If I could give 10 stars I would! Delicious and creative food! The atmosphere is cozy and very warm, even though the space is large. The upstairs library is so fun to peruse. The wait staff were amazing!! So sweet and knowledgeable about the menu. I cannot wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Todd Hutchison
Really tasty food and great service. The portion sizes are more European size and perfect to allow you to try several items without feeling overly full.
What a gem of a restaurant! My dear friend suggested as a brunch option last weekend. We split the cardamom pancakes and mushroom crepe and good golly both of these dishes were heavenly! Our drinks are the only thing I got a picture of because we couldn't refrain from immediately digging into the amazing food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J D
One of my absolute fave spots. Great wine, great food and beautiful spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
E R
A welcome addition to Old Town Alexandria’s fine dining options — with reasonable prices. What a delightful surprise to experience Elaine’s. I had brunch (the Mediterranean omelet - subtle flavors in a crepe-like presentation. Excellent coffee). Fresh ingredients and inventive plays on classic Mediterranean dishes — and cocktails - which I’ll have to come back to experience ….hello, pistachio martini!! Classy side bar area. Relaxing, chic vibe and friendly, attentive service. Can’t wait to return for dinner!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mediterranean
Sarah and David Felton
Returned for the second time last night. It was absolutely incredible, just as it was the first. The fresh, colorful plates and creative fusion of flavors and textures leave you feeling nourished and delighted. Service was great, from the owners husband welcoming us to our waitress, Muna, who was so kind and thoughtful - made our rare date night experience very enjoyable. Scallops were absolutely exquisite!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pita, Mediterranean, Brussel
Omar G
We had an amazing experience since the moment we walked in , greeted by Cynthia the owner herself . The food is delicious, the drinks and the atmosphere are amazing, A Must visit spot in old town Alexandria . Definitely
Our visit to Elaine's restaurant was truly remarkable. From the moment we stepped inside until we departed, the owner and staff provided exceptional service, making us feel like VIPs. The delightful blend of Mediterranean and Egyptian flavors in both the drinks and food was truly outstanding. I wholeheartedly endorse this charming, family-owned establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
red mann
Beautiful renovation of the restaurant not matched by the quality of the entree I ordered: shoulder of lamb. With more than a shaker full of salt and cooked well past done a sore disappointment. Maybe the kitchen just had a bad day one hopes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Hugh Fuller
Had reservations, host greeted us by name as we came in, which was a nice touch. Server was attentive. Drinks were not very good, the tequilamockingbirdwas way too strong and almost too thick to drink. I would stick with s wine. Ordered the Alexandrian grilled shrimp. Ten minutes later I'm told they are out. Not technically out but only have two or three pieces left, not enough for a dinner order. This is 8p on Saturday night. She said tomorrow we should have some more lol. We also got the rice for the table and the other two guests got the bronzino. We started with glazed carrots for an appetizer. Very small tapas portion for the price, and the heat in the seasoning was too much for me. My guests did enjoy the bronzino but for the price it's a very small portion. Since they were out of the shrimp I went with the mussels from the appetizer list. They did have a nice flavor. The rice served for the table came out burnt. Not just flavored burnt, but visibly burnt to a crisp and inedible for me, although I did try. The bread for the mussels looked amazing. But it was cooled on top and doughy on the bottom. Should flip it in the oven once. It wasn't a complete fail, but for the price for what we were served and not served, there are much better places to spend your money on right around the corner. The three of us were still hungry when we left and literally ate again.We really really wanted to like this place as we love Mediterranean cuisine and live right around the corner. Should have tried the chicken or lamb shish. Will give them another try but maybe for brunch, I hear that's nice.
If you're looking for good service and a great meal don't put this restaurant on your list. I took my niece is there for Sunday brunch. We had the worst service could not get a glass of water in a timely manner. Our food was just OK. I ended up being very sick that night after the brunch and the drinks were terrible. We actually had to send them back, it was just a terrible experience and a disappointment for a brunch that was designed to be a nice great memory with my nieces.
Shannon M
Worst service I’ve had in years. Food was poor as well. Ordered a salad that was $21 and served in a bowl so small that the food kept falling out of it onto the table. The salad was delivered late from the other guests entrées without apology. The salad was also missing two main non-cooked ingredients and when asked it took an additional 15 minutes--the waitress actually never came back with them and we had to ask someone else. No water refills, nothing. When the server finally brought our check, she changed and dressed in street clothes, ready to leave for the day- it was only 2:00pm. Perhaps she was getting ready to leave so she couldn't wait on us. So disappointing overall.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Katie Q.
Such a nice spot out of the main King street drag. The interior is elegant, inviting, and intimate - certainly a change from when Bilbo Baggins' was in the location! The food is both delicious and beautifully plated. The menu has great variety too. The cocktail menu was unique and intriguing - I wanted to try almost everything on it! We had a lovely evening. The only potential downside was that service was a little slow, but that could have been more due to the server having more tables than comfortable on an unusually busy weeknight. And seeing how crowded it was on a weeknight was definitely a good sign! Will definitely return for more cocktails and some of the local author events that the owners host here.
