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Il Radicchio secures liquor license for new Clarendon location

Il Radicchio secures liquor license for new Clarendon location

Built World Arlington, VA local

Arlington restaurant relocates after redevelopment claims its longtime home

September 1st, 2026: Virginia ABC issues liquor license

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Il Radicchio, an Arlington Italian restaurant open since 1994, received its Virginia liquor license for a new Clarendon location on September 1. The license covers 2909 Wilson Boulevard, where the restaurant has served its first diners since early August.

The move was forced by redevelopment. Il Radicchio closed its longtime home at 1801 Clarendon Boulevard in late May, and that site is slated for an eight-story, 188-unit apartment building. The license allows the restaurant to sell alcohol as it shifts to full operations.

Why it matters

A three-decade Arlington restaurant must rebuild its customer base at a new address as redevelopment erases its original home.

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Key Indicators

Since 1994
Years Il Radicchio has operated
The family-run restaurant opened in 1994 and is now moving to a new address.
188
Apartment units planned at former site
Redevelopment of the old 1801 Clarendon Boulevard location calls for an eight-story, 188-unit building.
12,000 sq ft
Ground-floor retail planned at former site
The new apartment building would include 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

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Organizations Involved

Timeline

May 2026 September 2026

3 events Latest: September 1st, 2026 · 4 weeks ago
  1. Virginia ABC issues liquor license

    Latest Licensing

    Virginia ABC issues a restaurant license for Il Radicchio's new location.

  2. First diners at the new Wilson Boulevard home

    Opening

    The restaurant begins serving at 2909 Wilson Boulevard and accepts online orders.

  3. Il Radicchio closes its longtime home

    Relocation

    The restaurant shuts its 1801 Clarendon Boulevard location in advance of redevelopment.

Scenarios

1

Il Radicchio opens full-time at 2909 Wilson Boulevard

Likely Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: ARLnow, which has tracked the relocation

The restaurant already holds its liquor license and has served its first diners. A full opening follows once staffing and setup at the former Mazaro space are complete. The temporary closure sign comes down and the kitchen keeps regular hours.

2

Soft-opening delays stretch into winter

Possible Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: ARLnow, noting the restaurant was still closed during normal hours in late August

The license is in hand, but the restaurant keeps unsteady hours through the holidays. The 'temporarily closed' sign stays up and the kitchen opens intermittently while staff and setup come together.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

September 2020 – 2026

Mazaro at 2909 Wilson Blvd (September 2020–2026)

Mazaro, an Italian restaurant, operated at 2909 Wilson Boulevard starting in September 2020. It occupied the space until Il Radicchio began moving in.

Then

Mazaro vacated, freeing the space for Il Radicchio.

Now

The address remains a restaurant destination in Clarendon.

Why this matters now

Shows the new location is already an established restaurant space.

Before September 2020

Alto Fumo at 2909 Wilson Blvd (before September 2020)

Alto Fumo, another restaurant serving pizza, pasta and drinks, previously operated at the same address.

Then

Alto Fumo gave way to Mazaro.

Now

The location has hosted a series of Italian restaurants.

Why this matters now

Reinforces that the address has long been a rotating home for Italian dining.

Sources

(2)

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