A well-reviewed Egyptian restaurant on Wilson Blvd has closed for now, with plans to reopen next month.
King of Koshary announced that it would be temporarily shutting its doors in a Facebook post last month. According to the restaurant’s website, it is closed for renovations and intends to reopen on Nov. 20.
“This is not an easy decision,” the restaurant wrote. “King of Koshary was built with love, hard work, and a dream of bringing the flavors of Egypt to Arlington. You supported us, encouraged us, brought your families and friends, and became a part of our story.”
About two weeks before the announcement in September, an “active water leak” was reported in a kitchen on the same parcel as the restaurant, “causing concern regarding the condition and safety of the premises,” according to county records. King of Koshary is one of two restaurants on the parcel.
“This is not a goodbye — just a pause,” the business wrote. “Until we meet again, thank you for allowing us to share a little piece of Egypt with you.”
King of Koshary opened in a small strip mall at 5515 Wilson Blvd, in the Bluemont neighborhood, in 2019. Replacing the Mediterranean restaurant House of Mandi, it has received glowing praise in both The Washington Post and Northern Virginia Magazine.
The establishment is known for its namesake koshary, a flavorful dish made with rice, pasta, chickpeas, lentils and fried onion. Washington Post reviewer Tim Carman praised the flavors of the humble dish, sometimes called a “plate of the poor” because of its inexpensive ingredients.
“I hit a kind of bliss point that words cannot capture,” the reviewer wrote in 2023. “The condiments enveloped these grains and legumes, providing heat and aroma and order, but that alone didn’t explain my reaction (or that of my friend, who was pounding down that koshary by the spoonful). The dish reminded me, all over again, of the genius of necessity.”
Until King of Koshary reopens, the restaurant encourages customers to try another Egyptian restaurant, Fava Pot, which has locations near Falls Church, in McLean and in Dupont Circle.
