Yunnan By Potomac Closes In Alexandria, Plans Relocation To Arlington

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Another restaurant has departed the Montgomery Center in Old Town North ahead of redevelopment but will relocate close by. Yunnan by Potomac will reopen in Pentagon City on Wednesday at 721 15th St. S Unit 150, Arlington, VA.

"Our Old Town Alexandria location was an incredible journey, and the community’s love for our cuisine has been deeply inspiring," said Chef and Owner Shao Bruce. "With our new Pentagon City location, we’re excited to bring even more people together to celebrate the rich flavors inspired by the Yunnan province in southwest China."

Yunnan by Potomac Noodle House specializes in dishes from the Yunnan region of southwest China. Mixian noodle dishes are at the heart of the menu along with small plates, bao buns, jiaozi dumplings, shaokao barbecue and sweets.

At the new Pentagon City location, Yunnan will introduce a weekend brunch menu with fusion dishes like Tea-Smoked Salmon Benedict and Scallion Pancake Breakfast Tacos. A new cocktail menu features offerings like the lychee-infused Dragon Blossom, as well as the cucumber, gun and elderflower combination of Jade Emperor.

Take-Home Family Feasts featuring favorite dishes will be another addition. Cocktail Making Classes and Dumpling Making Classes will also be offered to help diners learn authentic Yunnanese cuisine.

"We’re thrilled to bring more space and new experiences to our growing community," said Shao. "The Pentagon City location allows us to expand our offerings while staying true to the heart of what makes Yunnan special: authentic flavors, exceptional hospitality, and a vibrant celebration of culture."

The opening in Pentagon City Wednesday coincides with Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in Chinese culture and several other countries. Yunnan by Potomac will celebrate with special dishes — Live Caught Whole Norwegian King Crab to celebrate the season's best flavors, Longevity Mixian Noodles to bring longevity and health, Lucky Jiaozi Dumplings to bring prosperity and Crispy Whole Red Snapper to bring abundance and joy.

Yunnan by Potomac had opened in Alexandria's Old Town North in February 2019. It was one of the businesses impacted by redevelopment plans for the Montgomery Center, a block of business tenants. In 2023, developer Carr Companies received approval for a redevelopment of Montgomery Center into a mixed-use development with a multifamily residential building, an arts and culture anchor, ground floor retail and two public plazas.

Some businesses have already closed or relocated in preparation for the redevelopment. Thanida Thai, Crooked Beat Records and Salon Kate & Spa are a few of the businesses that have moved to new locations within Alexandria. A La Lucia closed and is not reopening in a new location.