The Biggest D.C.-Area Restaurant Openings in May
This is Eater DC's guide to all the new restaurants, bars, and cafes that opened in May. For more 2025 debuts, check out our roundup of best new bars and other recent restaurant arrivals to note . If there's an opening in your neighborhood that we've missed, let us know at dc@eater.com.
PENN QUARTER — Chinese American takeout Lucky Danger unveils a full-on flagship on Wednesday, May 21. Founded by restaurateur Tim Ma, the food menu is full of allium pancakes with whipped tofu and caviar; blue crab lo mein with leek fondue; and duck fried chaufa (Peruvian fried rice) with fish sauce caramel. The restaurant features four distinct areas: a bright entryway bar with classic cocktails integrating Asian flavors, an intimate dining room, the moody 'Lucky Club' with drinks using Chinese herbal medicine, and a green-toned mahjong parlor with over-proof whiskeys. Opening hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with lunch (and possibly even weekend dim sum) coming soon. 709 D Street NW
PENN QUARTER — The venerable Cafe Fiorello, which first opened its doors in Manhattan over five decades ago, lands in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol on May 21. This marks the first time the flagship of restaurateur Shelly Fireman's hospitality group grows beyond its Big Apple roots. The new location has the same reliable Italian fare, including famous thin-crusted pizza and an antipasti bar overflowing with vegetables and seafood, plus a new wood-fired oven pumping out branzino al Forno, a center-cut veal chop, flame-kissed cheeseburger, and more distinctly smoky mains. 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
GEORGETOWN — After closing downtown Sushi Gakyu earlier this year, sushi chef Yoshi Ota is opening Sushi Gaku on Wisconsin Avenue on Wednesday, May 21. Traditional nigiri, maki, and an omakase tasting with very fermented ancient-style sushi will be on the new menu. Dinner will be served from 5 to 10 p.m. every night except Tuesdays at the new sushi spot. 1338 Wisconsin Avenue NW
UNION MARKET — Fossette Focacceria, a Shaw sandwich shop for focaccia fanatics, expanded to a new stall in Union Market on Tuesday, May 20. The new menu includes most of the same breakfast and Italian sandwiches on the simple airy bread, plus two Union Market specials: the roasted vegetable and feta-filled Portofino and the Capra filled with prosciutto cotto, sopressata, pickled peppers, and Calabrian chile honey. The new stall also has longer hours than the original location, operating from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and opening up at 10 a.m. on weekends. 1309 5th Street NE
Related The Best Sandwiches Around D.C. Right Now
EASTERN MARKET — New American restaurant Lobby Bar debuted on Friday, May 16, in the storied space that housed Boxcar Tavern. Owner Adam Shulman livens up Barracks Row with an experimental martini menu, happy hour, and late-night service. Chef Andre Williams sends out local oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, a double smash burger, chicken pot pie stuffed with root vegetables, and a weekend-only prime rib special. Tori Pratt, founder of Pratt & Standard Cocktail Company, remixes a dirty martini with caper brine, tops a gin French 75 with a caviar-and-potato chip bite, and jazzes up an espresso martini with brown sugar. The 2,000-square-foot space with an 18-seat bar features cozy booths, a communal table, and an outdoor patio. Lobby Bar sources ingredients from vendors and farmers at historic Eastern Market, which sits directly across the street. 224 7th Street SE
ARLINGTON — Bar Chinois, Mt. Vernon Triangle's high-energy hangout for Frenchified cocktails and Chinese dim sum since 2021, debuts a follow-up location in Arlington, Virginia, on Thursday, May 15. The beverage program that party-starting Bar Chinois is known for makes its way across the Potomac over to National Landing, as do popular orders of black pepper duck, crab Rangoon, bao buns, and chicken karaage. Familiar daily deals like $1 dumplings and half-priced cocktails kick in next month (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Bar Chinois partners Dean Mosones, Mark Minicucci, and Margaux Donati are also behind Bar Japonais in Logan Circle, and BC National Landing marks the team's third project to date. The 90-seat, turquoise-toned interior joins a big (58-seat) patio. Reservations here. 244 19th Court S. #105, Arlington, Virginia
SHAW — Top Ethiopian chef Elias Taddesse's beefy burger shop, Mélange DC, and fried chicken joint, Doro Soul Food, are back and better than ever at his new culinary incubator in Shaw's Atlantic Plumbing building. Taddesse's Mélange Foods, Inc. opened on Monday, May 12 with both concepts and will add a third Ethiopian taco spot called Moya later this spring. 2108 8th Street NW
U STREET — Peruvian poultry pad Lucky Pollo swings open on Friday, May 9, with a starring order: 24-hour marinated chicken cooked over charcoal and infused with a dozen-plus herbs. Sides include yuca and french fries, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes, plus wraps and salads for the healthier set. Owner and nightlife vet Zach Renovátes tapped NYC-based Jasin Cadic to install ceiling chicken figurines sporting green hair, Keith Haring-influenced art, and a neon-lit logo of its rowdy namesake saddling a horseshoe. 1357B U Street NW
FALLS CHURCH — Ice Cream Jubilee, a D.C.-born ice cream shop founded by government lawyer-turned-chef Victoria Lai in 2014, opened its sixth location in West Falls Church on Friday, May 9. The store also serves ice cream sandwiches made with Sunday Morning Bakehouse's sea salt chocolate chip cookies. The new scoop shop is open from noon to 9 p.m. daily. 151 W. Falls Station Blvd, Falls Church, Virginia
