Loved everything I tried! Everything was so tasty and service was great. Food came out real quick and the servers were attentive to our needs. For the appetizer I got the salmon tartare. This was so scrumptious-lol yes, this word describes this appetizer so perfectly. It had salmon on top of guacamole. It had jalapeños and crispy, thin potatoes on top of it and every bite made me smile! For the entree I tried the shrimp risotto and grilled pork loin. Both so good too! The shrimp risotto tasted slightly citrusy and sweet. The grilled pork loin was filled with flavors! It had a delicious sweet sauce and the crispy pork was topped with a slaw. Every bite was so yummy! The best part-dessert was sooooooo good and worth it! I tried the lemon fritter and peach melba. The lemon fritter were donuts in the shape of a ball and they were coated with sugar. They were really soft and fluffy in the middle. It came with cold ice cream and fruits on top. I really liked the pieces of sweetened orange peel. The peach melba had sweetened peaches on the side and a scoop on ice cream. It was all layered on a chewy cookie. Very good!
(5)
Linda P.
2015 DC 3 course restaurant week menu was good. Ordered the sea bass with risotto. Sea bass was cooked nicely and felt like I was almost eating a scallop. Beef tartare was good but wished egg on top was not cooked through so much. Lemon meringue for dessert was very tart - more of a good palate cleanser than a dessert. Had higher expectations though. Wasn't amazed enough to consider coming back again to pay full $$$. Decor was modern. Service was good. Happy I tried it once to see what the hype was.
(4)
Iori M.
Great atmosphere. Not too stuffy upscale, not too modern. Waiting staff was pleasure to talk to. Food choices vary, but most of the items we tried were pretty good. A bit pricey, but I think it's a good choice for a date/night out.
(4)
art f.
Another restaurant week visit - still a great value. I love the spaciousness and airiness. The art work is fanciful but it doesn't work well for me. Our cocktails were excellent - in particular, try the perhaps unfortunately named "Gunslinger" is a great concoction of bourbon, sour mix, bitters, and heat that blends exceptionally well. We both started with the beef tartare and then went to a black rice (venere) with sea bass and a tagliatelle with chicken. Both were good winter comfort foods but the venere rice dish was superb - dense, creamy rice with a generous portion of simply delicious sea bass. Desserts are very interesting and not overly rich. All in all, a very good restaurant week experience.
(4)
Lori A.
Tried this restaurant for restaurant week. Made a reservation, arrived on time and didn't have to wait at all. The venue is really cool, not your traditional restaurant setting when thinking of a fancy shmancy restaurant. The artwork is odd but definitely works with the space. I can imagine this place being really pretty in the spring and fall. Food wise I ordered the winter salad and my other dining mates ordered the calamari. They ate the calamari within seconds it was so delicious! My salad was also very good and refreshing, the popcorn gave it an interesting taste and texture. My boyfriend ordered the pasta and he wasn't really impressed. Something was missing with the sauce, it was pretty bland. I ordered the Atlantic salmon and omg!!! YUM!! The Brussel sprouts and the butternut squash sauce were an excellent combination. My other friends ordered the sea bass with risotto and it was not very aesthetically appealing. The sea bass itself was really good however the risotto was very bland and salty and also resembled retried black beans. The dessert was ok, nothing to write home about. I'd love to come here on a regular night and try their normal menu. Definitely a cool place to dine in!
I love 2941. My first experience with the restaurant was for my engagement party in November 2012. The private room is beautiful. They give you a lot of room to create a beautiful experience. We had 50 people and a band. The view of the water fall and the pond is quite lovely. Since then I have consistently dined at the restaurant. Their bartenders and servers are knowledgeable. The menu is well put together, plating and consistency is top notch. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion with a large party or just you and your beau.
(5)
Merry M.
Great service, nice ambiance and good food. Came here on Christmas Eve and was offered the 4 course prix fixe Christmas Eve menu. For apps, we got the foie gras-not the best I've had, but also not the worst, scallops and lobster in lobster bisque served in a pastry biscuit-so delicious! Then they served a light cheese filled ravioli that was also delicious. For entrees, my bf got the pan seared turbot, which was mediocre and I got the filet mignon which was the highlight of dinner! It was cooked and seasoned perfectly-like butter! For dessert, we got the chocolate biscuit and pineapple upside down cake. Both were good, but not spectacular. I definitely want to come back and try their regular menu. The prix fixe menu didn't wow us but we wanted to order different items to try. It was a miss with the turbot but overall a great dining experience. The table we sat at seemed un-stable and the chairs were a bit wobbly. They did however offer complimentary valet parking and coat check which was nice.
(4)
Bryan D.
My wife and I started with the ceviche and the barley risotto. Both were amazing but the ceviche really shined. Perfect taste without any fishyness. Next was the spaghetti Nero and the asparagus ravioli with the onion gratin side. Decent portions prepared perfectly. We were very full afterwards and our bill was under $100. That includes 2 glasses of wine as well. Highly recommend checking this place out.
(5)
Josh G.
Fantastic food. The mushroom tartine was ridiculously good. Scallops were delicious. All 3 of the desserts were great. And at night, standing out on the patio looking at the fish is lovely. Would highly recommend 2941.
(5)
Boris W.
I went to this restaurant yesterday for their 2015 Spring Restaurant Week. My wife and I ordered Beef Tartare and Crispy Calamari for appetizers, Grilled Pork Loin and "insert unknown and forgot name here" Pasta, and Coffee Pudding and Lemon Tart for dessert. The food were absolutely amazing! Even the Sauvignon wine my wife ordered tasted better than usual. The bread and butter before the appetizers were unusually tasty as well. The food was definitely 5/5! The environment was just as amazing. The restaurant is situated next to a small pond/creek, and the scenery outside the restaurant matched the beauty inside. The decorations were spectacular and the atmosphere was very cozy. 5/5 for the environment and the mood the restaurant set! Overall, I thought it was a great night, and because it took place during RW, the prices were excellent as well! A delicious three course meal, an excellent location, and an unforgettable experience! 5/5 all the way
(5)
Danielle K.
The experience (dinner and atmosphere) was five stars but the valet was a two star. They opened the car door for my husband and not me. Then when we were leaving they just handed us our keys and pointed to our car. After the get serve inside and the price we were expecting more from the valet. Besides the valet (which is a small glitch) I would definitely go back. The food was amazing. We brought our own wine and did the chefs special from the tasting menu.
(4)
Annie K.
You know you're loved at work when your bosses take you to 2941 for your birthday lunch. Like Samantha W. said, the overall decor of the restaurant didn't give off a snooty feel whatsoever. Since my birthday was in the middle of the multiple snowstorms throughout the DMV region, the lake was iced over and I saw snow mounds everywhere... but hopefully I'll get to checkout the landscape view another time. I started off with the calamari and ordered the steamed sea bass as an entree. The calamari was crispy and a light portion. The steamed sea bass was delicious -- the rice was similar to sushi rice and the fish was cooked perfectly. For dessert, I ordered the coconut cream cake, which had a nice crunch to it, was fluffy, and melted in my mouth. The presentation of the dishes were simple but still very nice. I would definitely recommend 2941 as a great option for a date night, anniversary, birthday, or any other type of celebration. The restaurant has a nice, classy, intimate feel to it. I can't wait to come back someday!
(4)
Bob D.
2941 went through a bit of a hard time when they changed format. I have to say they have come back nicely. Very close to 5 stars actually. Keep up the good work.
(4)
Mickey L.
After a dynamic theme tasting meal and a truly memorable birthday dinner, 2941 has returned to its glory of 2009-2011 when it was our very favorite restaurant! Last year, we were heartened to see 2941's upswing after several years of it struggling to find its culinary identity following the departure of Chef de Cuisine Kevin Takafuji and Pastry Chef Anthony Chavez together with a move to downscale from destination fine dining to casual upscale. After going through Bistro-style cuisine (they do make a superb burger for lunch), Executive Chef Chemel has triumphantly brought back the style that made 2941 me and my dining companion's restaurant darling: its refreshing brand of East Asian-accented French American fine dining with global touches, highlighted by its exquisite herb garden, set in the most beautiful ambiance, and facilitated by stellar service. While their DC Restaurant Week promotion and exceptional Pastry Chef Caitlin Dysart brought us in for an occasional lunch, 2941 intrigued us with its annual Spice Dinner back in March. Not only did it look appetizing, it was also a very reasonable $80 for 8 courses (plus, a vegetarian alternative choice for each of the first 5 courses). Among the many clever incorporation of spices and spice mixes into a wide variety of offerings, the highlights were the Wood-Grilled Ribeye, Slow-Poached Halibut, Fennel-Tomato appetizer, and Napoleon dessert. The beef had a nice smoky exterior and beautifully clean beefy flavor accented by its two sub-cuts (sliced cap and small slab of the heart of ribeye) and a zippy mustard vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. The halibut was cooked to a meaty yet tender texture and brightened with the spring veggies. The fennel dish had our favorite incorporation of spices, yielding a comforting yet novel Mediterranean set of flavors that was definitely worth a detour away from the meats. For dessert, the chocolate phyllo-ricotta mousse Napoleon was brightened by the appollonia-infused cream. Recently, we were racking our minds over where to go for my birthday dinner, but remembering the exciting Spice Dinner, my DC suggested 2941. We looked over their current menu, and it read like 2941's golden era. Fortunately, they tasted even better than described, and we went through 7 courses of euphoria thanks to masterful preparation! Guided by our energetic server Julio, who happily obliged us in taking photos and coaxed us to try the tuna (one of the best tartares in recent memory) as well as finding the best dessert, we had an absolute blast! While all dishes were great, the Ivory King Salmon, Summer Melon, and Peanut Butter Baked Alaska were on another level! The best of the best was the Ivory King Salmon, a thin carpaccio of pristine fish served with EVOO, lemon basil from their garden, yellow peaches, watermelon, and sesame seeds. The fish's inherent flavors gradually unfolded pleasantly alongside the citrusy herb, sweet fruits, and nutty black+white sesame to yield a most ethereal composition. It reminded me of Yukhwe, except with the rare fish and local fruits in place of beef and Korean Shingo Pear. Perhaps the best composed raw fish dish we've had, and together with Fiola's Spiny Lobster and Fiola Mare's Nantucket Scallop Crudo, the troika of best near-raw seafood dishes. Also a refreshingly yet more fragrantly sweet appetizer was the Summer Melons, thin rolled petals of cantaloupe and honeydew pollinated with salt in a semi-gelatinous watermelon coulis lightly peppered with chili heat and topped with sun gold tomatoes and herbs. The quintessential melon salad free from the ubiquitous application of cheese, 2941's rendition made our taste buds go ga-ga over the tiny explosions of lemon verbena and lemon basil that maximized one of 2941's most precious attributes and punctuated complementing layers to the vivacious fruits. Armed with one of our very favorite pastry chefs, 2941 makes us order 2-3 desserts per visit. Thanks to Julio, we had the joy of enjoying one of the best peanut-based desserts ever. The Baked Alaska was a Twinkie-sized loaf of lightly torched soft meringue covering creamy peanut butter ice cream, rich caramel ganache, and crisp chocolate biscuit--like a frozen homemade Snicker bar that dove through soft meringue then got a caramelized finish. In short, 2941 is officially back! Even a dish that had a fault (a very gamey Australian Wagyu Bavette) had an equally superlative component (Lobster "Bourguignon" with Pan-Fried Gnocchi, mini-root veggies, and Shiso) that left a very delicious impression in our minds. Although we ordered three of the best dishes, there are others (Scallop Ceviche and huge Soft Shell Crabs entree) that caught our attention for a future visit. With drop-dead gorgeous ambiance, pro service, and superlative pastry chef, 2941 has come full circle with top-level fine savories indicative of its true potential. Way to go, Chef Chemel!
(5)
Hitomi G.
This place was my favorite restaurant in Northern VA. But when I visited here last week, maybe my 5th time in past 2 years, I saw little changes in quality here and there. Wait staff was great, but busboys did not care how to present plates. They would drop them off backwards... No explanation of the dish. And most of the food was brought to a table if we were in diner. Food was still good but lost top quality that had perfect notch on every single detail. So Sad but will try to go again to see what happens next.
(3)
Katie S.
I finally had the opportunity to go to 2941 for dinner last night and was not disappointed. It's in an office building we have driven by many times and driving up to the valet area kind of feels like you are driving on a sidewalk; but other than that, it's pretty easy to find and is quite pretty. The interior is large and airy, upon walking in the front door you have the option of going to the hostess stand to be seated or going to the huge bar to wait for your table. We were taken to our table right away, and although there seemed to be some confusion of who would be our server at first, we were very well taken care of the rest of the evening. Our drinks came out quickly and the bread basket was lovely. Side-note: Olive bread is apparently my new favorite thing. Being here for restaurant week I feel like I only got a tiny glimpse of what the restaurant has to offer. I am actually a little surprised they didn't offer a smaller a la carte menu to accompany the prix fixe menu like I experienced at several similar restaurants in the area. But overall I enjoyed our evening, so I would probably come back again. I opted for the salmon tartare as my starter, risotto as my main and the peach melba for dessert. The salmon was phenomenal, it sounded like there was going to be too much going on with the crispies, peppers and salmon, but it all worked together really well. This was the star of the night for me. The risotto was OK. The shrimp were delicious but the texture of the rice (not the usual arborio) was a bit off putting to me. The peach melba was OK also. The cookie was a little dry for my liking, but after having a bite of my girlfriend's, I realized I should have gone black forest cake. Again, all in all, we had a nice evening. Our server even noticed the present we brought for my friend's birthday, asked us about it when he was in the restroom to confirm, and then brought out his desert with a candle in it; which I thought was super sweet. 3.5 stars.
Another lovely luncheon at 2941... Started with a delectable gazpacho. Perfectly delicioso, but I should really just stop ordering gazpacho from anywhere other than Jackson 20 because I'm always a little disappointed. Salmon entree was perfection. The salmon itself was like butter, and there was a mussel and chorizo broth that drenched the tiny fingerling potatoes with savory goodness. The peach melba finished the meal, and it was truly memorable. From the snickerdoodle tasting shortbread, crumbly brownie textured base to the warm spiced peaches, every bite was a fresh walk down an old memory lane. Again, why not five stars? The chardonnay that was listed on the restaurant week menu was horrible. I left most of it in the glass because it was that bad. Nevermind the wine not being a decent pairing for the food, it was simply atrocious. Not sure who picked that one out, but it was a bad call! I could have picked up something a thousand times better at Trader Joes.... It was disappointing mar on an otherwise outstanding meal.
(4)
Z P.
Great decor. Very attentive bartenders . Bar food was ok. Steak tartar was very bland . Daffy burger was ok. Try their cocktails ; especially the gov't mule.
(3)
Lynwood M.
Excellent location to have an executive level business meal. Must dress in a suit and tie. Meals are excellent. Never over crowded so always feels intimate. Located near all the major federal contracting firms.
(5)
Ken L.
You really get what you pay for. It was expensive fine dining but it was also delightful. I personally ordered the filet and braised short ribs. They were SO good! The portion was indeed small but was so worth it. I also heard from my other friends that their food were also good, e.g. lobster ravioli, etc. I'll definitely be back to try other stuff as I understood that they change their menu every now and then.
Heard a lot of good things bout 2941 so was excited to finally try it for summer restaurant week. No doubt the gardens and surroundings are beautiful and it draws you in right away. The service was on point and super fast maybe cause it was restaurant week but everything came out so fast it kind of made me wonder how much of it was actually freshly made. No complaints though since I was so hungry haha. We got the crab salad and salmon tartare for our apps, the rack of lamb and braised chicken pasta for our entree, peaches and cream and chocolate cheesecake for dessert. The best thing was the tartare, soo good. The rest was good but I wasn't blown away like I thought I'd be considering the credentials of this restaurant. Maybe next time will have to try other dishes. Nonetheless good eats and lovely surroundings.
(3)
Pegah Y.
