Present Restaurant

160

1806

7420

16 years ago

3.5 Star, (I put more emphasis on the taste of food rather than on appearance/atmosphere for my reviews) Very fancy, kind of pricey, pretty good food. I probably could have done with out the cha gio tom cua. Goi hai san trai thom and goi ngo sen were solid appetizers but the bang da xuc hen was by far my favorite. I wish I ordered another... For the main course, we like to order as a group and share items. I've tried the can chua, thit keo kho tieu, and... sorry, I can't remember the other dishes. They just don't stand out in my mind. I've had about 3 or 4 other dishes from the "main entrees". They were good, just not anything outstanding. In my opinion, this restaurant provides the best combination of ambiance and taste. It is really fancy for an asian spot, and the food is impressive. There are other Vietnamese places that may offer better tasting food, just not with as good of a combination for both taste and looks. read more

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Mickey L.

505

235

13 years ago

Present is the long-awaited Vietnamese restaurant that amply fills the void left by the closure of our dear Green Papaya. With outstanding food, beautiful ambiance (anchored by indoor waterfall), and cutely named dishes, Present is the Woo Lae Oak of Vietnamese restaurants--classy, traditional, embraced by natives and non-natives alike, and utilizing quality ingredients (greens are impeccably clean). Like Woo Lae Oak, Present is a place where you can enjoy an inexpensive lunch for under $10 (including a fancy salad and fresh spring roll) or a fancy feast equally. For my dining companion and me, Vietnamese cuisine is synonymous with succulent grilled meats and soulful Pho. Two of the former we have enjoyed are the "Country Banquet Vermicelli" and "Cow in the Open Field." The vermicelli is a refreshing bowl of rice noodles, grilled marinated pork, mint, greens, mung bean sprouts, carrot and cucumber slivers, topped with a spring roll fragrant with shrimp and pork. The juicy and savory meat is balanced with a fresh bouquet of veggies for a virtuous composition. The "Cow in the Open Field" (Bo Luc Lac, aka "Shaken Beef") is wonderfully juicy, slightly sweet seared tenderloin tips. Reminiscent of Galbi, the accompanying watercress and sauteed onions add bitter, grassy, spicy, and sweet flavors to really complete this satisfying dish. Staying with the beef theme, Present's namesake Pho is a superb version of the popular beef broth soup. Fortified with sliced round, flank, brisket, and meatball, their Pho is a hearty bowl of sinus-cleansing (after adding jalapenos and Sriracha), cold-destroying comfort food. In terms of sweets, it is hard to pass up on something tropical or a nicely strong Vietnamese Iced Coffee. The Banana Fritters with Coconut Cream is tender fried fruit topped with a lightly sweet, floral coconut sauce that calms the palate. For something more creative, the "Golden Tropical Orchard Winter Roll" is a crispy spring roll filled with frozen yogurt and fruit, a neat combination of hot outer shell and cold core. After Green Papaya closed, we experienced a great culinary void because we always had a nice all-around Vietnamese restaurant we could rely on (prior to Green Papaya was Nam's in Bethesda). Thanks to Present, our nearly 2 years of wait are over, and we look forward to savoring our weekly Vietnamese food cravings! read more

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Larry K.

143

4 years ago

wonderful Vietnamese place.. I've had the rice noodle salads with the chicken and they were wonderful!

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Susan B.

4 years ago

We've been going to Present ever since the restaurant opened and have never had a meal worth less than 4 stars. We often take guests to Present and they are always blown away by how good the food is. read more

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Julia N.

214

243

610

13 years ago

Present is probably one of the only Viet restaurants with GREAT service. The waiters are friendly and quite enthusiastic in explaining certain things be it the menu or the special or helping to answer your questions. They also do check up on you. Everything here for the most part is very clean, modern, and gives a pretty calming atmosphere. It's a good place to go on a date if ya'll are craving Viet food. Present's presentation of their food is pretty amazing. The food is always arranged beautifully paired with some kind of ornate flower carved edible item on the dish. As for the taste, it's pretty good as well. We happened to order the special our waiter offered us that night which was freshly caught rock fish. We took it. It was expensive.. nearly $50. I personally don't think it was worth it. The sauce was a little too greasy for my liking and the fish seemed over cooked. I was surprised the fish came out faster than I thought it would. To cook a big fish like that it would take at least half an hour but came out in what seemed in half the time. That irked me a little. It's as if they just microwaved it or it was already cooked before or something. I don't know. I was just a tiny bit disappointed in the fish. I also understand that rock fish is not the most tender, soft kind of meat when it comes to fish, but still. read more

Present Restaurant - Vegetables and tofu - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Special: rockfish - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Vyvy H.

583

170

638

12 years ago

In short amazing food, friendly staff, lovely atmosphere. We were greeted by all the servers. We ordered really great food. Got the mi xao don and fried rice with hen. Don't be fooled by the location, walk inside and you'll be awed by the very pretty fountain. Very clean and pretty. The owner even stopped by to check in on us. Asked about the food and made sure we were well taken care of. We had the best dessert to top off out amazing dinner. Try the fried icecream egg rolls. It's unlike anything I've ever tried. Definitely ask for it!!! read more

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Lisa N.

Elite 12

598

474

934

14 years ago

**3.5 stars** I love the decor of Present, especially the indoor waterfall! This place is an Americanized Vietnamese restaurant. Like other reviewers mentioned, they gave interesting names to all the dishes, most likely to make them sound unique. Luckily, they had the Vietnamese translation as well so I knew what I was ordering. Silken Shawl Imperial Autumn Rolls (fried egg rolls with shrimp and pork- $5 for 2): this unique appetizer was surprisingly really tasty. I've never had egg rolls where the wrapping was a lattice of deep fried rice paper. The fish dipping sauce was good and authentic as well. However, it's a little pricey for what you get... Cow on the open field (Shaky Beef- $15): I liked the marinade on the beef. Some of the pieces were chewy, but still good nonetheless. Gift from the Sea on a Haystack (Crispy Noodles with Seafood- $15): my least favorite dish; it barely came with any seafood (scallops and crabmeat) and the sauce was too bland for my taste. I was definitely disappointed, especially for the price. Cafe Sua Da (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk): strong and flavorful Present reminds me of a smaller Four Sisters in Merrifield. The food is comparable, however, I liked the service better at Four Sisters. I felt a bit rushed while eating at Present because our waitress kept coming back for the check when we weren't ready yet. read more

Present Restaurant - Autumn roll - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Cafe sua da - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Bo luc lac - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Mi Xao Don - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Nguoigia O.

7 years ago

This is a good one restaurant, I love it from the first time come here. Good service and faster than some other one. read more

Present Restaurant - They said: good restaurant:$ - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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JR C.

11 years ago

My family and I were invited for lunch here and boy was I happy we came. We ordered calamari and fried spring rolls for starters. Although the serving is very generous, we had to place another order of calamari because my daughter cannot get enough of it! My husband and I ordered Shrimp In The Fresh Ocean and Shrimp At Seaside, both presented fabolously. The dishes were not short of vegetable art such as flower-carved carrots and artfully sliced cucumbers. My entree, Shrimp In The Fresh Ocean, came with 6 jumbo prawns on a pineapple bed. What a presentation it really was! Such a shame that we devoured it! :-) The quality and taste of the food was excellent and the service was outstanding! I will definitely recommend this to my friends and family. read more

Present Restaurant - Shrimp In The Fresh Ocean - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Business owner information

Gene N.

Hello Jr,…

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Sixtormn34 ..

11 years ago

Good presentation by the restaurant of tasty food. Worth trying out. Pleasant, peaceful ambiance during lunch makes it a nice place for lunch dates. It looks as if it has good potential for night time meals as well. read more

Present Restaurant - #32 GREGARIOUS LEMONGRASS CHICKEN - GÀ XÀO S T - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Business owner information

Gene N.

