Exclusive: Taste D.C.'s next restaurants before they open
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Celeb chef Marcus Samuelsson previewing Marcus DC at last year's New Kitchens on the Block festival. Photo: Courtesy Albert Ting
A wave of new D.C.-area restaurants is on the way — and you can try them before they open.
- The long-running food festival New Kitchens on the Block returns April 25 to Brookland's Mess Hall.
Why it matters: Now on its 12th edition, NKOTB is basically a talent showcase for D.C.'s restaurant scene.
- Past participants went on to open some of the region's biggest hits — including Michelin-starred Maydan and Jônt, plus favorites like Call Your Mother, Colada Shop and Daru.
Driving the news: The 2026 lineup just dropped — a mix of rising-star chefs and established names launching new ventures.
- Expect bites and drinks from each concept, plus beers from Right Proper and cocktails.
👀 What's coming soon
District Larder Co., Matt Sperber (Any Day Now)
- A Petworth sandwich shop and market focused on housemade charcuterie and whole-animal butchery, plus weekend dinners and brunch with local, specialty cuts (opening this spring).
Phia, Brad Feikert (Soko Butcher)
- The chef behind Takoma Park's cult sandwich shop is opening a neighboring restaurant inspired by his Appalachian roots — think wild-foraged greens, heirloom grains and braised meats, with cocktails and wine to match.
Itiyah by former White House chef Sebastien Salomon
- An intimate 20-seat Haitian fine-dining restaurant celebrating the chef's native cuisine.
An all-day café by Fiola chef Fabio Trabocchi (name TBA)
- An all-day café coming to Rosslyn serving Italian-inspired sandwiches, salads and quality coffee.
Alfie's, Alex McCoy (Lucky Buns) and Justin Ahn (Incheon)
- A cozy Georgetown spot pairing Northern Thai cooking with natural wines, focused on locally sourced ingredients.
Ebbitt House, Clyde's Restaurant Group
- A modern spinoff of the iconic Old Ebbitt Grill with the same craveable oysters.
Vesper, Rachel Bindel (Gravitas, Lutece)
- A cocktail and wine bar in Ellicott City serving seasonal neo-bistro fare.
Little Birdie, Eric Brannon (Matt & Tony's)
- A Del Ray comfort-food spot centered on fried chicken sandwiches — with luxe extras like oysters and caviar (expected late spring).
Maurizio's, Aris Tsekouras (Melina)
- The Cava crew's sixth full-service restaurant will bring modern Italian cuisine and a Negroni bar to Potomac (expected late spring).
If you go: Limited early-bird tickets are on sale now — $99 general admission or $139 VIP (which includes a foodie swag bag).
Editor's note: This story was corrected to reflect Maurizio's is the Cava crew's sixth restaurant (not seventh).