I took my fiance to 2941 to celebrate his 28th birthday recently (his third birthday that we are celebrating together, whoo hoo!). EXCELLENT FOOD! But service was pretty disappointing, and we were the ONLY people who were not seated near the window. Since this was a special occasion for my fiance's birthday, I made sure to make reservations well in advance. Despite getting reservations that far in advance, we were not seated near the windows, which have a lovely view of the lake, waterfalls, and outdoor greenery area. We were literally the only ones seated away from the windows... I was quite baffled. And it was a Tuesday night and the restaurant wasn't anywhere near full. When we asked them to seat us closer to the windows, they said they didn't have any tables available near the windows.. but they clearly did. I had initially wanted to give them 4 stars but the more I think about it, the more disappointed I am that the service was that rude and unaccommodating, especially since it was for my fiance's birthday and I made sure to reserve well in advance. Another thing is that we noticed that the waiters were very rude to the people who refilled our waters. That was not classy and was very disconcerting. Despite that, however, we both did enjoy the food! For appetizers, we ordered the crispy calimari (with chorizo aioli) and the tuna tartare (with grand marnier dressing, avocado, fried shallot, and basil oil). My fiance was in love with the calimari, so much so that he ordered another calimari appetizer to enjoy AFTER his entree! The tuna tartare was delicious and perfect with the avocado that accompanied it. For our entrees, my fiance ordered the soft shell crab, which came with summer squash, hon shimeji mushrooms, peardrop tomato, and smoked salmon cream. He really enjoyed his entree. For my entree, I ordered the Grilled Wild Halibut, which came with yellow corn, bacon, spring onion, and sauce choron. I thought it was tasty, though a little on the undercooked side. For dessert, we ordered: vanilla ice cream for me and baked alaska for my fiance. Both were good, but see my comment below: At the very end, they brought out a small marshmallow with a candle in it and a chocolate-drizzled "Happy Birthday" for my fiance. They also brought out 3 orange-flavored beignets. However, for most of the aftermath of our entrees, it did not seem like they were going to bring anything special for his birthday (despite them saying they would when I reserved). They brought everything out AFTER we had ordered dessert. I felt like that was underhanded, as though they wanted us to order dessert despite their free birthday dessert. Bottom line: Excellent food, but rude service. We were disappointed we did not get to enjoy the famous view during our meal. I would think twice about visiting again, only for that reason. I would prefer to go elsewhere where guests are treated with courtesy, in ADDITION to having excellent food. Oh, and random side note - this is my 1600th Yelp Review!
(3)
Lydia R.
*4.5 stars* I really enjoyed trying 2941 for lunch because I was working in the area. My colleagues and I were among a handful of the restaurant patrons, and we shared a server who was very nice and responsive. We had a beautiful view surrounding us the whole meal - of the nearby lake, some sculptures, and interesting art. For the food, we started with a basket of bread which was an exciting variety. I asked if I could have olive oil for my bread rather than the butter, and our waiter generously obliged. I ordered the grilled octopus salad for lunch, which was not what I was expecting! To be honest, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I noticed Ursula had landed on my plate, along with some leafy greens tossed with cut up peppers and olives and goat cheese. So I actually really enjoyed this salad, despite the intimidating tentacles on full display. I definitely got what I asked for with this order, and I even had some tentacle to take home with me. All in all, a great experience and I would love to return to try the more formal dinner!
(4)
Phi N.
This review is won't be the most accurate for their menu because I came here for a wedding. But I thought it was still worthy of a review. We started with a shrimp risotto-- there was way too much lemon on it. I had the steak main course, but I also tried my friend's seafood main course. The shrimp and scallops were humongous but the dish lacked salt or much taste at all. I'm glad I didn't choose that one, haha. The steak was pretty good and had the right amount of sodium. It came with mashed potatoes and bacon wrapped asparagus; great compliments to the steak! Finished off the wedding with a decent red velvet cake. I hear excellent things about their regular menu so maybe I'll have to return for that and give them a more fair review.
(3)
Kimberly K.
Came here awhile back and had a lovely dinning experience. They have complimentary valet, which is very nice. Upon entering the restaurant, I loved walking around and looking at the waterfall and koi fish. The building has high ceilings and it's spacious inside. I also like the big mirrors everywhere. Employees are kind and attentive. The restaurant is very clean and organized. It was so nice to see a wedding going on as we were eating. Complimentary bread is brought to the table. Everything we ordered was delicious and cooked to perfection. The only dish we thought that could have had more flavor is the Brioche Crusted Halibut. The Halibut was delicate and cooked perfectly, it just lacked flavor. Our favorite dish here would be the Crab Risotto. So smooth and creamy, topped off with chunks of fresh crab meat. Their crispy calamari had a light and airy batter. You still get that nice bite of the calamari inside. Delicious! Quality ingredients make me one happy camper.
(4)
Jennifer K.
I've been here many times for work events last 5 years, most of the times we are at the conference room on the main floor or downstairs boardroom if it's a bigger party. Service is top notch as expected and venue is great as well. Very well organized, everyone dressed well and clean, staff are friendly and knowledgable of their menu (I mean you think this is given but how many times have you gone to places where someone tells you "oh I'm not sure, let me ask and I'll be right back" like ten thousand times). I haven't tried all entrees but most including appetizers except for seafood items because I am allergic and everything I've tried were pretty good. Steak has been my favorite followed by pasta items.
(4)
Le L.
I always heard about this place but never really have the chance to try this place out. I came here on thursday night for a friend's birthday dinner. Parking was a little confusing at first since it was dark so I didn't see any signs said parking garage, but luckily a friend told me there is a complimentary valet parking (we just have to tips them at the end). So we turned left to the restaurant and got the valet parking. The restaurant itself is very nice, well decorated. At first it wasn't many people but later on around 6:30PM, the whole place got filled up, I guess the place is pretty good then. My husband and I ordered calamari and lobster lasagna to share (there are two prices $19 and $34, I believe is small and large portion, since we are sharing so we ordered. Came to our surprise, the portion is pretty small for the large size (i guess this is what they called fine dine). I actually like it a lot, especially the sauce, very creamy and I love it with the breads.
(4)
S A.
Food portion is tiny. Salmon, pasta nor lamb didn't have much flavor..i first thought it is just me but 3 of my friends didn't enjoy the food either. Only giving 1 star but nice ambiance of restaurant and artful interior..
(1)
Rich B.
This is one handsome space. I'll agree with another review (Lori M.) who described it as "not too stuffy upscale". Yes. You'll bring a fancy first date here. Or your parents. Or your spouse. Or business colleagues. The staff is formal enough but very friendly and warm. They've stuck a really nice balance here. Soaring space. Amazingly landscaped outside. Is it me, or does the menu tend to lean towards a bit hardier fare? Good stuff (I had duck if I recall).
(4)
Elina Y.
I am in love with this place! I love the floor to ceiling glass walls, the cute scenic view out of the window, the high ceilings--I just love everything about this place! Service was great and their food was equally as satisfying. Their grilled pork loin was just divine! Slightly salty that blended perfectly with the creamy barley side. Ughhh, it was just delicious! I saw a couple walking in for wedding arrangements. This place would serve to be the perfect romantic spot for photos and events. Highly recommend 2941.
(5)
Dmitry D.
This place is nice but I believe that every place u go to had to feed the people normal size portions and I want full at all. I was hungry when I left. Nice place over ask good service.
Came here for restaurant week with my coworkers during lunch. I'll dive right into the food: I wasn't a huge fan of the bread. There were several kinds, but they were all kind of bitter. I'm a carb lover and I barely had one slice... Crispy Calamari | roasted peppers, cannellini beans, chorizo aioli - interesting combination of beans and calamari. Wasn't a huge fan of the batter on the calamaris, but it was cooked just right. Salmon à l'Oseille | sorrel sauce, scallion, baby carrot - the salmon was cooked well, but... I've never had sorrel sauce, not sure if it's always like that, but it was frothy and bubbly, which didn't make me feel comfortable... And my first bite was just way too oily for me. I've never had whole cooked scallion I don't think, not sure how I feel about it because it was a little difficult to chew and swallow. But I loved the baby carrots, they were so cute!! Chocolate-Coconut Layer Cake | cocoa-almond dacquoise, dark chocolate ganache, coconut mousse, lime cream - not as chocolaty as my coworkers and I had hoped. But it was good. The coconut mousse was nothing like I've had before, but I think the cake was just too much coconut for me, and the lime didn't gel very well with it in my opinion. Definitely not a chocolate lover's dessert, but it is for coconut lovers! Then we were talking about donuts being better than our dessert, and they randomly brought out complimentary lemon donuts! It was great! But.. They themselves were nothing to brag about. Maybe it's because I'm not a huge fan of citrus flavored desserts (besides sorbets). Overall, I didn't think the food was that great and serving sizes were tiny. Nor was service impeccable--(although granted they were very busy) we got there at 1:10 for a 1:30 reservation, but they still couldn't seat us until 1:23, so we were just standing around waiting for over 10 minutes. They took care to move the tables and chairs so that chairs were alternating in color though haha. Then when the check came, we asked the server if he took a maximum of separate cards, he bitterly responds, "unfortunately no." Well then.... This place is walking distance from my coworkers and I, but... I don't know that we'd come back too often.
(3)
J W R.
Took advantage of 2941s extended Restaurant Week and am so glad I did. Wow, what a beautiful place, with phenomenal fresh food, preferred perfectly and served with beauty. It is always an amazing experience to go to 2941 to have a memorable, high quality meal. Of note, the heirloom tomato salad was bursting with summer flavors, and the grilled rack of lamb was tender, moist and succulent. An exceptional wine list with several varieties from around the world. I also appreciate that 2941 is a place I can go and talk to my dinner companions and be heard without a raised voice. So great food, peaceful ambiance, an exceptional wine list and free parking - 2941 is always on my short list of great NoVa restaurants.
(5)
Kim S.
The night before I visited 2941 I went to another 'frou frou' restaurant where I dropped a small fortune on meat paste for dinner. I assumed this would be a similar experience. I was WRONG. From the calamari starter to the pecan dessert I ate every bite and it was perfect. The food was presented beautifully and not overly 'messed with'. They didn't turn my my calamari into a gel tube or my lobster into a foam tower. Everything was as it was meant to be. I applaud this place for having excellent, high-quality food that isn't overly cheffed up.
(5)
Mike B.
Great place tucked away back in the woods, or so it seems. They have free valet parking, which you need to use cause there isn't really a lot next to the door. Once inside they have a nice bar with pretty decent drinks. When I was sitting at the bar I was looking at pictures of food on Yelp, but that was a bad idea because they change the menu every few months. So I sat down and was hoping for short ribs and they didn't have them. I did get a filet which was good, but not great. I asked for medium and it came out medium well. I am not really one to send stuff make and make it awkward at the table, so I ate it. It wasn't bad of course, it was still a filet, but for $42 it could have been cooked better. Overall I would have given the place a 5, but the steak was a bit of a disappointment. They did have great sides and desserts, so I will give it another shot in a few months once the menu changes again.
(4)
Yaka H.
2941 offers a date night tasting menu on Thursday and Friday nights. We opted to give it a go, since it seems like a great way to try a variety of dishes in one meal. Date night tasting menu consisted of: complimentary bread basket of three different kinds of breads, first course of butternut squash velvoute with desert apple compote, second course of chilean sea bass with lobster consomme, third course of wild boar ragu with pappadelle, fourth course of steak with red cabbage and pomme puree, and a dessert course of ricotta cheesecake with oat crumble, creme anglais, chantilly cream, and poached fruit. Afterwards, a complimentary snack of fried doughnut holes. Pretty plating and good flavors to wow your date. The steak course was probably our favorite. Succulent, flavorful steak and the cabbage was just on point. SX almost spit out his drink he was sipping when he saw the size of it (as a result, I forgot to take a picture of this course), but we both appreciated each bite. SX actually declared it as the best steak he has ever had. The sea bass dish definitely a close second favorite. Dessert had the perfect balance sweet and tart with creamy and crunchy textures. SX (notorious for avoiding this kind of dining establishment due to small portion sizes and small protein sizes), surprisingly felt okay after our meal. Though, he was on his phone looking for nearby late night kebab joints (he thought we were in Arlington... sigh). I was stuffed. The interior is really generic and the various artwork they have are confusing. Super bland interior similar to a catering hall, but this restaurant is located inside of a business building. So, if you go during winter dinner time, there's no way to see the outside greenery or little waterfall. I had a refreshing cocktail, recommended by our server that was bubbly and had grapefruit. Driving here was slightly confusing, only if you cannot read signs. We drove past the signs for the parking garage and had to U our way out of the security-gated parking lot at the end of the road.
(4)
Rick B.
Location: Near Capital Beltway, but a little difficult to find unless you use SatNav Style: Modern with lots of large windows looking out onto grounds and lake Ambiance: Pleasant Service: Very good, wait staff knowledgeable about menu and wine list Food. Excellent - varied, well presented, tasty Wines: Good selection, with enough variety on the by-the-glass list
(4)
Daniel T.
4.5 stars! Finally got to try this place during restaurant week after being on my hit list for quite some time. I love the ambiance. It is a very classy, sexy establishment! The entrance is a short driveway through a wooded area, resembling a driveway to a large house or mansion. There was complimentary valet = awesome. The restaurant is surrounded by a large koi fish pond, the interior has very very high ceilings and unique light fixtures as well as some old fashioned paintings. Great place for a special occasion. The food and service were both superb. I enjoyed the beef tartar and the sea bass risotto. In my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Northern VA - will definitely return.
(4)
Danni D.
Came for restaurant week and every dish was amazing! I highly suggest the chicken pappardelle and the salmon tartare. So flavorful and satisfying. Loved the dessert too and then they give complimentary caramel popcorn at the end. I can't wait to go back. Also I love the koi fish all around the restaurant. One of my new favorites. Worth the 30 min drive outside the city.
(5)
Karisa D.
*** Restaurant Week Review*** Ever since I read about 2941 in last year's Washingtonian's 100 Best Restaurants, I have wanted to go and try this place. We had tried unsuccessfully to get a weekend reservation at 2941 for the last two restaurant weeks, but it seems like third time's the charm. We were able to make reservation for 6:0pm on Saturday. Highly recommend reservations if you come to 2941 during the weekend. We drove up to an office building where the restaurant is located and used the free valet; lovely perk I think. We walked in, were immediately greeted and seated immediately. We were given the restaurant week menus, water, and fresh bread. We then looked over the menu and gave our orders. I ordered the tuna tartare, pappardelle, and coconut cake for dessert. We also ordered wine pairings to go with our entree. The food was wonderful. I know restaurant week menus can be hit or miss but 2941 was delicious. The tartare was flavorful and surprisingly filling. The pappardelle was well made, but the dessert was my favorite. I have heard their pastry chef is amazing and we were not disappointed. Our waiter also brought out the donut holes which was delicious and a perfect end to our meal. 2941 is beautiful inside. With it's high ceilings and big windows, you can tell they utilize their space well. I would imagine it capitalizes on the natural light they get from the windows during the day. Our service was fantastic too. Everyone worked together seamlessly to give us a wonderful dining experience. I would like to come back on a non restaurant week. I am sure the food would be just as delicious, if not more so.
(4)
Philip L.
I just had my birthday dinner here. I went a bit early for my reservation since I had nothing better to do. I sat at the bar and ordered the popcorn and the Sangria for the happy hour specials. I really love the popcorn here. It is only $3 and it is not really a dealbreaker if you don't manage to finish it. I heard the Calamari was delicious so I ordered it ($9 at the bar and $10 at the table), for my date. She loved it! She raved how soft the Calamari was and it was surprisingly not-chewy. The Sangria was heavier alcohol-wise than expected, which is always welcome. I really did enjoy it. In addition, the bartender was awesome. She was playful and treated my date really well. I truly give her my thanks. Now for the main course: I ordered a salad, which was nothing special. We also ordered oysters (3 from Canada and 3 from Florida). Apparently, they do taste differently. I wouldn't know. Either or, we also ordered the Wild Salmon Confit, Asparagus, and Shallots. The texture of the Salmon was incredibly soft. The fork could barely hold the salmon without it slipping out into the sauce. It was a delicious experience. The view was gorgeous, but it was a bit on the rainy side. I would prefer it to be dark at the restaurant to really enjoy the view, but I was tired and wanted to head home and rest. The waiter was prompt and was gracious to bring out a delicious dessert on the house with Happy birthday on the plate. The dessert was not overly-sweet which made it a good light after-dinner choice. I ordered the Top Hat, which was INCREDIBLY strong. I could not finish it because I am the driver so I only had a couple of sips. My date had the Gin and Tonic which was strong as well. One thing is certain is that this place does not skimp on the alcohol content for the price paid like some other establishments. Overall, the food was delicious and it is a date-spot. However, I prefer the bar area for happy hour more than the dining room experience. If I were to come here again, it would be for happy hour and that Sangria.
(4)
Preston B.
It's an ecological portrait to look at while dining. Location: The location is quite difficult to find and if you park in the garage, park on the second floor (that's the same floor as the restaurant). It's best to drive to the front of the restaurant and use valet parking. Food: Looks appealing, interesting, eccentric, and alluring. But the taste is plain. I had the Wester Ross Salmon Confit with mushroom risotto and potatoes. And Apple Galette for dessert. Service: Good service and polite. Ambience: Scenic. You are surrounded by windows with a view of the lake and woods. I recommend it for an occasion to impress your guest(s) with something different and luxurious. -"What if we only have tonight? What would you do then?" "That is a good line," she laughed-
(4)
Jamie K.
I was invited to my friend's birthday party on Sunday. The server did not offer any drink or bread until we asked for it. They were so rude. I can't believe this place is one of top restaurants in this area... Also their food is not really great and over priced. My friend asked for a lime and the server picked up the lime with his hand and dumped inside her glass.... We couldn't believe our eyes!!!!!!! My friend spent a lot of money for this birthday event and all the guest were not happy with their service.
