Floriana to Leave Dupont Circle for Old Town Alexandria

After 47 years in Washington, Italian restaurant Floriana is preparing to leave its 17th Street location in Dupont Circle. Its final day of service there will be December 31, and the restaurant plans to reopen in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

Floriana opened in 1979 and became a gathering place for neighborhood celebrations, anniversaries and Pride festivities. The restaurant has not announced when the Alexandria location will open. The new site is within a mile of the King Street-Old Town Metro stop.

The restaurant said existing gift cards will be accepted at the new location. Floriana also operates locations outside the Washington area, including in Wilmington, Delaware, and North Carolina, and is planning an expansion in Huntsville, Alabama.

Customers responded to the move with sadness on social media, recalling Sunday brunches, a rehearsal dinner and other occasions at the Dupont Circle restaurant. Some said the Alexandria location would be too far away, while another customer said the move might prompt a visit to Old Town.

Floriana thanked its patrons, neighbors, friends and staff for their support and the memories made at the restaurant. It has not given a reason for leaving Washington.