Slurp Noodles and Ramen at Wagamama

Wagamama, the beloved London-born pan-Asian noodle bar that has won a global following since opening its first location in Bloomsbury in 1992, brought its first D.C.-area outpost to Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood, taking over the 5,100-square-foot space at 2950 Clarendon Blvd formerly occupied by the nightclub Ozio. The brand’s guiding philosophy is “kaizen” — the Japanese principle of continuous improvement — applied to every aspect of the food and guest experience. The result is a vibrant, communal dining room with long shared tables, an open kitchen, and a menu that draws on Japanese, Korean, Thai, and broader Asian cooking traditions with confidence and freshness.

Signature dishes include tonkotsu, chicken ramen, and spicy seafood ramen; teppanyaki chicken and beef; katsu curry; pad thai; and rice and noodle bowls loaded with bright, clean flavors. The restaurant is an OpenTable Diners’ Choice winner and one of the most consistently praised spots in Clarendon. A newly launched bar menu includes Asian-inspired small plates — Korean BBQ wings with yuzu-mint yogurt, wagyu sliders, roti canai with spiced dipping curry — and creative cocktails like the Thai Chili Margarita and Lychee Blood Orange Sangria, all under $9.95. An expansive patio opens to the street in warm weather. Hours are Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Visit wagamama.us or call (571) 901-9242.