Barbouzard at New Kitchens on the Block. Credit: Albert Ting

A First Look at D.C.’s Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings

5 Minute read

20 Mar 2026

Nevin Martell

Journalist

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New Kitchens On The Block offers a one-day preview of nine upcoming D.C. restaurants, with early tastings from some of the city’s most anticipated openings.

What if you could try D.C.’s most anticipated new restaurants before anyone else gets a reservation? New Kitchens On The Block makes that possible, offering a one-day opportunity to sample dishes from nine upcoming spots before they open, including a new Italian café concept from James Beard Award winner Fabio Trabocchi; Alfie’s, a Thai restaurant by chefs Alex McCoy (Lucky Buns, Monstera) and Justin Ahn (Incheon); and Maurizio’s, a modern Italian restaurant from the team behind fast casual brand Cava and chef Aris Tsekouras (Melina, Bouboulina Steak). (Full disclosure: I am the co-founder of the event.)

A Decade of First Tastes

Over the past decade, the festival has featured more than 100 restaurants, many of which went on to earn major awards and recognition. Notable participants include the two Michelin-starred Jônt; Oyster Oyster by James Beard Award winner Rob Rubba; Marcus DC by multiple James Beard Award winner Marcus Samuelsson; Eater Award winner Providencia; and Daru, which won the RAMMY Award for Best New Restaurant and was named a Best New Restaurant by Bon Appétit.

This edition’s lineup is a diverse mix on every level: well-known chefs alongside up-and-coming talent, fast casual spots and tasting menu experiences, and cuisines spanning the globe. Here’s the full roster:

A to-be-named all-day Italian café by Fabio Trabocchi (Fiola, Fiola Mare)
Alfie’s by Alex McCoy (Lucky Buns, Monstera) and Justin Ahn (Incheon)
Maurizio’s by the team behind fast casual brand Cava and chef Aris Tsekouras (Melina, Bouboulina Steak)
Ebbitt House by the Clyde’s Restaurant Group and Stephen Lyons (The Inn at Little Washington, Matchbox Food Group)
District Larder Co. by Matt Sperber (Any Day Now, Husk)
Phia by Brad Feickert (Soko Butcher, Koma)
Vesper by Rachel Bindel (Tail Up Goat, Lutèce)
Little Birdie by Eric Brannon (Matt & Tony’s)
Itiyah by Sebastien Salomon (The White House, Embassy of Haiti)

Guests will enjoy beer from Right Proper Brewing Company and cocktails made with spirits from Prestige Ledroit. S.Pellegrino is the official water of the event.

How to Attend

The event takes place at Mess Hall (703 Edgewood St NE, Washington, DC 20017) on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Two sessions are available: 12 PM–2 PM and 3 PM–5 PM.

Tickets range from $119 to $159 and are available via Eventbrite. VIP ticket holders receive priority entry and a swag bag with a cookbook hand-selected by the team at Bold Fork Books, along with gifts from sponsors including San-J tamari, illy Coffee, Burlap & Barrel spices, Graza olive oil, and others.