Greetings,…

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Emily N.

166

285

7 years ago

Came here with the family to bring in the New Lunar Year. This place wasn't our first choice because everything else was closed in Eden but boy were glad. It was crowded and we had a large party. So we were thankful that they were able to accommodate us especially it being a party of 8 at 8pm. Food was good. Ordered tons of appetizers, a medium sized fried rockfish, soup dishes, noodle dishes, meat stir fry and so! Over all, food was really good and tasted authentic. Would come back. Only complaint, food came out really slow. Dish per dish. And wasn't "hot" but rather warm. Also not a fan of the bathroom situation which had carpeted flooring going downstairs. read more

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Nick H.

328

345

16 years ago

Being a Vietnamese American who has spent nearly his entire life in the Northern Virginia Area, I've frequented just about every Vietnamese restaurant that has had any buzz about it in the last 25 years. Of all these restaurants, only one sticks out as my favorite...and that's Present. While the restaurant is relatively new, compared to its competitors, the restaurant is perfect in all accounts. Its location is significantly easier to get to (and find parking for) than the popular Eden center where most Vietnamese shops and restaurants are located. The food is of the highest quality, and because it is prepared with a bit of a modern twist, it adds a little something extra (almost top chef-like) to homemade favorites. And the restaurant couldn't be any classier with its beautiful decor and friendly staff. On top of all that, you'll enjoy the hilarious names given to the dishes. I don't recall the exact names off the top of my head, but you'll want to try to shaky beef (I believe it was called the Grazing Cow on the Plains or something like that). You'll also definitely want to try the Winter Roll dessert. It's essentially a fried egg roll but instead of the normal meats and veggies inside, you get a custardy blend of fruits....so the dish is both hot and cold at the same time. It's awesome. I've been to this restaurant many times, and every time, I try some new dishes..and every time, I leave happy. read more

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Anna Y.

500

237

16 years ago

I don't know if it is the buzz that Four Sisters has or that I ate there first but I have to admit I like Four Sisters better. However, this is a good alternative if you are closer to it. My friend recommended this place to me and it is in an unassuming strip mall and I almost passed it. We had the Country Banquet Vermicelli. It reminded me of the Vermicellis that I had in college. 901's anyone? The presentation is great. I ordered the chicken version and it was super tender. There was more than enough meat in the dish. Vegetables were fresh and there was a substantial amount of noodle in the bowl. All in all it was okay. What really won me over was the presentation of the food and decor of the restaurant. Four Sisters is a little bit better in its location and interior decor. Staff is also attentive in both locations. When it comes down to it... if you do not feel like waiting in line to get into Four Sisters, drive on down to Present. read more

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Gilbert B.

8 years ago

Ambiance is great. The summer and Autumn rolls are to die for. The customer service was excellent. I will definitely be going back. read more

Present Restaurant - I love duck and they did not disappoint. - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Stringfellow H.

367

649

6 years ago

Love this place. Never a bad meal. With all the choices in the area, a restaurant has to be damn good to go back multiple times. I've been here 5 times. Each time the meal is awesome. Check it out. read more

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Lilli M.

355

1656

17 years ago

Fabulous place to go! I first heard about Present from Tom Siestema's food review in the Washington Post magazine. He wrote favorably of it, and the menu prices were reasonable, so I decided to give it a go for lunch. The decor is very nice and clean; there's a small artificial waterfall-ish structure near the center that adds a nice touch. What really stood out to me during my lunch experience here was how attentive the staff was. Our waiter was very patient with our queries ("How big a portion size is the Pigs and Friends Crepes?", amongst others). He came back to check on us frequently, but not to the point where it was annoying. The owner or manager -- not sure which -- also came by to see whether we were enjoying our meal. My friend ordered the vermicelli with beef and I the aforementioned Pigs & Friends Crepes. Both portions ended up being generous sizes and quite tasty. Nice! read more

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Tucker H.

799

164

16 years ago

Bottom Line Up Front: great food, great service, good prices, and a beautiful interior make this a serious rival to Four Sisters for the best VIetnamese place in the area to take a date or to impress your guests. The location itself is unimpressive, a strip mall off Rt 50 between Seven Corners and the Beltway, but when you walk into Present it is like entering a whole different world. The hostesses greet you warmly, the huge waterfall provides a nice soothing background noise, and the plates going by all look amazing. The first time we went our waitress had to be asked for advice and tips, but the second time our waitress was outstanding, offering all sorts of good advice on ordering and eating. The food is not only beautiful, but also delicious. The Jewel Green Papaya Salad was a nice starter, although I'm not a huge fan of beef liver. The jerky on it was nice though, providing some spice. Based on the Yelp reviews I tried the Cow on the Open Field, and I was not let down. The cubes of beef were amazingly tender and flavorful, and the dipping sauce added some bite to them. My wife had the Pilgram on the Beach, which she really enjoyed, especially the nice big chunks of crab meat. I usually prefer western-style desserts because I have a ridiculous sweet tooth, and asian-style dessert tend to be less sweet than I like, but the desserts here are really pleasant. The banana fritters are big chunks of banana covered in a tempura-like batter, deep fried, and then drizzled with a coconut sauce (real coconut, not the nasty dried stuff). But my favorite is the Winter Roll. It is a deep fried roll stuffed with iced fruit and coconut milk (I think). It is hot, cold, sweet, and tangy all at the same time, which really hits the spot after a meal! read more

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CA W.

5 years ago

This restaurant and East Wind (in Fairfax, VA) are my 2 favorite Vietnamese restaurants. I love the variety of dishes at Present. it is like a best kept secret. Wonderful customer service and all the dishes I've tried have been flavorful and delicious! I've had some dishes that I haven't found in other Vietnam restaurants. Pre-COVID my husband & I had planned on taking a trip to Vietnam and the restaurant leant us a copy of their menu to study and familiarize ourselves with. They explained the what dishes could be found in various regions. I can't remember the name of my favorite dish- it is sort of like a crispy crepe with bean sprouts, shrimp and pork on the inside and takes about 15 minutes to prepare. I typically get 2 dinners out of it. While worth waiting for. read more

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Tina T.

Elite 15

250

135

313

12 years ago

Came here for a birthday dinner. They did well accommodating a big party. Very friendly staff. Nice decor inside with a pond display! It's definitely bigger and nicer than I initially thought from the view outside. Entree: Sleeping Duck in Golden Pond - was craving a broth meal because it was cold out and this definitely hit the spot! The broth was very tasteful, duck was seasoned well too. All of their dishes had a pretty presentation. Will probably go back here if I crave Vietnamese food to try other items on the menu. Also, the dish entrees names are all pretty funny. Definitely a variety to choose from! read more

Present Restaurant - Sleeping Duck in Golden Pond - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Shaun D.

287

118

177

13 years ago

We have lived in the area for 13 years and drove past this place 100s of times! What a bummer that we missed out on this great family place with great food and amazing service! We have the lattice work rolls for an appetizer and were very happy with the taste and the presentation. For main meals we had an off menu duck breast that was very tasty and fresh along with the signature fried rice with crab meat and tiger shrimp. The food was tasty and not greasy and we were happy to be there. To top it off we had great service! Bravo! read more

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Amy L.

Elite 21

338

8 years ago

Present is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the DMV. Their prices are unbeatable and the food always comes out undeniably fresh. Every time I come here I feel like I'm treated like family. My favorite dish is shrimp in the fresh ocean (shrimp and pineapple) it's an amazing beginner food if you're exploring into Vietnamese food. There's a sizzling fillet mignon dish, a perfect soup for when you're sick, and the lunch prices are unbeatable. A soup, a salad (the salad has a crack dressing please give me the recipe), and their lava cake dessert is sooooo good. I can't wait to come back for their hot pot special!! read more

Present Restaurant - Bottom- treasure from the sea Top- spring roll - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Yummm, after our egg drop soup, egg roll, and salad. (Sorry, too hungry to picture) but now I'm so full and only for $10 - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Yummmmmmm - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Alexis H.

