The wait staff was excellent, so was the wine and appetizers-Beet salad and escargot were excellent. Unfortunately the angel hair pasta was very lumpy and seafood was over cooked. The vegetables with white fish were over cooked too. The desert was great especially the creme brûlée. read more

Cafe Renaissance is the best! We went there tonight for our 17th wedding anniversary, and it did not disappoint! The great food and ambiance was matched only by the hospitality of the staff! The Diver Scallops are a must as is their Limoncello cake and Cream Puff! They even made an Old Fashioned that tasted like the best parts of fall! We WILL be coming back! No wonder Cafe Renaissance has been recognized by both Zagats and Trip Advisor! I'm in a food coma and humming a positive tune! Thank you SO much Cafe Renaissance for making our anniversary so enjoyable!Limoncello Cake read more

It's like you have been transported to Paris, that is what Cafe Renaissance makes you feel like. It's not often when you find a gem like Cafe Renaissance that has top quality French cuisine combined with top tier service and warmth of family. They remember your name, are welcoming and incredibly warm. As soon as you arrive, they are attentive and remember what you like and make you feel right at home. Thank you to Mr. Saeed, Chef Ocean, and Wes, they make every meal a delightful experience. We love French food and it's not often that you can find the ambience, cuisine and the warmth family feeling in one place. Additionally, the portions are incredible for the price. You will not be disappointed. read more

This is a wonderful restaurant for any occasion. They make every visit a memory. The chef is first rate. We both had Dover sole. However our table mates had the chateaubriand and it looked excellent too. Be sure and try the Irish coffee prepared table side. 5 plus stars on food and service. read more

Cafe Renaissance - French Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

Five choices of tea, superb tea sandwiches and sweets! A perfect way to celebrate my mother's birthday. Service was friendly, accommodating and efficient. Highly recommend!! read more

Cafe Renaissance - Birthday tea celebration. - French Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

The food was delicious! However, the restaurant owner walked up to our table and asked us to leave before we had finished with our dessert and coffee, which soured the ending to a really nice time. I don't think I'll be able to return if the place remains under such disappointing and unprofessional management. read more

Excellent service and food. We came to the restaurant to have dinner and were welcomed warmly by the owner. We each had seafood and the peach salad, both of which were delicious. The dessert tapas plate was excellent. We will definitely be back! read more

We had Thanksgiving dinner for 11 of our family. We were accommodated very nicely, with a special table. We had a wonderful dinner, with attentive service and delicious food. read more

Spent a date night here and it was an amazing experience! Highly recommend for anyone. The owner greeted us very well with warm welcome. The interior is elegant. We had rack of lamb and filet mignon. Both great! Filet mignon is juicy and tender. We were treated with a complementary dessert from madam. The dessert looks so cute, not too sweet. Definitely will come back! read more

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Great food and service with the one of best wine lists in Nova.Have been impressed with menu options , everything that I have ordered was great,my favorite place for a special occasion or just nice family dinner. read more

My husband called and asked if they room for 2 people somewhere between 6 and 7 pm. They said come over and they would work us in. We got there and the maitre de made fun of us for thinking we could come without a reservation. He said people do a home equity loan just to get a table there. He kept saying there was no availbility but in the rudest manner. BTW, the tables were mostly empty at the time. I will never go back due to how the maitre de treated us. read more

Best French Restaurant!food was super !atmosphere was elegant and friendly .highly recommended ! read more

Cafe Renaissance - French Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

This was an amazing fine dining experience! The food was delicious and the entree's didn't cost an arm and a leg! I had a wonderful dinner thanks to the delicious food and amazing service. I will most certainly return! read more

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I took my girlfriend here for our 3rd anniversary, and I cant say enough good things from this place. From the moment we walked in the door, by the owner's genuine kindness, we knew we were going to have a great night. We were unsure about choosing a wine, so they let us sample several before choosing. The food was fantastic and ambiance was wonderful. They even gave us a complimentary dessert and glass of wine to end the night. We will definitely be going back. read more

Went here for our anniversary in November 2020 - during COVID. We LOVED it! Not much of a typical restaurant vibe as there were limited tables, but the place was full! Dinner was fantastic, as was the service. The staff knew it was our anniversary and prepared a special flaming dessert for us. YUM! read more

