New Shops & Restaurants to Check Out in Old Town Alexandria This Summer (2026)

There's a reason people fall in love with Old Town Alexandria and never want to leave. The cobblestone streets, the waterfront, the historic brick rowhomes — and a dining scene that keeps getting better every single season. This summer, the 22314 neighborhood is having a genuine moment: several beloved Washington, D.C. restaurants have chosen Old Town for their next chapter, a local landmark has reopened under new ownership, and a few homegrown concepts are bringing fresh energy to King Street and beyond.

As a Realtor who lives and works in Old Town, I get asked all the time, "What's new and worth trying?" So here's my local's guide to the new spots to put on your summer list.

The Headliner: Floriana Comes to Old Town

The opening everyone's talking about is Floriana, the Northern Italian favorite expanding from D.C. into the Atrium building. What makes this one special is that Floriana isn't just bringing its dinner menu — it's launching with house made pastas, steaks, and full breakfast and brunch service. For a neighborhood that loves a long, leisurely weekend morning, an all-day Italian destination is a welcome addition.

A Landmark Returns: The Majestic on King Street

If you've spent any time in Old Town, you know The Majestic at 911 King Street. The beloved Art Deco restaurant reopened in April 2026 under new owner and longtime Chef Santiago Lopez, who spent 16 years helping build the Alexandria Restaurant Partners family. The best news for regulars: the classics stay, including the famous coconut cake that's been a fixture since 2009. Expect weekend brunch, weekday happy hour, and that timeless King Street atmosphere.

D.C. Favorites Crossing the River

This summer's biggest story isn't a single restaurant — it's a pattern. Multiple D.C. operators independently chose Old Town for their second locations, which says everything about where this neighborhood is headed.

• Grazie Nonna — The D.C. Italian-American favorite is opening its first Virginia location here, bringing handmade pastas, New York–style pizzas, and comfort-food classics like chicken parmigiana.
• The Commodore — D.C.'s self-described "five-star dive bar" dropped anchor at 220 N. Lee Street, bringing craft burgers, cocktails, trivia, and bingo to a laid-back neighborhood hangout.
• For Five Coffee — The artisanal New York–based coffee roaster is joining the new development at 425 Montgomery Avenue, perfect for your morning Old Town stroll.

Homegrown & Local: Finn & Fire

Not every exciting opening is an import. Finn & Fire, at 111 N. Pitt Street, comes from local Chef Ghazal Amir of Crab Cab fame — a true Alexandria success story going from food truck to brick-and-mortar. The seafood-and-steak concept generated buzz before construction even finished, with creative crab and shrimp dishes drawing on Crab Cab's most-loved flavors.

More to Explore Around the Neighborhood

A few other recent arrivals worth a visit as you wander:

• Maman — The charming French café and bakery (known for its coffee and Instagram-worthy pastries) opened at 701 King Street in the former Foxtrot space.
• Bar 86 — A cozy new bar tucked inside Café du Soleil.
• Continues Arcade (Old Town North) — Fifty vintage arcade cabinets, skee-ball, and pinball alongside a full restaurant and bar, for a playful night out.
• Valletta Port — A Mediterranean café and wine bar over in Old Town North on N. St. Asaph.

A Local Tip for Enjoying It All

A few things I've learned living here: visit the most-anticipated spots on a weekday to skip the crowds, make reservations for the new headliners, and don't limit yourself to King Street — some of the best gems are tucked into Old Town North and the quieter southeast blocks. With lower King Street's pedestrian zone now permanently extended to the 200 block, summer strolls from the waterfront through the dining corridor have never been easier.

Thinking About Calling Old Town Home?

Every new restaurant, café, and shop is another reason Old Town Alexandria remains one of the most desirable places to live in Northern Virginia — and it's part of why homes here hold their appeal so well. As an Old Town Alexandria Realtor specializing in the 22314 market, I help homeowners understand exactly what their property is worth in today's market and how neighborhood momentum like this factors into value.

If you're considering selling your Old Town home — or just curious what it might be worth this summer — I'd love to talk. Reach out for a complimentary, no-pressure market analysis.

Kristen Jones Senior Vice President | Compass 📧 [email protected] | 📞 703.952.0660

Serving Old Town Alexandria, Del Ray, Rosemont, and greater Alexandria (22314).