ARLINGTON — Courthouse's promising summer hot spot dubbed Rooftop Recess debuted Thursday, May 8, with a garden-like interior, happy hour, grilled eats, and a 360-degree view of the neighborhood. 2424 Wilson Blvd Arlington, Virginia
CLEVELAND PARK — NY native Gina Chersevani doubled down on her months-old Buffalo & Bergen with the addition of Carb Bar on Cinco de Mayo. As the name implies, there's plenty of pizza and buttery danishes to choose, from with help from her husband Neil Dundee. The founder of roving pizza pad Eternal Love swears by rye flour to build an array of carbs. The next-level Honey Love hot pocket comes stuffed with imported mortadella, stracciatella, arugula, EVOO, pistachios, Parmesan, and lemon. The sommelier by trade also offers an off-menu selection of rare Italian varietals by the bottle. Rectangular-shaped 'Grandma Pizza' — Chersevani's childhood favorite growing up in Long Island — is en route soon. 3501 Connecticut Avenue NW
H STREET — Two-level Henceforth opened up on Monday, May 5 in the former H Street Country Club space. The retro-styled venture showcases a thorough craft beer list, all brewed in house, and a wine list that ranges from Maryland and Virginia vinos to bottles from the West Coast, Europe, and South Africa. The carefully curated food menu features triple-fried fat fries, beef sliders with charred pepper aioli, and honey Old Bay wings. There's also a succulent, braised beef cheeks sandwich and an array of vegetarian entrees, including charred asparagus or roasted cauliflower on black garlic labneh. The new neighborhood hangout will unveil its sunny rooftop seats soon. 1335 H Street NE
Sign up for our newsletter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
World's top TikTok star Khaby Lame allowed to ‘self-deport' by ICE after attending Met Gala – and then overstaying visa
The world's biggest TikTok star was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Las Vegas and allowed to 'self-deport' after he attended the Met Gala in May and overstayed his visa, officials told The Post. Khaby Lame, 25, — whose real name is Seringe Khabane Lame and who enjoys more than 162 million followers on TikTok — was caught by ICE agents at the Harry Reid International Airport on June 6, putting an end to his American tour. 'US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, June 6, at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada for overstaying the terms of his visa,' a senior Department of Homeland Security official told The Post. Advertisement 4 TikTok star Khaby Lame was allowed to 'self-deport' after being detained by ICE in Las Vegas after he overstayed his visa to attend the Met Gala in May. Photo by'Lame was granted voluntary departure June 6 and has since self-deported the US,' the official added. Lame, who was born in Senegal, had entered the US on April 30 under a temporary visa. Lame had been in New York City last month, attending the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a sharp, grey suit littered with pocket watches. Advertisement The incident went viral after political activist Bo Loudon claimed he personally reported Lame to immigration authorities and alleged that the TikToker was being held at the Henderson Detention Center, in Nevada. Lame, whose social media accounts are filled with humorous clips and videos of his world-trotting exploits, has yet to publicly discuss the incident. 4 Lame has 162 million followers on TikTok. TikTok/@ Although born in West Africa, Lame has spent the majority of his life in Italy, where he joined TikTok during the pandemic out of boredom before his meteoric rise. Advertisement Lame's videos, mostly wordless, captivate viewers with humor conveyed through his comedic body language reacting to videos and online sketches. Lame surpassed social media star Charli D'Amelio as the most followed content creator on TikTok back in 2022, with the Italian citizen maintaining the lead three years and counting. 4 Lame with Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos at the premiere of 'Twisters' in London on July 8, Warner Bros 4 Lame with Shaboozey at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Oakland on Feb. 14, 2025. Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images Advertisement The TikTok star, who previously boasted that he earns millions for his videos, told People Magazine last year that before he found stardom, he worked at a local factory to help support his family.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Adam Lippes Resort 2026: Elegant American Sportswear Gone Global
Adam Lippes admits he treads lightly on inspiration with his collections but a recent trip to Japan helped fuel his creative impulses. 'It is just a logical place where your mind is more open to absorbing the creativity that's around you, so then we try to mix that with what we're trying to say as a brand,' he said of the trip. The collection notes mused about Japan's blend of tradition and modernity, utility and decoration, and its ongoing dialogue with Western culture, particularly through Amekaji, or 'American Casual.' But casual means more that just elevated basics with Lippes' nuanced touch. His pieces are classic staples but imbued with incredible details and luxurious fabrications: Italian double-face satin, lacquered wools, brushed mohair, crinkled metallics. More from WWD George Clooney, Sarah Snook, Nicole Scherzinger and More Stun on the Red Carpet Ahead of the 78th Tony Awards What Happens When a Playwright's Perfume Addiction Goes Too Far? Amber Iman Brings 'Goddess' Alive on the Public Theater Stage Tailoring, his number-one category, is a strong point with jackets shown a bit longer with a nipped waist and slight shoulder pad. Pieces were lined in silk, a detail that underscores his point of difference in the market. 