Interested in discovering the freshest new businesses to open in downtown Washington? From a Japanese restaurant to a lobster chain, read on for the newest spots to open in the heart of Washington.
Toryumon Japanese House
1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Step away from the hustle and bustle of Pennsylvania Avenue and head below street level to Toryumon Japanese House, a sushi bar and Asian fusion restaurant.
On the menu, offerings include Japanese classics like sushi, sashimi and hibachi. There are 11 ramen options that range from vegetarian to Tokyo style with tonkotsu broth and pork belly. Also present are Korean-inflected dishes like bulgogi beef steamed buns and japchae (glass noodles stir-fried with veggies and thinly sliced beef).
Toryumon Japanese House's current Yelp rating of 4.5 stars from 12 reviews indicates positive attention from users.
Yelper Kenneth N., who reviewed the restaurant on June 6, wrote, "This new restaurant has good vibes. Clean. Waitstaff was new but good and attentive. Ramen was good and customizable to order with many different toppings."
Yelper Aaron L. wrote, "Great ramen. Great sushi. I definitely will be back. This is my first experience in Toryumon. I have to say, if you like the Asian food, you need to try them out."
Toryumon Japanese House is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon–9 p.m. on Sunday.
M. E. Swing Coffee Roasters
1702 G St. NW
Not a new business but featuring a new look, M. E. Swing Coffee Roasters has reopened its shop after being forced to close while the building in which it is located underwent extensive renovations. Established in 1916, the roastery has another location on 14th Street and also operates Del Ray Coffee Bar and Alexandria Roastery.
The updated shop has received a facelift but is still serving the same artisan coffee, including espresso-based drinks, pour-overs and more.
Yelp users are generally positive about Swing Coffee Roasters, which currently holds four stars out of 211 reviews on the site.
Yelper T. A., who reviewed the coffee shop on March 3, wrote, "Great coffee! Nice staff. The nitro lattes are good. I am in here almost everyday."
Yelper Xufei S. wrote, "Pricey cafe but close to the White House and tourist sites. They do not have Wi-Fi, so one star off for that."
M. E. Swing Coffee Roasters is open from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays. (It's closed on weekends.)
Luke's Lobster Farragut
800 17th St. NW
Luke's Lobster started serving Maine lobster in the East Village of New York in 2009. The business has now opened its third D.C. location near the Farragut West metro station. (Others are in Georgetown and Penn Quarter.)
Luke's Lobster Farragut serves the chain's signature lobster roll — lobster in a split-top bun with melted lemon butter, mayonnaise and seasoning — alongside chowder, salads and sides.
Luke's Lobster currently holds 4.5 stars out of 43 reviews on Yelp, indicating strong reviews.
Yelper Courtney K., who reviewed the new arrival on June 6, wrote, "Bottom line: quality lobster rolls and other crustaceans make Luke's Lobster a delicious and decadent treat."
Sean O. noted, "All three in our workweek lunchtime crowd ordered the lobster roll, and we were not disappointed. The split-top bun allowed for more lobster than I'm used to, and the slide of coleslaw gave me the opportunity to slow down, consider how delicious the lobster was, and return back to it."
Luke's Lobster Farragut is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
