Restaurant Opening: Lena’s Wood-fired Pizza and Tap in Alexandria

We took a sneak peak at Lena’s Wood-fired Pizza and Tap last week, and think it’s time we all get some giant meatballs and pizza. Lena’s, located at 401 E. Braddock Street and steps from the Braddock Metro Station, will be opening this week from 5pm-12am daily.

The Neapolitan-style pizza dough and pastas are made fresh and twice daily in a room that’s visible from the street. Beyond this window are a variety of seating options inside and another 68 on the patio, which includes several surrounding the fire pit – a feature we consider will be one of the most coveted lounging spots in Alexandria.

From the Alexandria Restaurant Partner’s Corporate Executive Chef Graham Duncan and Lena’s Chef Mauro Molino (extensive experience in Torino, Italy) the restaurant holds nothing back when crafting authentic and modern interpretations of classic Italian cuisine. However, for those thinking just another pizza place – Lena’s is anything but that. The highlight and must order of the menu may in fact be what is anything but a simple meatball. Known as The Great Meatball, this 100% all beef specialty includes a center of melted mozzarella. You can order this on top of spaghetti, but don’t be shy  – go ahead and order this solo to take advantage of the masterpiece.

A restaurant with “pizza” in the title must make great pizza, and don’t worry – Lena’s does. If you’re trying to think outside of the box, order the Korean BBQ pizza (Korean BBQ short ribs, gochujang, scallions, fresh mozzarella, pickled peppers & carrots). To give fair warning this pizza will be on the spicy side, as is one of Chef Duncan’s favorites, the Diavola (spicy sopressata salami, mozzarella, fried kale, and ghost pepper hot honey).

From we can tell, it would be a tragedy to skip dessert. We sampled the Bunet and the Nutella Pizza, both of which were the perfect way to end a meal. Let’s be honest, you say nutella and you have us at “hello”.

The interior was brought to life by Paul Beckmann of Beckmann Architects, and will attract attention with the floor to ceiling windows and the warm, modern rustic design. We already see ourselves dining with friends at the long wooden communal table – when we aren’t perched at the bar, that is.

From our first glance there appears to be something for everyone at this new Alexandria restaurant. Keep your eyes open, because the hours will expand shortly and brunch is just around the corner.