Judging by the exciting array of new restaurants coming later this year, it looks like DC’s dining scene is robustly weathering the economic storm. We've already filled you in on Eola, but what else is on the way?
Acqua al 2: This Florence, Italy, export should finally raise its flag on Capitol Hill sometime this fall (212 Seventh St. SE).
Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca: Mid-September is the target for this sleek Downtowner, which will offer a polished, rustic Italian menu (1100 New York Ave. NW).
Birch & Barley: It’s been brewing for some time now, but within the next few weeks, this Logan Circle duplex focused on beer will start pumping out some 50 draft choices, which can be enjoyed downstairs in the American dining room, helmed by chef Kyle Bailey (ex NYC’s Allen & Delancey), or in the upstairs pub, Churchkey (1337 14th St. NW).
Buddha Bar: DC nightlife will get a boost this fall when this Asian-themed international hot spot opens an outlet in the Convention Center area (455 Massachusetts Ave. NW).
Carmine’s: Opening this winter in the Penn Quarter, this NYC-bred mega-eatery will seek to prove that ‘more is more’ when it comes to Italian dining (425 Seventh St. NW).
Cork Market: In the next few weeks, the über-popular Cork Wine Bar will get this offshoot selling wine, beer and specialty foods. An open kitchen will prepare sandwiches and some of its menu for carryout, while upstairs will be a space for wine tastings and special events (1805 14th St. NW).
Diamond District Seafood Co.: Slated for late 2009, this ambitious project helmed by chef Barton Seaver will showcase sustainable seafood in a market and restaurant near Logan Circle (1612 14th St. NW).
8407: Former Nicaro chef-owner Pedro Matamoros will be opening this modern American spotlighting small plates and charcuterie in the former Luau Hut space in Silver Spring, possibly as soon as October (8407 Ramsey Ave).
G Street Food: Bread mavens are salivating at the news that Mark Furstenberg (creator of Bread Line and Marvelous Market) will be baking Montreal-style bagels and serving street foods from around the world at this informal Downtown cafe that could arrive as early as October (1706 G St. NW).
Galileo III: Roberto Donna will preside over the third incarnation of his top-flight Italian in Downtown, where he’ll be launching a revival of the multicourse meals he crafted in Laboratorio; hopefully it'll be open in time for truffle season (600 14th St. NW).
Kellari Taverna: This Greek arrives from NYC in the former Restaurant K space later this fall, with a menu featuring fancy seafood dishes, spanakopita and the like (1700 K St. NW).
Kushi: This Japanese izakaya (a pub that serves food) will open sometime this fall in the burgeoning neighborhood near the Convention Center, with a robata fire pit for grilling whole fish and meat – plus sushi and shochu on the menu (465 K St. NW).
Masa 14: Chef Antonio Burrell (ex Commonwealth) will be at the stoves of this Latin-Asian small-plates concept, a collaboration between Kaz Okochi (Kaz Sushi Bistro) and Richard Sandoval (Zengo), slated to open in a few weeks above Logan Circle (1825 14th St. NW).
Morso: Turkish fare will be given a modern, seasonal spin by chef Ed Witt, an SF and NYC transplant, at this compact Georgetown spot due in a few weeks (3277 M St. NW).
Pacci’s: Artisanal pizza in a rustic Silver Spring setting will be one focus of this wine bar from Mrs. K’s Toll House co-owner Spiro Gioldasis; a retail wine and beer outlet will also be part of the operation (8113 Georgia Ave.).
Ris: It looks like this long-awaited West End bistro from chef Ris Lacoste (ex 1789), serving her signature seasonal American food, will debut in the next few months (2275 L St. NW).
Ted’s Bulletin: Matchbox talents plan to strike a different chord with their second Capitol Hill venture, which will give American comfort food (meatloaf and milkshakes) and classic cocktails a trendy spin in an art deco setting (505 Eighth St. SE).