Elite 24

2014

12 years ago

First time got here, we ordered lemongrass chicken and La Vong vermicelli. I really enjoy the chicken lemongrass, great marinated, not too spicy. La Vong vermicelli is not my favorite, and I never had it before, be aware that it served with shrimp paste. The waiter is very kind, polite and very well educated. He checked on us all the time and I noticed it that he checked on other tables too. He always make himself busy and keep working all the times. Great service and that makes me give this restaurant extra star instead of 3. read more

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Alan V.

123

669

8 years ago

We were there on Sunday evening at 8pm. Ordered 2 appetizers: Imperial autumn roll and the Treasure from the sea. The roll was hot inside but the rice wrapping in the outside was cold and made for an interesting hot and cold contrast. It didn't taste very good. The Treasure from the sea was a cold salad and some of the pineapple pieces were rotten. The flavors didn't go well together. read more

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Ellen T.

11 years ago

Best Vietnamese place I've ever eaten at! I came here to visit family and DC and we came here during dinner time. They were really accommodating to our huge family. We usually have to have a bunch of tables pushed together...we're that type of family... Because we were a fam of like 20, we ordered three orders of family style dinner options. The first of the apps came which were clams xao black sesame rice paper and that was a first for me. I've nver had that before so that was exciting and new. They don't have it in the philly restaurants near where I am. Then came the xoi in pineapple. And the canh (sour soup), Bo luc lac, fired shrimp and pineapple and a bunch of other things started filling the tables. Everything there was really good. I also ordered the banh canh with pork, shrimp, and crab. I loved the soup and the crab. The noodles were really firm and the shrimp was deff frozen and not fresh. The portion was really filling. Service wise, our poor waiter was the only one to take care of us and he did a really good job but was running around the whole time. The restaurant was clean, cute, and amazing! read more

Present Restaurant - Some of the entrees we ordered from the family style options - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - banh canh with crab, pork, and shrimp. faves were the soup and the crab! - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Business owner information

Gene N.

Hello Ellen,…

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Adrienne N.

107

11 years ago

Great service, great food, and great atmosphere. We had the Hen Xuc Banh Da, Bo Luc Lac, Vit Sot Me, Ca Chien Nuoc Mam Xoai, and Canh Ca Thia La. Everything was tasty, but the highlights were the Bo Luc Lac and the Canh Ca Thia La. read more

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Gene N.

It was our pleasure to have you as our guest.…

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Kyle F.

Elite 22

785

298

781

8 years ago

This place is amazing. Great vibes, awesome service and authentic food. Great wine selection. The fried crab is a must try. Very extensive and large menu (with a LOT of different options). Also great drink and desert menu! read more

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Nick P.

102

9 years ago

I've ate here twice and the food is amazing. The first time I had "Cow on the Open Field" and the second time I had "Open Field in the Sunset." It tastes just like the name implies - awesomeness!!! Ever ate a meal where your stomach keeps telling you, "Captain, stop eating. Our engines can't take much more strain." And your tastebuds reply, "Scotty, shut up. This food is too good. Gonna warp drive this soup." Yeah, that was my experience here. And as if matters on top of the great food, the service and decor are top notch. read more

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Rachel R.

133

15 years ago

Great service, great food, great ambiance. Not your run-of-the-mill Vietnamese restaurant. The selections on the menu were unique, and not like any other Vietnamese restaurant I have been to. I called around 6pm on a busy Saturday night, wasn't able to get a reservation but the guy on the phone offered to take my number and see what he could do. No ony were they able to fit me in, but when we got there, no wait, our table was waiting for us! Server was very friendly and professional. Food - excellent. If you are looking for an upscale Vietnamese restaurant, I would definitely recommend Present Restaurant. read more

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Jorgeelp55 B.

11 years ago

We really enjoyed everything about our first visit to this place the weekend of Thanksgiving. First of all, the greeting we received on the way in (from the manager/owner?) was so warm and caring. Our service was fantastic and everyone was friendly and patient and helpful. The food was very good and also reasonably priced! And so were the drinks. And the restaurant is quite beautiful on the inside, especially with the soothing fountain noise. I can see why this place is the #1 ranked restaurant in Falls Church. We will be back! read more

Present Restaurant - This beautiful fountain adds a wonderful background sound to the dining experience! - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Business owner information

Gene N.

We are so thrilled to have you as our guest and more so with the…

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Souphan K.

Elite 19

325

196

425

9 years ago

Probably my new favorite Viet restaurant in northern Virginia! Yes, even above the eden center ones. Why? Because of wedding food of course! Who loves eating at weddings? Me! Of course I don't go just for the food and drinks, the bride and grooms come first. I must admit eating at well cratered weddings definitely improves the experience and wedding overall. This place has it all! Crab, lobster, fish, and all types of other dishes you would see at Viet weddings. I almost want to get married just to have them cater for me lol. Please come here and try out all their dishes. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Shelly L.

9 years ago

We've found our favorite Vietnamese restaurant. Present is a hidden gem with great food and prices. While the restaurant may not catch your eye when you drive by, the inside is warm and inviting. They have an extensive menu with extremely friendly and professional staff. We ordered the spring rolls, Gregarious Lemongrass Chicken, Duck in Tamarind Basket, and flan for dessert. Each dish was fresh and full of flavor. We can't wait to come back and try more of dishes. read more

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Yesenia M.

458

330

1079

9 years ago

Heard a lot of great things about this place but was underwhelmed. The vegetarian options were ok but the selection wasn't very extensive so I ended up having the Dau Hu Xao Sa Ot described as :strolling in a lemongrass field. fried bean curd sautéed with spicy lemongrass, jumbo sweet onion but I passed on the onion. It was ok and some parts tasted strongly of cilantro which I ate around. I hate that I didn't love it considering all the hype and think perhaps it might be more of a hit for meat eaters? The prices are great, the servers were nice, and the portion size is reasonable but it was a miss for me :( read more

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Jason Z.

11 years ago

Doesnt get better than this for a good price elegant eatery. I mean the menus item titles are legenday "Far traveling shrimp" The food is incredibly good as well. Im not someone who cares about service, but man the service was overpowered (means good). Not overly attentive, and just peacefully nice. Kind of like an old nice butler. Check it out friends. read more

Present Restaurant - My food - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Called something something beach - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Duck pho yo - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Business owner information

Gene N.

Happy New Year Jason,…

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Sarah G.

Elite 19

135

445

9 years ago

The ambience was nice and romantic. The servers were weird as they spoke to us in Vietnamese because he "assumed" we were Vietnamese. There was also miscommunication as they look at you in a weird way as you're speaking to them, because they have to think about what you said d to them and then reply after 30 seconds. However, I would say that they were very attentive. We had the Red Sea calamari, the Papaya Salad, Autumn Roll, #13 Pork Vermicelli, #36 Pork Belly, #37 Spare Ribs, & the Tropical Mango Mousse Cake. The actual portions are in the smaller side whereas the Garnishes for their plating are very generous and that's where my point is taken off I wish there were more edible food than their garnish! The Red Sea Calamari was good but there was 10 pieces, that's it! It was served with a bed of lettuce, watercress, purple cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, and a whole lot of crispy garlic, along with flower garnish. The green papaya salad had a weird after taste on the papaya. It may have sat for awhile or something. The sweetened oyster sauce didn't do anything honestly to mask the taste nor did the dried liver. I thought It was blood as it was very dark along with the pork jerky that you were supposed to be created on top of the chips. The Autumn Roll was good, as I was really surprised it wasn't oily but I wish it had more flavor infused or even in the sauce. The Pork Vermicelli was good, no complaints there along with the the #36&#37. Now the Tropical Mango Mousse Cake would have been good if it was an actual Mousse. Is it because it's free that they didn't care? Because the Mango Mousse Cake was frozen, it was a hard mango sherbet on top of a vanilla cake. A tip for those who are new to this place, check in at Yelp and you'd get a free dessert, don't get the mango mousse cake if you actually want a Mousse Cake. read more

Present Restaurant - The - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Carmen N.

