Ready for some new dining options? The Goodhart Group has you covered with a round-up of the best new restaurants in Alexandria. Have a sweet tooth? We’ve got some options for you too!
Emmy Squared
124 King Street
This growing national chain is best known for its high-quality, local, and seasonal products that go into its Detroit-style pizza. Emmy’s square pizza, with a crispy bottom, light dough, cheesy “frico” crust, and signature sauce stripe, is a MUST. Emmy Squared offers small plates, desserts, cocktails, beer, and wine. The garlic sticks are delicious for an appetizer! On Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Emmy’s is open from 3 – 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 3 – 11 p.m. Grab lunch to go every Wednesday-Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m.; Pizza Happy Hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Emmy’s is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Ada’s on the River
3 Pioneer Mill Way
Built around a custom wood-burning oven and with spectacular views of the Potomac, Ada’s on the River is not to be missed. Ada’s is best known for its wood-fired steaks and seafood with specialty sauces including its house steak sauce, garlic chimichurri, béarnaise, blue cheese butter, and brandy-peppercorn. Pick one sauce ($3) or order a trio ($8) to sample! Ada’s is open daily for lunch until 11 p.m. and offers a weekend brunch until 3:45 p.m. (Ada’s does accept reservations).
Old Hat Bar
112 N. Saint Asaph Street
Old Hat Bar opened in Spring 2021 in the former King Street Blues site in the heart of Old Town. The funky gastropub offers large and small plates with a wide range of culinary influences, including Asian and Mexican. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. Lunch and brunch hours are expected to be added soon. Note that Old Hat does not take reservations.
BARCA Pier & Wine Bar
2 Pioneer Mill Way 
Located in Robinson Landing along the Potomac River, BARCA is located on an Old Town commercial pier (an industrial freight container doubles as BARCA’s main bar!). BARCA’s menu features classic Spanish small plates such as papas bravas, fried calamari, and garlic shrimp. Boat owners can pull up to the dock at Robinson Landing and for a small hourly fee, be assisted by the Robinson Landing dockmaster. Dogs are welcome at BARCA too!
Sisters Thai
503 Montgomery Street
Asian food lovers, take note! This new storefront offers an amazing menu of Thai and other Asain specialties. From Thai street food to fried rice, from curries to salads, there’s truly something for everyone. Sisters Thai also has a generous dessert menu and a wide variety of fun drinks like Rose Lemonade and a Purple Potato Latte! Open daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. for takeout and delivery only.
Wooboi Hot Chicken
531 Montgomery Street
This regional franchise recently opened at the EDENS development, offering fresh, antibiotic-free, free-range, chicken meals. The menu features chicken sandwiches and tenders and three options for dipping sauces. Order a side of waffle fries or fried okra to round out your meal! Dine in and take out options are available.
PLNT Burger
1700 Duke Street (Inside Whole Foods)
“Top Chef” alum Spike Mendelsohn began this 100% plant-based chain which has opened a location in the Carlyle district. Satisfy your craving for burgers, sausage, and fried chicken sandwiches with these amazing plant-based alternatives. Be sure to save room for dessert and try the oat-milk based soft serve ice cream! PLNT Burger is open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
Stracci Pizza
106 Hume Avenue
Chef Tom Cardarelli (formerly of Vermillion) began selling his authentic Italian pizzas in a twenty-foot pizza trailer. In winter 2021, he moved Stracci to a permanent brick-and-mortar home in Del Ray. Stracci makes artisanal bread daily and prepares its Roman-style pies with high-hydration dough that is naturally fermented for three days! Be sure to try the “Brooklyner,” topped with pepperoni, sausage, stracciatella, ricotta, Calabrian chili, and honey. Local craft beer and a great selection of “pizza wines” are also available. Note that Stracci is pickup only (no sitdown service). Stracci is open Tuesday – Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5 – 8:30 p.m.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
4553 Duke Street
Located in the Foxchase Shopping Center, this Alexandria storefront of a national chain is a welcome addition to the city. Cake lovers can choose from ten delicious handcrafted Bundt cakes in flavors ranging from classic vanilla to confetti and pecan praline. The cakes are topped by Nothing Bundt Cakes’s signature cream cheese frosting. Special cakes are available for holidays and occasions and can be personalized. The cakes come in a variety of sizes from mini to tiered and corporate gifts are also sold!
Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
200 Commerce Street
This 1950s-inspired fountain shop serves amazing Wisconsin-style frozen custard and nostalgic treats like the Apple Cider Donutwich. Goodies began as a food truck (which still operates but opened a storefront in the Old Town’s historic Ice House on Commerce Street.
Do you have any favorite new restaurants in Alexandria? Please let us know so we can check them out too!
