Episcope Hospitality will soon open two new dining experiences in Northern Virginia: Altitude, a chef-driven Italian restaurant featuring a world-class wine list, bespoke cocktails, and vinyl library set in a state-of-the-art listening room; and Constellation, an all-day café and gourmet market for sipping, snacking, or dining. Located in JBG SMITH’s reimagined 2011 Crystal Drive, Altitude is set to open this spring and Constellation is now open.
“With Altitude and Constellation, we wanted to create two concepts that complement one another while offering distinct experiences,” said Episcope Hospitality founder David Morton. “Altitude is designed for lingering evenings, while Constellation is an energetic space for coffee, meals, and connection.”
Altitude: A “First Class” Midcentury Listening Lounge
Altitude’s design honors the glamour of midcentury air travel. Echoing its proximity to Reagan National Airport, the space features a signature bar designed to resemble an airplane wing cross-section. Custom furnishings create an atmosphere akin to the in-flight lounges of the 1950s and 60s.
Altitude’s list of approximately 70 wines by the bottle and 20 by the glass is thoughtfully selected by an on-premises sommelier, who guides guests through offerings ranging from cult classics to cellar-worthy vintages. The beverage program also features a variety of signature house cocktails, including the ‘Autodromo,’ a spritz paying homage to Emilia-Romagna’s Formula 1 site, and the ‘Acido e Classico,’ a classic New York sour with an Italian twist.
Chefs Mariela Pacheco and Andres Lopez, who have honed their craft in a variety of acclaimed kitchens, including D.C.’s Pineapple and Pearls, lead a menu that balances freshness and vintage; from crudos, handmade pastas, and house-baked breads to aged cheeses, olive oils, and balsamics. Signature dishes include Ricotta Gnocchi with brown butter and sage, and Grilled Branzino with shaved fennel salad and citrus.
Constellation: An All-Day Culinary Hub
Designed as an all-day neighborhood gathering spot, Constellation celebrates the art of fine food and coffee with subtle nods to celestial navigation. Guests can expect specialty espresso and whole bean coffee from some of the best local and national roasters, including D.C.’s Small Planes Coffee. Constellation will also feature a “slow bar,” where guests can enjoy large-format pour-overs prepared counterside.
The café’s made-to-order menu blends comfort with creativity. Guests can enjoy all-day breakfast featuring a Soft Scramble with whipped ricotta, Smoked Salmon Plate on a local whole wheat bagel, or a hearty Breakfast Burrito with house-made chorizo. For lunch, the menu expands to include a gourmet Smashburger with very special sauce and comforting classics like Rigatoni Bolognese, featuring Altitude’s handmade pasta.
A thoughtful retail section will boast house-prepared foods, specialty pantry staples, and elevated snacks, gifts, and office essentials, perfect for workdays and travel times. Sustainability and community remain at the core of both concepts, reflecting Episcope’s commitment to hospitality with purpose.
Constellation and Altitude will open this spring at 2011 Crystal Drive, immediately adjacent to the forthcoming Crystal City to Reagan National Airport Multimodal Connection (CC2DCA) pedestrian bridge, connecting the airport to National Landing; as well as the planned Virginia Railway Express/Amtrak rail station and across the street from a planned 330-key hotel.
For more information on Altitude (@altitude.va) and Constellation (@constellation.va), visit them on Instagram. Additional information at www.episcopehospitality.com or on Instagram and LinkedIn at @episcope.hospitality.