We've been going to Cafe Renaissance since our kids were little and it's always been wonderful. Saeed does a great job making the restaurant feel like you're in a warm and inviting environment. The food is very good and the chef extremely personable. He made me my own cheese platter for dessert for example. Definitely recommend for a nice night out being pampered. read more

My husband and I arrived on time for our reservation, for which we paid a deposit as it was Valentine's Day, and after the maître d' told us he'd find us the best seat in the house, placed us in a corner table with a wall on two sides of the table. This was quickly rectified and a more suitable table was offered (there were plenty available). When our server arrived, he greeted us, and went over the four course prix fixe menu - that listed three courses. The first course offered four items and after much back-and-forth, we learned that we could choose any two items (the server kept saying that we could choose a soup or salad and a second item - this was not clear from the structure of the menu). We each ordered a cocktail and let the server know that we like to dine when we eat out and not rush through a meal. He insisted that we give our full order at that time, including our wine selection. We were served bread and our water glasses were regularly filled. After we each finished our cocktail, we asked for a second to enjoy before being served our dinner (and wine). This second round of cocktails came after 20 minutes - 20 minutes during which our server was attending to every other table in his station - while assuring us that the cocktails would be right out. The cocktails arrived and in short order, a runner brought out our plates. We let him know that we had just received our cocktails and were not ready for dinner. While we were enjoying our cocktails our server came to the table and informed us that our entrees would be delivered in 5 minutes. We informed him that we would let him know when we were ready for our entrees. We finished our cocktails and let the server know that we were ready for our entrees. Very soon after a runner returned, carrying our plates with oven mitts as they plates were extremely hot (I did not observe any other patrons receiving their plates by a runner wearing oven mitts. After 5 minutes when the server did not return to our table to inquire as to the meal - or bring the wine that we would have liked to enjoy with our meal - I walked to the host stand to speak with someone regarding the level of service. The maître d' came to our table and we explained what happened. He took our plates and had the kitchen prepare two new entrees. He then returned with a bottle of wine - which was not what we had selected and was much more expensive than our selection. He then returned with a second - still not what we had selected. The maître d' asked us for the bin number which we had not memorized, so he brought another and we identified our selection. After he walked from the table, the original server arrived and asked us why we had raised an issue. We began to explain, but he kept interrupting, for example, insisting that we had not made a wine selection (so on what basis did the maître d' choose a wine to bring to the table?) As we were defending ourselves from the server, and in mid-sentence, he abruptly walked away from the table. When the maître d' arrived with the correct wine, he asked us why we spoke with the server, and we told him that the server approached us, not the other way around. The maître d' told us that we were wrong to have spoken with the server. At this point, I was ready to leave. Lousy service, a disgruntled and antagonistic former server, and the maître d' implying we were at fault for the server's behavior. The food arrived; it was delicious, but it was such an appalling experience that the couple next to us who were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, apologized to us for the treatment they had witnessed. In the end, we asked for our dessert to-go and the check; the maître d' comped the wine, which was the least he could have done. This was not our first visit to Café Renaissance, but it is definitely our last. read more

While visiting and looking for a French restaurant I happened upon this diamond. I was definitely under dressed but was still treated like I was the only person in the restaurant. I ordered escargot, veal scallopini, and was served a delicious cake/ice cream for dessert. Followed up with a coffee and some nice conversation. Definitely will be bringing my wife back here when she's with me. read more

Wow! Food was incredible, wine list was extensive but had a little bit of everything, and the ambiance was lovely. The service is really what makes this the best kind of experience. Don't come here if you aren't personable and don't want to talk to the wait staff. For my party this was incredibly welcome. Not only did they treat us to a free appetizer to give us a good spread of what was available, they are also very knowledgeable about the food. They are very traditional when it comes to the dinning style so make sure to give yourself plenty of time. Overall amazing experience. Perfect for a nice date. The staff shoots to make it the best experience possible and boy do they succeed. read more

That place is very clean and fancy restaurant and food is amazing good, I was trying to two different kind dishes, both of them was really good, and owner gentleman is always smiling and make everybody happy. read more