(1)
Lauren L.
It's hard to go to a town like dc in the spur of the moment and expect to get good food wout a reservation. Enter 2941. 2941 reminds me of a typical restaurant inside a hotel. Typical atmosphere, typical everything. Except the food. Our waitress couldn't stress enough we needed to order the calamari. Really calamari. I've have calamari at every single place I go to from bars to bowling alleys. Why wouldn't want to waste my money on it here? But she insisted so I did. Calamari- one of the best I ever had! The batter was so soft and light but extremely crispy. It was a like a beer battered fish n chips. It had some type of lightness to it. Maybe an angel made it. the truffle mushroom soup- I swirled the truffle garlic oil into the soup until it melted. More like a chowder it was in the thick side. seasoned perfect Pop over- I was trying to relive the 12 floor Daytons days but no luck. It was cut in half and the chees was placed inside it not baked in it. The ham was very salty. The sweet butter helped cut it a little but not much. Halibut- fish was light and fluffy not over cooked. I'm not a huge fan of risotto so I'm not sure how to judge it but it seemed hard to me. Lamb papardelle- this was extremely tasty. The had a hint of game it so that you know it lamb. The pasta perfectly cooked. Dessert. I had to reread the menu to figured out what I was eating. But it wasn't a good think. It was suppose to be pistachios something. It wasn't cake. It's wasn't a mouse. Thicker than that it was more like a pudding but not really. It wasn't my fav but I'm not a huge dessert fan. I'm sure there are tons of restaurants in DC to die for but somehow This one didn't make me feel that I missed out. In a nutshell 1. Great place to go wout needed ressie weeks ahead. 2. Free valet 3. Try the calamari 4. Ask for specials not on the menu!!! A beautiful girl sitting next to me did and she ate fresh black truffle pasta. And she ordered another plate for dessert. True story
(4)
Dette T.
Came here for my anniversary.. Food was good, place had good ambience, server was rude then he finally came around around desert time.. I was hoping for better service since this place is not cheap and heck, they knew it was our anniversary! I would say, I'd never come back however, a friend is having her wedding reception here so I'd definitely come back lol..
(2)
victoria j.
The high price is the only reason why I'm not giving this place 5 stars, but the ambiance and food quality justify why it's expensive. Great ambiance for a date or a small group. The floor-to-ceiling windows create a romantic sunset in the evening. I didn't have visit the gardens outside, but I heard it was very nice. This is not a good place for babies or rowdy groups. I had ravioli and it tasted yummy. My g/f had duck and it was also very good. Portions tend to be on the smaller side, but for women I would say it's usually plenty. They have some good craft beers and cocktail selections as well. The food and drink prices are on the expensive side, but it's definitely worth it for a special occasion. The young gentleman who served us was very good about patiently answering all our questions about the menu and recommending cocktails for us. I will definitely go back!
(4)
Jay M.
Was I at 2941... or 1492... Restaurant Week menu and Zero Star Service! And yes, my 1st time to this place. SERVICE: The waiter was lackluster and seemed like we were a bother to deal with from the get go. He was impolite, lacked any social skils or whether we were satisfied with out meal. And to top it off, to have a server almost run me over leaving the bathroom made my blood boil as I was not even given a "excuse me" ... pretentious... yes. FOOD: I have been to Michelin Star restaurants and 5 star establishments and after reading the reviews on here and in the Washingtonian, I expected the same! Besides the sub-par service... the food was equally bad. I would love the opportunity to talk with both the chef and the pastry chef, as both were not worth the gas money I drove to get here. The Heirloom Tomato Salad was ok... the tomatoes in my garden are fresher and more favorable. The olive oil even tasted like the Olive Garden version... been tasting oils in Italy, Spain and Napa... definitely sub-par again. The entrees came out... the Grilled Pork Loin was ok... probably the best thing besides the piece of bread. However, the POTATO CHIPS beneath it... oh wait, those were pomme lyonnaise. Greasy, crunchy and reminded me of a diner's potato chips. Where is GORDON RAMSEY when you need him! Next entree was the Ravioli... Being Italian I have eaten fresh raviolis. The pasta was tough, the filling too sweet and the sauce separated to an oily mess. Really... am I at 2941 I thought. DESERTS!!! I literally waited to try the Award Winning Pastry chef's creations... lets just say thank God my wife had a brownie in her purse from California Tortilla and that was better than both. OVERALL: I was so excited to dine at 2941! My wife felt absolutely horrid how bad the meal and service was. I wish I had a better review but at this point, I honestly want to call the GM and get a refund because that is how poor this was.
(1)
Sylvie S.
I stopped by 2941 yesterday for Restaurant Week with a group of friends. The interior is quite nice with the high ceilings and huge windows. The crowd is a mixture of 30 somethings, dates, and business meetings. Everyone is dressed business casual (one girl was in a ball gown) and as a side note, the restaurant is definitely not one for children. I did notice some weird decorations on the wall. I didn't really think they went with everything. It was some 70's lets-eat-mushrooms-and-stare-at-this-poster kind of art... For my first course, I went with the salmon tartare. I also tried the tomato salad and the beet salad and can safely say the salmon tartare was the best. For the entree, I picked the grilled apricot pork loin. I thought that this dish was the weakest of my three courses. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I ate it all because it was in front of me but I was not impressed. I also tried the shrimp risotto and was not a fan of this either. I thought it was over salted. For dessert, I got the peaches and cream. I was able to try the other two desserts which were also quite pleasing but felt that the peaches and ice cream was a really a pefect light summer dessert. Service was attentive and friendly although we did have a newb waiter error when he tried to remove a plate and the knife with some left over food slid off and all over my friend. They did take the correct course of action and offered to pay for her dry cleaning and then comped her food. It was a mistake but was well handled. I'd give 2941 three stars for their Restaurant Week. I've dined here on a regular night in the past and really thought they did a stand up job with the regular menu. I had some excellent sea bass that time!
(4)
Lhynette C. A.
Hidden away in one of Falls Church's office cluster of buildings - great for lunch and dinner! EVERYTHING is delicious and unforgettable here. First off, the restaurant itself is so pretty. There is a waterfall and a coy pond right outside the entrance of the restaurant. I always stop, and "pet" the coy---they are huge!!! The ambiance and the restaurant is amazing. TONS of glass walls, big windows, so there is endless natural lighting that fills the dinning area. You wouldn't think that you're in Fall Church... The food is original. I've had their duck burger for lunch. You're probably thinking "duck burger?!?" Don't knock it til' you've tried it. :) I've also tried their soft shell crab salad, mushroom ravioli and a the profiteroles for dessert. EVERYTHING. ALL OF IT. AMAZING! I am not one for expensive restaurants-but i do believe some (not all) high end restaurants are actually worth the money. 2941 is definitely one of the few that's on my fancy 5 star list!!!!
(5)
Heather G.
Came here for a holiday lunch. We ordered all of the small plates to start. Do it. Order them BC they are delicious!!! We also ordered the tuna tartar - also delish. I had the crab risotto as my entree. It was good but I wasn't expecting the risotto to be black and there to be cream on top. Still good but I might have ordered differently. Dessert - get the apple gala thing. So good. Would definitely come back!
This place is absolutely amazing. I have dined there for lunch many times & finally went for din din. It is just as amazing for either times. The food has never been anything, but delicious! The presentation wonderful. I am also enamored with the establishment. When you enter the Koi pond & trees make you feel like you are entering an enchanted wonderland. The only thing that doesn't give me a full 5 stars is that every time we have gone for a happy hour the staff seems to only be there to make you your drink. No social activity. Just a drinks linger. I am used to at least having a bit of conversation. Especially being a former bartender myself. I know you make a better tip on acknowledging the customers you are serving. At least I think so.
(4)
Connie C.
I love the decor and open lighting, super great setting and the food was delicious. I had the lobster lasagna (small was perfect) and the lobster was melt in your mouth good!
(4)
Lori B.
Surprisingly artistic and modern atmosphere, good for a romantic or business dinner. Valet parking is available. I enjoyed the 5-course prix fixe dinner with wine pairings. The food and wines were both surprisingly unique and delicious. The server was attentive and conveyed detailed information about each course as it was delivered. Highly recommend!
(5)
Jeong L.
I don't have much to say about this place. I mean, I heard that the last chef passed away or something, and the food quality has changed. It's a shame because this restaurant is absolutely stunning. The ceilings are high and the open view and all those little details in decorations are quite impressive. It would have been one of the most romantic spots to have dinner.... except that the food is not so good. 2941 had one of the most bland tasting food I've ever had in my entire life. We ordered Wagyu steak tartare, Tunana Tartare, Smoked Duck Breast and Salmon. All of them had no taste. They were simply bland. I wondered... did the chef put any seasoning on any of the dishes...??? I was especially displeased with my duck breast dish. Although it was grilled nicely, it tasted like nothing due to lack of any seasoning. It was a piece of ginormous duck breast on a place with some sauce at the bottom (which also had no taste). I don't think the chef is a bad chef. He did grille the duck and salmon quite nicely. But he's gotta find a way to season the food properly or at least create some awesome sauce to go with the dish. Also, I've never seen a duck breast dish come out like that... maybe the chef should cut it up into smaller pieces ...? One week after dining at 2941, my boss coincidentally asked me if I could reserve a table at 2941 for his business meeting. He had been there before the last chef had passed away and he had very pleasant memories of this place. I strongly objected to that idea and told him about the no salt experience there. I went ahead and booked a table at Blue Duck Tavern instead. I really loved the restaurant's ambiance. But I would never go back there again.
(2)
Gretchen P.
My manfriend surprised me by taking me to 2941 for my birthday yesterday! From start to finish, I had a wonderful time. The food was delicious and, of course, the company impeccable. This was actually my 2nd trip to 2941--the first was RIGHT after their remodel, last February, and was very good too, but I was blown away by things this time around. Here's the skinny (ha, ironic choice of words, really) on what went down: To start, I ordered a glass of Oregon pinot noir (the best!) before we tucked in. The bread basket included three kinds of bread: a classic french bread, a soft wheat, and an olive loaf. The olive was my favorite! I totally ended up picking out the extra kalamata olives from the leftover pieces of uneaten bread, hehe. Don't judge me. We also ordered an appetizer of calimari. I know it seems a little random, but honestly this may have been the best calimari I have ever, EVER had. The breading wasn't heavy, but was super crisp (I'm thinking it must have been panko--someone else suggested maybe they were breaded in cornstarch?) and the sauces were just delightful-a tomato coulis and a light honey mustard that I think were supposed to be a play on ketchup & mustard. I demolished those little squiddos. 2941 also orders both 2nd course-sizes and full-entree sizes of their pasta dishes. This Hawaiian prawn risotto just sounds too incredible NOT to try, so Sean and I ordered a small size to share. Oh. My. Lanta. The risotto was perfect-creamy and lemony and tangy and delicious-and the prawns were absolutely to die for. I almost-almost!-wish I had just ordered a full-sized version for myself. Luckily, what I did end up choosing as my entree was without a doubt the right choice. I got the roasted duck breast, served with zucchini and asparagus, and it was PHENOMENAL. Perfectly cooked, tender, flavorful... I was getting pretty full by this point (for obvious reasons, haha) so I ended up taking half home. Which means I GET TO EAT IT AGAIN FOR LUNCH AND I'M SO EXCITED OMG. Aaaand recomposing myself... yes, I obviously loved this dish. I think it's a tie between the duck and the risotto for best dish of the night. Of course, since it was my birthday and all, we couldn't NOT sample a dessert! We got the crema fritta, which was a rich cream inside little crisp triangles, with root beer caramel (!!) and a cocoa nib ice cream. Really rich and tasty, and the perfect size to share, though in comparison to the rest of the meal, I suppose I could've taken or left dessert. Besides, I had forgotten from my last visit here that you get complimentary beignets at the end of your meal, so it's like free dessert anyway! Heh. The wait staff was quite attentive, and our waiter even ended up refilling my glass a little to finish off a bottle that he had poured for another table! There weren't a lot of people there (7 PM on a Thursday) and the environment was really great. 2941 is a little off the beaten path, but it's worth it for the lakeside views, koi pond, and waterfall stonework. Bear in mind, it is 'spensive, so best reserved for special occasions.
(5)
Jina Y.
This restaurant was a really nice place. The staff was very nice and informing. I went with a friend to celebrate my birthday and I guess they overheard our conversation because at the end of the meal they brought out a dessert and had happy birthday written on it! That was a nice surprise. The risotto was actually one of the best risotto I have ever had. It came with the dish I ordered with lobster and steak. Would definitely recommend to go for a nice evening.
(4)
Amanda S.
Went there for Valentine's Day.....really really nice place with a beautiful building and nice atmosphere. The service was fast and I can't really complain.... Besides the fact that my waitress made a smart comment about not being used to so many "young people" there. My problem was the food, the menu is pretty expensive so I expected nothing but the best when we are paying $80 a person. The lobster ravioli was basically some watery sauce on some really bland rubbery lobster with a big noodle inside.... The sea bass was just not good at all.. Really fishy and just not what I've had before at other restaurants like this. My fiances potatoes were really plain and sort of over cooked and dry tasting. The only thing that was really that good was the ahi tuna appetizer. I told my friend and she had been here 2 weeks before and thought the same about the food - very Mediocre for the price.
(3)
Adam I.
I have been to 2941 many times and i absolutely love it, they have a wonderful happy hour menu, being a wine drinker i love their happy hour chardonnay, it is tasty and it is only $5. Calamari and scallops ceviche were delightful. the view of restaurant (when you sit at the bar) is very relaxing. Dining area is modernly decorated too, Will definitely return especially for happy hour since it is a great deal...
(5)
Adam W.
Just tried their restaurant week dinner. Everything was good. The atmosphere, the server, Sombat and his team, and of course the food. I had the lamb and wife had the green veggie entree. The only negative was the portions was small, but I understand it's a business. I plan to try their regular menu, hope the portions are larger and will write an updated review.
(5)
David K.
Truly ECLECTIC...I don't know what to make of this place, but I like it. Went there for restaurant week yesterday. The first appetizer we received (calamari) was a disaster. It came out cold and was bland in a slapdash dipping sauce with fava beans and red peppers. I truly had the bar set LOW. The steak tartare appetizer was an immediate redeemer, flavorful with a nice toasty/bruschettalike supporter. Mains were very good, a whitefish with an excellent risotto and a tasty pasta tossed with chicken and pancetta. Desserts were good, nothing memorable, but solid. I liked the lemon tart (a bit biased as I Iike any lemony dessert.) Service was excellent. Drinks were very good. I had 3 Gunslingers, a bourbon based drink that lived up to its name. Decor was all over the map. We sat in the bar area which was very inviting. The rest of the place is one part airplane hangar art museum, one part banquet center. The art on the walls varies from Impressionism to southwestern style modern. It is a sight to BEHOLD and that's just the inside. Outside you have a manmade lake, Dali statue (SERIOUSLY,) and a koi pond (SERIOUSLY.) I've never been to ANY place ANYWHERE like 2941, and I've travelled all over the world. Mix one part fine dining, add a dash of kitsch, shake well and stir and you have this oddball in the DC suburbs. I HATE that I LOVE this place. A guilty pleasure you could say, but a pleasure nonetheless.
(4)
Lisa J.
I would easily give this place 5 stars. The food was undeniably amazing, the service was great, and the decor/atmosphere was lovely. The calamari was the best calamari I have ever tasted. It was so fluffy, light, and full of flavor. The duck dish was perfectly cooked, amazing sauce, perfection. The complimentary donuts they give you at the end of your meal was literally melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Hands down, amazing restaurant.
(5)
Mils S.
Great happy hour, but I would suggest dressing as business professional to fit in. Food is pretentious, but if you're trying to impress a client or a first date then go for it...dinner is pricey, but it's a fancy restaurant so it goes with the territory. Complimentary valet parking; take advantage of it because parking is a b*tch, you'd have to drive around to the parking garage and walking back to the restaurant is a maze (almost took us ten minutes).
(4)
Saara Z.
Had a good Friday night dinner at 2941. We opted for the Friday "Date Night" Special tasting menu which featured five courses for $68 and supplemented it with a couple other items we also wanted to try. My favorites were the steak tartare, pumpkin soup, and lamb dish. There was a pappardelle dish that I thought was just average and the dessert - a pumpkin ice cream smore - was not worth more than a couple bites. The service for us started out pretty good but then the waitress became really distracted with a larger table she was attending to and kind of forgot about us, which was unfortunate.
(4)
He H.
Went there for gal's birthday during restaurant week. The waiters are nice but the food is average and make me wonder why they are so expensive.
(3)
Jackie B.
