A wave of hot new restaurants is hitting D.C. right now
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Ox & Olive in Georgetown brings sexy Gothic-chic vibes and fun martinis to the steakhouse playbook. Photo: Courtesy Ox & Olive
An exciting crop of restaurants is opening around D.C. this week.
Why it matters: Early May is stacked with openings — from splashy steakhouses to vibey cocktail spots and all-day cafés — giving the DMV dining scene a boost.
The big picture: It's been a tough stretch for local restaurants, but a wave of May openings, reopenings and expansions is hitting right now — and there's more on deck.
So far this month:
- Reopened: D.C. icon Ben's Chili Bowl is back on U Street. Nearby, Cantina El Rey reopens with a Tex-Mex glow-up (and pool tables).
- Just opened: Boulevard in Arlington, an Asian-fusion reboot of Wilson Hardware with a rooftop bar and weekend DJs.
- Expanded: Sushi spot Kiyomi rolled out dinner omakase downtown, while Canton Disco is now an all-day hang with congee breakfasts and sandos.
Happening this week:
District Larder | Petworth
Chef Matt Sperber's new sandwich shop and market is all about housemade charcuterie stacked into serious sandwiches.
- Dinner service launches Thursday, leaning into whole-animal butchery and seasonal veg plates. Brunch is coming.
Kathmandu Tapas & Cocktails | U Street
With Nepal's cocktail scene taking off, Dipesh Acharya (Tempo Shack) is opening a pioneering Himalayan-style craft bar tonight.
- Expect rarely seen Nepali spirits and playful drinks (think tea-infused Manhattans and jaggery-sweetened espresso martinis), plus shareables like momos and lamb chops.
Ox & Olive | Georgetown
Chef Ryan Ratino (Bresca, Jônt) brings gothic-chic flair to the steakhouse playbook.
- It's steak and martinis — but with fun cheffy twists, from mini wagyu dogs to a throwback apple martini. Opens Thursday.
Hank's Pasta Bar | Old Town
Restaurateur Jamie Leeds debuts a trattoria inside Hank's Oyster Bar, teaming up with chef Darren Norris (Shibuya).
- The vibe: fast-casual meets full service. Build-your-own pasta bowls with homemade sauces start at $13, alongside classics like lasagna, meatballs and focaccia. Opens Thursday.
Café Monet | McLean
An all-day pan-European cafe lands in the new MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center.
- Swing by for a jambon-beurre at lunch or steak frites and spritzes under a glass rotunda.
The Salty Donut | Georgetown
The Miami-born cult favorite arrives Friday, bringing its hyped doughnuts, specialty coffee and breakfast sandwiches — plus opening-day giveaways.
Coming soon
- Uchi (Dupont): The buzzy Austin sushi import lands May 12.
- Marv's Dogs (Tenleytown): From the Cork crew, expect fun hot dogs, fro-yo and family-friendly vibes (May 13).
- Catahoula (Navy Yard): A waterfront Creole/Cajun spot opens May 14 with po' boys, frozen cocktails and a wine terrace.