Like Mike B, I'm just finding it absurd what people are saying in some of these negative reviews. Some of the "high"lights of the below reviews: 1) The service was too attentive? First time in history this has been mentioned as a negative thing. I enjoy the owner saying hello, meeting the sommelier, and the waiter checking up on us every 10-15 minutes. Cafe Rennaissance provides a leisurely dinner, and encourages a culture of staff who are there to interact with you beyond taking your order and throwing your plate in front of you 20 minutes later. The second time I was here Saeed remembered me (though it had been months) and that really made me feel welcome. 2) Healthcode/sanitary issues... I have been here a few times now, and haven't seen a thing. The most recent I actively looked, due to this poster's review, and saw nothing. 3) My favorite might be the reviewer who showed up to a dressy place in jeans, used profanities in his review, and tries to get us Yelpers to sympathize with him for feeling like he was treated poorly... I'd have shown you the door to put on at least something with a collar. Let me just say I maintain 5 stars and would give 6 if I could. Favorite restaurant in the entire DC area. I'm taking my girlfriend here this weekend for her birthday, in fact. Get the bananas foster (my new favorite dessert) ready, Saeed! :) read more

In response to our out of town friend, Ellen S's review from our New Year's eve dinner/celebration. She, nor her spouse, never mentioned this to us. We have been regulars for years and live in the area, and are always greeted personally by the extremely friendly owner, Saeed. Ellen's comments are her own personal view, of course. The other couples felt the dinner was great and we had a wonderful time, and all knew the pricing in advance - 4 course meal with wine, entertainment, and New Years eve hats and horns. The pricing was not out of line at all, locally, for New Years Eve, and well worth it, and we will continue to frequent this fine establishment because the food is great, the atmosphere is quaint, the service is great, and the owners, chef and staff have lots of character. read more

I came here for a birthday dinner date. It's such a cozy, intimate, romantic restaurant for you and your spouse, family, or date. I didn't see children from what I can remember. It is a small restaurant on a strip next door to another store . It was packed for a Saturday night. The wait wasn't long at all though due to reservations. The host , maybe owner was professional , gracious, and humorous. He complimented us , but not in a uncomfortable way. The music playing in background was lovely and their food was delicious and delicate . The lights are dim. It didn't bother me because I can still see my food and my hand. I felt comfortable with the amount of people there for the restaurant's size I loved their vegetable lasagna, salad, and beverages. Nothing tasted artificial. It was entertaining watching the waiters serving tables with flaming drinks. The waiters work hard here. I observed some of them trying to catch a sweat ---constantly moving to get things done. No laziness at this restaurant. My waiter received a generous tip--I wish I remembered his name to recommend him. Thanks for our complimentary cake. read more

Cafe Renaissance - Cakebread , Napa Valley Chardonnay - French Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

Bf took me to Cafe Renaissance for my birthday, and I had the most wonderful experience here! It was a relatively small restaurant, cozy, friendly; as weird as it sounds, this place gives me a nice, classy mom and pop shop restaurant impression. From the manager (or owner), to the waiting staff to the chef, they were all extremely friendly and attentive. The wines we order were delicious - coming from me, that means a lot, because I usually don't like wine (and alcohol in general). I had a french reisling wine and it was great. For food, we shared a dish of gnocchi. I got the filet mignon and my bf got the seabass. He claimed that it was one of the best fish dishes he's ever had. My steak was also great - pretty much melted in my mouth! I did think it was a bit plain, but I enjoyed it very much nonetheless. The manager and waiter also got us complimentary dessert and dessert wine because of my birthday. Wow, ain't I lucky! We originally ordered a sampler of all the dessert (which was not on the menu -the waiter offered for the special occasion), but the manager thought we might enjoy the flambe show and gave us banana flambe instead. I suppose some people may be a bit turned off because they technically ignored what we ordered and just gave us another dessert dish, but I thought it was extremely nice and thoughtful of them, and I've become a loyal customer! I also want to mention the almonds they put in the banana flambe... It was so good that I'm drooling as I type this review. The flambe was not overly sweet, was hot (banana flambe) and cold (ice cream), has great texture (crepe, soft banana, gooey chocolate/caramel sauce, and crispy almond/nut bites), and is just too delicious to be true. read more

