{Keeping you up to date on the absolute latest in restaurant openings in the DC Metro area.

NEKO PANCHI: UPSIDE ON MOORE

1700 N. Moore Street, Level M2, Rosslyn, VA UPSIDE on Moore has officially welcomed Neko Panchi as its newest vendor at their food hall. Helmed by husband and wife duo Chef Saran "Peter" Kannasute and Cici Yang, Neko Panchi comes to UPSIDE from the team behind Yume Sushi, in Falls Church. DMV favorites, the couple also operates Kyojin and Rimtang in Georgetown. The Neko Panchi menu includes customizable Bao Buns, and a creative “Make Your Own” style of hand rolls and sushi sandwiches, along with Yakitori style small street bites (menu attached). Meaning “cat punch” in Japanese, Neko Panchi is open Monday - Saturday, with a $13 lunch special available Monday - Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
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{What’s in that empty storefront? Which favorite chef is opening up where, and when? All those details and more in Coming Soon.

RYE BUNNY

PROJECTED OPENING: Spring 2026 1827 Adams Mill Road NW At the end of the year, Jill Tyler and Jon Sybert will close their critically acclaimed restaurant, Tail Up Goat, to make way for Rye Bunny, a new rigorously seasonal and hospitality-forward counter-service restaurant opening next year at the same address. Drawing from folk craft traditions, the 84-seat space will be revitalized by EDIT AT STREETSENSE, featuring a warm, layered design anchored by rag rugs, patchwork tile floors, vintage chairs, and an eclectic art collection, all illuminated by string lights and paper lanterns. Inspired by time spent staging at genre-bending, fine-casual restaurant Birdie's in Austin, TX, Tyler and Sybert are bringing the innovative model to their hometown, setting a new bar for elevated counter-service dining in D.C. Rye Bunny will showcase hyper-seasonal, craveable dishes with an unexpected twist—Sybert’s culinary hallmark. Drawing on relationships with the farmers and purveyors he has worked with over two decades, Sybert’s weekly-changing menu will highlight ingredients from the very food system he has helped shape, working closely with producers to fine-tune what they grow. While Rye Bunny’s counter service model primarily prioritizes walk-ins, two tables per night will be available to reserve through OpenTable.
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All the food news that you can use.

The Official Kick Off To The Holiday Season:...

The holiday season officially begins with a clink: DC Cocktail Week is back December 1–7, bringing more than 130 bars and restaurants together for a weeklong celebration of the region’s mixology and culinary creativity. Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) in partnership with Events DC, this annual favorite invites everyone to explore exclusive cocktail-and-bite pairings at one set price. Talk about a delicious way to toast the season. DC Cocktail Week’s roster reads like a who’s who of the region’s award-winning dining scene. Look for specials and pairings from:– Jane Jane – 2025 RAMMYS Cocktail Program of the Year– Tune Inn– 2025 RAMMYS Best Bar of the Year– Baan Mae – From Seng Luangrath, 2025 RAMMYS Restaurateur of the Year– Tapori – From Suresh Sundas, 2025 RAMMYS Rising Culinary Star– Bresca – Michelin One Star– Amparo Fondita, Laos in Town, Oyamel, Resident’s Cafe, Sababa – All Michelin Bib Gourmand honorees Each participating spot builds its own signature pairing, showcasing the talent and palate of the region’s best bartenders and chefs. Throughout the week, look for: Cocktail classes, pairing dinners, spirited happy hours and tasting events Special Events to Get on Your Radar inlcude:– Dec. 1–7, 3–6 PM – Holiday-Themed Social Hour on the heated waterfront terrace at Jula’s on the Potomac (Old Town)– Wed, Dec. 3, 5–8 PM – The History of the Cocktail: A Spirited Progression dinner at Matt & Tony’s (Del Ray)– Thu, Dec. 4, 5–7 PM – Local spirits tasting with Baltimore Spirits Co., Capitoline & Aperitivi at Motorkat (Takoma Park)– Fri, Dec. 5, 4–8 PM – Holiday cheer at Merry Pin (Petworth)– Sat, Dec. 6, 5–9 PM – Holiday Boat Parade Rooftop Party at the InterContinental at The Wharf (tickets required) Explore participating restaurants, and the full lineup of events at dccocktailweek.com.
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Tune in regularly to hear Nycci Nellis talk food trends and news on WTOP Radio.

Nycci Nellis on WTOP: Halloween Food, Drinks &...

Join Nycci Nellis as she brings her signature energy and insider expertise to WTOP for this Halloween 2025 segment! From spooky sips and creative culinary treats to the hottest happenings around the DMV, Nycci breaks down everything you need to make your Halloween weekend delicious, festive, and unforgettable. Perfect for food lovers, event seekers, and anyone looking to celebrate the season in style.
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Take a deep dive into the Industry and beyond.

Allow Us To Introduce...Tom Sietsema: An...

Hey, it’s Industry Night, and I’m kicking off a brand-new residency with the YUME Group, coming to you from their stunning spot tucked into Cady’s Alley in Georgetown — and trust me, if you know, you know. I’ve known Chef Peter Kannasute and his partner-in-life-and-operations Cici Kannasute for years, and I couldn’t be more excited to spend the next few months exploring their evolving culinary world and the creative force that fuels it.First up, I sit down with the trio behind YUME: Jeff King — Co-Founder and Managing Partner, the visionary builder who turns dreams into tangible spaces; Chef Peter Kannasute — Co-Founder, Culinary Director, and Executive Chef, the meticulous craftsman behind every flavor; and Cici Kannasute — Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and COO, the heartbeat that keeps the whole operation in rhythm. Together, they share how one unforgettable omakase experience led to a partnership — and how that partnership grew into three distinctive restaurants: YUME (the dream), KYOJIN (the bold evolution), and RIMTANG (a vibrant homage to Thai street flavors). Then I’m joined by Tom Sietsema, who, after 25 years, 1,200 reviews, 50 dining guides, and countless reader letters, has officially laid down his critic’s pen at The Washington Post. Tom and I dive deep into his incredible career — the highs, the challenges, and the changing landscape of dining and criticism in DC and beyond. From the early days of anonymity to the rise of social media food culture, we talk about what’s next for restaurants, for critics, and for all of us who love to eat, explore, and tell the story of food.Listen to the full episode here or watch it here.  
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