I get unexplainable joy thinking about the grilled cheese and roasted tomato soup I had here during a wedding reception. It sounds way too simple/plain to be served at a restaurant this nice, but it was sooo good! All of the appetizers we were served were delicious, including the mini crab cakes and mini melty ham, cheese & quail egg sandwiches. My ribeye entree was good as well, albeit a bit overdone. But the 2nd course adult grilled cheese and tomato soup was so tasty and the most satisfying! Scenery is lovely for a reception and/or wedding. I've dined her only once before a couple of years back for dinner and remember service being just as excellent as it was at the reception. I don't recall too much about the meal, except that I had a fish entree and calamari for an app which were both great. Our waiter was very French, very handsome, and very attentive.
(4)
Annie N.
I've been here for both restaurant week and happy hour and enjoyed my experience each time! I forgot what I got for restaurant week, but the food and service is exceptional. I recently came here for happy hour and was surprised by their great deals! They have select beers and wines for $5. I got the white sangria; It was not too sweet, and a great complement to the summer humidity. They also have select appetizers for half off. We got the fried calamari (delicious, great size), arancini (a cheesy fried risotto ball), truffle popcorn (mmmm truffle), and the pommes frites (the truffle & spicy aioli was delicious as well as the fries). What really distinguishes this high end restaurant from others is their service. I've been to a fancy, upscale, french style restaurant where my boyfriend and I experienced subpar service (and we were the only ones in the restaurant too). Given that we are asian and look like we are 15 year olds, they probably thought we were too young and assumed we weren't going to tip well. Trust me, as a server, I know that is exactly what they were thinking. Anyways, at 2941 my boyfriend and I were treated with great and friendly service, which we really appreciated!
(5)
Armand L.
Had a great happy hour dinner and drinks here. One off the best places in Falls Church for happy hour and great food. definitely sit at the bar and get the sliders for $2. Delicious.
(4)
Kristina M.
Really fantastic restaurant, superior food and impeccable service. It's recent renovation gave the main dining room a breezy and sleek million-dollar-California-mansion kind of feeling. Perfect for business lunch, drinks for "serious talk" after work, gorgeous facilities and food for special events. Surrounded by lush waterfalls with coi ponds overlooking man made lake with fountain and outside patio with original Salvador Dali sculpture. There is a fantastic Chef, always making fun seasonal adjustments to their menu. My favorites for lunch are the calamari (always different, always delightful) and their classic Caesar salad with roasted chicken. It melts in your mouth. And they have the most delicious complementary little lemon glazed treats after your meal. It's just dreamy.
(5)
Jenn C.
Hubby and I went here for a belated valentines day dinner. We had reservations on a Wednesday night and were sat immediately. Food- amazing! The portions were small compared to what you get at other restaurants, but it's the amount you're supposed to eat ha! Appetizer- Tuna tartare- small cubes of raw tuna topped with a spicy aioli and thinly slices avocado on top. It was delicious! Very light and a good balance Entree- I had the lobster lasagna- it was the meat of a whole lobster and thinly sliced scallops. Hubby had roasted duck breast - i'm not usually a fan of duck, but this was a really good... Cuts beautifully and it was not greasy at all. Dessert -. For dessert, we split the peanut butter baked Alaska. It was really good and Rich... I'm not a huge fan of peanut butter, but my husband loves it so that's what we got! It was very good with a sweet and salty combination going on. Service - our server was nice. Not overly talkative or friendly. I know that most restaurants of this class don't usually have chatty servers, but I do you like it when I can at least get a sense of warmth from the server. Overall though, the service was excellent and there's nothing that I could fault. Overall - it was a great experience. We both left full and happy! We would definitely recommend this restaurant for those looking for a quiet nice dinner out.
(5)
Sarah C.
2941 revamped heir restaurant to be a little more casual and less intimidating, but it is still 5 stars. We check the online menu frequently to see if we like what they are serving (it changes often) and when it does we are off! Be aware that this menu is from Spring 2013. The great - The steak tartare is AMAZING. We order this every time they have it. 2 orders b/c we don't want to share. Asparagus ravioli with white asparagus, mint, thyme, burrata, and Parmesan. Duck confit ravioli with tomato jam and fiddlehead ferns. Steak fritte. Strawberry shortcake with coconut, shredded phyllo, and white tea ice cream. The good - Zucchini fritters with a feta and mint dip; salmon carpaccio; beet salad. The okay - Tuna tartare with avocado, crispy shallots, and jalapeno. I was actually I little disappointed because the avocado was more like guacamole, which wasn't what I was looking for. But by no means was it bad.
(5)
Anna W.
My boyfriend and I came here Friday February 13, 2015 for their Valentine's Day special going on that weekend. Our reservation time was at 5:45pm but came here ten minutes early but we were still seated as prompt to arrival. My one and only complaint where my visit here made it very unpleasant is how we got seated right by the window when there were a bunch of other seats around. We weren't even seated in the main dining room but to the room off to the side near the bar. I understand that the seating is done by servers and how many tables they get, but they could've made our dinner a bit more pleasant by seating us somewhere where it wasn't so cold. Our server Julio was quite the charm and made the visit very pleasing. He was prompt in bringing us the vday special 3 course menu and asked about drinks as prompt to being seated. He asked about wine but unfortunately I am pregnant so I was not able to drink any alcoholic beverages. He did mention the "non-alcoholic" cocktails which I was VERY excited about. I asked him for a recommendation and he got me the "Nassau Mama" which I really enjoyed! I let my bf try it and he thought it was pretty amazing too! Because it was that good I had to take a picture of the cocktail description so I could try and mix it up myself some day! As for my bf's drink he had asked for top shelf Hennessy BUT they didn't have it as Julio was prompt in letting us know. He was disappointed and shocked that the restaurant didn't have any back stock of the top shelf or anything in the middle for his favorite cognac brand he wanted. He just went with a double neat Hennesy V.S. As our appetizer I got the "Lobster Ravioli" and he got the "Crispy Veal." There was a good portion of lobster for my ravioli, quite more than expected. The dish lacked of seasoning.. My BF tried a bite and he thought that same. I felt that the sauce wasn't much of a kick at all but a very mild taste to it, a little salt would have made a huge difference. My BF said his veal was VERY good and just right for his taste buds and not lacking in seasoning. For the main course I got the "Chilean Sea Bass," which again lacked in seasoning with the sauce. The fish was cooked to perfect. They left the fat on the fish that's between the meat and skin which gave the fish a gamey taste to it. The sauce was too mild to mask the taste of the gaminess. There was a good amount of black truffle shavings which I enjoyed. The celery root had the most seasoning in the dish sadly. Which I enjoyed eating and wished that there was more of in the dish. I still finished my dish though it wasn't that appetizing. I never not leave a plate unfinished or send it back just because it lacked to my taste. My BF did try my entree and said he liked his a lot better.. My boyfriend got the "Crescent Duck" which again he REALLY enjoyed. The breast was very meaty, cooked to medium and delicious to his taste. Though there was a gamey taste to it, it was seasoned well enough to mask it and enjoy for him. He ate the whole thing and said that it's the best "duck" dish he's had. I'm glad that he enjoyed his! For dessert we got the "Chocolate Lovers." We aren't a huge fan of chocolate but we just got what Julio recommended. In the dark chocolate mouse the hazelnut dacquoise was the BEST part of it. It was so good I just dug the inside out and ate it. My boyfriend loved the vanilla mousse with the flourless cake in the middle. It was too much chocolate for us but we enjoyed every single bite of it! They gave us a complimentary lemon tart which was delicious as well! I want to thank Julio for his impeccable service and making our visit enjoyable! I would ask to be seated by him next time and would recommend his service to others.
(4)
S G.
Here's the bottom line, this is a dressy place with tasty food, a great setting, and conscientious service - but it will cost you. We went during Restaurant Week, a great way to try out high end restaurants before committing. My food was excellent, but wine by the glass starts at $10 - about the same range as their nice cocktail menu ($10-14). We had the three course lunch menu and apart from my husband's pork, which was a little tough, all the food was top notch. The complimentary valet parking was fine, although seemed unnecessary. The service was attentive without being pushy. We had a lovely visit and may return for a special occasion when we're ready to splurge! And the warm donut bites they served at the end of the meal were fabulous!
(4)
Katie S.
We made reservations at 7pm on a Friday night and were seated promptly upon arrival. We decided to go with the Friday night date night 5 course tasting menu special ($68) after seeing tuna and halibut on the menu. Throughout the five courses we really got a chance to sample the range of delicious food the chefs here are able to whip up. We decided to order a soft shell crab appetizer in addition to the tasting menu and our waiter incorporated it wonderfully into the middle of our tasting. Tasting menu: Bluefin tuna confit - this may have been my first time trying the bluefin versus the more traditional ahi you get in a ahi tuna salad. The texture is firmer and than the flaky and fatty ahi but nonetheless delicious and served refreshingly raw. Brioche crusted halibut: oh that buttery brioche sitting all crispy on top of the juicy halibut was simply delicious and may have been my favorite dish out of the tasting menu! Corn ravioli: this was something new to try, it's filled with sweet corn and mascarpone. An interesting and delicious dish as well. Guinea hen duo: the hen is severed two ways, the breast was roasted and just perfectly juicy with a crispy skin. The leg came as a confit leg and was super juicy as well. Kind of reminded me of a crab cake but...a shredded hen leg instead, yum! Dulcet panna cotta: ohhhhh myyyyyy goodness. I could not get enough of whatever that base cream was made of!! The champagne mango and apricot marmalade were sweet enough to be dessert but not too sweet that you felt like you were just eating sugar jam. The cinnamon churro was light and sugary. Delicious! Overall the presentation of the dishes were beautiful and our waiter explained in detail what every dish was as it arrived. Food: 5 Services: 5 Ambiance: 5 I'm delighted we were able to celebrate our anniversary here and would recommend this restaurant to friends and family.
(5)
Isabelle S.
Went there for the first time to celebrate our 16th anniversary. We had a table by the window and enjoyed the view of the lake. We started with cocktails. I chose the Red Little Wagon (vodka and fresh strawberry juice) and loved it. It really tasted like fresh strawberries, and not some sort of liquor / flavored syrup. My husband chose one with gin (I think) cucumber and several spices. He liked it, I found the different tastes to be overwhelming. Too many different flavor in one sip. We then chose the 5-course tasting menu. It's a tasting menu and portions are small. But after 5 courses, we were full. All 5 courses were very well presented, tasty very good, with unusual flavors, or flavor combinations, the kind of experience that reminds you there is more to food that fried food, or food covered in BBQ or other sauce. Service was quick and friendly. We even got an extra dessert to celebrate our anniversary! I give only 4 stars because I am not used to spend so much money on a diner, but it is definitely worth it for a special occasion.
(4)
Cletus V.
Beautiful restaurant! The food is delicious and the view is beautiful. Great place to host a wedding reception or event! Very friendly staff!
(4)
Amanda B.
Nothing bad to say about this place....well I did think some of the decor was tacky and didn't blend. Lol Anyway all the food was delicious, the calamari was the 2nd best I've had and the lamb was perfect. I mean honestly I didn't think lamb could taste that good. I also had some escargot for the first time that wasn't too bad. Dessert was awesome. I love the ambiance, very intimate. Great place for pictures outside. Ideal date night.
(5)
April A.
We opted for the tasting menu. The corn ravioli was my favorite course. Would've given 5 stars had it not been for our server Alex. He seemed disinterested in waiting on us. When the veal course came out, my husband was finished with his before Alex came over to tell us what was on the plate. With the dessert course he told us about half of what was on the plate then came back and added more of a description after the fact. Yes I know we were given a menu that described all five courses, but isn't part of the experience the server telling you what you're about to eat?
(4)
Sheena S.
We went here due to a Travelzoo voucher. We ordered a small bite (mushroom tarting and tuna tartare) followed by asparagus agnolotti, and rib eye. The small bites were absolutely delicious. Incredibly tasty. Our entrees were taking a while - we were patiently waited - and long and behold- the GM came over to us and apologized and stated he would take our entrees off our check! How wonderful! I wasn't expecting that at all. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. I will be back and I will ask for our wonderful waiter as well!
(5)
Merly T.
I came here to celebrate my bf's birthday and I had an ok experience here. 1. I made reservation for two. I read great things about 2941 so my expectations were high. I checked in with the hostess. We were 15 minutes early so we went to the bar. The bartender was rude. We sat at the bar and we waited about 5-7 minutes to be greeted. I mean he was standing right there! and the bar was empty. 2. I made reservation for 7:15 pm. Its 7:45pm and I am still waiting for my table. I got up and asked if my table would be ready soon. I was told to wait because they didn't have it ready. I told them I will be waiting at the bar. 8:00pm I am still waiting. I got up and went to check again and I was told to wait a little bit longer. I do understand that things happened but at least let me know what's going on. I came here for food and drinks and so far my experience is not looking good. 3. Service was outstanding!!!! Food tasty!
(3)
Nan K.
Oh my lord. Can I eat here every night? I had the crispy pork belly for my appetizer and it melted in my mouth. I've never had such good pork in my life. I had the lobster and veal for my main dish...I devoured everything without saying a word. It was just that good. I had the chocolate pain perdu for dessert which wasn't up to par with my other dishes, but I think I was too full to fully enjoy it, my pants were getting dangerously tight. I tasted some other desserts and they were all delicious...apparently the famous pastry chef Anthony Chavez doesn't work there anymore, but the new chef is just as good (but I'm no expert, I just like to eat). A friend came here for lunch and said it was mediocre, so I think the dinner menu is better. This is my favorite restaurant in northern Virginia. I've only been here a couple times, but I have never been disappointed.
(5)
Ethan B.
What a hidden gem! The food was amazing and our service was great. There are floor to ceiling windows (at least 30 feet high) with the view of a beautiful lake (man-made I'm sure). You feel like you are in a secluded woodland, not like you came off Rt. 50. The food was great and the tuna tartar was some of the best I've had in the NoVA area. They handled all requests very well and the price was very reasonable for the quality of the food. They also had a tasting menu which was required for the whole table and we almost went for it but wanted to try everything on the menu so we split many things. Don't think twice about venturing here...
(4)
Hannah B.
Another one of my favorite place. We love everything the chef has to put on the menu and their bar area is a relaxing place to hang out with GG martini with friends!!
(5)
Gina A.
We happened to come during restaurant week, so sometimes it's hard to judge the food during that time...not to say that it was bad in the least. We both cleared our plates completely haha. They had some very interesting dishes on the menu, including this delicious drunken watermelon appetizer with calamari and shrimp. With a few of their dishes I got to experience some new tastes and combinations of things I have never experienced before which was lovely. The grilled pork loin practically melted in my mouth and was over creamy polenta. Very creative desserts as well. If you're into unique combinations of food this is certainly a place to try. Atmosphere is beautiful, outside and in.
I had really high hopes for 2941, even ones which I was willing to temper slightly knowing that it was Restaurant Week. Everything started off well - we arrived early, utilized the complimentary valet and enjoyed several excellent cocktails from the bar while taking in the views. Then we sat down to eat. Everything was just meh to just disappointing. The melon soup just tasted like someone threw a cantaloupe in the blender; there was no other flavor, seasoning, or texture. My pork entree had two medallions - one of which was essentially raw. Everything else was just fine enough, but certainly not memorable. The server came by frequently, but somehow never at the right time. Hopefully I'll take some time to recover and be willing to come back when it isn't RW for the full experience I've heard so many good things about...
(3)
Adrienne A.
Lovely setting, nicely done chow, but at those prices, I need to be able to say more about it, than, gosh, it sure was expensive. For someplace in the middle of Fairview Park, I mean goodness . . .it needs to be extraordinary or a tad less pricey. I mean, you know, location, location, location costs extra, we all understand, but without location on your side, you need to work it, girl! So, that's a meh from me. You are not going to Hollywood.
(2)
Jee C.
It amazes me to see people still go here. Their foods are medicore. It's a pretty restaurant, but that's about it. If you never been, try it just for the atmosphere. Foods are bleh. I've been to this place for birthday dinners, wedding receptions... and they were a bit above the average, but the price tag brings this place down to 2 star from 3 lol.
(2)
Daniel E.
If I could give half stars, I would give it a 4.5. Went during the August 2013 Restaurant Week with my girlfriend for lunch and everything was what you would expect from a nice restaurant. Excellent ambiance, landscaping, and good service. The style of the decor was not my favorite, but it didn't detract from the experience. The starters were good, but not excellent. Had the beet salad and chilled watermelon soup. For the entrees we had the chicken duo and the smoked corn ravioli. The chicken was by far way better and would say it was probably the second best thing we had in the meal. The best, however, was the dessert. The peaches and cream dessert had an amazing lemon verbena ice cream. Additionally, the chocolate mousse dessert was excellent as well. Overall, for a three course meal for two persons that totaled around $42 with tax, it was an excellent meal.
(4)
Lisa N.