Café Renaissance is a wonderfully elegant, romantic restaurant in Vienna. Unassuming from the exterior, the interior is charming and warm. The walls are adorned with Impressionist-style paintings and reminiscent of traditional Parisian décor, especially with Degas' dancers painted on one wall. Each table is decorated with roses and everything looks very romantic and refined. I ordered the lobster bisque as an appetizer and sea scallops in a cilantro sauce for my entrée. Food was delicious. Great flavors all around the table. We also ordered a bottle of wine, which our server helped to cork and wrap after our meal to take home with us. Service is super attentive and professional here. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly. Since it was my birthday, he and the other servers came over with a large plate of dessert samplers and sang happy birthday to me. Beautiful décor, fantastic food, excellent service. What more could you ask for? read more

Remembered this place as the holidays are coming up. Had come here around this time last year for my mother's birthday. We were totally surprised at the disappointing experience despite the pretty good reviews here. The food was a complete miss, and we tried to get out as soon as possible. The crab/avocado salad tasted like the crab came out of the can and looked like someone just quickly smooshed the ingredients together and placed it on top of a lettuce. I could make this and it would be better. We also got some sort of honey glazed shrimp. The shrimp was soggy almost and the texture felt like it also came out of a can or something of the sort. Even frozen shrimp that's defrosted and then cooked tastes loads better. My dad tried to order some sort of steak, but the waiter pushed him to order the lobster. My dad conceded, which ended up being a terrible decision. The lobster was rubbery and tasted like it wasn't fresh or had been frozen for a while. Even though the portion size was decent, my dad couldn't even finish it because it was that bad. The weird part is that other tables looked like their food was pretty good (probably eating the steak) but all of our food choices were mediocre to bad. I think the waiter could sense the bad mood so when we asked for the check without dessert, they gave us complimentary dessert. The thing saving this review from a 1 is that the dessert was pretty good. I'm scared with my experience here and disappointed that my mom had a terrible birthday dinner that we had to make up for. I'm still surprised at all the good/decent reviews at this place since my dinner experience was so bad foodwise. I can't understand what happened. read more

Hands.Down.The. Best. Scallops.Ever. From start to finish, my meal was a sheer delight. We walked in on a whim, impressed but a little put off by the stuffy decor, my date thought perhaps we should return when he was more appropriately attired. The host more than assured us his cords and sneaks were just fine. We sat down to the most delightful 3 course meal plus a fantastic bottle of wine I have ever had in Vienna, perhaps NOVA. Go! You will not be sorry. read more

I was told this place was great so I decided to try it for lunch one day with a friend. First off, the interior is quite dated. When I walked in, they asked if I was there celebrating a special occasion, and I think they must have asked a few times, making me think that this might not be the best place for a casual lunch. When I saw the crowd, I felt like I was the odd-woman out at a Red Hat Society gathering - it felt a bit like a retirement home. However, the wine serving was quite healthy so that was a plus in my book. I ordered the scallops. They came out on a gigantic plate with a bunch of other random items on the plate, like beets and potatoes. It was a strange pairing. I wasn't a big fan of the sides, but the scallops were cooked well and tasted great. My friend ordered a seafood pasta dish. It did not taste that great, but again, it was a huge serving. You definitely get your money's worth here, but the food is a little out-dated much like the interior. I really wanted to like this place, but it needs some serious modernization to attract a younger crowd. I would likely give it another shot, but I definitely need to go there with a big appetite, maybe for dinner instead of lunch. read more

The food is amazing but the owner and waiters are obnoxious. They all have a major attitude problem. I would only pick up but if you're looking for a pleasant atmosphere I would not eat here read more

