Restaurants

It’s the latest move for owner Mahmoud Farah, who first opened Scott’s Shawarma in Scott’s Addition in 2022, before moving that location to to the Fan last year.

It was another busy year for the local restaurant scene. Don’t miss this recap of all the notable openings, closings and changes of ownership, as well as a list of new spots set to open in 2025.

Behind the nautical-themed restaurant are Herbie Abernethy and Josh Novicki, owners of Cobra Cabana and Hot For Pizza in Carver.

With plans for a portrait-taking station and arcade, Mugshot Coffee will feature a portrait-taking station and arcade, in addition to the usual coffee shop fare.

District Chicken & Gyro, a growing fast-casual chain, has taken over the longtime NuVegan Cafe space on Grace Street.

Whisk will take over the space in the state library that was formerly occupied by Can Can Cafe, a now-shuttered spinoff concept of Carytown-based French restaurant Can Can Brasserie.

The Oregon Hill building that long housed Mamma Zu is set to come back to life, as Restaurant Adarra is preparing to open there after five years in Jackson Ward. 

“This place looks like if an old-school luncheonette, a kosher deli and a Latino spot in the Bronx all got married,” Carlos Londoño said of his new Queens Comfort Latin Kitchen and Cocktails, which opens today in Shockoe Slip.

Shagufta Sajid is preparing to open The Biryani Corner, a similar concept to her longtime Noorani Kabab House in the West End.

Owner Ann Butler said running the restaurant has become too challenging while also overseeing the other arms of her Edible Education Group. She has two offers under consideration from buyers who would keep 21 Spoons running.