Junction Bakery + Bistro Brings 'Everything' Croissants, Homemade Energy Bars to Del Ray

It's opening day for Junction Bakery + Bistro, the newest addition to Del Ray.

The bakery comes from restaurant owner Noe Landini and chef and baker Nathan Hatfield (previously of Le Diplomate and EatGoodFood Group). They're taking over the former Mancini's space at 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. The restaurant will offer coffee, breakfast, and lunch in a grab-and-go atmosphere during the day, and a full-service dinner at night (as well as brunch on the weekends). The large space (more than 5,000 square feet) is also serving as a commercial bakery so that Hatfield can supply both Landini's own restaurants, as well as other restaurants across the area, with baked goods. "We're trying to fill a void, really," Landini said.

Design firm CORE has outfitted the space, which has seating for 50 including an outdoor patio, with industrial lighting, chalkboard walls, and colorfully-patterned bathroom wallpaper. There are design nods to Del Ray's history as a railroad town, as well as a mural on the outside wall.

Inside Junction [Photo: Missy Frederick]

Expect breakfast sandwiches, toasts, house-made energy bars, homemade juices (from the Grateful Juice Co., owned by Noe Landini's wife Kimberly Landini) and pastries (an "everything" croissant is a favorite of the chef's) during the mornings, along with nitro cold brew from Commonwealth Joe's, . Dinner will involve fresh pastas, and a wide variety of dishes, from Korean fare to chicken liver pate. Ingredients will be sourced from local farmers. They'll serve beer and wine, and even offer glasses of champagne during the morning hours for those open to celebrating at any time of day.

Chef and baker Nathan Hatfield [Photo: Missy Frederick]

The owners are hoping to provide a family-friendly atmosphere (kids will be encouraged to draw on the chalkboard walls), and offer activities like pig roasts, wine tastings and coffee cuppings.

The restaurant will have a soft opening this week, starting today, with limited hours. They'll be open 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. this weekend. Full breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours kick off next Monday.

Junction Bakery + Bistro, 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va.; website.