnist Tom Sietsema spotlighted an array of new dining establishments in and around Washington, D.C., offering diverse and innovative cuisine. His recommendations include a variety of eateries, from Mexican to Italian and from suburban spots to city favorites.

Highlighted restaurants include Pascual, a Mexican eatery in D.C.; Bar Del Monte, serving Italian cuisine also in D.C.; and Alias, an American restaurant located in Warrenton, Virginia. In Falls Church, Virginia, you can find Chay, a Vietnamese restaurant, and Nue Elegantly Vietnamese.

Other notable mentions span multiple cuisines such as Cielo Rojo in Takoma Park, Maryland (Mexican), and Afghania in D.C. (Afghan). For those craving barbecue, 2Fifty Texas BBQ in D.C. is recommended. Latin American flavors can be enjoyed at Mita in D.C., while Afro-fusion cuisine is available at Almeda in D.C.

Additional recommendations include Spanish cuisine at Casa Teresa in D.C., South American dishes at Ceibo in D.C., and Italian meals at Aventino in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Washington area’s dining scene is thriving with these new entries, showcasing a wide range of culinary influences aimed to cater to diverse palates.