Upon entering Eve’s Garden Lounge & Bar, discreetly located among apartment complexes at Reston Station, one immediately gets swept into a tranquil oasis — between the greenery, bright white walls and marble surfaces, chandeliers, and plush emerald green seating, this new hidden gem may be your next go-to Vietnamese spot.
Eve’s Garden Lounge & Bar opened in May 2023 and is managed by Don Lee, managing partner of Simple Living LLC, which also owns the Emiline Day Spa next-door and Alo Vietnam Restaurant & Bar in Herndon. Lee is Vietnamese, and after moving to the U.S. in 1992, he knew he wanted to “try something outside of the box” and open a restaurant that would show customers that “Vietnamese food can be more than just the traditional dishes.”
He partnered with chef Chez Noir McKay and developed a menu that is about 80 percent Vietnamese cuisine, then 20 percent is “Western using Vietnamese ingredients,” says Lee.
“We marry the rich flavors of Vietnam with the comforting essence of English cuisine. Our menu boasts a delightful array of fusion dishes, allowing you to explore a culinary journey that harmonizes the best of both worlds,” says McKay, who has visited Vietnam twice. “There’s no better way to understanding a cuisine than being in the epicenter firsthand.”
Signature dishes include Fall-Off-the-Bone Perfection, which is braised beef short ribs with potato puree, Duck à L’Orange Supreme, and Fall-Off-the-Bone Stone Pot Pho, featuring a 24-hour broth, noodles, and meat that is guaranteed to comfort and satiate.
For something on the lighter side, order the banh mi sandwich; you pick the protein (we suggest the pork), and it’s accompanied by jalapeño, pickled carrots, mayo, and onions, all stuffed into a fluffy French roll. If your go-to order involves noodles, the Vietnamese Garden is simplicity at its best — grilled meat with cool vermicelli noodles and vegetables. The Pad Thai Paradise is also a winner. The rich peanut-based sauce thoroughly coats everything, ensuring each bite is loaded with texture and flavor. For some shareable snacks, you can’t go wrong with fresh, light summer rolls or crisp, golden spring rolls that shatter with each bite.
Although you can opt for take-out or delivery, you’d be missing out; dining at Eve’s Garden Lounge & Bar is an experience, and the chic décor and modern aesthetic will make you want to dine-in. There is also a lengthy, stylish bar offering cocktails, wine, and beer — all the more reason to come visit in-person. 11207 Reston Station Blvd., Reston
Feature image by Alyssa Langer
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