As we ring in the new year (and another grappling with the coronavirus pandemic), it’s no secret that the local restaurant industry is facing a series of crises. Rising case rates in the region have forced several restaurants to close indoor dining and pivot back to takeout-only service. Meanwhile, a staffing shortage has left many restaurants scrambling to keep up with demand. Still, local food establishments are persevering, including these spots that have plans to open in 2022. With COVID-related delays in construction, supplies, staff, and more, keep in mind most opening dates are not set in stone.
Here’s what we’re looking forward to, from contemporary Korean cuisine to Latin seafood to imported Greek wine and olive oil.
Butter Me Up
1409 T Street NW
The highly rated breakfast sandwich ghost kitchen that’s been housed by U Street mainstay Halfsmoke since 2020 will open its long-awaited brick-and-mortar in Logan Circle this year. Restaurateur Andre McCain will bring an expanded menu, including breakfast tacos, acai bowls, and fried Oreo pancakes, according to Eater DC. No updated opening date for Butter Me Up has been announced.
Causa
920 N Street NW
Shaw will welcome another restaurant from The Service Bar crew with this Peruvian joint. They will house one of the largest Pisco selections in the U.S., according to Washingtonian, accompanied by bites like charcoal-grilled skewers and a fresh ceviche bar. Its opening date is expected in January, and Causa’s site says it will be coming soon.
The Henri
1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Local star chef Frederik de Pue will soon debut an elaborate two-kitchen concept on prime D.C. real estate. De Pue says the 60-seat restaurant will feature a Bonnet rotisserie, with an approachable bar on the other side for anyone to enjoy. A rooftop area and about six private dining rooms with customized menus will also be available to rent for birthday dinners and business meetings. De Pue says opening should begin gradually at the end of January.
Honeymoon Chicken
4201 Georgia Avenue NW
The latest fried chicken venture in D.C., set to open in Petworth next week, is from Steve Salis of &pizza and Federalist Pig pitmaster Rob Sonderman. Honeymoon Chicken will feature fried chicken with a special spice blend and hot honey glaze. Until it opens, you can order plates, sandwiches, and salads through the Ensemble Kitchen in Bethesda.
London Curry House
1301 U Street NW
The masterminds behind Bombay Street Food will bring a former Alexandria favorite to U Street. London Curry House will serve South Asian dishes including pulao, Pakistani karahi, and fish and chips covered in a curry sauce or tikka masala gravy, according to Eater DC. Expect an opening in January.
Love, Makoto
200 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Chef Makoto Okuwa and Eric Eden team up to bring a new 9,000 square foot Japanese food hall to D.C.’s east end. The site describes Love, Makoto as a “love letter from Okuwa, showcasing all the things he loves about his homeland.” Expect a ramen shop, Japanese bakery, robata grill, dining room, and smaller sushi offering earlier in the year.
Magpie and the Tiger
828 Upshur Street NW
Chefs Caleb Jang and Kevin Tien are partnering up again to open a contemporary Korean restaurant in the former Himitsu space in Petworth, according to Petworth News. The menu will include appetizers like Korean crispy potato salad, and entrees like sweet, sour, and crispy pork belly. Magpie and the Tiger will open for takeout only in January, including a week of Hot Lola’s specials, with a date for indoor dining not set yet.
Mariscos 1133
1133 11th Street NW
Alfredo Solis, the chef and restaurateur behind local favorites El Sol, Mezcalero, and Anafre, brings another eatery to Shaw, reports both Washingtonian and Eater DC. Enjoy crab cakes, seafood empanadas, grilled lobster, and all kinds of cocktails at the nod to pan-Latin coastal cuisine. An updated opening date has not been announced.
Miss Toya’s Southern Cajun Kitchen
3202 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
A 60-seat restaurant featuring a raw juice bar and a menu of classic Creole food will open near Penn Branch next year. It comes from Jeffeary Miskiri, the chef behind popular Cajun spots Po’Boy Jim and Creole on 14th. He has a full plate this year: Miskiri is also opening Miss Toya’s Creole House in Silver Spring, reports Washingtonian and Popville. A specific opening date has not been announced.
Newland
327 Seventh Street SE
Enjoy seasonal vegetable plates and homemade pastas in Capitol Hill from the team behind popular pandemic sandwich pop-up Fight Club. Chef Andrew Markert named the upscale New American restaurant after the Baltimore street he grew up on, reports Eater DC. Expect its opening earlier in the year.
Petite Cerise
1027 7th Street NW
Coming soon this winter, the team behind the acclaimed Dabney will open a French-inspired restaurant focused on market-fresh cooking with simple plates, reports Washingtonian. The all-day bistro will feature a completely French wine list along with baguettes and croissants, of course.
Philotimo
1100 15th Street NW
After “coming soon” signs plastered over windows raised anticipation, Philotimo will open in downtown D.C. with a bar, patio, private dining room, and second-floor dining room. The eatery will pay homage to chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s Greek heritage by offering imported cheeses, wines, wild herbs, and olive oil. No updated opening date has been announced.
St. James
2017 14th Street NW
The next spot from Cane’s award-winning chef Peter Prime and co-owner Jeanine Prime will pay homage to the cuisine and culture of their native Trinidad, reports Eater DC. The modern Caribbean restaurant will feature island favorites, like callaloo and black pudding. No updated opening date has been announced.
