A Spanish tapas restaurant will soon call Pentagon City home.
El Mercat Bar de Tapas will be moving into Westpost at National Landing, replacing Asia Bistro at 1301 S. Joyce St, according to a permit filing.
El Mercat offers a variety of meat-based, fish-based and vegetarian tapas — dishes of smaller foods that are intended to be shared — from the kitchen helmed by chef George Rodrigues.
“When I was reading culinary books,” Rodrigues told ARLnow, “most of them always talked about Spanish tapas and the way of life of the Spanish people and their culture, which was very interesting to me.”
A native of Brazil, Rodrigues developed the restaurant’s concept while working in a similar establishment in Chicago.
In addition to a la carte tapas options, El Mercat’s menu features a $45 chef’s tasting menu consisting of five courses of assorted tapas. A full drink menu, including wine, beer and spirits, is available.
The first El Mercat opened in Rockville, Maryland, in 2022. That location has found success and positive critical reviews, leading Rodrigues to eye Arlington for a second spot.
“We did some market analysis and found that the area was missing a good Spanish tapas place that can bring a little bit of Spain to the area,” he said.
A permit application has been filed with the county to allow interior renovations, but Asia Bistro was still in operation when a reporter stopped by Wednesday.
Hat tip to Chris Slatt