You can't get any better than this place. Beautiful scenic views, wonderful service, appetizing French food... what more can you ask for?! For dinner, the menu consists of "small bites" ($5-8/each) which are basically tiny and unique appetizers. However, the portions are quite "small" indeed. *Salmon Tartare (which comes with a guacamole-like sauce and 2 sea salt crackers). IMO, it tastes better than tuna tartare and they give you a decent amount, but we could have used more crackers! *Scallops (with chives and mango). The tiny scallops came on 3 shells and had a beautiful presentation. *Calamari (crispy with avocado and cocktail sauce). I've had much better at Coastal Flats or Ruth Chris. For our entrees, my boyfriend and I both ordered fish. They were both cooked perfectly, tender and moist. *Arctic Char ($26)- a salmon-like fish that is softer and less dense. The portion was rater large and it came with several vegetables. *Peruvian Bass ($29)- our favorite dish of the night. The portion was large as well and came with 4 succulent mussels. For dessert, we ordered... *Hazelnut tart ($8) which was OK but it came with a tasty side of ice cream *Sorbet ($3/scoop) which is offered in a variety of flavors. We ordered Passionfruit/Apriocot which was much too sour for our taste and Pistachio which we destroyed The restaurant also made a special chocolate mousse with "Happy Anniversary" written on the plate on the house, which was very nice of them! For our drinks, we ordered the house Riesling and Pinot Noir. Both were good, but I wish the Pinot Noir was chilled (it was room temperature). The Riesling was the better of the two. The best part of the experience was our waiter in my opinion. Sadly, I forgot his name but he was young and probably from Germany or somewhere else in Eastern Europe... he was constantly smiling, definitely knew the menu and wines from top to bottom, and was at our service exactly when we finished each course (I think he was actually watching us to make sure we never had to wait)... amazing!! Even though the small bites weren't worth it in my opinion, the entrees were amazing and the service was probably the best I've ever had. 2941 is a must-go for any fancy occasion. They also do weddings! One was actually going on outside our window! Also, there is complimentary valet parking which you can pull up right to the front of the restaurant... if not, you can park in their garage and come in through the elevators. This is my third time dining here and it won't be my last!
(5)
Julia A.
What a fantastic restaurant all around from beginning to end! I was greeted by an excellent valet. The location and decor is absolutely stunning. Outside is a lake, fountain, and statue. Paired along with the beautiful paintings inside, high ceilings with extravagant lighting, this is a fine dining restaurant that all can enjoy. The food of course was also wonderful. I tried the beef. It was served promptly, as was the dessert. The only qualm I had about this place was that the waiters took a little while to come with the check and were a little pretentious whenever I asked a question about a dish. Other than that - great dining experience.
(4)
Janice Y.
Excellent food and service! The sea bass was amazing!
(5)
Carolyn F.
My boyfriend took me for here for a birthday dinner. The actual restaurant is a bit hard to find--it's at the bottom of a large office building. However, the space is gorgeous--huge floor to ceiling windows that overlook a small lake. The interior is contemporary with great lighting. If would rate this a 4.5--too bad we can't give half star ratings on Yelp. Our experience didn't warrant a 5, but it wasn't far from it. A few cons: we both thought that the hostesses were a bit snooty (and yes, we were weaing proper attire). Also, it took quite a while for our waiter to take our wine order and bring the drinks. We received the bread first, then the wine and appetizers arrived together. Finally, there are not many vegetarian options on the menu. The pros: Our waiter was friendly and relatively attentive. Although we had to ask for this (it wasn't offered by our waiter), the chef prepared a wonderful veggie platter for me. As an appetizer, I got the mushroom tartine, which was delicious. My boyfriend got the a little Caesar salad, which has a creative presentation and was tasty. He liked my mushroom tartine so much that he got one for himself as well. My veggie platter was delish and he enjoyed the duck. Although we almost never order dessert, we shared the lemon-hazelnut gateau marjolaine, which was really good--not too big and not too sweet. It has a nice tart flavor, which I love. They also brought out a little mini birthday treat. The coffee was excellent. We thought that everything was reasonably priced for the qualify and presentation of food as well as the atmosphere. We will definitley come again.
(4)
Karen L.
My first experience at 2941 was good. We went for my husband's birthday with our parents and the food was fantastic! Good portions, presentation was creative and fancy, and the chef was very accommodating to a gluten free guest. They only knock I have on the restaurant is the location. It was confusing to locate for everyone in our party except for me but it would not deter me from going again
This place is overpriced, pretentious and the food is mediocre and bland. I came here for Restaurant Week - February 2013 and had the following: Beef Tartare -Completely overwhelmed with dijon mustard and texture of tartare was too chewy Atlantic Salmon | quinoa, squash, salmoriglio sauce -Salmon was perfectly cooked but lacked any depth of flavor Grilled Pork Loin | blood orange, spicy scallion vinaigrette, spinach -A little overcooked and did not taste any blood orange or spicy scallion vinaigrette Creamsicle -Texture was like soaked styrofoam I really wanted to try to like this restaurant because the decor and presentation of food is so beautiful but the food is just so forgettable.
(2)
Donovan T.
2941 used to be one of our favorite restaurants. The menu was great, and the service was fantastic. Since then, their pastry chef left, they remodeled (got rid of the awesome looking chandelier) and got some tacky/trippy neon fractal art that clashes with the otherwise warm decor, and changed their menu up from "fine dining to upscale casual dining." We gave it a try right after the remodel, and was underwhelmed. Well, it's been 2.5 years, and they were back in the Washingtonian Top 100 (2014... fell off in the 2015 issue) again, so we thought we'd give it another try. We decided to do their Christmas Eve Prix-Fixe dinner. But before we get to the dinner part, let's talk about the wait. The restaurant was only serving the prix fixe menu tonight, so no a la carte. We had a reservation for 7:30, and had to wait until 7:50 to get seated, which is kind of surprising. That sort of sets the mood for the rest of the dinner. On to the food! For the appetizer, I had the Foie Gras Terrine, with luxardo maraschino cherry brioche, eiswein jam, and mache salad. This was pretty good, but it's hard to mess up a terrine. The cherries along with the brioche paired nicely with the terrine. Sadly, the meal just goes downhill from there. There were no choices for the mid course. It was a Robiola Fresco Raviolini with Brussel sprout chips, and Parmesan cheese. This wasn't bad, but it was unmemorable. The raviolini was bland. The saving grace of the dish was the flavorful Brussel sprout chips. Without it, it would've been like boiled cheese ravioli that wasn't even boiled in salted water. For the main course, I chose the Pheasant Breast with celery root, savoy cabbage, chestnut, cipollini onion, and natural jus. The flavor was clean, and I enjoyed the celery. However, the pheasant was a little over cooked. It was a tad dry and a little chewy. For dessert, I had the Bûche de Noël, with hazelnut dacquoise, milk chocolate chantilly, roasted pear sorbet, and brown sugar meringue. This was actually the best dish of the night for me. Everything harmonized, and the plating was wonderful. The brown sugar meringue in the shape of mushrooms was a delight. The pear sorbet cut the sweetness of the Bûche de Noël just enough to make this dessert not overly sweet. Now to the service. There was a 20% TAXABLE gratuity added on to all the bills. I don't think I've ever seen gratuity taxed before, so I was a little surprised by that. The service was blah. The server took our food and drink order. Being at a higher end restaurant, one would think since no one was drinking wine, the wine glasses would be taken away as the server left the table. Nope, they sat there until right before the first course came out. So for a 2 seater table, we had our utensils, bread plates, bread basket, candle, water glasses and empty wine glasses. So pretty crowded table. Anyway, the only thing fast about the service was them taking away our finished plates. They were like vultures. Right after we set our utensils down, they swoop in to take the plates away. Then we would sit there for about 15 minute before the next course came out. However, they left the napkin used to clean up a mess the server made on the table the whole time. Let's just say the service was not worth the 20% tip plus tax. Overall, fairly unimpressed by the forgettable dinner. May not return anytime soon, if at all.
(2)
Lowell N.
5 stars for food, 4 stars for service. Superb food with some slight mis-steps on the service. Food: We skipped tasting menu and ordered individually. Starters were Winter Greens and Mushroom Tartine, both delicious and surprisingly big portions. For pasta, Mushroom Risotto and Butternut Squash Agnolotti. Of the two, the risotto was excellent, the agnolotti just good...seemed a bit too overcooked for my taste, but GF enjoyed. For entree, had Rockfish and Venison. I had melt-in-your-mouth venison, done just right, and not too gamey. Rockfish not my taste, but GF raved. They outdid themselves on dessert; in addition to nice birthday treat, we ordered the Torrone and Creamsicle. Torrone was fascinating combination of tastes and textures, and nothing too heavy. Creamsicle was fun (snowman shape) and tasty. In both, the apparently house-made sorbets were a great aspect. Bottom line--food worthy of the hype. Service: odd arrangement when arriving--valet gets your car, and it's not even obvious what door of the building to go in, no signage. After a bit of hesitation, we pick the right door. Quickly seated...but then receive one lunch and one dinner menu (we eventually got a second dinner menu). Long delay between receiving menu and being asked for our orders, and our waiter was polite but seemed reluctant to linger very long, dashing off to the next thing. But once things started rolling, food came in timely fashion, table quickly cleared, etc. So reasonably good service, just not everything expected in a high-end place like this. Facility: Room was handsome but surprisingly noisy, perhaps because of a talkative party nearby. As noted by others, a bit hard to find this place, being in General Dynamics office building. And once we did, had the awkward entry noted above. We were there at night, so couldn't see much, but it was clear there was a nice view of the lake nearby. Bottom line--nice special occasion place, worth the money for excellent food.
(4)
Hue K.
I dreamed about 2941 after reading many positive reviews and the menu.. but never had a chance to visit there because they only opened for dinner and I don't eat big dinner... I made my way out there FINALLY after big snow storm. God bless America.., my office decided to close the entire week. I found out that 2941 now opens for lunch and .. it gets better; offering prix fixed menu for $20.90. There is no acceptable excuse for me now. I went there on Thursday during lunch time before V-day weekend. I wondered why it was called 2941 ... I found out why when I got there. The address is 2941 fairview xxx. (now you don't have to worry about getting lost in case you forget the address as long as you remember the name of the restaurant). I thought it would be a stand-alone restaurant but it was located inside of tall big office building. When you walk inside of the buidling, take the elevator to lower level. Now you make grand-entrance.. One side of the wall is head-to-toe window (made of glass) so as soon as you are inside of the restaurant, you forget that you are in a office building. The window faces a big lake and trees so you feel like you are in middle of get-away resort next to lovely lake. Our server was VERY attentive and friendly (kevin, his name). There are 2 options to choose from for all course (appetizer, entree and dessert). We like simplicity. We ordered one of each from the menu to get all the dishes on the menu. Yes, like others said, you get bottomless refill of bread as soon as you sit until you leave. Bread was good but not one of kind. - Appetizer 1. Wild mushroom veloute (aka. mushroom cream soup) was the best soup I've ever had. It was so light. I thought it was mousse or something. 2. Red Beet salad: Beets were not chopped or sliced like most other places. Beets were velvety mashed..and mozzarella was transformed into creamy sauce.. You won't know if it was beet if you were blinded.. It melts in your mouth.. I was talking and eating.. all of sudden, I realized nothing left.. and I didn't recall if I chewed anything..I could eat a bucket of this... -Entree 1. sweet crabmeat ravioli w/black truffle and parmasan cheese: Ravioli was filled with crabmeat.. Hands down ravioli. 2. Pan roasted beef short ribs: I tasted it and it was very juicy and soft.. mashed potato was lovely... I never eat mashed potato but this one.. I could get this as side-dish all the time. My friend said it was the best beef rib ever. -Dessert 1. Coconut baked alaska: the portion is small like bite size but it was sweet enough that I didn't feel I needed bigger portion. 2. Chocolate cheesecake: I don't like cheesecake anymore since I went overboard with costco's cheesecake but this cheesecake was very good. again small portion so you don't have to feel guilty after licking the plate. While you are waiting for your check, you get another surprise. A bowl of caramelized popcorn. Again, I don't like popcorn anymore after overeating it while I had to be on diet... OMG.. this popcorn is the best popcorn ever. It's like sweet snow.. .. Very pleasant dining experience. Now I have one item written on my to-do-list from March till December 2010. Visiting 2941 at least ONCE a month to try their new dish or everyday dish. I give big applause to 2941 for stepping out of 'culinary comfort zone' to offer something different but exquisite to their customers.
(5)
Kristin S.
Love this place!!! Beautiful scenery, a restaurant that overlooks a koi pond larger glass windows, and surrounded by trees, gives a very tranquil feeling while dining. I had been here before but since i had a friend in town and it was restaurant week, we decided to go here for lunch. Tried the heirloom tomato salad and salmon. Both of which tasted very fresh. I do like the restaurant deal, but you do have to go with the options offered. I have been here for lunch and dinner before (on non-restaurant week) and the food choices are excellent and always perfectly cooked. This is a great place to come to for a special occasion or an upscale meal.
(5)
James F.
Went with my wife for wedding anniversary. She had heard nice things about it; had been there for lunch perhaps five years earlier and enjoyed it. For me, first visit, from time of arrival until departure, location seemed strange--in an office park off highway in woods with no street lights. Main dining room was size of airline terminal. Just seemed like I was there for business dinner. Cold; no intimacy; a wasteland. We decided on tasting menu. Overall decent but not for $95 per person. Good news was that it was not built around ridiculously esoteric ingredients--that kind of precociousness. Flights of wine were good but waiter presenting wine assumed we had never heard of wine before--less the narrative than mannerisms. Our main waiter was okay, but lacked all flare and style, seemed like having a neighbor next door serving you. (Expected at any moment to talk about lawns.) Some folks were dressed nicely: a few gents looked like they were just back from a Little League game. If this place at one time had superb food and class, it's long gone. Sum: we made the most of it; the food was solid "B" grade (dessert was "D" fruit and sorbet thing); I have sufficient financial means to not be bothered by the price, otherwise would have felt taken. Sound taps on this place.
(2)
Glenn W.
This is a tough one but I'm going to suck it up and award the 4 stars. Here is why. This was my first time back in about a year and a half. I WANT this place to be great because it's close to my house :) And a do like this place because the food is [mostly] great, and has remained so even after the departure of Krinn. Last year they announced a "retooling" focused on "Mediterranean fare" and "a more casual atmosphere" and "a more affordable experience" or some such thing, and most regulars immediately declared a shark-jumping. The updated decor is an improvement. The food is still awesome. (With one exception: the kitchen now sports a new Pasta station and a dedicated pasta section on the menu. The one pasta dish I tried -- lobster fettucini -- was awful and seemed completely out of place among the otherwise amazing food.) But... (there is always a but) service was horrible. Maybe I just got stuck with a bad waiter this time, that might be it. It's tough because that can single-handedly put a big damper on the evening for me and it did. Because I don't mind paying "fine dining" prices as long as I get commensurate service. And let there be no mistake, this place is pretty spendy even for what it is. Nevertheless. I'm going to be gracious (like always right) and give them the 4 stars. Just don't let it happen again 2941!
(4)
Melissa M.
This place is wonderful! We always take advantage of restaurant week and as always we had an excellent dinner. I had the steak tartare, salmon dinner and a coconut cake for dessert. Hubby had the calamari (asked for tomato sauce and they obliged) which was light and airy...will get this again!, veal taglietelle and chocolate panacotta. Their kettleone dry martini's are awesome too. Services is always spot on. When restaurant week comes along take advantage...great deal!
(5)
Keith P.
Went for a birthday celebration and it was a lovely evening. New renovation and revamped menu were great. Opening Noshes (Tapas-like appetizers) were yummy ... Melt in your mouth calamari and mac&cheese croquettes. Among our party we tried just about everything. I thought the lamb was the best, but everything was great. The dishes are modest sized by typical American standards, but they were rich and filling. And we had room left for the spectacular deserts. It is not an inexpensive place, but well worth it for a special occasion.
(4)
Sunny C.
Service (apart from the hostesses) is outstanding. They changed plates, silverware, poured more water quickly without being intrusive and were extremely quiet. Half the time, I didn't notice they were there. We never had to ask for anything. The hostesses were dismissive/unfriendly. We waited for a good 5+ minutes for a hostess to show up. And when they both showed up, they didn't acknowledge our presence or asked if we needed help even though we were standing right in front of them. We had to tell them we had a reservation. I also found it very rude that one of us pointed at us to get our attention. I expected more from a $$$$ restaurant. Food is delicious. Recommend ordering an appetizer, entree, and dessert so that you are full. Short rib ravioli was good but the short rib was a little bit salty. Mont Blanc dessert was yummy and had great texture. The butternut squash soup was light. I liked how they didn't react negatively to us requesting tap water. Ambiance and atmosphere was wonderful. Sitting by the fire was very nice. The nice thing about this restaurant is that you don't have to dress formally (suit/tie/cocktail dress).
(5)
Kristopher B.
