The restaurant will open in the space vacated by Virginia’s Darling in Old Town.
By
Maggie Roth
December 5, 2025 at 4:53 pm
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Floriana, an Italian restaurant in Washington, DC, is expanding with a new location in Old Town Alexandria, The Washington Business Journal reported. It’s expected to open in late spring or early summer, the restaurant confirmed.
The new restaurant will be at 277 S. Washington St., where Virginia’s Darling was before closing in December 2024. The restaurant will span about 5,800 square feet, including an outdoor patio space and an atrium, with seating for between 140 and 160 guests, according to WBJ.
Floriana’s DC location opened in 1979 in Dupont Circle. It serves Northern Italian dishes like short rib agnolotti, lamb gnocchi, and Tuscan seared scallops. It’s open for dinner daily and brunch on Sundays.
Unlike the original DC location, the Alexandria location plans to open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It could include some of the same dishes as the original spot, as well as new menu items like pizza, happy hour specials, and a raw bar, according to WBJ.
Floriana also recently announced an upcoming expansion to Huntsville, Alabama, where it will open a new space in 2026. The Huntsville location will have its “authentic Italian favorites,” as well as new offerings like pizza, burgers, and a raw bar.
Feature image of 277 S. Washington St., Alexandria, courtesy Avison Young
Dining and Cooking