Photo courtesy of Cultivate Hospitality
Chef Santiago Lopez is the new owner of The Majestic in Old Town Alexandria
One of Old Town Alexandria’s most beloved dining institutions is entering an exciting new era. On Friday, April 10, The Majestic is reopening under the ownership and creative direction of Chef Santiago Lopez, who has purchased the restaurant from Alexandria Restaurant Partners and is unveiling a reimagined concept designed to honor its legacy while introducing a fresh, chef-driven vision.
For Lopez, the moment represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal achievement. A classically French-trained chef and hospitality veteran, Santiago has spent years growing within Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP), where he developed his skills, leadership style, and culinary voice across multiple respected concepts.
The restaurant has a long history in Alexandria and has attracted notable celebrities including Michelle Obama and the Obama daughters who brought their grandmother Marian Shields Robinson to the restaurant for her birthday while President Obama was in office. Another big-name guest was actor Robert Pattinson.
The restaurant first opened in 1932 at 622 King St. by restaurateur John Gadonas. The eatery relocated in 1949 and is something of a landmark with its Art Deco look and neon sign. Chef Cathal Armstrong, who also ran Restaurant Eve, helmed the establishment beginning in 2007 before it changed hands.
Through Lopez's work with ARP, he gained hands-on experience in building menus, leading teams, and understanding what it takes to operate successful neighborhood restaurants. Purchasing The Majestic marks the culmination of years of dedication and growth, allowing Lopez to step into ownership and bring his full vision to life for the first time.
“This restaurant has always been special to this community, and my goal is to create a place that feels familiar and welcoming, but also exciting and intentional,” says Lopez. “I’ve poured myself into every part of it. From the food to the atmosphere, focusing on bright, balanced flavors and thoughtful ingredients to create a place that feels welcoming, exciting, and worth returning to again and again.”
Photo courtesy of Alexandria Restaurant Partners
The Majestic
The Majestic
Borne from years of dining at Mediterranean restaurants and exploring their vibrant, ingredient-driven approach, Lopez’s new menu reflects his love for bright, layered flavors and thoughtful composition. His cooking is grounded in classic French foundations, then brought to life with Mediterranean elements such as preserved lemons, cumin, sumac, za’atar, fresh herbs, and citrus – ingredients chosen to add brightness and depth to every dish.
The result is New American cuisine that feels both comforting and contemporary: balanced, herb-forward, and designed to open the palate rather than overwhelm it. Fresh salads, carefully prepared seafood, housemade pastas, and refined takes on classic favorites sit alongside signature plates that encourage guests to gather, share, and linger.
Photo courtesy of Cultivate Hospitality
Seared Scallops and Saffron Rice
The new menu showcases this philosophy throughout, with offerings ranging from Saffron P.E.I. Mussels and Duck & Pancetta Dumplings with butternut squash crema to Lobster Pot Pie with preserved lemon, Mushroom Risotto with porcini crema and truffle aioli, Pan Roasted Dorade with fennel-olive relish, and Roasted Lamb Shank with mascarpone polenta. Beloved staples like the Majestic Burger and Steak Frites remain.
In addition to dinner service, The Majestic will offer lunch, weekend brunch and weekday happy hour. The lunch menu highlights shareable starters, refined sandwiches, and lighter entrées, including Artichoke and Lobster Dip, Prime French Dip, Halloumi and Salmon BLT sandwiches, and seasonal salads. Weekend brunch brings together comforting classics and elevated specialties such as Chicken and Waffles with hot honey, Smoked Salmon and classic Benedicts, Braised Brisket Hash, Blueberry Pancakes, and Florentine Omelettes, alongside signature breakfast plates.
Photo courtesy of Cultivate Hospitality
Cocktails at The Majestic
During happy hour, guests can enjoy specially priced small plates, salads, and shareable boards, perfect for gathering after work or meeting friends at the bar.
Complementing the food program is a thoughtfully curated cocktail and beverage menu designed to match the restaurant’s layered, approachable style. Signature cocktails include the Saffron Spritz - saffron-basil Citadelle Gin, Strega, Cocchi Americano, Bittercube Trinity Bitters, prosecco, Margarita Alla Caipirinha - Serrano Leblon Cachaça, lime, lime cordial, citrus fennel salt, and Rosita Bianca - pineapple-infused Campo Bravo Reposado tequila, Cocchi Americano, Bonal Gentiane-Quina, Trinity Bitters, alongside a robust wine list and classic spirits selection.
Alongside the culinary transformation, The Majestic is also undergoing a thoughtful interior refresh designed to reflect its new chapter under Lopez’s leadership. The reimagined space will feature a richly layered palette of hunter green, gold accents and warm burgundy tones, with custom murals, statement lighting and curated artwork displayed gallery-style throughout the restaurant. Highlights include a redesigned foyer with a ceiling mural and chandelier, a mural-lined bar anchored by a vintage mirror sourced from a neighboring King Street business and a dramatic gold-textured transition into the dining room.
The dining space itself will showcase framed wallpaper panels, art deco-inspired patterns and thoughtfully selected furnishings, while stairways, hallways and restrooms will be elevated with floral wall coverings, marble-topped vanities, brass fixtures, and bespoke lighting sourced from small businesses.
At its core, the renewed Majestic remains rooted in community, built around connections between neighbors, regulars, and first-time visitors. With new ownership, a reimagined menu, and a refreshed environment ahead, the restaurant is poised to reintroduce itself as both a cherished institution and a vibrant, forward-looking destination shaped by craftsmanship and the vision of a chef ready to make his mark.
The Majestic will open to the public on Friday, April 10. Hours of operation are as follows: Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–11 p.m.. Weekend brunch will be served Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.–3 p.m., and Happy Hour Monday–Friday, 3–7 p.m.. Address: 911 King St. in Alexandria.