We went here for a post-Valentine's Day dinner. The GPS lead us to the wrong place, but once we found the place I was very impressed with the exterior. There is complimentary valet service, and a nice pond with a waterfall outside the entrance. Inside the decor was done in kind of a surrealist style. It was a little weird, but approachable. The menu is 1 page. We ordered 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, and 2 cocktails. Appetizers: Calamari -- Fantastic. If you go here and don't get this you are cheating yourself out of something special. In fact, get 2 plates. Mushroom Tartine -- Very good and with simple ingredients. My wife really liked this a lot. I didn't like the tartness so much, but who am I to yell at a square for being a square. Entrees: Mushroom Risotto: Very good, very creamy risotto. My wife had this. She loved it. The dinner portion was more than enough. Lobster Fettuccini: This was very good, I thought it was priced a little high at $34, but the lobster and sauce tasted wonderful. The sauce was very light. The pasta was cooked alright. Cocktails: Powder Monkey -- Disaster. I don't recommend getting any cocktails from the bar. Cosmopolitan -- Very average. My wife got this, again don't get anything but the simplest of drinks from this bar. Dessert: Chocolate Pain Perdu -- This was amazing. Very well done. I was impressed most by the quality of this dessert. My wife and I enjoyed every bite. Summary: If you go here definitely try the calamari. The entrees are good, but I would say a bit over-priced and there aren't many options on the menu. Whatever you do, don't get the cocktails. Keep your drinks simple. Service: 7/10 Food: 6/10 (calamari and chocolate pain perdu 9/10) atmosphere: 5/10
Let me caveat this review by saying two things. 1) I had been to 2941 before the restaurant re-do, and I really liked it and wanted to continue to like it (and find it to be more affordable), and 2) I had a "Google offers" coupon. This meal had a lot of potential, but there were certain things that just made it miss the mark for me. Food: the bread basket came out (love restaurants that still serve bread) and my husband attacked the olive bread while I enjoyed the wheat bread. The baguette was good, too. Started with the calamari "small bite". It had nice flavor, great crunch, and wasn't greasy at all - but all of the sauce was at the bottom of the dish, which was odd and resulted in a bunch of calamari all over the table as my husband and I attempted to move the pile of calamari around to get at the sauce. Then had the tuna tartare for an appetizer - this was absolutely delicious - no complaints. For my main dish, I had the lobster ravioli (full portion). Pasta was cooked well and there was a good amount of lobster, but there was a LOT of watery broth sitting at the bottom of the dish once I was done, which was odd. My husband had the veal and lobster - the veal was delicious and was prepared perfectly, as was the risotto on the side. The lobster claw, however, was rather mushy. For dessert, we split the "creamsicle." This dessert was absolutely delicious, but what ruined it for us was the fact that it was literally sitting in pieces of ice - which looked really pretty but was a pain to try to avoid eating. I didn't find chewing the ice appealing, but the presentation of the dish made it nearly impossible to avoid. Service: Service was fine, no issues there. Some might have said it was a little slow (we did wait a while to order after our wine came) but to be honest, I enjoyed not being rushed. Atmosphere: The restaurant is very beautiful and nicely decorated. The crowd tends to skew a bit older, with most patrons in business-casual attire although there were a few people in dressy jeans. It was not overly loud but at the same time still had a nice "buzz." Overall, even after the restaurant re-do, I still find a lot of the food to be overpriced (the lobster and veal dish was small for $42). I felt that the meal was good but not great, and had I not had the Google offer I would have felt ripped off. I would be willing to try it again, but would probably stick to the bar and order a burger.
(2)
Kilani W.
Great place ! pricey but its worth it.
(4)
Brad A.
It is rare that I feel that a resturant's food is better than what I can prepare at home. Went to 2941 last night and we were wowed! Everything we had was amazing--a simple ceasar salad small bite was beautifully well executed with paresean crips. The mushroom tartine was delicous. Our waiter, Alex, took the extra care to make sure we had just the right wine. He new the menu inside and out. My girlfriend had the duck breast and it was perfectly prepared but the hit of the meal was my ravioli with duck sausage and escarole--it knocked us out--it was simply prepared but the flavors just worked.
(5)
Louella M.
Big fan of this place. Made a reservation via Open Table with a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Brian's service was top notch and his recommendations were a big hit. I had the halibut which was divine - basically licked my plate clean and my husband had the duck which he enjoyed as well. We shared the poached pear for dessert - really interesting flavor profiles working together in that dessert (red wine poached pear, ginger ice cream, hazelnut -- all together worked well), Brian also brought a small flourless chocolate cake that had Happy Anniversary written on the plate - very thoughtful service! To end our wonderful meal, we got two little fried dough balls compliments of the pastry chef which were scrumptious. Overall wonderful dining experience. We'll be back for sure!
(5)
Annamaria K.
Everyone talks about the food. Yes, it is an above average dining experience. NoVa is lucky to have this restaurant. BUT the not that well publicized fact is they have the coolest arts on display on the restaurant and on the patio. The restaurant features a Salvador Dali sculpture, a Pissaro painting, several artworks from Jose Alvarez and an enormous geode from Uruguay. Loved looking around while I was enjoying the service and the meal.
(4)
Rick G.
As occasional regulars at 2941 we're consistently happy with their offerings. This time around, our appetizer consisted of: the Warm Crispy Crab with ginger beurre blac, petite salad which was fantastic. The Summer Bouquet of Bibb lettuce, cherry tomato, asparagus, avocado, white balsamic vinaigrette - fresh and mouthwatering! Our main courses were the: Pan Seared Chilean Bass with tomato compote, asparagus, shaved baby zucchini for my wife, and I had the Lobster: lobster sauce, baby turnips, sugar snap peas, heirloom potato, croustillant of which I could not have words to describe how delicious it was; Friends had the 10 oz Beef Filet with smoked pearl onion, herb pomme puree, oyster mushroom, fricassee of peas... and for dessert we shared: the Blueberry Cheesecake with lavender whipped cream, shredded phyllo, lemon cream; the Coconut Mousse with raspberry jam, coconut macaroon, rosemary; and last but not least, the Peach & Strawberry-Lemonade Sorbet with fresh fruit, Madeleine. Where the ideas come from for Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel and his team is impossible to fathom, but his culinary artistry is incredible and thoroughly enjoyable. There are few restaurants in our area that can boast the elegance, taste and utmost eye for detail to wow the palate - not to mention the atmosphere that makes all your senses enjoy the complete experience! And, one cannot forget Caitlin Dysart, 2941's incredible Pastry Chef. I, for one, don't fancy myself one with a sweet tooth, but I can never pass up her incredible offerings - simply put... delish! With various visits including my recent birthday and friends 40th Anniversary, the 2941 Team has our kudos and continued patronage. We're proud to have such an incredible culinary experience and masters of the art in our backyard.
(5)
Tu-van L.
One of the better Restaurant Week experiences I've been to. Located in the same office building as General Dynamics in the Falls Church/Merrifield area, the restaurant is an elegant, corporate expense appropriate vibe. Beautiful space with the tall ceilings with 2/4 walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. Both made for a spacious space with great views of the lake and the torrential downpour at the time we were there. Beautiful view one way and another. Service was inconsistent, almost on the ditsy side, but when they're focused you have their full attention. There were times it took a while for a waiter to serve us, but that wasn't throughout our dining experience and they were otherwise very attentive. RW appetizer was a throwaway, meh at best. My husband's coconut and carrot gazpacho (I think?) appetizer was a weird combination of flavors and my pate appetizer didn't taste my different from the pate I can pull out of a Vietnamese banh mi. Fortunately for us, the entrees turned around our expectations for our dinner. My beef three ways was perfectly portioned with perfectly cooked meats. The desserts were also excellent. Some points can be done better, but overall my husband and I were very impressed with this restaurant. Meh appetizer aside, we'd really consider coming back here for a proper meal or one of their tastings menu.
(4)
The S.
Went here for restaurant week. Did not live up to its reputation. Pork was dry and tough (but good taste). Gazpacho was good but not special. Lemon fritters were good. Calamari was good. Almost everything was too salty (except for dessert ). Atmosphere was nice. If restaurant week is to encourage diners to come back for another occasion, 2941 did not meet its objective. It was good but not as good as its reputation implies.
(3)
Tatyana K.
Were I writing this review prior to the weekend of 9/29/13, 2941 restaurant would have received a solid 4+ star review. However, after attending their "Fall Harvest Brunch" this past weekend, I find myself hardpressed to award this place anything above a 2 star rating (the 3 stars given above are an average of sorts). Tickets to brunch (which is considered a special event, as 2941 does not normally hold brunch service on the weekends) were sold in advance at the cost of $65 +taxes and fees per head. My friends and I were greatly looking forward to this brunch, having eaten at 2941 on separate occasions in the past and had great experiences. I will make a long story short: The brunch was hugely oversold, set up was standing room only (this was intentional as they had only a few tables set up), food was being served in plastic small plates and the line to each food station was about 30 people long (translates to 20 minutes or so of wait for each food item). Same goes for the line for alcohol. Having dined at 2941 previously, we were all shocked the chef would allow his food to be presented in this manner. And no, it isn't that we felt "too good" to eat out of plastic plates, it was just that eating out of those plastic plates, after waiting for 20 minutes at a time for a small morsel of food, in a room that looked like a refugee camp seems nothing less than disrespectful to the chef and his food. And yes, refugees: The room was overly crowded, food and plates were left everywhere by the guests and the staff there had a hard time keeping up with cleaning/maintaining a presentable space. This resulted in a crowded, filthy, and disorganized environment - not exactly the type of space you would want to have brunch at. In hind sight, I believe the restaurant should have either 1) sold many fewer tickets than they did, or 2) sold tickets in batches where each ticket is for a specific time window, thereby allowing for better service and more manageable atmosphere. I place no blame with the staff - they were understandably overwhelmed. The blame in this case goes to the (greedy) event manager of the restaurant, who was clearly more concerned about quantity than quality. What happened in the end ? We, asked to be refunded and left to go have brunch elsewhere, and the line of people trying to do the same was about as long as the food line so clearly we were not the only ones sharing this sentiment. Will I go back to 2941? Yes, because the food is delicious. However, I will be hard pressed to partake in any more of their "special events".
(3)
Sandra K.
I have had dinner here about 10 times total. I will caveat this review by saying that I do know the chef but I do not get special treatment. This is FINE DINING...where they pour your wine seamlessly, your water glass stays full, your napkin is folded when your return to your seat...Elegant without the nonsense fine dining. The food matches up with the atmosphere which will make your feel like a prince or princess. You are never rushed and given anything you want/need during the meal. The food is ambitious, lovely and inventive.
(5)
Tim H.
I've been here twice for year-end company parties. The space is beautiful, especially the outside, which has a nice pond and beautiful landscaping. In the winter, the waterfall freezes, which is just gorgeous. The inside is great too, with huge ceilings and a warm atmosphere. The food has always been good, start to finish. Thoughtful and well prepared choices from vegetarian things to main meat dishes to seafood. Often the appetizers have been the highlight, so at least look them over. The service has also been excellent, though we've never been in the main dining room. [I will add that the lobster may have been too raw last time. A couple people reported it seeming that way and feeling a little ill afterwards. I'm going to give 2941 the benefit of the doubt on this one but it may have been an issue.] The bar is a bit of a weak point. It's priced on par with the great cocktail places in the DC area, but it's not really at that level--our cocktails were good, but not great, and you know it's a bad sign when they hesitate after you say "sidecar, please." Kudos for using Dolin vermouth, though. They also seem to close up rather early, but it's not exactly a frat party now is it? Overall, I've been very impressed with this place, especially its physical setting. It's easy for everyone to find, being right off the beltway / 50, so it's perfect for events. Then again, I've never had to pick up the check, and from the sounds of it that's the way to go. Overall, recommended.
(4)
Trang N.
Attended my best friend's wedding reception here. They did an amazing job decorating the private room (with her decor details of course!) Food was really great, loved the beet salad. My fish entree was good too, but I couldn't help but eye the succulent looking beef many others were having. I hope to return & order that!
(4)
Justin L.
We dug it. It's a little annoying to find from the road at night and extremely isolated, which is part of the charm. I would suggest going during the day though so you can appreciate the view and the interior itself is not what i would call intimate, it efels very much like a corporate lunch space. We were here for restaurant week. We were consistently happy across all of our six different dishes; nothing disappointed. The desserts were particularly outstanding. The service was excellent. It was quick, friendly, and the waiter acted like a normal person, not like some shrill wannabe snob that you often get at "fancy" DC restaurants. There is a full bar with a nice wine list and cocktails, too. I'm not sure how often I'll come back but if I Worked or lived around the area this would be a nice choice for fine dining, if you don't mind the unusual and decidedly non-intimate surroundings.
(4)
Jason S.
Went for a business dinner with a group and we all went with the tasting menu though I opted out of the wine pairings. Gorgeous scenery, hidden among corporations right off of 495 (and more importantly, .2 miles from the hotel where we were staying). Everyone raved about their dishes which all featured great flavors; the halibut with toasted garlic was amazing, as was the friend gnocchi. Would recommend the tasting menu but want to also try a la carte next time I'm in town. DO go if you're entertaining for work or if you want a nice romantic night out.
(5)
Kathleen N.
Food ====== $59 Travelzoor Voucher for small bite (~$9), appetizer (~18), two entrees (~$39) $10 Kir Royale (cocktail) $21 Automatic 18% gratuity $20 Overage Mushroom Tartine 6 Crispy Lobster 20 Crescent Duck Breast 32 Crusted Venison Loin 39 The mushroom tartine was very nice; tasty, especially if you like mushrooms and cheese, which I do, and oddly affordable at that. The crispy lobster was unfortunately a bomb. The texture of the lobster was rubbery, very fake-crab like sometimes as well. As for the entrees, the venison loin was a complete disappointment. That may be in part that I may not have read very carefully and did not realize beets were part of the arrangement and I honestly would've preferred a potato or carrot, but it was very prettily formed apples. The meat itself was ok; much like eating a steak. Unfortunately, not the best venison or the best steak I've ever had, so three stars. The potato puree (?) it was placed on was creamy, but otherwise not worth noting. I waffled greatly over choosing the duck breast or the venison. I charged forward thinking deer! and antlers! and luckily, my dinner date chose the duck, and my god, yes, that duck is excellllent. It was my first time hearing the question, how would you like your duck breast cooked. Medium? Med Rare? Ver-rah cool. And de-lish. The winning dish of the night. Okay, the heading of their dessert menu? Adorable. Alas, no tiramisu so i ignored their offerings. Lastly, the Kir Royale. A favorite name of mine; unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of citrus or champagne, and it was both! Haha; well, overpriced, but I hear there's $5 sangria during happy hour, so it pays to be smarter Decor ======= High ceilings, thematic paintings, unique lighting fixtures. I could imagine many a party walking in here and saying, this is where I want to hold a party: engagement, showers, business networking, just something! It is beau-tiful. Good job, interior decorator and architect! Service ====== Waiter was friendly, walked by and checked in, and generally had his wits about him. Extra! ====== - There is a parking lot opening to the left before the curve into automatic valet parking, although the valet parking is complimentary and nice, considering the next extra - Windy as all get out. Seriously, it's like some feng shui madness decided that the entrance to 2941 would be perpetually windy and colder than the rest of Falls Church. Be prepared for some swell gusts. Now, it's not always like this, but more often than not.
(3)
James S.
