Jan 27, 2026

Snow Day Reset: Best DMV Restaurants to Visit in 2026

Food, Drinks, & Entertainment

Kicking off 2026 with cabin fever after the snow? Getting out to eat is one of the best ways to reconnect with the DC area, support local restaurants, and enjoy a little treat after days at home. The team at Jennifer Young Homes rounded up standout spots across DC, Maryland, and Virginia to put on your post-snow day list.

DC Favorites to Try in 2026

Albi – Navy Yard

Albi offers a warm, stylish space built around wood-fired cooking and Levantine flavors, with dishes that feel both comforting and special—perfect for a celebratory night out after being snowed in. Its creative take on Middle Eastern cuisine, thoughtful service, and inviting atmosphere make it a go-to choice when you finally get a break from the four walls of home.
Instagram: @albiwashington

Jônt – 14th Street Corridor

Jônt is an intimate tasting-menu experience blending American and Japanese influences, with a chef’s-counter vibe that turns dinner into an event. Every course is carefully crafted, making it a fantastic option when you’re ready to splurge on a memorable evening after days of snow and sweatpants.
Instagram: @jont_dc

Moon Rabbit – The Wharf

Moon Rabbit brings bold, modern Vietnamese flavors to a waterfront setting, combining comfort dishes with imaginative twists. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over creative plates and cocktails while taking in the energy of The Wharf once the sidewalks are clear.
Instagram: @moonrabbitdc

Yellow – Union Market & Georgetown

Yellow is a bright, casual café serving Middle Eastern–inspired pastries, sandwiches, and excellent coffee, ideal for a low-key brunch or coffee date after a long snowbound stretch. With its flaky baked goods, flavorful spreads, and cozy vibe, it’s an easy spot to ease back into being out and about.
Instagram: @eatyellowdc

Virginia Standouts for Your Next Night Out

Joon – Tysons

Joon shines with Persian-inspired dishes, from richly spiced stews to beautifully grilled meats, all served in a modern, relaxed space. It’s a great choice when you’re ready to trade your living room for a polished dining room and enjoy a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.
Instagram: @joon.dc

L’Auberge Chez François – Great Falls

L’Auberge Chez François feels like a French country escape tucked right into Great Falls, with classic dishes, cozy dining rooms, and a romantic, special-occasion atmosphere. After a stretch of gray, snowy days, an evening here can feel like a mini vacation without leaving Northern Virginia.
Instagram: @laubergechezfrancois

Mama Chang – Fairfax

Mama Chang serves homestyle Chinese cooking packed with flavor, featuring shareable plates, sizzling stir-fries, and comforting dishes that are perfect for a casual night out. It’s an easy pick for families and friends looking to gather around the table and warm up over generous portions and lively energy.
Instagram: @mamachangva

Aracosia – McLean

Aracosia offers rich Afghan cuisine in a welcoming, elegant space, with fragrant rice dishes, tender meats, and satisfying vegetarian options. The mix of soulful flavors and gracious hospitality makes it a wonderful place to thaw out and reconnect with friends or loved ones after a storm.
Instagram: @aracosia_restaurants

Maryland Must-Visits in 2026

2Fifty BBQ – Riverdale Park

2Fifty BBQ is a destination for Texas-style smoked meats, known for its perfectly rendered brisket, ribs, and classic sides that keep people lining up early. After a long day of shoveling or sledding, a tray piled high with barbecue feels like exactly the kind of reward winter calls for.
Instagram: @2fiftybbq

Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana – Gaithersburg

Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana specializes in blistered, wood-fired Neapolitan pies with high-quality ingredients and a frequently changing menu of seasonal toppings. It’s an easy, family-friendly outing that turns an ordinary night into something special without feeling too formal.
Instagram: @inferno_pizzeria

Caruso’s Grocery – North Bethesda (Pike & Rose)

Caruso’s Grocery channels the charm of a classic red-sauce Italian spot, with favorites like chicken Parm, big bowls of pasta, and nostalgic desserts. The lively atmosphere and comforting dishes make it a perfect place to gather when you’re craving warmth, familiarity, and a fun night out.
Instagram: @carusosgrocery

Beteseb – Silver Spring

Beteseb offers vibrant Ethiopian cuisine, with injera platters, flavorful stews, and a welcoming, homey feel that encourages sharing and lingering. It’s a great way to experience something a little different while still enjoying the cozy, communal feeling we all crave in the colder months.
Instagram: @betesebrestaurant

How Great Food Builds Stronger Neighborhoods

After a big snow, it can be tempting to stay curled up at home, but venturing out to a favorite restaurant—or finally trying a new one—is a simple way to support local jobs, small businesses, and the neighborhoods we all love. At Jennifer Young Homes, we believe loving where you live goes beyond your front door, and the DC region’s dining scene is a huge part of what makes our communities special.

Whether you’re in DC, Northern Virginia, or Maryland, consider this your nudge to bundle up, make a reservation, and enjoy the best the DMV has to offer in 2026. And if a great meal has you dreaming about a new kitchen, walkable neighborhood, or shorter commute, our team is here to help you take the next step in your home journey.

 

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