Alexandria Gets a Sweet Taste of the Middle East with Mamillá Chocolatier

Alexandria VA – A new destination for chocolate and Middle Eastern-inspired specialties is taking shape in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood. Signs have appeared in the windows at 2400A Mount Vernon Ave., announcing that Mamillá Chocolatier is coming soon. One sign offers a tantalizing hint about the new business: “SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL is brewing.”

The storefront was previously home to Boccato, known for European-style gelato and casual snacks such as cheese fondue and Belgian fries. The opening will bring a new concept with a distinctly different flavor profile to the Mount Vernon Avenue corridor centered on chocolate, nuts and flavors inspired by the Middle East.

A Family Affair Rooted in Heritage

According to Mohammad Abdel-Hay (Mo), who owns La’Baik with his family, Mamillá Chocolatier will be helmed by his brother, Sam. The new venture also builds on the family’s existing connection to Del Ray. La’Baik operates just a block away at 2309 Mount Vernon Ave. Mamillá Chocolatier becomes another family-led food business adding to the neighborhood’s growing and diverse dining scene. La’Baik’s menu already introduces diners to Mediterranean flavors, while Mamillá is expected to take the family’s culinary offerings in a sweeter—and potentially more adventurous—direction.

The family plans to feature a selection of sweet and savory foods inspired by their traditional regional flavors. With its focus on chocolate, nuts and Middle Eastern-inspired sweet and savory specialties, Mamillá Chocolatier is poised to add another distinctive food destination to one of Alexandria’s most vibrant commercial corridors.

While the complete menu has not yet been announced, the concept is expected to offer Del Ray residents an opportunity to explore a new range of treats and specialty foods.

The Meaning Behind Mamillá

The name Mamillá, pronounced məmɪlə, carries a connection to Jerusalem. Mamilla is primarily associated with a historic neighborhood and upscale commercial district located just outside Jerusalem’s Old City near Jaffa Gate. For a new business centered on food, gathering and flavors connected to the family’s heritage, the name gives Alexandrians a clue about the inspiration behind the concept before the first chocolate is even served.

The name Mamillá adds a deeper cultural connection to the family’s new venture. Mamilla is a historic area of Jerusalem near the Old City’s Jaffa Gate that has long been associated with commerce and community. Today, the area includes a prominent pedestrian district linking the modern city with Jerusalem’s historic Old City.

The name adds another layer of cultural connection to a business that plans to draw inspiration from the family’s heritage and the flavors of the Middle East.

No Opening Date Yet

Alexandrians eager to sample the new offerings will need to wait a little longer. An opening date has not yet been announced as the business continues its build-out and works to obtain the necessary city permits. For now, the window signs at 2400A Mount Vernon Ave. are providing the first public glimpse of what is planned for the Del Ray storefront.

So, Alexandria, what are you hoping to find behind the doors when “something beautiful” finally opens in Del Ray?