I don't even know where to start. Let me start on a positive note, which I have only one.... Food was amazing. That's about it. The restaurant was easy to find and rather conveniently located. Once we entered, they showed us to our table and made a small talk with me and my boyfriend which we did not mind. After a while the circus started haha. It was my birthday dinner right before Valentine's Day. My boyfriend had an envelope with him to give me but he tried to hide it and give it to me with desert. Unfortunately, our waiter was very obnoxious ans said :"Oh look! envelope! Is that a gift? For who? What's the occasion? Oh maybe Valentine's Day? So romantic! You are a good guy aren't you?" We had no idea what to say, it made us so uncomfortable! Of course ruined the surprise too. When food arrived, the waiter of course commented on the Bday card I got. "Oh it says xoxo, so romantic! so nice! ahhh" In the meantime another couple had come to dinner. They were shown to their table. Few minutes later, the waiter SAT DOWN BY THEIR TABLE asking how they were doing, were they were from and things like that. We were observing the couple and couldn't stop laughing. They had no idea what to do! after a while the waiter finally left them by themselves. During all that.... there was another guy who was making phone calls to people to confirm their V-day reservations. He was very loud, entire restaurant could hear him. Not classy, for such an elegant and romantic place. Totally ruined the atmosphere too. Quote " Hello sir, I am so sorry to call you at 10PM, but I desperately need you to confirm your dinner reservations with us"... then he started apologizing, because I guess the customer got pissed they called so late at night LOL. He made maybe about 15 phone calls. I don't know if they were all drunk or just they thought it was okay to be so inappropriate? People who say that service is professional must have had a totally different experience. I don't understand how they think it's great. I really do not. Well, at least the food was good. read more

We came into town for a few days from CA and wanted to go to a good French reataurant here in town. Our cousin recommended Cafe Renaissance in Vienna VA. We were so amazed by the great service, food and ambiance. With out a doubt, this place is ideal for casual dining or for special occasions. I wish we could make Cafe Renaissance our "special place" but the best I can do is say that everyone should eat here! Try the Colorado Rack of Lamb!!! It was delicious and the biggest portion your money can buy! read more

Cafe Renaissance - French Near Me - Vienna, Virginia

This is an very average or below average French restaurant, but expensive. Most deserts from outside shops, they are cheap. The owner's wife, Soraya did made some of her own desserts for the restaurant, but those desserts have too much sugar inside, and she made them without gloves. In serval times, when I passed hall way to go to the restroom, I saw her picking up the deserts without gloves put on the plates to give them to the waiters, and tell them to serve the customers in the restaurant. This is very unacceptable. Who knows she may made her desserts after she used restroom without washing her hands or the other disgusting things she has done. Simply, she is providing the unhealthy and unclean desserts for the customers in the cafe Renaissance read more

So after 48 hours from this meal, I realized that it was just OK. Maybe it was a beautiful letdown from all the hype. I had the escargot for an appetizer. Not bad but way too oily. The mushrooms seemed to be old and doused in oil to mask their old fungyness. On the waitor's recommendation, I had the Cappelini Renaissance (seafood over cappelini), which was good, but not SUPERB. I was surprised that he recommended that as "the dish" to have. He also recommended Steak Diane, but for $30, it wasn't gonna happen. The dessert made the evening. I had the mango mousse which seemed to be a fusion between Chinese and French bakery styles... perfectly light and tart. The decor is definitely cute. So funny that this place is in a strip mall and known as one of the 10 most romantic restaurants in the DC area. Lastly, the live violin music is a nice touch, but playing the theme from The Godfather....not so much. read more

RUDE server!!!! DON'T DINE WITH THIS PLACE. Worst service we ever experienced or saw in our lifetime. We were there to celebrate our anniversary. Reading Through many review, we thought this place will be the place. However, we soon to realize that this place is a RUDE house. The server asked my husband to get up so he can us part of our table to set up another table while we were eating our meals. The owner soon realized that and offered us free desert. Who would want to stay to eat free desert after that? Ruining our anniversary dinner. BAD Service!!!! Run as fast as you can. Foods was ok. We had 2 steaks, 2 glasses of wine and small appetizers which costed us $110 without tips. Over price for the quality of foods and the service. read more

Unbelievable. You go to a nice restaurant expecting an upscale experience and get quite the opposite. I have had a Texas Roadhouse do a better job than these jerks. I have dietary restrictions which are not difficult to accommodate... My plate comes out WRONG... I sent it back and allowed my family continue eating their Easter lunch. The chef then comes out and gives me my correct order and says "who is this woman's husband?" My husband says "I am...." And the chef turns to him and says "good luck!" Oh, I'm sorry?! Are my dietary restrictions DIFFICULT for you to deal with? Does this make my marriage with my husband a CHALLENGE for him?!?! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! My family had a nice chuckle- I absolutely LOVE being the butt of a joke. A note to the owner: keep your mediocre chef with the foul mouth in the kitchen. read more