ElizabethV
The food was incredible! The owner sat us and told us about her grandmother, Elaine. The service was great, and the room was full, yet we could easily have a conversation. The place cleared out by 10 though, so definitely not a later-night spot. Go elsewhere for your after-dinner drink. Can't wait to go back!
Monica S.
Located in Old Town Alexandria, Elaine's offers a cozy ambiance and introduces you to middle eastern cuisine with a flair of European influences. First things first, the thing always on my mind...parking! There is a little across the street that is a $10 flat rate- a convenient option. If you don't mind parallel parking and some walking, there are some 2 hour street parking zones--but this was hard to find on a friday evening. There are some 3 hour free parking zones a bit further away, that were still available. Re: Food. I think the appetizers hit the ball out of the park. We ordered the halloumi goulash (per owner's recs), calamari, and hummus. All delicious! My friends got the koshari and I got the scallops (may not have been the best scallops I've had but the fava bean puree was the highlight and really brought the dish together). I heard the koshari was good- I had a bite, and it was good but I was glad I ordered something else. The popular dishes seem to be the halloumi goulash, steak, koshari, and branzino. My pistachio martini was interesting and different; next time, I'd like to try their espresso martini. My friends got the baklava and the phyllo- wrapped brownie, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Service was good, our waiter was mostly attentive and would frequently check in. We did; however, flag people down for refills of water and drinks. I was a bit disappointed when we weren't notified that there would be an extra cost for additional pita bread. One of our members asked for a little more pita bread to finish off the hummus...which after looking at the receipt that I texted to myself, I noticed we were charged an extra cost. I'm not complaining of the cost, but I feel like we should've been told this. I think it was a nice touch that the owner and the chef were making rounds and checking in with the tables. The chef was very kind/ personable; he knew exactly what we had ordered (despite plates being cleared) and notified us that they have brunch on the weekends and have seasonal menus. The owner had checked in and offered suggestions at the beginning of our dinner, and told us that she names the restaurant after her grandmother. This is probably just my subjective feeling, but I felt like she was just speaking to my tablemates with body turned toward them (it had me wondering if it was because I was the only non-caucasian member of the trio). I had also made the reservation and asked for a nice table, away from the hustle and bustle as some coworkers and I were celebrating International Women's Day. Our table was okay, but it was right in line to the door and kind of got cold. The upstairs appeared to have a nicer ambiance with a "library" type of feel. TLDR; cozy ambiance, good service, appetizers were great.
If I could give 10 stars I would! Delicious and creative food! The atmosphere is cozy and very warm, even though the space is large. The upstairs library is so fun to peruse. The wait staff were amazing!! So sweet and knowledgeable about the menu. I cannot wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really tasty food and great service. The portion sizes are more European size and perfect to allow you to try several items without feeling overly full.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baklava, Braised Lamb Shoulder, Zucchini & Squash Mousaka
What a gem of a restaurant! My dear friend suggested as a brunch option last weekend. We split the cardamom pancakes and mushroom crepe and good golly both of these dishes were heavenly! Our drinks are the only thing I got a picture of because we couldn't refrain from immediately digging into the amazing food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of my absolute fave spots. Great wine, great food and beautiful spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A welcome addition to Old Town Alexandria’s fine dining options — with reasonable prices. What a delightful surprise to experience Elaine’s. I had brunch (the Mediterranean omelet - subtle flavors in a crepe-like presentation. Excellent coffee). Fresh ingredients and inventive plays on classic Mediterranean dishes — and cocktails - which I’ll have to come back to experience ….hello, pistachio martini!! Classy side bar area. Relaxing, chic vibe and friendly, attentive service. Can’t wait to return for dinner!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mediterranean
Returned for the second time last night. It was absolutely incredible, just as it was the first. The fresh, colorful plates and creative fusion of flavors and textures leave you feeling nourished and delighted. Service was great, from the owners husband welcoming us to our waitress, Muna, who was so kind and thoughtful - made our rare date night experience very enjoyable. Scallops were absolutely exquisite!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pita, Mediterranean, Brussel
We had an amazing experience since the moment we walked in , greeted by Cynthia the owner herself . The food is delicious, the drinks and the atmosphere are amazing, A Must visit spot in old town Alexandria . Definitely
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel, Grilled Halloumi, Zucchini & Squash Mousaka, Koshari, Mediterranean, Beet Salad
