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Hi everyone, this is Katie Taranto with more updates for ARLnow Press Club members on food and drink in Arlington and Falls Church.
Spring is in full bloom here in Arlington, bringing blossoms, sunnier days and the return of outdoor dining across patios, rooftops, beer gardens and the like.
The seasonal Catboat Pizza Bar on the Washington Sailing Marina plans to reopen later this month with waterfront views and boozy slushies. Nearby, Water Park in Crystal City has welcomed two new food vendors — and a third, Pizzeria Paradiso Pronto, is on the way.
As always, here’s a recap of the latest dining headlines over the past few weeks.
The latest in local food news
- Wilson Hardware revamp: The former Clarendon restaurant and rooftop is reopening this spring under a new Asian fusion concept, The Boulevard.
- Women’s sports bar in the works: Westover Taco partner Sarah White is buying out the taqueria to launch the region’s first women’s sports bar — Tex-Mex still included.
- Local pupuseria reopening soon: It’s been about two years since Pupuseria Doña Azucena shuttered in Ashton Heights due to fire damage. The restaurant hopes to reopen in June.
- ’70s-inspired pizzeria chain eyes ARL: Mellow Mushroom is plotting a new D.C.-area expansion, hoping to open the first location within the next year. Arlington is one of the psychedelic-themed shop’s priority markets.
Recently opened
- Tio Pelé at 3110 Langston Blvd (Lyon Village)
- The Cheese Cartel at 922 W. Broad Street (Falls Church)
- My Home Thai Bistro at 1001 W. Broad Street (Falls Church)
- Monstera Burrito at 1721 Crystal Drive (Crystal City)
- Spot of Tea at 1631 Crystal Drive (Crystal City)
- Wood & Iron at 3401 Fairfax Drive (Virginia Square)
We’ve also tracked and compiled a sizable list of future restaurant openings in Arlington and Falls Church.
Anticipated 2026 openings
- Paris Baguette, expected in early 2026 at 3101 Wilson Blvd (Clarendon) and this summer at 2000 S. Bell Street (Crystal City)
- Paradise Juice, now expected in April at 4219 Fairfax Drive (Ballston)
- Maman, expected in April at 4121 Wilson Blvd (Ballston)
- Cielo, expected in April at 1137 N. Highland Street (Clarendon)
- The Boulevard and Solset, expected in late April or early May at 2915 Wilson Blvd (Clarendon)
- Java Loco, expected in May or June at 901 N. Stuart Street (Ballston)
- Call Your Mother, expected “soon-ish” at 4000 Wilson Blvd (Ballston)
- Pizzeria Paradiso Pronto, expected this spring at 1611 Crystal Drive (Crystal City)
- Altitude Wine Bar, expected this spring at 2011 Crystal Drive (Crystal City)
- Constellation, expected this spring at 2011 Crystal Drive (Crystal City)
- Okinami, expected in July or August at 244 19th Court S. (Crystal City)
- Xi’an Famous Foods, expected in August at 2800 Clarendon Blvd (Clarendon)
- Ember Kitchen and Spirits, expected this summer at Westpost at National Landing (Pentagon City)
- The Willow, expected this summer at 2424 Wilson Blvd (Courthouse)
- The Scoop N Scootery, expected this summer at 1138 N. Irving Street (Clarendon)
- Cup of Bliss, expected in the summer or early fall at 2439 N. Harrison Street (Yorktown)
- Three Notch’d Brewing Company, expected in late summer to early fall at 2800 Clarendon Blvd (Clarendon)
- Tiki Thai, expected in the fall at 244 19th Court S. (Crystal City)
- Grazie Nonna, expected later this year at 4075 Wilson Blvd (Ballston)
- Scapegoat Beer Garden, expected later this year at 556 22nd Street S. (Crystal City)
- Sweet Leaf Cafe, expected later this year at 603 W. Broad Street (Falls Church)
- Best Buns Bakery and Burgers, expected later this year at 265 West Falls Station Blvd (Falls Church)
- Chelsea Market & Deli, expected later this year at 5050 Langston Blvd (Yorktown)
Delayed openings
- iPanda Dumplings, previously expected earlier this year at 106 N. West Street (Falls Church)
- Dok Khao Thai Eatery, previously expected earlier this year at 180 West Falls Station Blvd (Falls Church)
- Little Beast, previously expected earlier this year at 119 E. Broad Street (Falls Church)
- Takumi previously expected in November 1100 S. Hayes Street (Pentagon City)
- Top Pot previously expected in November at Ballston Quarter
- Buffalo & Bergen, previously expected last fall at 1028 N. Garfield Street (Clarendon)
- Rocoto’s Restaurant and Bakery, previously expected last fall at 2111 Wilson Blvd (Courthouse)
- Lil Cakes & Creamery, previously expected last fall at 120 Founders Avenue (Falls Church)
- Nash and Smashed, previously expected last fall at 310 N. Glebe Road (Ashton Heights)
- Saki, previously expected last winter at 2055 15th Street N. (Courthouse)
- The Angie, previously expected in “late 2025” at 3901 Fairfax Drive (Virginia Square)