'We're the only U.S. brand to line in silk,' he said of the subtle and luxurious detail. Pair it with his crisp poplin shirting, fluid silk tops, and new 'second-skin' cashmere foundations with knits, and a customer can live in. Over a third of the fabrics were sourced from Japan, including a polished take on deep blue denim with a belted button down and supersized pant. The cultural exchange was seen throughout with balloon pants — a nod to Tokyo construction uniforms — or wrap shirts with yukata sleeves. A high V-neck gown was cut using a traditional Japanese pattern-making technique that shapes the body with a single seam. The country is more than just on his mood board, with plans to open three new points of sale in Japan the next year. The time has come for his 'elegant American sportswear' — already a hit at home — to make his mark internationally. Outside of Japan he shared that another 'yet to be named city' will house his first boutique abroad. He did give a clue, sharing that he's launched e-commerce platforms in the U.K. and Japan. Lippes is on the move, embarking on a fashion cultural exchange with room to grow. Launch Gallery: Adam Lippes Resort 2026 Collection Best of WWD Windowsen RTW Spring 2022 Louis Shengtao Chen RTW Spring 2022 Vegan Fashion Week Returns to L.A. With Nous Etudions, Vegan Tiger on the Runway
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
ICE Breaks Silence After TikTok's Khaby Lame Detained At U.S. Airport
superstar found himself in unexpected legal trouble last week after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas for an immigration violation. Khaby Lame was held on Friday, June 6, at Harry Reid International Airport for overstaying the terms of his visa. 'U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, June 6, at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada for immigration violations,' an ICE spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE. 'Lame entered the United States April 30 and overstayed the terms of his visa.' The spokesperson further clarified that Lame was granted voluntary departure on the same day and has since exited the United States. Rumors of the social media star's detainment had been swirling online over the weekend before the official confirmation from ICE on Monday, June 9. Lame, who became an internet sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic for his hilarious, wordless reactions to overly complicated 'life hack' videos, currently holds the record as the most-followed creator on TikTok. In 2024, he was honored as one of PEOPLE's Creators of the Year, sharing his inspiring journey from modest beginnings to international stardom. 'When I discovered TikTok during COVID, I was making videos for fun. It was a way for all of us to step outside of all the things that were going on in the world,' he told the outlet. 'I was just there trying to make people laugh. It wasn't something that I expected to be my form of work in the future.' Lame was born in Senegal and moved to Italy as a baby, officially gaining Italian citizenship in 2022. Despite his fame, the 25-year-old has stayed grounded, often highlighting his gratitude toward his family. 'The first thing I did with the money I've made is buy a bigger house for my family,' he said. 'We're a family of seven. It's a big family. I don't like to spend a lot of money, but for this, my family has always done so much for me.' LA has become the epicenter of a sweeping immigration enforcement campaign, spearheaded by ICE under directives from President Trump. Following visa overstays like TikTok star Khaby Lame, massive federal raids have targeted schools, workplaces, and even routine check-in appointments, unleashing widespread community backlash. According to CBS News, hundreds of undocumented immigrants who reported for mandatory ICE check-ins at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles were instead taken into custody, with dozens detained overnight in cramped basement holding rooms lacking proper beds and food Attorney Lizbeth Mateo recounted a harrowing case involving a family who appeared for a routine check-in, one parent protected by a stay of removal, and a child who is a U.S. citizen, only to be detained and held overnight in cramped, unsanitary basement cells. Despite having legal safeguards in place, the father remained in custody as of Friday. 'This is something I've never seen before,' Mateo told CBS. 'Under any other circumstance… he would have been released.' The basement detentions were among the most jarring developments in a wave of aggressive ICE operations on June 6, targeting at least 45 people across locations like Home Depot, factories, and the Fashion District. Despite some protesters resorting to throwing rocks and concrete, law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs, drawing criticism over disproportionate force. Amid escalating unrest, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, asserting the protests amounted to 'a form of rebellion." This move bypassed objections from Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who labeled the action unconstitutional and inflammatory. The City of Los Angeles, state leaders, immigrant advocates, and civil rights organizations have denounced the raids and detentions as heavy-handed and potentially unconstitutional. California is now suing the federal government over the deployment, arguing it violates state authority and threatens First Amendment rights, per The Guardian. In the days ahead, the clash between sanctuary policies and federal power will likely shape the future of immigration enforcement. For now, thousands of Americans have their eyes on Los Angeles, where enforcement tactics, detention practices, and military intervention all collide in a monumental showdown.