I've been to 2941 a number of times over the years and it generally impresses in all areas. The location is stunning and on our most recent visit there was a wedding underway on the back patio (which features an unsurpassed view of the river). Having recently purchased a Google "Coupon" we were looking forward to a nice dinner at a slightly lower price than the usual 2941 bill. We arrived early for our 5:30p reservation and needed to pass the time until the dining room opened so we headed to the bar. The drink menu is whimsical with riffs on literature, movies, technology, and tv shows in the drink names. My girlfriend opted for a sparkling "Gilded Lily" with champagne, perruchi apertivo, verjus, and a sugar cube soaked in burlesque bitters - it was light and refreshing. I tried a "Gun Slinger" with buffalo trace bourbon, house made sour, agave nectar, and habanero bitters - this drink is not for the bourbon uninitiated and I enjoyed it quite a bit. We were promptly seated at 5:30p. Our waiter quickly greeted us and reviewed the menus and options. There was the usual ala carte menu as well as a 5 course tasting menu (not available with coupon and everyone at the table must order the tasting menu). We opted for: small bite - Crispy Calamari, appetizer - frisee salad, entrees - smoked duck breast and beef rib eye. We also selected a nice bottle of Tempranillo to accompany our meal. The Calamari and Frisee salad arrived at the same time, which was a bit disappointing as we would have preferred to separate these courses but as we were hungry we dove right in. The calamari comes with a choice of dipping sauces on the side, a delicious and bright citrus aioli and a slightly smoky and sweet tomato sauce. The calamari was perfectly cooked and exceptionally tender. The frisee salad was next up, a beautifully presented dish composed of smoked pioppini mushrooms, a poached egg, roasted asparagus, and parmesan. The egg was perfectly poached and added a wonderful distinct creaminess to the salad. The asparagus spears were huge! I was a bit worried that, due to the size, they might be woody and tough, however they were perfectly cooked and tender. The mushrooms added a nice rich smoky meatiness to the dish and it was quickly devoured. The Smoked Duck Breast was certainly the star of the night. The breast was perfectly cooked with an extra crispy skin and a deep smoky flavor almost reminiscent of bacon. Accompanied by zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, and a charred scallion vinaigrette the dish was wonderfully composed and elegantly presented. The Beef Rib Eye was the only disappointment. The first portion arrived with a slab of fat hanging off of the side the size of a deck of cards. Given, rib eyes are a fatty cut, however as this was hanging off the side of the steak it should have been trimmed off (or down) prior to grilling. It was also cooked closer to medium vs my requested medium-rare most likely because it was a rather thin cut. I pointed this out to the waiter and he apologized and then disappeared. About 10 minutes later (and halfway through my steak) he reappeared with a new rib eye. I hadn't asked for a new dish but was pleasantly surprised that he had made the effort. However, I would have preferred that the waiter had asked for my preference (replacement dish or something different) prior to coordinating - as I would have likely changed my entree to the duck! Unfortunately, though the second steak was better butchered it was still slightly overdone, another thin cut, and rather grainy and uninspired. The Bearnaise sauce on the side was nice (and very rich) but the beef and wine jus tasted a bit scorched and the "frites" were also rather boring. For $44 I had high expectations for the rib eye and would have expected a thicker cut and a bit more pizzazz in presentation. However, my guess is that this is the "safe" dish on a menu that tends to be a bit more eclectic. A final note/warning, if you are sitting facing the front of the restaurant when the sun is going down you will be blinded by the sun. Unfortunately, while the big open windows with no shades/coverings look wonderful and give you a great view of the wonderful landscaping they do nothing to shade you from the sunset which comes in directly through the front of the building. I ended up having to put on my sunglasses during dinner just so I could continue to look at my girlfriend. Service was great throughout our meal (with the minor quibble noted above) and the manager did stop by at the end to inquire about our meal. I mentioned the troubles with the steak but did stress that everything else was awesome. Bottom line - this place is well worth the visit for a nice romantic dinner or a special occasion. If you can get one of the online coupons it also allows you a half price meal experience (if you stay away from bar drinks and wine ;)
(4)
Jane A.
Our lunch started out quite nicely with fried calamari and 2 delicious dipping sauces. And then we waited, and waited. We think there was only 1 waiter for the entire restaurant. This was the second time we've had such awful service and probably the last. The bread, the decor, the service and yes, even the food are now not worth a trip to what was once a fantastic restaurant and setting. Don't waste your time or your money.
(2)
Dana M.
I wanted to love this place. It is so beautiful and i had read such wonderful things. I went with a party of 10 for lunch. It wasn't crowded. The vale was rude and was literally throwing ppl's slips at them. No big deal b/c we were here for the food. Well the waiter took awhile to get to our table then skipped two people's drink orders. He actually just walked by them. When he returned with the drinks he was asked very nicely (we were all so excited to be here) for two more drink orders.With attitude and the rude comment of "I did ask them!" he took the orders and walked away. When those drinks came out he took our food orders. When the food arrived it wasbeautiful, but taste was eh at best. Greasy, bland. I was so shocked! We all regretted not going to capital grill, j gilberts or somewhere else. No one had anything amazing, outstanding or simply yummy despite having ordered reccomended items. Such a disappontment.
(2)
Deb G.
We came here for my boyfriend's graduation, because this is evidently the place to come for celebrations! I very much enjoyed the koi pond and the landscaping outside. While I liked the decor inside, I thought there was a mismatch between the furnishings and the artwork (I know, nitpicky). As for dinner, we thought about the tasting menu but we had two vegetarians at the table who wouldn't have been too happy about it. Instead, we split several small plates - calamari, mushroom tartine, and zucchini fritters. The mushroom was amazing! So flavorful! The zucchini was good as well, but the calamari was not impressive. It was lightly breaded, but was served lukewarm and was very greasy. The dipping sauces were both excellent, but that doesn't quite make up for the lack of flavor. For dinner, I got the salmon and bf got the smoked duck breast. The salmon was cooked beautifully - medium rare - but the shaved fennel accompanying lacked zip. The orange carrot glaze was lovely, but I wish there had been more. He loved the duck breast and I snuck a bite - whoa! For dessert, the table grabbed a bunch and passed them around. I wasn't really wowed by any except the chocolate hazelnut bar, which was stupendous. Every bite was so good! The malted milk ice cream served aside it, though, was so subtle as to be almost tasteless. So why only three stars? For the price, and the hype, and the atmosphere, I think every bite should have been awesome. And it just wasn't. I'd like to try 2941 again sometime to see if we just went on an inconsistent night.
(3)
Eric B.
Read about this restaurant on DC Eatery. The staff was respectful and friendly. I hat the tasting menu with wine pairing, which was great! The sommelier was very knowledgable and the pairings were spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
(5)
Hannah D.
Company holiday party was here. Staff was helpful and quick. Food was great. Drinks were great. Had the butternut squash soup w/ ginger. It was amazing! Had the filet w/ the Bearnaise sauce - also very good.Warm chocolate cake for dessert was alright. Nothing spectacular. The view was gorgeous though! It was a good evening!
(4)
Heidi I.
This restaurant is like a hotel lobby. The ceilings are too high, and it gives off a cold feeling. I was freezing the entire time, not just from the cold but from the general atmosphere. I couldn't wait to get out of there. The lobster for $ 34.00 tasted awful. I will never go there again.
(2)
Jackie N.
This is a review for their special Valentine's Day menu. It was 3 courses for $75. For appetizers, we got the lobster risotto and tuna tartare. Both were so yummy we gobbled them up immediately. The risotto was creamy and the lobster pieces were substantial and melted in my mouth. The tuna tartare was my favorite part of the whole meal. For entrees, we got the roasted duck, which was surprisingly good I usually do not order duck at American restaurants because it is always so dry, but this duck was cooked perfectly. I got a duo of beef with filet and short rib. Both meats were so tender and juicy. The meat came with potatoes and veggies. Our least favorite part of the meal was dessert. We got the exotic duo to share, which was comprised of a warm chocolate-passion fruit chiboust and a mango-vanilla frozen parfait. Maybe my dessert pallatte is too simple, but I feel like they tried way too hard to infuse lots of ingredients in the dessert. All in all, it was a great experience. The restaurant is gorgeous and the service did not skip a beat!
(4)
Rafi A.
Beautiful place and great selection of fine wine! Overall low value for money. Overhyped and overpriced: the quality and quantity of the food do not justify the $$$$. When a "just okay" dessert that is finished in three small bites costs $14 to $18, you have to ask yourself what it is that you're actually paying for. Quality is priceless, but... I've eaten at various $$$$ restaurants around the world without having the feeling that I'm supporting someone's overhead.
(2)
Mike P.
Great restaurant. My wife & I have been going there for special occasions since it opened. Food and service are exceptional. The menu has inventive, interesting choices and the presentation is great. We highly recommend it. Mike & Linda Annandale, VA
(5)
Marco C.
Their portions are too small. We had 2 people. We ordered 2 cocktails, 3 apps, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. I went home and ate a second dinner because I was still quite hungry. Our server also seemed to be having a woke-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-bed kinda' day. The food was delicious but I feel like when I go out for a meal, I should at the very least have enough to eat. The Winter Garden entree was appetizer portioned. Also, not many/any vegan options.
(2)
Reese K.
Absolutely lovely. The atmosphere is classy, but not stuffy. Splurge for the beef tartare and sticky toffee pudding. My waistline hates me, but my soul is smiling.
(5)
Vanessa S.
We came here for our anniversary. The food was excellent! I had the duck and it was so delicious. The skin was crispy and the meat was perfectly cooked. My calamari appetizer and the pistachio semifreddo dessert were also good. The portions looked small, but it was just enough for me. I took a star away for service. The waiter forgot to bring my drinks. First he forgot my wine and then I ordered tea with my dessert and he forgot that too. But the food was excellent, so I am not going to make a big deal out of it. We will definitely come back.
We went here for restaurant week and I have to say this is the first place I've been that had a non dry pork chop. We had everything on the restaurant week menu and it was all fantastic. Even the drinks were good.
(5)
Izzat A.
Went here for dinner last night with some clients. Thought it was okay and kind of overhyped. Maybe it just isn't for my taste palate. Started off with a fall salad, which was okay. Kind of strange because there was caramel popcorn in it. Got the Robiola Cheese Fondue Ravioli and thought it was alright. Ended up with the ricotta cheesecake which was okay as well but tiny. Service was friendly but they forgot to bring wine for some of the others at the table. All in all, I wasn't impressed. This place tries to be really pretentious, but the food isn't close enough to make it worthwhile. Won't be back.
(2)
Tina F.
Amazing menu, cute place and tucked away.."loved" all the appitizers and my Filet. Was tasty
(4)
Josh H.
Wife and I went here the night before Valentine's. She had the seafood risotto, and I had the duck. She enjoyed her risotto at first; not the best, not the worst. Near the end, I sampled one of her shrimp. It tasted horribly bleachy. She said she hadn't noticed it, and we decided it could have been just one bad shrimp. Boy, were we wrong. She was up all night with HORRENDOUS food poisoning. Worst part is, the restaurant refused to reply to us when we originally contacted them. Only when I sent a follow up stating that I would be posting our experience to Yelp did they feign interest. They offered a free meal, but who in their right mind would go back to a place that kept them up all night with no fewer than 13 downright explicit trips to the toilet? Biggest waste of $200 ever. Shame on them.
(1)
Rebecca M.
Restaurant Week 2013 Review This is a bit belated, but I figure worth adding. I was totally underwhelmed by our dining experience. On the Tuesday night, it was quite full and I was surprised that they seemed to only have 2 servers circulating. There were considerable delays from when we were seated to drink orders to food orders. Our waiter seemed to preference the larger parties rather than our little 2-top which was frustrating. For the food: Starter was the Duck Ballotine. Interesting consistency. Very very salty. I don't think I could have eaten more than the allotted portion as it was so rich. Entree was a Ravioli dish which left me still hungry. Dessert was the Creamsicle Vacherine. I was confused by how complex of a dessert it was. With all the parts, it was difficult to eat and impossible to taste the different components simultaneously. I came out thinking that I had a good idea of the restaurant's cooking style. It was all very French with the complex and rich foods. I was glad that we didn't pay more than we did as I was still hungry by the end of the meal.
(3)
Jessica P.
All I have to say is that the food was great, the service even better! Our server Jason was great and had great recommendations! Calling this place our little secret food haven.
(5)
Doo P.
I have been going to this place for many years now.... They started out as White tablecloth high end tasting menu, which I have to say I liked better. Now they have gotten rid of the white tablecloth & have a more casuals type of menu. Some time they will have a fixed tasting menu. But it's hit or miss not all items are great. There regular menu which you can choose how many dishes you want can be hit or miss too. But, what is always good here are their fish dishes & pasta dishes. Desserts is the same thing. Some times I get a good one some time not so much. So basically I'm saying that the food is not consistent like it was with the white tablecloth. But my wife still likes it here so we will probably still come.
(3)
Maria W.
It makes me so sad to write this, but 2941 has lost its lustre. Eight years ago, this was hands down my favorite restaurant in the DC area. I have had some truly memorable dinners here-- the food was creative and perfectly executed, the ambiance was quiet and romantic, but relaxed, and the service was impeccable. Let me start with the positives-- we arrived early and sat at the bar. The cocktails were fantastic and the bartender was awesome. The wine list is excellent, with a really nice range of affordable and splurge bottles. The food was pretty good. Not what I remembered, but had the service been as good as the past, I would have chalked it up to a really nice evening. I just can't say that anything my companion or I ate was that memorable (while I can still remember some pretty revelatory things I ate at 2941 five, eight years ago). Our special occasion was acknowledged with an complimentary little extra dessert (which was delicious), with a candle and good wishes written out in chocolate sauce. Very thoughtful. We went for a special occasion, intending to order the five course tasting menu, but when we were seated, we were flatly and unapologetically informed that the restaurant week menu was our only option that night. To be honest, we had not been aware that 2941 was participating in restaurant week, and were not informed that our options would be limited when we made the reservation. Perhaps this was my fault for not doing my research, but I was disappointed. I know restaurant week can be different-- more people are there and the food is likely not cooked to order as it would be on a regular night. However, this is also a restaurant's time to shine for folks that may be experiencing it for the first time, and who may choose to come back for a special occasion when they are ready to splurge on the full experience. But shine, 2941 did not. Things just went down hill from that rocky beginning. My companion was given the wrong appetizer; our wine, the bottle sequestered at another location, was not refilled in a timely manner (when service is good, this system works quite well- the server refills your glass before you notice you need more); parmesan cheese was not proffered for a pasta dish, and no server came into sight for a few minutes to ask about it. The experience fell flat in other ways, compared to my past experiences. No one offered to check our coats when we came in, or retrieve our car from valet when we were done (I know-- first world problems, but keep in mind this is a very upscale restaurant where these things used to be standard). The restaurant was noisy and chaotic. Our server seemed rushed and fairly unobliging the whole evening. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it just seemed that he was either having a bad night, hated his life, or didn't warm up to us after our initial disappointment about the menu. At any rate, I'm sad to say that I won't be making plans to return to 2941 again. It used to be our standby destination for special occasions. But perhaps those good memories are best saved in the past.
(2)
Liz T.
What a shame. I have been going to 2941 for about 8 years. It was my favorite restaurant, my place for special occasions. We went for another birthday. My drink "Thai me up, Thai me down" was great! Basil infused gin. We ordered the Tuna Tartar, Escargot Tart Flanbee, Wild Bore Daube, Potato crusted Rock fish and Chocolate Peanut Baked Alaska. Everything but the Tuna Tartar was ordinary and tasteless. The snails tasted like the can they came from, The bore was boring ground pork and the rockfish was just painfully awful. The baked Alaska was a joke, a jar of Marshmallow fluff. I tried to order a glass of wine to go with dinner could not get the waiters attention. We were seated next to a l work station, the entire meal the wait staff was running behind us, jostling our chairs to get spoons! It was a very disappointing experience, So sad
(2)
J D.
After an extended absence from its kitchen, I had occasion to dine here at lunch very recently. The restaurant has been revamped to be a bit more casual, though the ingredients on some of the menu items suggest luxury. The serene view hasn't changed, and this restaurant is an oasis in the Annandale area. The "Daffy" burger is duck burger on a bun. The duck burger is topped with foie gras (one of those luxury items) and onion agrodolce (caramelized onions) and comes with either a salad or fries (I chose the fries). It was a wonderful burger, juicy and properly seasoned, and a definite change from the usual beef option. The foie gras livers and the onions added layers of flavor to the experience. The fries were also good: crisp, hot and just right. We'd started the meal by splitting the mushroom tartine. The ricotta, mushroom and bits of garlic made for a delightful starter, enough to whet the appetite for the main course. Service was prompt and efficient, warm but not overly friendly: just right. The restaurant has valet parking although I just parked in the restaurant's spaces in the parking garage adjacent to the building that houses the restaurant. A future exploration of the dinner menu awaits.
For my boyfriend's birthday, I booked us at a table at 2941. Sadly, our experience there didn't even come close to meeting our expectations of a restaurant that has been named one of the best the DC metro area has to offer by several online publications. First of all, the service was bad. The waiter acted like he couldn't be bothered with us most of the time. After taking our drink orders, the waiter passed us a couple of times without bothering to ask us if we were ready to order. Finally, my boyfriend had to flag him down to tell him that we are ready to order. Then there is the food. My boyfriend and I both opted to go with the restaurant week menu so we both went with the salmon tartare for appetizer, which was delicious. But then we both had the grilled pork loin with an apricot glaze, radicchio salad, and pomme lyonnaise, which was NOT so delicious. The pork itself was okay if a bit dry. But the radicchio salad that topped the pork loin was bitter and lacked any kind of dressing to make it easier to go down. And the apricot glaze did not really go with the flavor of the pork. I did like the pomme lyonnaise, but overall, the whole dish just lacked coherence and is a weird combination of a lot of different flavors that didn't go together. For our desserts, I ordered the black forest cake, which is just okay, But boyfriend was really disappointed with the peach melba he ordered, which is basically an oatmeal cookie topped with a tiny scoop of ice cream and served with 2-3 tiny slices of poached peach on the side. According to him, the taste is okay, but the whole thing is so tiny that he was able to polish it off with 2 or 3 bites. It is hard to imagine anyone willing to pay for a dish like that if it wasn't part of a prix fix menu. Overall, our experience there left much to be desired. I would have even given it a 2 star review if it wasn't for the fact that both my boyfriend and I liked the salmon tartare so much. But still, if the best food you had at a restaurant is the appetizer, then it means there is a lot of room for improvement.