Our visit to Elaine's restaurant was truly remarkable. From the moment we stepped inside until we departed, the owner and staff provided exceptional service, making us feel like VIPs. The delightful blend of Mediterranean and Egyptian flavors in both the drinks and food was truly outstanding. I wholeheartedly endorse this charming, family-owned establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful renovation of the restaurant not matched by the quality of the entree I ordered: shoulder of lamb. With more than a shaker full of salt and cooked well past done a sore disappointment. Maybe the kitchen just had a bad day one hopes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Had reservations, host greeted us by name as we came in, which was a nice touch. Server was attentive. Drinks were not very good, the tequilamockingbirdwas way too strong and almost too thick to drink. I would stick with s wine. Ordered the Alexandrian grilled shrimp. Ten minutes later I'm told they are out. Not technically out but only have two or three pieces left, not enough for a dinner order. This is 8p on Saturday night. She said tomorrow we should have some more lol. We also got the rice for the table and the other two guests got the bronzino. We started with glazed carrots for an appetizer. Very small tapas portion for the price, and the heat in the seasoning was too much for me. My guests did enjoy the bronzino but for the price it's a very small portion. Since they were out of the shrimp I went with the mussels from the appetizer list. They did have a nice flavor. The rice served for the table came out burnt. Not just flavored burnt, but visibly burnt to a crisp and inedible for me, although I did try. The bread for the mussels looked amazing. But it was cooled on top and doughy on the bottom. Should flip it in the oven once. It wasn't a complete fail, but for the price for what we were served and not served, there are much better places to spend your money on right around the corner. The three of us were still hungry when we left and literally ate again.We really really wanted to like this place as we love Mediterranean cuisine and live right around the corner. Should have tried the chicken or lamb shish. Will give them another try but maybe for brunch, I hear that's nice.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
If you're looking for good service and a great meal don't put this restaurant on your list. I took my niece is there for Sunday brunch. We had the worst service could not get a glass of water in a timely manner. Our food was just OK. I ended up being very sick that night after the brunch and the drinks were terrible. We actually had to send them back, it was just a terrible experience and a disappointment for a brunch that was designed to be a nice great memory with my nieces.
Worst service I’ve had in years. Food was poor as well. Ordered a salad that was $21 and served in a bowl so small that the food kept falling out of it onto the table. The salad was delivered late from the other guests entrées without apology. The salad was also missing two main non-cooked ingredients and when asked it took an additional 15 minutes--the waitress actually never came back with them and we had to ask someone else. No water refills, nothing. When the server finally brought our check, she changed and dressed in street clothes, ready to leave for the day- it was only 2:00pm. Perhaps she was getting ready to leave so she couldn't wait on us. So disappointing overall.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Such a nice spot out of the main King street drag. The interior is elegant, inviting, and intimate - certainly a change from when Bilbo Baggins' was in the location! The food is both delicious and beautifully plated. The menu has great variety too. The cocktail menu was unique and intriguing - I wanted to try almost everything on it! We had a lovely evening. The only potential downside was that service was a little slow, but that could have been more due to the server having more tables than comfortable on an unusually busy weeknight. And seeing how crowded it was on a weeknight was definitely a good sign! Will definitely return for more cocktails and some of the local author events that the owners host here.
The food was incredible! The owner sat us and told us about her grandmother, Elaine. The service was great, and the room was full, yet we could easily have a conversation. The place cleared out by 10 though, so definitely not a later-night spot. Go elsewhere for your after-dinner drink. Can't wait to go back!
Located in Old Town Alexandria, Elaine's offers a cozy ambiance and introduces you to middle eastern cuisine with a flair of European influences. First things first, the thing always on my mind...parking! There is a little across the street that is a $10 flat rate- a convenient option. If you don't mind parallel parking and some walking, there are some 2 hour street parking zones--but this was hard to find on a friday evening. There are some 3 hour free parking zones a bit further away, that were still available. Re: Food. I think the appetizers hit the ball out of the park. We ordered the halloumi goulash (per owner's recs), calamari, and hummus. All delicious! My friends got the koshari and I got the scallops (may not have been the best scallops I've had but the fava bean puree was the highlight and really brought the dish together). I heard the koshari was good- I had a bite, and it was good but I was glad I ordered something else. The popular dishes seem to be the halloumi goulash, steak, koshari, and branzino. My pistachio martini was interesting and different; next time, I'd like to try their espresso martini. My friends got the baklava and the phyllo- wrapped brownie, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Service was good, our waiter was mostly attentive and would frequently check in. We did; however, flag people down for refills of water and drinks. I was a bit disappointed when we weren't notified that there would be an extra cost for additional pita bread. One of our members asked for a little more pita bread to finish off the hummus...which after looking at the receipt that I texted to myself, I noticed we were charged an extra cost. I'm not complaining of the cost, but I feel like we should've been told this. I think it was a nice touch that the owner and the chef were making rounds and checking in with the tables. The chef was very kind/ personable; he knew exactly what we had ordered (despite plates being cleared) and notified us that they have brunch on the weekends and have seasonal menus. The owner had checked in and offered suggestions at the beginning of our dinner, and told us that she names the restaurant after her grandmother. This is probably just my subjective feeling, but I felt like she was just speaking to my tablemates with body turned toward them (it had me wondering if it was because I was the only non-caucasian member of the trio). I had also made the reservation and asked for a nice table, away from the hustle and bustle as some coworkers and I were celebrating International Women's Day. Our table was okay, but it was right in line to the door and kind of got cold. The upstairs appeared to have a nicer ambiance with a "library" type of feel. TLDR; cozy ambiance, good service, appetizers were great.