Elite 21

430

150

350

9 years ago

Such a great place the beef with the black pepper sauce, crab asparagus soup, and bo luc lac was my favorite. The lychee martini is a must. Its good and strong and all you need is one. The resturant is clean and not super busy. The staff is very attentive. read more

Present Restaurant - Crab asparagus soup - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Spring rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Present Restaurant - Egg rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

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Gloria W.

6 years ago

This was my first time eating Vietnamese food and I was not disappointed. The service was great, the food was fantastic, the prices were perfect, and the wine was paired perfectly!!!! Thank you so much Gene for introducing me to this experience! Can't wait to eat here again!! read more

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Beth H.

158

8 years ago

Amazing Vietnamese food. It's our favorite. The food and presentation are as good as the pictures on the menu. The service is polite and quick. Several unusual dishes in addition to all the classics. So traditional and authentic Vietnamese that when ordered one they wondered if we had Vietnamese friends. Worth every penny. read more

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Page 4 of 13

6678 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22042
Directions
(703) 531-1881
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://presentrestaurant.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Present Restaurant open?

Present Restaurant opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Present Restaurant close?

Present Restaurant closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Present Restaurant is closed on Tuesday.

Mon, Wed-Sun 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMTue Closed

Payment methods

Does Present Restaurant take Bitcoin?

No, Present Restaurant does not take Bitcoin.

Does Present Restaurant take credit cards?

Yes, Present Restaurant takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Present Restaurant have catering options?

Yes, Present Restaurant does have catering options.

Does Present Restaurant have a happy hour?

No, Present Restaurant does not have a happy hour.

Does Present Restaurant serve alcohol?

Yes, Present Restaurant serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Present Restaurant allow dogs?

No, Present Restaurant does not allow dogs.

Does Present Restaurant have TVs?

No, Present Restaurant does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Present Restaurant have bike parking?

Yes, Present Restaurant has bike parking.

Does Present Restaurant have outdoor seating?

No, Present Restaurant does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Present Restaurant have parking?

Yes, Present Restaurant has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Present Restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Present Restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

Does Present Restaurant have free WiFi?

Yes, Present Restaurant has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Offering a regional authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Most of the best Vietnamese food can be found at a humble-looking street stall and from the inside of a home kitchen. Present Restaurant is your guide to favorite Vietnamese foods in the Fairfax Co area. Enjoy a quiet dinner with friends with a glass of wine. Present restaurant offer an ambiance of tranquility with our indoor cascading pond that allows our guest to enjoy a quiet dinner with friends with a glass of wine. We also cater to special events and occasions. Surprise your quest with a catered and elaborate Vietnamese buffet.. Thank you to Mr. Tom Sietsema of the Washington Post for the kind review: Editorial Review 2009 Fall Dining Guide By Tom Sietsema Washington Post Staff Writer Plenty of Vietnamese restaurants serve green papaya salad. None that I've sampled makes a better impression than Present's. Freshly roasted nuts give the dish an edge, and so does a "bowl" of purple cabbage, although the crowning touch is lavished on the surface: matchsticks of rich liver instead of the usual beef jerky. Other Vietnamese restaurants are welcoming, but few more so than this place. Need a recommendation? Want to know more about an ingredient? The servers respond with enthusiasm and intelligence, and they make top-notch guides for novices in particular. I've eaten in this serene dining room at least half a dozen times now, yet I always find something new to appreciate.

History

Established in 2007.

Our vision was to establish a brand name for a full dining restaurant that offers authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in the Fairfax County area.

Meet the Business Owner: Binh Gene N.

A pillar in the Vietnamese community. Binh Gene Nguyen has made a name for himself by starting the first Nail Salon and School to teach the critical and necessary skills to be a successful nail technician. With the leadership knowledge and perseverance, Binh set out to raise his goals in creating a brand with Present Restaurant to offer authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in the Fairfax County area.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Present Restaurant

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NUE Elegantly Vietnamese

This was one of the best meals I had, and I genuinely find myself thinking about Nue randomly…read more I was looking to find a restaurant to celebrate my fiance and I's anniversary and luckily was able to snag a late night reservation for Nue! We had the best time at this restaurant. Once we were seated, our waiter was so attentive to us. He also gave us great recommendations for food and drinks. My favorite entrees were the Vegetarian Chả Giò and the Vietnamese Udon. This restaurant does such a great job of creating Vietnamese fusion food. Their drinks were also amazing! The Cầu Vàng Sour was the highlight of the entire meal. I loved it! Our waiter knew it was our anniversary and he gave us a dessert for free :,) On top of that, the restaurant was testing out a new drink and they gave us one for free to try out! AND to finish off such a great meal, they gave us a card as well. Getting this sort of attention was the cherry on top. I cannot recommend Nue more. Definitely deserves all the hype it gets!

Came a little early for my reservation with the intent to have a cocktail at the bar. Not possible…read more They use the bar a dinner seating. This seems to be a new sad trend :( There was a waiting area with tiny cocktail tables and I was able to sit there and someone eventually took my drink order. We over ordered food but I couldn't stop myself. Of course I had been dreaming of the crispy whole fish all day long. What was crazy was that after so many appetizers, we were too full for the whole crispy fish! Ugh! Now I have to come back. The baked oysters were as good as I remembered. Would get them again even though I have the same complaint- why 3 to an order? Weird number. The w other two apps I would skip next time so I can fit the crispy whole fish even though I liked them.

Thank you Tom Sietsema for this amazing review in the Washington Post!

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Hoang Viet Restaurant

Wonderful little hole-in-the-wall restaurant located on the edges of the Eden Center, the DMV's…read moreVietnamese hub. Hoang Viet Restaurant can be hard to spot, as it's inside one of the little indoor shopping complexes in the corner of the broader Eden Center complex, right across the street from Happy Lamb Hot Pot. However, if you are lucky enough to find this shop, prepare to be wowed with some of the best and most authentic Hue cooking in the DMV. This no-frills restaurant centers on Central / Northern Vietnam, with a particular focus on Bun Bo Hue, a super flavorful spicy beef and pork noodle soup with a rich, spicy broth and tons of mix-ins. I'm still dreaming about their bun rieu, a beautiful crab and shrimp noodle soup that comes with a generous helping of chewy rice noodles, tender and juicy shrimp, and a deeply flavorful, slightly spicy, and slightly sour and tangy broth made with tomatoes and crab. It comes topped with fresh scallions and green onions, as well as a few fried onions for a bit of crunch. The service is efficient and friendly, and the food comes out incredibly quickly. When you're done eating, you can walk up to the cashier to pay.

Flavors, portions, selections were great. You can use credit card for above $15…read more The space is small but does the job, it was a little cold but we're eating warm food so it was fine. Service was ok. We don't speak Vietnamese but that would have been helpful. It was still ok though. They try to be helpful! Next time I need to try their sizzling beef plate that all the others are chiming in about. But I really enjoyed my vermicelli combo bowl and the pho. Parking can be challenging on the weekends no matter what time of day you come so save time for that.

