ALEXANDRIA, VA — Hank and Mitzi’s Italian Kitchen is set to open Thursday in Old Town North. The restaurant is a reimagined concept replacing Hank’s Pasta Bar at 600 Montgomery Street.
The restaurant formerly known as Hank’s Pasta Bar closed for renovations in September 2019 and planned to reopen in 2020 under a new name. The restaurant comes from the Jamie Leeds Restaurant Group, which also runs three Hank’s Oyster Bar locations. Chef and restaurateur Jamie Leeds named Hank and Mitzi’s for her parents.
Hank and Mitzi’s menu includes a variety of Italian favorites, from pastas and pizzas to other entrées and desserts. Many of the wines offered on the menu come from Italy, and the cocktails take inspiration from Italian classics. The beer list features seasonal, local and Italian choices. The restaurant has dine-in takeout, dine-in and delivery options available.
The restaurant’s executive chef is Chris Edwards, who joined the restaurant group in 2017 to help open Hank’s Oyster Bar at DC’s Wharf. He completed internships at Michelin Star restaurants in Spain before returning to the U.S. to work for restaurants in DC and Northern Virginia. He has worked at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville, Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor, and under Fabio Trabocchi at the now-closed Maestro in Tysons.
Due to the pandemic, the restaurant is implementing numerous health procedures for diners. A mask is required to enter the dining room and patio spaces, and it must be worn when not eating or drinking. The menu is accessible through QR codes posted on tables, or single-use menus by request. Disposable utensils, condiments, and single-use menus are available upon request. Each person in the dining party must order at least one item, and only credit cards and gift cards are accepted as payment.