Vienna Restaurant Makes Best New Dining List By Post Food Critic

VIENNA, VA — In a roundup labeled "The 26 best new restaurants in the D.C. area," Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema included a Vienna eatery on the list.

"The food scene in and around the nation’s capital is vibrant these days, with Italian, Ethiopian, Salvadoran and more," the newspaper said.

Here is an excerpt of what Sietsema said about his list.

"If you like Mexican food, it’s a good time to be eating in and around Washington. The choices have never been better or more varied. … If you live in the suburbs, lucky you. The slate of interesting new restaurants … is apt to keep you close to home for meals.

Now is also an opportunity to sink your teeth into hamburgers of all stripes, explore youthful mom-and-pops and see what some prominent names are up to. … My spring guide is a celebration of what’s new, but also what’s worth your time and money."

One Vienna restaurant was recommended:

The Maple Room, 377 Maple Ave W Vienna, VA

"Chef Cameron Cousin taps into a lot of diners’ wish lists with his winning roundup of oysters Rockefeller, French onion soup, ricotta scattered with mushrooms, and a strapping pork chop that’s pure comfort (and sweetly served with apple sauce inside hollowed crab apples). The cocktails are Big City good, and dessert includes strawberries and whipped cream in puff pastry with strawberry-pink gelato.

The Maple Room opened in late 2023, offering a fine dining experience in the former location of Amphora Restaurant. The owners are Christos and Effie Sarantis, who Sietsema says are longtime residents of the area.