Restaurant Review: Cafesano - Reston, VA

This week, my boss took a co-worker and I out to lunch to Cafesano in Reston. I had never been there before but I love Mediterranean food so I was very excited about trying it. Located in South Lakes Village Center, the exterior is very unassuming although there is a nice waterside seating area attached to the restaurant.


I was amazed at how packed the restaurant was at lunchtime on a Thursday. Although the line was long, it moved fairly quickly and the service was efficient and friendly. I ordered the falafel wrap, my boss ordered a portobello panini and my co-worker ordered an avocado and cheddar panini. We also split a tiramisu among the three of us for dessert. The falafel was the best I have ever had. Restaurants (especially those located in strip malls) tend to overcook their falafel making it dry and tasteless. The falafel at Cafesano is perfectly cooked and very flavorful. Every component of the sandwich was done perfectly. The pita was soft, the radishes were crisp and the tahini sauce was subtle, not overpowering. Their sandwiches are served with crunchy lavash chips that are irresistible when dipped into their tzatziki sauce. My dining companions were pleased with their sandwiches as well. Tiramisu is a dessert that Ryan and I get as often as we can. I've had the best and I've had the worst. The quality of the tiramisu at Cafesano is just as good as I've had at much fancier restaurants. It was the perfect cloud like texture and featured a strong coffee flavor. A great end to a fabulous casual lunch.


Although this lunch was on my boss, I was amazed with the prices. The food is of such a high quality that you honestly expect to spend more money. I am very frugal but I told Ryan that we definitely need to go back because it is a great meal that won't break our budget.


The only con of the entire experience was the atmosphere. Sitting inside the main dining room under the glass enclosed area, makes conversation impossible. Sound carries in this area in such a way that the volume is extremely loud and you are unable to talk to those at your table without shouting at each other. I would definitely be interested to eat there outside or at a different time of day to see if this changes in any way.


On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate Cafesano an 8, with points mostly being deducted for atmosphere.

South Lakes Village Center
11130 M South Lakes Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Ph: 703.391.2100
Fx: 703.391.7148

Hours: 11am - 9pm daily