Brown paper still shields the windows of the new Wagamama in Clarendon, but construction appeared to be winding down when ARLnow peeked inside through eyeball-sized holes in the window coverings this week.
Nearly two years have passed since the British chain, known for its Japanese cuisine, announced its plans to open at 2950 Clarendon Blvd, formerly home to Oz, a restaurant owned by “Real Housewives of Potomac” stars Ashley and Michael Darby. A trade publication reported a tentative opening date of summer 2023 last year, which ultimately did not come to fruition.
The building’s exterior has not changed much, but the patio and much of the inside looks complete, with some furniture already in place.
While an exact opening date is still up in the air, a Wagamama spokesperson told ARLnow that the company hopes to set a date in the next few weeks.
Wagamama’s menu includes dishes such as ramen and donburi — a bowl of steamed rice topped with stir-fried protein and mixed vegetables — and extends to other pan-Asian offerings such as curry.
The restaurant chain has more than 200 locations across 27 countries. The Arlington location is set to become Wagamama’s eighth in the U.S.