Our Story
Crafted by a Chef. Defined by Neighbors.
The Majestic by Chef Santiago Lopez is crafted to feel like part of the rhythm of Old Town. Welcoming, polished, and effortlessly reliable. A place for weeknight dinners that turn into conversations at the bar, for familiar faces and new introductions, for celebrations both planned and spontaneous.
"Rooted in community and shaped by the guests who return again and again."
~ Chef Santiago Lopez
The New American menu is comforting yet considered, with bright Mediterranean undertones. Expect layers of flavor and intention built on familiar comforts. Same neighborhood spirit. A fresh point of view.
Meet Chef Santiago Lopez
Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Santiago Lopez discovered his calling for cuisine while studying Engineering at the University of Central Florida in 2001. Drawn by a growing passion for food, Santiago made the bold decision to leave his studies and pursue a culinary career full-time.
He began his culinary journey at Café Tu Tu Tango, before securing a Sous Chef position at The Peabody Hotel, where he trained under classically trained Corporate Executive Chef Karl Edlbauer. The experience provided a strong technical foundation and sharpened his appreciation for discipline, consistency, and execution.
Santiago later returned to Café Tu Tu Tango as Executive Sous Chef, quickly becoming an indispensable leader within the kitchen. Known for his refined palate, creativity, and steady leadership, he helped shape menus and mentor teams while deepening his expertise across a range of cuisines, including Asian, Spanish, and Italian.
After being named Executive Chef, Santiago relocated to Alexandria, Virginia, where he assumed leadership roles across several cornerstone restaurants within Alexandria Restaurant Partners, including Palette 22 and Vola’s Dockside Grill.
After years of growing within Alexandria Restaurant Partners leading kitchens, mentoring teams, and helping define the culinary direction of several flagship restaurants, Santiago’s journey has come full circle. He is now the owner of The Majestic, a restaurant he continues to help build and evolve. His ownership marks a natural next chapter, rooted in trust, continuity, and a deep commitment to the Old Town community The Majestic has long served.
Under Santiago’s leadership, The Majestic is being reimagined as a warm, polished, and effortlessly reliable neighborhood restaurant, one where weeknight dinners are designed to turn into conversations at the bar, familiar faces mix with new introductions, and both planned celebrations and spontaneous moments feel equally at home. The forthcoming New American menu will balance comfort with intention, offering layered, bright nuances while remaining grounded in a sense of place shaped by the guests who return again and again.
Santiago is a graduate of Valencia College and remains deeply committed to building kitchens, restaurants, and communities that thrive together.