The entire space

Bun bo hue (tai)

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Truong Tien Restaurant

I have been going to Eden Center for decades, but have always frequented the restaurants you can…read moresee from the parking lot, almost never venturing into the mall to see what's on offer. That was a big mistake because Truong Tien is inside and it is amazing! My son and I started with Banh Beo Nhan Kho Tom Chay, a dish of steamed rice cake topped with fried shallots, dried powdered shrimp (prawn floss) and chicharron which you then can top with a spicy sauce. They come in little tiny dishes that you can kind of slurp the rice cake from like an oyster. The combination of textures and temperatures and flavors was delicious - and not too filling as a starter. We wanted to have a Banh Khoai Nuoc Leo (crispy pancake taco-like dish with a dipping sauce) but they were out for the day (we were there at about 4pm) so instead we had vermicelli bowls (Bun Nem Nuong) with Asian style sausage and fried spring rolls. Topped with peanuts and fish sauce, it was fresh and delicious. The host greets you warmly and offers ice water, hot or iced tea (complimentary) and the restaurant decor is absolutely beautiful. There's also a gorgeous display of food for sale near the register, including fried bananas and donut/beignet sort of treats. (Couldn't resist splitting one of those and it was lovely- not heavy or greasy and lightly sweetened.

This is my first time eating at a Hue-style Vietnamese restaurant. My wife and baby were…read moreoverwhelmed by the deliciousness. We cannot fully recall the names of the dishes but I took pictures of them. We had 2 vermicelli entrees and one had pork, and the other had dried seafood with shrimp. We had two appetizers: one was the pork roll and the other was rice cake with dried seafood. Everything was banging. I loved the fish sauce dipping sauce. I also loved the spicy fermented tofu dipping sauce. All of the dishes can be dipped in any and all of the dipping sauces accompanied by the other dishes. The waitress also brought a small bowl of rice with lemongrass pork for my baby to eat (on the house). The waitress was awesome :) Before tip the total came out to be $52. The price is super worth it. The taste was absolutely amazing. 5/5

Bún chả cá. Not on the menu yet. Fish cake noodle soup

Inside

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Banh beo tom thit

Huong Viet Restaurant

First time eating here in ages. ~75% through the meal, we realized the establishment is CASH ONLY,…read moreand we had exactly ZERO CASH. Tried hitting up the Eden Ctr (corner) ATM, but all I had was a digital wallet ATM card which isn't accepted at that particular machine. Came back into the restaurant, flustered, trying to figure out a solution. One of the waiters spotted us and saved the day. He spoke to the boss and let us make a Zelle payment. THANK YOU for your situational awareness! We really appreciate it! For anyone new to the Eden Center, or perhaps it's your first time back in a while, don't make my mistake and be sure to bring cash! The food was BOMB, btw! 01. CHA GIO 25. PHO TAI 26. PHO DAC VIET 72. BUN THIT NUONG

I ate at the restaurant today with a companion. I ate here before several times, so the supervisor…read moreand most of the waiters/waitresses are familiar with me. Today a middle-aged waitress gave me an attitude when she took our order. She looked at me several times like she was disapproving of me, although I believe I looked pleasant, well-kept, and professional. The waitress literally stared me down, with an attitude like "I'm better than you." WTF? I come here to kindly eat at your restaurant, I was dressed casual, not dressed to show off or flaunt anything that I have. If it were not for the presence of my companion I would probably have complained to the assistant manager about the waitress' rude behavior. Furthermore, a comment or two on the quality of the food. The seafood bird's nest dish had minimal portions of seafood -- four small shrimp, two small scallops, and three small pieces of squid with less-appetizing pieces of vegetables -- all for $23! Moreover, the shaky beef dish was dipped in baking soda or baking powder, making the dish tastes quite bitter.The bitter taste could hardly mask the fact that the beef cubes have been sitting around for a few days --the meat were partially rotting. Three dishes cost us $71. including tax, We left the restaurant still feeling hungry. Please, dear waitress, you don't own the place, please have better customer service, or we will unfortunately air our grievances on online reviews like this one!

Fine Vermicelli w/ Grilled Pork

Inside

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Bun Bo hue gio heo (spicy beef broth with pig feet)

Lantern House Viet Bistro

Excellent food and excellent service! Parking could be tight, but there is more space if you go…read morearound the building.

I was looking for a new pho spot and this has to be one of the best pho places I've had, rich broth…read moreI recommend getting the combination pho! The service was also very good and place is nice. :)

Pho and summer A1. Fresh Rolls W Shrimp & Pork

Chicken wings

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Inside dining

Kien Giang Quan

Decent Vietnamese food in the area. They mainly serve Vietnamese noodle soup. Bún mắm is flavorful;…read morehowever, it's weird that there is rau răm. Bún bò is okay.

So rude and not good food. Add more small noodles they charge 6-7$. Not recommend for this place…read moreand people not nice

Owner- rude! Servers grabbed my condiments without acknowledging if I'm still using them. Food decent ! Will not be back!

Mien ga

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Pho Sate

We stopped by today for an early dinner with family and were seated right away since it wasn't…read morebusy. Menus and waters were brought out quickly, which is a nice start. Our server seemed a bit impatient and abrupt when taking our order (we asked how many spring rolls come in each order, and added beef meatballs to one of our pho orders), but we were mainly there for the food. The space itself is roomy, casual and comfortable, with tables spaced and seated far enough apart to not feel crowded. We started with the pork and taro spring rolls, which came out hot, cut in half, and impressively crispy! (Just as a heads up so you don't get scolded like we did - the pork and taro spring rolls come with two per order, and the price for both is a great deal compared to most pho establishments!) For our mains, we ordered three pho bowls and one dry noodle dish. The pho arrived warm, and adding bean sprouts cooled it down further rather than cooking them through. The dry noodle dish, on the other hand, was excellent in flavor, though also not very hot - likely due to the fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber) mixed in. Overall, a solid, filling meal, even if the service and the temperature of the food could be improved. Likely will be back (again, for the food), and will be better prepared (with no questions) for the less-than-stellar service next time.

Somehow came up online as the best pho in the area and this isn't even close. Maybe Im snobby being…read moremarried to Vietnamese and frequenting Little Saigon back in the Bay Area but this is bad bad. Service was super weird - I intentionally say weird because I never expect good service at an asian restaurant like that just isn't a thing. Its the fact the server was trying to rush our order in pressing us if we are ready when he literally JUST dropped the menus off. How would we know what we want when we didn't see a menu? Came on a Saturday afternoon and they were out of most things. No pork, no wontons, like how? These are staple things here but okay. We ordered the combo pho, the duck cotnfiet with egg noodles, the kids pho, and cha gio. Never had such a bland cha gio in my life where all it had was pork and taro? No carrots or mushrooms or seasoning? Pho was seriously skimping on portions and the flavor was bland. My duck was pretty good but we won't be back. Look at the demographic calling this place good/frequenting this establishment- let me tell you, they arent Vietnamese so...

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Outside

Bep Viet Restaurant

Very unassuming spot with amazing food tucked in a strip mall. Service is great - everyone is super…read morenice and helpful. There tends to be just 2 people working so during peak hours, it can be a bit slow. We've had many dishes here and they're all very good. The beef stew with baguette is delicious! The pho, bun Bo hue and the egg noodle soup with pork and shrimp are our go to options. The menu isn't huge but there's something for everyone.

Two Haiku Review:…read more This place might be my New favorite restaurant. Cool Atmosphere and great Service. Huge portions. Wouldn't recommend the pho, Try the bun instead.

Dinning area is clean, welcoming & owners decorated it very nice.

1. Cha Gio

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Shredded pork spring rolls

Hai Duong

After a little bit of "grocery"/food shopping, my family and I went looking for a place to eat when…read morethe original location planned fell through. Folks at a Banh Mi shop recommended Hai Duong. We were not disappointed. The location is on the smaller side, and the entrance is hard(er) to find (it's inside the shopping center). But the food did not disappoint.

