Wagamama is finally opening its first DMV location

It's 2008. D.C. ramen staples Toki Underground and Daikaya are still years away from opening. And British-born Wagamama just announced they're expanding to D.C.

• Fast forward 16 years and a huge D.C. ramen wave later, and the first DMV branch of Wagamama U.S. — the eighth in the country — is opening in Clarendon on Thursday.

Why it matters: If the adage, "Good things come to those who wait" is true, we're in for some very good ramen.

Zoom out: Wagamama was early on the ramen trend in the UK, opening its first location in London in 1992.

• The chain now claims over 200 locations worldwide. Wagamama US brought the brand stateside over a decade ago.

Flashback: Wagamama US has teased, scouted, and even signed a lease for a D.C.-area location over the years before refocusing plans on expanding elsewhere in the states.

• After a shift in ownership and a global pandemic later, they landed on the former Oz space in Clarendon.

Dig in: The big noodle shop — 131 seats inside between communal tables and booths, 47 seats outdoors — serves Wagamama's core menu of shared plates (dumplings, bao buns), rice and noodle bowls, Japanese curries and ramen.

• Wagamama's ramen broths are entirely chicken-based. The stock bolsters a variety of bowls like grilled duck ramen, spicy shrimp, and kimchi or chili-chicken (there's also vegan).

The intrigue: The brand is hyping its Arlington location as a semi-wellness brand (tagline: "eating positively") and has a partnership with Clarendon's SoulCycle where riders can get Wagamama rewards.

• The shop is opening with a fresh juice program, though diners can swing the pendulum and dig into crispy chicken karaage with a matcha mule or Vietnamese espresso martini.

If you go: Wagamama , 2950 Clarendon Blvd. An opening party is planned for August 1 at 7:30pm. Tickets ($40) include a welcome drink, tastings, happy hour deals, and DJ tunes.

Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Washington Dc.