The Most Anticipated Restaurants in D.C., Winter 2018

Several high-profile restaurants are scheduled to join the local dining scene in the coming months, including some biggies held over from the fall. Here’s a roster of the most anticipated hospitality ventures coming down the pike.

Isabella Eatery

What: The massive 41,000-square-foot food emporium from empire builder Mike Isabella is made up of eight distinct eateries and a cocktail bar on the top floor of Tysons Galleria; expect to find flagship pizza restaurant Graffiato, reconfigured sushi spot Yona, and taco haven Pepita Cantina complemented by a gourmet coffee shop and dedicated ice cream parlor. Shoppers can even carry boozy coffees, seasonal sangrias, and beers within the interconnected facility.

Where: 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va.

When: The first phase — which includes Graffiato, Nonfiction Coffee, and Retro Creamery — is scheduled to debut Monday, December 11 . Remaining eateries inside the dining complex are projected to follow by year's end.

Photo: Isabella Eatery

*Prior Isabella Eatery coverage

Unconventional Diner

What: Central chef David Deshaies is opening an upscale traditional American diner inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Where: 1207 Ninth Street NW

When: Monday, December 18

Chloe

What: Proof alum turned restaurateur Haidar Karoum's first solo project will show off his Lebanese roots and extensive travels through Western Europe and Southeast Asia — linking everything via seasonal ingredients from the Mid-Atlantic. The 3,200-square-foot space will include an open kitchen with a green herb wall, outdoor patio space, and large glowing lighting fixtures coordinated by designcase. The 103-seat spot boasts a a bar, counter seating, and seasonal patio.

Where: 1331 Fourth Street SE

When: December

*Prior Chloe coverage

Gravitas

What: Chef turned restaurateur Matt Baker’s first solo project in rapidly evolving Ivy City is arriving in early 2018. The new American prix-fixe dining experience will sit inside a transformed and minimalistic 1940s factory space.

Where: 1401 Okie Street NE

When: January/February 2018

*Prior Gravitas coverage

Karma Modern Indian

What: This forthcoming addition to Penn Quarter plans to weave local ingredients into Indian food. Expect small plates from executive chef Ajay Kumar, while Dominik Lenikowski will lead the bar program. The restaurant, with a name that refers to positivity and social responsibility, will donate a portion of daily sales to local and global charities.

Where: 611 I Street NW

When: December

Morris

What: The new sexy sibling to Dupont Circle’s the Sheppard will be bigger, with two levels and more cocktail choices, but the same vintage soundtrack and bordello look. Partners include Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn, David Strauss, and Vinoda Basnayake. Strauss (formerly at Barmini, Le Diplomate) has a top ice program and rotating selection of craft cocktails planned.

Where: 1020 Seventh Street NW (inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center)

When: January 2018

*Prior Morris coverage

High Side

What: First-time restaurateur Jinson Chan is opening a beer bar complemented by Taiwanese street food in the spot formerly occupied by Italian-themed Villa Mozart.

Where: 4009 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va.

When: January 2018

Photo: High Side

The Line DC

What: This long delayed Adams Morgan property will feature multiple projects, including three from James Beard Award-winner Spike Gjerde (the Mid-Atlantic focused A Rake’s Progress, plus a bar and coffee shop dubbed The Cup We All Race 4) and two from D.C. restaurateur Erik Bruner-Yang (Asian-themed Spoken English, as well as Brothers and Sisters).

Where: 1770 Euclid Street NW

When: January. The hotel, Brothers and Sisters, and The Cup We All Race 4 are currently scheduled to open first early in the month, followed by A Rake’s Progress, A Rake’s Bar, and Spoken English later in the month.

*Prior Line coverage

City Winery

What: The new 40,000-square-foot urban winery will host concerts, house a 175-seat restaurant, and feature private event space. The City Winery brand boasts existing locations in New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, and Boston, where the likes of Gregg Allman and Sinead O’Connor have performed.

Where: 1350 Okie Street NE

When: Early 2018

The Wharf

What: The second round of eateries slotted to fill out the evolving waterfront project include Dolcezza, Milk Bar, Florentijn, Kaliwa, La Vie, Mi Vida, Lupo Marino, and more.

Where: Southwest waterfront

When: Various dates throughout the winter

Photo by Warren Rojas / Eater DC

*Prior Wharf coverage

Sushi Nakazawa

What: Restaurateur Alessandro Borgognone and chef Daisuke Nakazawa are installing an omakase-style sushi restaurant inside the politically charged Trump International Hotel. The controversial move has created some challenges for the expansion-minded New Yorkers, but Borgognone remains hopeful that District diners will come around.

Where: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

When: Winter 2018

Rewind by Decades

What: Dupont Circle’s throwback nightclub Decades is readying to debut a new next-door retro modern American diner. Designed by Reid & Taylor Studio, the sit-down space will serve modern and classic American hits like corn dogs, chicken and waffles, funnel cakes, and spiked milkshakes. Food and drinks will be served for happy hour starting at 4 p.m., and all night long.

Where: 1219 Connecticut Avenue NW

When: Early 2018

Lupo Verde - Palisades

What: The second location of the Italian brand developed by restaurateurs Med Lahlou and Antonio Matarazzo is expected to focus on small plates, charcuterie, breads, cheeses, antipasti, and of course, signature pizzas and pastas. The 100-seat spot will feature a lower-level market selling fresh and dried pastas.

Where: 4814 MacArthur Boulevard NW

When: N/A

*Prior Lupo Verde coverage