I previously had a bad experience here during Covid but I think they had significantly improved…read moresince which I appreciate because they listen to feedback. So I'm updating my review because it's well deserved! I have started ordering from Hai Duong through Uber Eats again in the last year and so much improvement! The food arrives fast, hot, and with very generous portions. They are definitely not stingy like I had experienced in the past. I love it when businesses take feedback to be better. In the last year, we usually order the Mi Nam Vang and Mi Bo Kho, and both are consistently excellent. This past weekend, we finally decided to eat at the restaurant in person at Eden Center, and it was just as good as when we order delivery. The guy seating people was very polite and friendly, and our food came out pretty quickly. We ordered the Bun Mam and Mi Nam Vang, and both were amazing. Everything tasted fresh and came out super hot, which I love. There are plenty of condiments on the table if needed, but honestly the broth is so flavorful that you do not really need them. They also give a great portion of protein, which I really appreciate. The place was packed and clearly very popular, and I can see why. I will definitely continue to support Hai Duong and hope they get even more business. And I appreciate that they got so much better compared to during COVID times, Great work, Hai Duong!

7/30/23 it wasn't to busy when we were here.

Com Tai Hai Duong

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7/30/23 This is what I was looking for and Hai Duong Restaurant came the closest to what I wanted.

Nha Trang Restaurant

We came here for the banh hoi Nha Trang dac biet, which is a platter with an assortment of meats…read more If you want to make spring rolls with them, the rice paper is an extra 1 dollar for 4 rice papers, which is a bit crazy. The hen and mi quang dishes were flavorful.

Mi Quang is one of my favorite things to get at Vietnamese restaurants…read more This one was good, but not the best. Still delicious. 4* I'm not a fan of the fish cake they use and would probably prefer more ribs. Service & Ambiance were standard for Eden Center, friendly.

Inside

Nem Nuong

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Chasin' Tails: Seafood that Celebrates!

Chasin' Tails i one of the best AYCE SEAFOOD VENUES. The food selections are amazing as well as the…read moreflavors. And special shout out to our server ANSON!!!! He really went above and beyond to make our date night very special!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH ANSON!!!!

ANSON is amazing!! Our experience at Chasin Tails was amazing. Anson our server, took his time and…read moreexplained the menu to us in detail and with patience. He answered all our questions without us feeling rushed or annoyed. The food came out piping hot and very flavorful. My husband and I enjoyed our visit. We found our new favorite seafood restaurant.

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Seoul Prime

Ambiance is upscale but not stuffy. We were able to dine casually without a reservation…read more Cocktails and mocktails were great. Food was very good, first time having white kimchi. Service was very professional and friendly. We came by on a holiday without a reservation and they seemed a bit short staffed; but when they heard we had waited for our server they brought out a complimentary appetizer. Our server Fabrizio was kind and knowledgeable. When he heard we were going to try to catch a movie next door he was mindful to be quick but didn't rush us out at the same time. Will definitely come back!

Hubby and I dined with another couple last night at Soul Prime, and we were primed for good food!…read moreWe knew we'd be going fancy (chose the wagyu tour at $99/person), and assumed we would get good value for the money, but that's where things fell short. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I put Great American Restaurants at the top in terms of service. Always professional, you always know what to expect: friendly, efficient, and classy. I hate to give poor marks for service at Soul Prime, but when you were paying over $115 per person, you assume your server will know how to interact with customers in a way that elevates the experience. What we got was the opposite. Instead of deftly serving out table and then disappearing into the background, our very sweet server showed her inexpeience right off the bat. She gave us a rundown of the the menu and then said, "Sorry, I know that was word vomit; hopefully that wasn't too much." Not not only was there nothing about her intro speech that warranted an apology, but please don't use the word 'vomit' anywhere near me before I embark on a delicious and large meal. I cringed - probably outwardly. And it wouldn't be the last time. The food was good, the bonchons fine. Definitely choose the brussel sprouts - they are the best we've ever had. Everything else was just good. The meat arrived and she began cooking it. To be fair, I realize it's a big job to be both the waitress and the tableside chef, but all the more reason to have a very experienced person doing this job (and maybe assign her a support person?). We've been to a lot of KBBQ places and seen it done quite efficiently. I think the problem here is that the restaurant has unnecessaryily burdened its servers with an image of suave tableside banter and explanations for everything, which slowed our waitress down as she moved between us and the two other tables she was serving. The result was that she apologized on multiple occasions for cooking our meat past the doneness we had requested. Yes, the $99 per person wagyu beef. Probably, none of us would have had a big issue with the doneness we received, but because she proffered an apology each time it became pretty cringy. There were even a few times that we wondered if she was suggesting that we could request a redo (we didn't try, so who knows?). But then at other times, it seemed she was just apologizing to apologize. So why apologize at all if there is no recourse offered to the customer ... and they aren't even complaining? Why not act like everything is going great?! We would have played along, no doubt. Clearly there's a psychology lesson here! Nothing was egregious. It was the emphasis of error that stood out. This happened at least four times during the meal. It put a burden on the guests - with a table bill of over $460 - to reassure the waitress that she was doing okay. It made us feel parental, which wasn't the feeling we were going for or we wouldn't have left the kid at home! The final apology arrived with the bill in the form of a cheesecake slice. It was good, but as our friend said, it felt like tip manipulation at that point. And again, why profusely apologize for minor slips in service when delivering this extra dessert? Just say, "Thanks for coming in tonight, here's a complimentary slice of our famous cheesecake!" It was taxing to hear yet another apology and to have to say over again, "Oh no, everything was great." Because at this point, we felt everything was not great, but only because she'd pointed it out at every turn. Were we really going to say, "You know, you're ruining our meal with all of these apologies?" Maybe it's a generational problem. I was tempted to give her some waitressing tips. As a teen, I waitressed in a nice restaurant, and I know that smooth service depends on being upbeat, positive, efficient, and in and out from the table without interrupting. In short, fake it till you make it. Word vomit and the recognition of it, will do you no good. Less said the better. Also, don't make me ask for rice three times. So, was the wagyu beef good? It was! Will be tempted to return? Nope! It is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Now I can say I have had nice, juicy bites of wagyu beef and I am good to go. I would rather dine at a place where I will spend less money and get better service. Want good Korean BBQ? Stick to an all-you-can-eat place in Annandale or Fairfax where the service is brusque and the meats are unending. Be aware: Soul Prime is not AYCE. They are too fancy for that! It's still plenty of food, but at those prices, I might have liked to taste a little more...or at least had service that really impressed. Oh, and after she brought the bill and apologized for the fourth or fifth time, she also brought a QR code display for leaving reviews. Really? We're spending over 460 bucks and you want to beg me for a review? That just seemed a little sleezy. But here I am leaving one!

Banquet Ready!

Dry Aged Ribeye Cap

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Searing and bar areas

Honoo Ramen & Bar

4.5

(192 reviews)

2.0 mi

server was very accommodating and food came out quickly. drinks were delicious and diverse…read moreselection for menu. very easy to eat your monies worth.

First off... I have never considered leaving a review until I visited this establishment. I have…read morenever eaten food so good that I immediately felt compelled by the gods of delicious food to write about a meal until today! Upon entering we were greeted and seated by the nicest staff you could ever imagine! The entire vibe was amazing and the establishment was flawlessly clean!!! Now to the food! The portions are huge!!! Come hungry because you're about to be stuffed!!!! I ordered the muscles off of the appetizer menu and they were absolutely amazing. I don't know what kind of broth they used, but I could drink a gallon of it. I had the eel sushi and I'm not sure what kind of roll I ordered. But it was top-notch absolutely phenomenal. I also ordered the Spicy miso tonkotsu!!!!! It was my first time trying this dish and I cannot believe how delicious it was. Whatever magic they are doing in that kitchen is out of this world! I will honestly say that it was possibly the best meal I have ever eaten in my life. I don't have enough good things to say about our entire experience. My review does not do this restaurant justice!!!! 10 out of 10! I honestly hope someone with better writing skills than me eats here ASAP so they can properly get the word out about how perfect this place is!!!

