Locally-Owned Spots Shine As Best New Restaurants In Vienna
VIENNA, VA — One of the highlights of living in Vienna is undoubtedly the variety of restaurants diners can find. From casual sandwich shops to chef-prepared fine dining, Vienna has no shortage of favorite restaurants.
We asked readers about their favorite new and old restaurants. There was no criteria for new restaurants other than being opened in the last few years.
In the new restaurants category, restaurants receiving multiple votes were The Maple Room, Bear Branch Tavern, Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano, Hawk & Griffin, Evelyn Rose, Nozzo Pazzo and Vienna Thai and Bar and Carnegie Diner (formerly Yellow Diner).
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The Maple Room opened in November 2023 in the former Amphora Restaurant location. The restaurant offers chef-driven cuisine as well as cocktails and a lounge.
Reader David Barnes says The Maple Room’s strong points are “great location, delicious food and cocktails, outdoor section.”
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“We haven’t even been there yet but we hear nothing but positive comments,” added reader Gail Belt. “Plus, for nostalgia reasons, Maple Room is a memory of Amphora.”
Evelyn Rose, another recently opened restaurant, was a replacement for the closed Bazin’s on Church. The restaurant from former Clarity Chef Nick Palermo and Sam Schnoebelen, the general manager of DC’s the Dabney, offers a rotating seasonal menu.
Reader Kathy Isaac says the “joyfulness of new owners shines thru in ambiance and food and staff.”
“The menu and hospitality are first class thanks to Chef Nick and GM Sam, both familiar faces in the local fine dining scene,” adds reader Geno. “The space that formerly housed Bazin’s on Church is almost always bustling.”
Bear Branch Tavern, which opened in 2020, quickly became a favorite restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Aside from the food, diners appreciate the outdoor dining patio the restaurant offers.
On Bear Branch Tavern, reader Christine Fehd says, “Outdoor dining is so rare in this area and their deck is spacious. The open air bar in the back is so fun and I love seeing people standing at the bar when I am driving by.”
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“The outside patio is a delightful place to have lunch or dinner,” added Kathleen Sheridan.
Royal Nepal Bistro is another favorite offering a taste of Nepal. The restaurant opened in 2022, filling a void left by closed Nepalese restaurant Mo:Mo House.
“The food is amazing – every dish is delicious and the owner and staff are extremely welcoming,” an anonymous reader shared.
Notably, two restaurants run by Chef Roberto Donna and owned by his wife, Nancy Sabbagh, made our list. Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano is a favorite for Italian fine dining, while Le Bistro is a French bistro experience in the former Blend 111 space.
Other favorite new restaurants chosen by readers were:
So next time you’re looking for a meal or takeout with your family, you’ve got a long list of Vienna’s many locally-owned restaurants to consider.
Stay tuned for a follow-up story on favorite longstanding restaurants and nostalgic favorites that are no longer open.
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