Another winner in Vienna!!!!... we love old style quality dining establishments that make you really want to return.... this is what me of those places Great food, service and wine selection... it's all I ask! Please give it a try...... read more

This place is better than what alot of the reviews below are saying about it!!! Granted, there is definitely some room for improvement when it comes to the food but the place is just so in-your-face friendly and family oriented, I couldn't help myself but have a good time. First impressions: 1. The restaurant from the outside seems sketchy. I was definitely nervous walking in. 2. Everyone at the restaurant is err.... from the "older" crowd. Definitely alot of regulars. 3. The waiters are IN YOUR FACE friendly and rambunctious. They will literally shout at you to order a certain menu item. But after you get use to that kind of boisterous environment, you realize they all have your best intentions in mind and so you just kick back, laugh and enjoy yourself. I had a great time there. The food, unfortunately, was hit or miss. Diver scallops were sweet and scrumptious. My date ordered the Rib-eye which was juicy, well seasoned and grilled to perfection. The sweet carrot puree side was to DIE for. I ate that side off my dish and my date's dish. Unfortunately, my veal was awkward tasting: sour, chewy and over-all unappetizing. I was definitely NOT pleased with that dish. Don't ever order the veal!! Dessert was pure entertainment. We had a cherry jubilee and banana foster and the servers showed off their craftmenship by cooking the fruits right in front of us. Flames Galore! I also loved the wine they insisted we pair with our meal. Overall, a fantastic experience because the servers are just so darn entertaining. Food is hit or miss so be careful! read more

Dined here for the first time last night and was greeted very warmly by the owner saeed and his staff. He is a very cool guy and super personable and nice and so is his staff! Ordered the salmon and filet mignon and salads and they were delicious. They also made me souffles which they dont offer on weekends. Overall a fantastic and 5 star restaurant!! read more

Two strikes they are out! First strike: My husband and I first went here in my meat eating days a few years ago. I asked for Chicken Francais-when I first took a bite of my meal, I realized they had given me Veal (As in baby cow) Francais. The meat is breaded so you can't tell what it is. I almost passed out-even when I did eat meat-it was only chicken and fish. The baby cow was replaced with chicken. When I first pointed the mistake out to the waiter, the response was "Oh sorry". By this time my appetite was shot anyway. I believe in forgiveness so we went to Cafe Renaissance again to give them another chance and...... Second Strike: My husband ordered a Lobster dish the second time we were here which was a special. It was in some kind of unappetizing brown sauce. He took a bite and chewed, and chewed and chewed. He said it was very rubbery. I think they were hiding some poor quality lobster with the sauce and it was way overcooked. There were a lot of regulars there-the owner/manager would sit down at their tables and chit chat-not for few minutes, but a long time. We are on a first name basis with a lot of restaurant owners and they have never sat down at our table-it was odd. The chef also would come out of the kitchen and stare at the dining room-very creepy. We never complained about the lobster-we knew we were never coming back and that I was going to Yelp about the experience. read more

My goodness! I haven't written about my experience many months ago because Cafe Renaissance was a DIVE!. One of my dear friends recommended it; and I'm sure she was too toasted to have really been able to view this restaurant with an air of objectivitiy. The atmosphere is horrible. Mix funeral home with a bad 80s, pink, floral bridesmaids' gathering, and voila you have Cafe Renaissance. The waiters are in dirty uniforms-if they can be called that! Our waiter-again extremely loose use of the term had dirtier fingernails than a grease monkey. Eek. Methinks not. Triple squared. Unfortunately, based on the really yucky experience, not least of all seeing the bedragled owner try to cut a break at the local (not his) bar, I can only say that Cafe Renaissance is not 'the most romantic restaurant in NoVa that it claims to be'.....but it is the most disalarmingly un=hyghenic. Sad, and in need of a health inspector. read more