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Padaek

Loved Padaek. The service was friendly and thoughtful. Our server made great suggestions. We…read moreordered all kinds of dishes. The kra prow and the Burmese tea salad stood out the most. Flavors are authentic and the perfect balance of sweet spicy and sour. They also serve delicious cocktails. I had a tamarind cocktail which was to die for.

It's been almost 2 years since I ate there last. Went on a Sat night and surprisingly not busy…read more Guessing the extreme cold made everyone stay home. We got the crunchy rice with sour pork (naem khao thadaeu), pork shoulder (ping), fried catfish (patod), chicken pad thai (kua mee), and warm coconut milky dessert (bua loy). All the dishes were delicious but a bit more salty than Thai. Feels like a lot of fish sauces in all the dishes. The crunchy rice came with lettuce but ours were not the best lettuce. The fried catfish were nicely fried with a perfect coating. Definitely a dish to get. The pork shoulder is another dish to get. Nicely seasoned with sticky rice. Their version of pad thai is uniquely different than Thai. A bit more sweet but the lime makes it better. Wife wanted to try bua loy dessert. It is a warm sweet dessert that balanced out all the salty flavors of the dishes. Something to try as well. Flavor are still the same. The dishes we order were too much for 2 of us. My only complaint was the restaurant smelled like smoke when we walked in. Not the kind where there was a fire in the kitchen but more like someone smoking in the kitchen?

Crispy Basil with Catfish

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Bua loy dessert ($9)

Clare and Don's

I'm native Floridian so I'm probably biased but this place is a little piece of Florida in Falls…read moreChurch. Only downside is the owners are Gators I think so there's no FSU stuff in the entire place! I always enjoy coming here and having a tasty beverage or two on the patio and listening to some live music while enjoying some grilled shrimp tacos. I've had other items and enjoyed but the grilled shrimp tacos are my go to here. Food and drinks are just as good in the winter but it's not quite Florida weather so I'm eating inside when it's too cold for flip flops. The margaritas are always enjoyable as is everything else I've ever had to drink. The grilled shrimp tacos are also always just right and they bring the shells and tortillas separately so you can fill the shells yourself make them just how you want them. I usually choose corn tortillas and black beans but they also offer flour tortillas and refried beans as options. Service is always fast and friendly here, even when they're crowded on a weekend. This place is a must try if you're a Floridian in exile or just want to enjoy the beach bar experience in Falls Church.

I was in love when we walked in and fell progressively less in love as we ate more of our food…read more Tl;dr - come for drinks, vibes, and simple shit that is good fried. Do not come expecting a solid seafood dinner. We came here after a nearby event. There was live music in the very sizable back lot area. People were actually up and dancing and having a great time. The vibes were stellar. I don't know if I would be into tbis place in the winter if I had to eat inside because the inside is kind of dingey, but outside in the summer is pretty paradisiacal. I did notice that they were doing karaoke in a weird little side room and it did not seem crowded on a Saturday night so that might be worth checking out. Servers were also all super nice. Pretty sure we entered the wrong way and kind of just let ourselves in through the back lot area and then we had no idea where to go to find a host(ess). So we asked the first server we could find where to go and she went "oh I can seat you" and grabbed two menus. Excellent. She also gave us our choice of wherever. The place is huge. Our assigned server was also nice and really knew the menu, which is not small. The menu had a ton of options including some really interesting tofu options and I had a hard time picking so I got excited. Also very customizable where you can choose your preparation. The beer list was not exactly artisinal...a lot of like...michelob ultra. And they had those island slushy kind of drinks. So at first I was like...this is my new weekend hangout. Then our drinks came. They were small and in little plastic cups. Wuhoh. Then our food came. I should have known it wouldn't be fresh. The price wasa little *too* good. When I asked about the catch of the day it was like four different things. I ended up with a buffalo grouper sandwich (grouper was one of the four things). I have had a fresh buffalo grouper sandwich in Clearwater before and that was in 2019 and I still remember it 7 years later. This buffalo grouper sandwich? Oh no. First of all it was this thin, flat battered fried cutlet thing. The breading absorbed the buffalo sauce so I couldn't taste it very much though they did bring me a lot of Bleu cheese dressing. The fish was bad. I bit into it and it tasted fishy and it was dry. Honestly if I hadn't been super hungry I would have just not eaten it. On top of that, I paid an extra dollar to upgrade from fries to hushpuppies. These were legit hushpuppies, but hushpuppies are small and how many did they bring me? 5. Are you kidding? Again, in Florida these are brought free by the basket. They're literally just fried up balls of corn meal. I think that may have offended me more than the bad fish. My husband went witb BBQ pulled chicken and fries and said both were good. So. Here are my thoughts. Would I come here again in the summer for fun vibes and good service? Yes. Would I set low expectations for my food and drink? Yes. Would I probably just order a softdrink and stick to something simple they can't screw up like a quesadilla and fries? Yeeeeeeeah.

Shrimp that was not deveined

Bar

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Chay Restaurant

Really great vegetarian food. The menu has so many different options from soups, rice dishes, stir…read morefries to spring rolls and appetizers. My friend and I tried the shredded rolls and I got the bun bo hue. The flavor was really similar to a meat version I've had before. Perfect spice level as well. Come here if you want to try some vegetarian viet food!

Over a year later and this place still kicks. Plenty of parking because it's a shared parking lot…read more Great spot and still really good food. The seating inside is pretty spacious, for a Wednesday night it wasn't too crowded so we were able to get a table relatively easily. This time I went with my vegetarian friend and I think it might have become her new favorite spot. First thing she said when I came in was "there's so many options" when usually it's what can I eat? With a full vegetarian menu, it's a great spot for those who like an Asian cuisine but suffer from the oh it's not vegetarian. Luckily the whole menu is vegetarian. The waiter/server also said they are doing great and planning on opening a second location in Chantilly soon! We ordered the vegan clam dip, shaky beef, and the fish (vegan) soup. Delicious food all around, I always prefer the clam dip and shaky beef. Really good flavors and a great combination. We definitely ordered too much food, so I would say if it's just two, two dishes is enough. Shaky beef was a little different this time around but still good flavor and you can taste that it's vegetarian or some other meat, but it's pretty darn close to beef. The flavors in the sauce and other bell peppers and onions elevate the flavor profile. The fish soup was a new dish, and definitely had a fish flavor but was a little overpowered by the tomatoe. I probably wouldn't go with that one again, but the others were still amazing.

Welcome to Chay Restaurant

Baby clams app

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S3 platter

NUE Elegantly Vietnamese

Thank you Tom Sietsema for this amazing review in the Washington Post!

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Duke N.

641

260

1462

2 years ago

A Hidden Gem of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine I recently had the pleasure of dining at Present Restaurant in Falls Church, and I must say it exceeded my expectations in every way. This delightful Vietnamese eatery has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the Northern Virginia area. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff's hospitality and genuine smiles made me feel instantly welcome. Their commitment to providing exceptional service is truly commendable. Now, let's talk about the food. Every dish I tried at Present Restaurant was a mouthwatering explosion of flavors. The Vietnamese cuisine served here is an absolute delight for the taste buds. From the fragrant pho to the crispy spring rolls, each dish showcased the chefs' culinary expertise and attention to detail. The ingredients were fresh, and the presentation was visually appealing. One standout aspect of Present Restaurant is their dedication to authenticity. The flavors and aromas transported me back to the streets of Vietnam, capturing the essence of the cuisine in its truest form. It's evident that the chefs take great pride in maintaining the traditional recipes and techniques. Another highlight was the attentive and friendly service. The staff members went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. They were knowledgeable about the menu, ready to offer recommendations, and always ensured that my dining needs were met promptly. In addition to the outstanding food and service, the ambiance of Present Restaurant is both inviting and cozy. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or even on your own, the comfortable seating and tasteful decor create a pleasant environment to enjoy your meal. Overall, I highly recommend Present Restaurant to anyone in search of exceptional Vietnamese cuisine in the Northern Virginia area. Their delicious dishes, friendly service, and commitment to authenticity make it a true gem. I can't wait to visit again soon and explore more of their enticing menu options. read more

IP P.

7 years ago

I've been here several times with my friends, family, all of them is American. The foods are good but the service is terrible. Even first time I came here, I though they are more professional than other place. I still tried to come back, again and again. One day I want to eat hot-pot and I remember I've never tried it in this restaurant. I asked my family drove to there and after all the questions, I know that their restaurant doesn't have hot pot. I asked them why you didnt remove it from your menu... But their answers were not make sense. This Tuesday, my husband want to eat VNese food and he took us to here. A waitress totally forgot my order in appertizer list till all other appertizer was gone and all main courses are ready. I softly asked other waiter, he said let he check. Then I kept waiting. When my husband finished his meal, he asked a waiter again. The couple owner was there at that time but they pretended that not their business. Finally a waitress brough my appertizer and explained: I though you said this meal for your main course. But when a waiter came to get main course order, you didnt let him know your order. But if you dont want it, I can bring it back. WTH, I ordered 3 appertizers. I didnt talk to her anything else. I talked to my husband that I'd like to have that appertizer for my main meal. Cuz I didnt like heavy meal. If she confused, she can ask me again when she got the order. She guessed than she did it. Nobody said sorry when they misunderstood their customer. I didnt want to raise this problem. But their behavor made me feel bad. I never come back this restaurant. read more

Ruth P.

1 year ago

I used to love this restaurant. I had a great experience before, so despite living 45 minutes away in Silver Spring, I made the drive back last night, expecting another good meal. BIG MISTAKE. While eating my Shrimp Pho, I was watching a show on my phone when I noticed a HUGE ROACH crawling out of my bean sprouts. Yes, you read that right--A ROACH was hiding in my food the entire time. Absolutely revolting. I immediately called the waiter over, and even she saw the roach crawling out of my food. I told her I was obviously disgusted and couldn't eat anymore. And do you know what she offered me? A free dessert. A DESSERT. Why in the world would I want MORE food after I literally just saw a roach crawling out of my meal?! She then casually mentioned that the building is old and they'd be calling pest control. Excuse me? If a roach was hiding in my food, how clean is your kitchen? How are you handling food prep? How many more roaches are running around back there? Thinking about it still makes my skin crawl. And the worst part? They didn't even discount my meal. I paid FULL PRICE for my contaminated Shrimp Pho, plus $5 for extra sauce and $3 for extra shrimp. I should have walked out without paying, but honestly, I was too disgusted to even argue. This place needs to be inspected IMMEDIATELY. If you care about your health, DO NOT eat here. Go at your own risk. I, for one, will never step foot in this place again. read more

Cali W.

265

191

2 years ago

If you're in Arlington, VA, and craving fresh, flavorful cuisine in a welcoming environment, Present is the place to be. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with a vibrant and modern atmosphere that feels both contemporary and inviting. Whether you're there for a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner, the ambiance strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. The food at Present is truly the star of the show. Every dish I tried was prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients that brought out the natural flavors in the best possible way. The menu offers a great mix of options that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, and the flavors are bold without being overwhelming. It's clear that the kitchen takes pride in delivering thoughtfully crafted meals that leave a lasting impression. The service was friendly and attentive, though there were occasional moments where it could've been slightly more efficient. Nonetheless, the staff was knowledgeable about the menu and eager to ensure we had a great dining experience. Overall, Present is a standout in Arlington for fresh, delicious food paired with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The slight hiccups in service are easily overshadowed by the quality of the food and the overall experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a meal that's both satisfying and thoughtfully prepared. read more

Michelle A.

17 years ago

Our friends have been telling us about this restaurant, Present. I'm not too crazy about Vietnamese food, other than Pho. Finally we gave it a try. The decoration is so "Zen" and nicely lighted. I really like the rock fountain. The food is wonderfully presented, and flavorful. Service is great. The Menu is confusing, best order by number. Read other reviews (by Brendan, Tony, Thuy) help a lot. We sure will be coming back! read more

Khan S.

753

226

4217

3 years ago

I recently dined at Present, a Vietnamese restaurant, and had an outstanding experience. The ambiance was charming, and the staff, especially Daisy, was exceptionally sweet and pleasant. Daisy's attentive service added a delightful touch to our meal. The menu offered a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes that were both flavorful and well-presented. I highly recommend Present for a memorable dining experience. read more

Daniel H.

5 years ago

I went to the restaurant last time, the quality of the food was just okay , but I was not satisfied with the service of the staff. They messed up my order. When I called to find an explanation, they refused to solve it; sadly, the manager couldn't help and pretended nothing had happened. This restaurant used to be a great place, but things have changed; it is no longer where I would like to visit again read more

John P.

15 years ago

You're absolutely right Kimberly V... This place smells like old unwashed clothes. I'm so disappointed. Pig in a crepe was merely rice noodle stuffed with pre-made ham bought from down the street. I absolutely love Vietnamese food but this is not authentic at all. I would recommend a nice restaurant down the street called Huong Viet, where they actually know how to marinate the lemongrass pork. read more

Minh P.

1 year ago

I had a great experience at Present Restaurant in Falls Church! The food was flavorful and beautifully presented. One of my favorite dishes was the fried banana crispy on the outside, soft and sweet inside, absolutely delicious! The staff were friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere felt cozy and welcoming. Definitely a spot I'd recommend for anyone craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. read more

Thanh T.

7 years ago

I would say three because it's a fancy place we expected more on the food end. The place looked really nice, there was even a pond with koi in it. Menu was fancy alot of pictures and had special names. Service was ok. But the food was over priced for the porportions and pretty Americanized. I recommend the bo luc lac and the fried tofu. But alot of better options in the area. read more

Victoria M.

8 years ago

Everything is good. Great food as well as great presentations. The restaurant is more upscale than other viet place around this area. The menu items title are hard to make out but the descriptions are helpful. Overall, amazing food! I basically tried everything on their menu and love it! read more

Thu L.

9 years ago

I haven't been here for a while but I came back last week. The food were really good. I liked the papaya salad, Red Sea calamary. Adventurous Bull were good, too. My fiancé liked it even he's never tried the shrimp paste before. Will come back again soon ... read more

Augustine K.

8 years ago

My family and I went to Present last night. The service was impeccable. The food was outstanding. The salt and pepper squid appetizer was a huge hit, even with my son who is finicky about trying new types of food. What a great dinner! read more

Lucy S.

9 years ago

'Banh beo' is my favorite dishes. I love the food here, and great services. I know this place from my friend's recommendation. I've been here 3 times and I always satisfied the food and services. read more

Darlene L.

4 years ago

If I could select 0 star I would. The food and service here are absolutely horrible. They also racially profiled guests so save your money and go elsewhere. Would not recommend. read more

Justin H.

6 years ago

First time at this place and I have to state the obvious. It's amazing! The food was perfect from the app to the dessert. I will definitely be coming back, maybe tomorrow. read more

Daniel C.

12 years ago

Good food but not great. Was expecting much more from a top 100 restaurant. Some dishes were served cool and I'm giving it 3 stars for the service. Great decor inside! read more

Chris Z.

16 years ago

The food and service was excellent! After my first visit I've been back many times. The food has always been excellent and I've left wanting more! read more

Matt P.

143

13 years ago

Drove by and stopped for lunch. Decent food. Not a bad deal if you get the lunch special. If I was ever back in the area, I'd probably stop again. read more

Armin F.

463

108

11 years ago

I took my family and surprised with the awesome service and delicious food I would definitely recommend this place to friends and family. read more

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Present Restaurant - vietnamese - Updated July 2026

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