(3)
Safia M.
Excellent! We went as part of a Travelzoo voucher and loved it. Will definietely be back again. The calamari was super tasty.
(5)
Mike M.
Great space, kind of hidden away among several suburban office towers just off the beltway. Excellent design, cool bar area. Seemed to get pretty busy at lunch which is great, glad to see they do a nice business. We were in the waterfall room which has windows peering out on the water feature that defines the front of the restaurant. It is really a stunning view. We dined on a prix fixe menu. I started with a lovely bib lettuce salad followed by filet of beef with celery root and pureed potato which was excellent. The beef was seared with a deep red center and the sides were outstanding. Desert was a choice of green apple sorbet or a chocolate flan with banana ice cream thing. I had the flan and was jealous of the diners who chose the sorbet. Service was outstanding. I'm not often in the area but if I am, 2941 will make an outstanding choice for a client lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
(4)
John D.
We were there at 8pm on a Friday night. After getting our menus, the waiter took about 10 minutes to return to us to take our order, despite us scanning the room multiple times. We ordered a shared app, shared small plate, and two entrees. After about 20 minutes, the hot app and cold small plate came out at the same time, which wasn't ideal but we lived. After about 30 minutes more, the entrees came out. When we were finished, we waited to see the waiter for 10 minutes or so, and asked for our check. Then, we waited another 30 minutes to get our check, and about another 15 minutes for it to be picked up. In total, we were there for 1.5 hours to be served twice. I've had faster five course meals in Italy than I have at this place. WAY too slow. When the customer asks for the check, it means that they want to leave!
(2)
Jihane L.
We had our wedding at this amazing place. The location and menu were mind blowing. We loved the Koi pond and the openness of the space with tall glass windows and walls overlooking the lake and trees. They valet park your car. The wine list is out of this world. The food is excellent but on the pricey side. We love it here and we come back every year on our anniversary. Definitely recommend.
(5)
Avneet K.
Definitely not a 50 dollar rib eye. I ordered this rib eye med rare and it showed up and was med/med. well. The waiter did replace my steak. The second rib eye I received was not the same quality of meat, not sure why.... I would NOT RECOMMEND getting the rib eye. My husband got the same rib eye his was cooked to correct temperature, but not particularly flavorful. If you put a 50 dollar steak on your menu you should make sure you are serving a 50 dollar steak. The oysters were fresh and the dessert (blondie) was good. The best thing I ate was the donut holes sent complements of the chef.
(1)
Lance N.
My fiancee and I went there for our valentine's day dinner. From the reviews and the decor, I thought it was a great place to surprise my fiancee with. After all, she does want our reception there one day. So we got there and it really was a beautiful place. Especially with all the icicles hanging over the water fall and snow covering the lights, it truly was quite beautiful. So we head in and get seated fast - Great! Their tables were super cheap. It was one of those fold up tables where you can only sit on across from each other. If you sit next to each other, you or your date will bang your knees into the table legs if you try sitting next to each other. We had fast service, but a little too fast (will explain). The valentines dinner was a set menu. I actually wanted to order something else on their normal dinner menu. I didn't expect them to confine us to just the valentines menu. For appetizers, I ordered the Tuna tartare and my Fiancee got the... hm, i don't remember. All i remember is how awesome the Tuna Tartare was and having to switch plates since my fiancee liked it better. It's bad when you don't remember one of the dishes. It was that mediocre. Oh yes, she had the "duck--something," she stated. Again - pretty mediocre. As other reviews has stated, the Tuna Tartare is indeed amazing! Then came the main course. I got the rib eye and my fiancee got the swordfish. Strike 1 - Sword fish still smelled fishy and pungent. Keep in mind, we love fish and all things from the sea. For a minute, we thought this was normal but when you bite into it, it still almost tastes raw but not fresh. We tried to eat it but it was basically a fight. My fiancee hesitated in taking it back but of course, for that amount of money being paid, f*ck that, they need to take it back! So i had to do the dirty work. Strike 2 - I waited for the waitress to come by and check up on us but she basically was on "go" and did not seem she was going to come around, so it took some effort to wave her down. When I told her about the swordfish and how it may be undercooked, she asked me how i wanted it cooked. Now, for the amount of money I'm paying, I expect them to cook it like how it's meant to be cooked, and the fact that it tasted and smelled fishy means that it may not be fresh. Strike 3 - After eating something that tastes so horrible, why would I still want to continue eating it? She didn't even offer to exchange it for a different dish, I had to push for that option. And lastly, Strike 4 - Now going back to the rib eye. It tasted like a normal steak that you'd prepare yourself from safeway/wegmans. For that kind of money, i would expect a juicy succulent dry-aged slab of rib eye steak. It was good, but mediocre good. I would rather go to Morton's and get a dry-aged rib eye for less money and have it cooked better. Also, i had it cooked medium rare which they were able to achieve just fine. So I'll give them that. Afterwards we had the dessert to share with 1 side passion fruit and the other side chocolate. they even gave us 2 small pieces of cookies which was nice! so I'll give them a star for effort. So, after 1 drink, 2 coffees and 2 valentines day dinner. the bill came out to about 230 bucks. Worth it? I don't think so. We will give them another chance at a later date but so far, I'm not sure if we want our reception there any more. After all, people always remember a Wedding reception by how awesome the food was and we were hoping 2941 could be that place. Total: 1 stars! (sad tombone effect)
(1)
Mary C.
We were a group of six here for Thanksgiving Dinner. I am familiar with the area so finding it was no problem. 2941 must have taken the comments about being difficult to find because there were 2 road signs explicitly pointing the way. The food was absolutely wonderful. It was a special prix fixe menu for the day. Lots of choices. Members of our group enjoyed the lobster bisque, the butternut squash veloutè, and the beet salad. They were beautiful to behold and each bite was a lovely combination of flavors. Most of our group enjoyed the turkey dinner, with one person ordering the salmon. The turkey breast was extremely tender and I'd love to know how it was cooked so that it was tender and juicy. The salmon was cooked just enough to flake. Again the arrangements were like works of art. The combination of flavors was unusually creative. Our group enjoyed the apple pie, sweet potato beignets, and pecan bar for dessert. Creatively presented, very delicious and yet very homey. Our wait service was just right. No hovering, plates cleared promptly, water glasses filled. No hurrying us up for the next seating.
(5)
Brian L.
Debated a five star or a four star review. Either way, you're going to get a pretty good meal. I had been here once or twice before with my parents, as my Dad knew the Maitre'd.. I guess we got a bit more of special attention because of that :) but this time it was just me and my main squeeze. The tasting menu looked delicious, but as one of us is a vegetarian we were unable to partake. However, we both chose from the á la carte and were happy with what we got. First of all, the bread. "They" say that you can judge a restaurant by the quality of the bread. That being said, the bread was excellent. We split a beet salad. The beets were of a very good quality, and tasted extremely fresh. Our server, Hicham, was a really charming and courteous fellow and, as if my magic, suggested several items that we were already debating getting. He was very helpful to answer questions in a very laid back, friendly, and non-pretentious way. On his recommendation I got the venison and holy moly it was excellent! Easily the best venison I've ever had (though that has only been a handful of times) but quite possibly one of the best meat dishes I have had. (Side note, I was remembering the protein I had at Gordon Ramsay's in Chelsea, and I believe it was better here.) My squeeze got the butternut squash ravioli. I had a bite, the ravioli's themselves were good and rich. It came with candied fruit which was a little weird. Unique. But I think it added to the overall flavour profile. I wasn't crazy about getting dessert, but my squeeze asked if it was possible to get the eclair that was only available on the tasting menu, and they kindly obliged. She loved it, I was on the fence... but I am typically not a dessert person. They brought out complimentary donuts and I was more into those than the eclair! Really nice environment, and I like the decor. Also, the Gunslinger cocktail... delicious!
(5)
nat t.
I have to say that this is handsdown the best place to have a wedding (of those I've been to so far!). Sure, your guests end up being scattered all around the restaurant, but when you're 30 something and go to an average of 9 weddings a year with a similar group of people each time, in the end, it comes down to the food. The wedding ceremony itself was held outside in their gardens, cocktail hour was also outside (yummy hors d'oeuvres). Inside a dance floor had been set up, and there was a room off to the side for a photobooth. This is the only time I've been at a wedding, ordered medium rare steak, and received a perfect medium rare steak. I think I recall the bride telling me that the wedding cost about $130 p/head, which is about the same as what you pay for a wedding at any reception venue in this area... with very mediocre food.
(5)
A A.
I went to 2941 a couple weeks ago for a birthday. It was my first time and I was pleasantly surprised. All of the food was amazing. I always get duck my first time to a restaurant because duck is a fickle meat, easy to mess up and harder to get right. Its my way of testing the chef. They cooked it PERFECTLY. I also had the zucchini fritters, fried calamari, butternut squash soup, and all of it was fantastic we ordered a second round of everything. Its a great atmosphere, quiet and cozy but also accommodates larger groups. I think if you go earlier in the evening it might be a bit "corporate", but we showed up around 8:45pm so it was mostly diners not happy hour professionals. The drinks were a bit strong in alcohol but not alcohol flavor if that makes sense, the flavor was still proportioned. They had some unique and yummy drinks I had fun trying. The service was great, our waiter was fantastic. The front desk girls were helpful over the phone and gave us exactly what we asked for, but when we showed up they seemed snobby and unwelcoming - the verdict is out on the front desk. Don't let that stop you though. They also brought out these sour-sweet donut holes at the end of the meal that were the best donuts I've ever had. I want to order a whole box of those to go. I think 2941 would be a good place for a date just ask for a window seat.
(5)
Bekah K.
My boyfriend is a big fan of 2941 for many years, almost always choosing it as our choice for romantic special occasions. The food and service are consistently outstanding! Everyone there is invested in giving you a special evening out. My boyfriend had Tuna Tartar & I had Beet Salad for appetizers. He had Beef Rib Eye as his main course and I had the Spiced Skuna Bay Salmon . Both were outstanding. They have an excellent wine selection with a wide range of regions and prices. Make your reservation well ahead of time and ask for a table by the window and you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of their art.
(5)
Jennifer M.
I was expecting a lot from this restaurant because of the good reviews, but I wasn't left with much of an impression. Especially if the highlight of the meal is the endless platters of unasked for, yummy, fresh bread! I am not completely convinced that it's baguette because it seemed more like a skinny Pane Italian bread to me (trust me, I know, I've worked in a bakery). One was plain and the other had fresh cherries or cranberries baked in. I started with the Pate de Campagne, "Country Pate", which is made of of ham with a bit of foie gras and pistachio halves. I'd never had country pate before, but it was really refreshing and light compared to your typical pate, which is richer and more decadent. While this was a nice complement to the tons and tons of bread we downed, I would have preferred something a little more similar to typical pate. Entree? Three large, seared scallops topped with triangular slices of beautifully colored watermelon radish and parsley. It was a little salty, but the romesco sauce toned down that saltiness a bit. The scallops were tasty and beautifully cooked: not underdone, not overdone. To finish? An Early Grey Pot de Creme. I was not very impressed with this dessert. The taste was not very distinct and the texture a little... off. I honestly liked the walnut brioche bostock (aka cookie) and clementines that this dessert came with better than the dessert itself. After dessert, they also gave us some of their homemade caramel popcorn. Which stuck to our teeth to no end, but was too good not to nosh on some. Dress is Business Casual. 2941 was nice and elegant with good service (great at recommendations and refilling water/bread without having to ask), but still a little stiff at lunch with what seemed like some dining executives from the office building that 2941 is located in. By the way, there is complimentary valet parking, but if you keep driving past that, you will find yourself in front of the parking garage. If you do enter through the garage however, beware that you may find yourself a bit lost if you are not familiar with the building.
(3)
stephanie c.
Very nice holiday meal on Christmas Eve 2014 BUT BUT BUT do not just make a reservation and think you are getting the gorgeous main dining room. They WILL put you in a distant side room (yuk) or the back room (yuk as well) and it is NOTHING like the experience in the main dining room. Live and learn. Next time we will tell them not to reserve for us unless they can PROMISE the main dining room. Buyer beware
(3)
First C.
We went here Friday before Valentine's Day. They had a prefixe menu only for the whole weekend and the regular a la carte menu was not available. This was our first time dining here and decided to try it since it was on Washingtonian's top rated restaurants. I had the tuna tartare and chilean sea bass. My husband had the lobster ravioli and filet mignon, and we got the chocolate lover dessert for 2. The tuna tartare was decent. It had the tuna, mayo, avocado, very thin slice (or 2) of jalapeno with garnish on top. It was overall bland with spice, but I'm a fan of sushi and raw fish so it was good on my list. The lobster ravioli was chunks of lobster wrapped in pasta with bland coral sauce. The sea bass was also bland with beans and garnish with some froth. There was just no flavor at all. I'm not a fan of over salting or anything and usually find most foods on the salty side, but the dishes are pretty much tasteless. What I got out of dining here was the nice textures of the food as everything was cooked pretty well, but with zero flavor inspiration. I can't judge the filet because I don't eat red meat, but my husband seemed to like it. The dessert was just 2 different tear drop shape pieces put together to make a heart shape. The chocolate portion was very rich in chocolate which for chocolate lovers like my husband would love. The white portion was a fluffy vanilla cream with a small portion of what tasted like praline on the bottom. I'm certainly not impressed with the restaurant. I don't know if it's because of the restricted menu with it being Valentine's Day weekend or they are just bland in general. We decided we will give this place another shot and hopefully it will be delicious and flavorful the second time around. Once we do I will give an updated review!
(2)
Cathy B.
We went for restaurant week and were limited to that menu. I wanted to get the restaurant week courses AND do add ons from the regular menu, but was told I couldn't because they're only serving the RW menu till the end of the month. All I wanted was fancy french fries, so no big deal but it was still a bit of a surprise to hear "no". I got the salmon tartare--AMAZING. Grilled pork loin--tough, chewy, not good. Peaches and cream--changed my life. SO GOOD! I wanted a sweet cocktail so I got the Misfit Toy--vodka, oj, rose moscato. Sweet and strong. The service is great. Our waiter was really fun and silly, and the guy who bussed our table was really attentive. We could only get a 8/21, 8:45pm reservation so it was too dark to see the water gardens clearly, but from what I could see--huge koi. It was great listening to the water. Very calming. Can't wait to go back! Complimentary valet.
(3)
Veggie L.
It's a restaurant sitting in an office building away from busy streets. The moment I was in I felt like in a hotel restaurant. We went in for father's day dinner. Everything we ordered were delicious, from appetizers to main courses. then adding wines and cocktails, our bill easily added up to almost $200 for only 2 adults and one kid. This is quite pricy, even though I love the food a lot, we will come back but only for special occasions. Their waiters/waitresses do not seem "well" (or "overly", depend on how you look at it) trained, they are quite relaxed and polite. They did not frequent our table unnecessarily, which I liked. In addition, I saw several kids, none is small kid. Overall it is very quiet. I'm sure they welcome kids. Just perhaps when kids make big noise some may raise eyebrows.
(5)
Rey C.
We had our High School reunion Dinner here and I was very impressed with the location and the taste of the food. It is ok to pay for an expensive price as long as it comes with an excellent quality of service and good food. It was a gastronomic experience with our group from appetizer to dessert. I was pretty suprised with the taste of the beef and tuna tartare, it was pretty tasty and adveturous, with the hint of white truffle oil . Main course, I had the duck's breast, cooked medium rare and it was served beatifully and was very tasty. Overall, I had a pleasant experience and definitely I should be coming back to this restaurant when I visit Virginia.
(4)
James P.
This is the my first review and I felt the need to join Yelp specifically to rate this restaurant. I was part of a wedding party that had their rehearsal dinner at 2941 Restaurant two weeks ago and I must say that this was the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. Our party rented out the private dining area in the back for this occasion and the night started out well. We were with a jovial group of ~20 people. During the first half of our dinner, things went as usual and the food was decent (not spectacular). The server did a good job and did his best to accommodate a 20+ person party by himself. The disaster started when we were served our main course. The majority of us had ordered the steaks, two of which, including mine, were very overcooked. We ordered medium rare, we received well-done. We brought this to the attention of our server who promptly said that he would "talk to his manager". We agreed and waited. And waited. We waited twenty-five minutes (or more, no kidding) before a new plate was brought out for us. The worst part is that nobody came to talk us at all. They never came to see what the issue was or anything... If we had known that we had to wait that long for new food, we would have just eaten the overcooked steak because we didn't want to cause any hiccups at the dinner rehearsal. We even asked our server where our manager was and he told us that he was busy and they had also run out of steaks because they specifically purchased enough steaks for this party (but three people didn't show up and we had a choice of steak, fish, or vegan). It was an obvious lie. Even then, which was about 12-15 minutes into waiting, the manager never showed up to speak to us and the server was visibly awkward by this time. After twenty-five minutes or so, everyone had finished their main course and was served their desserts. Shortly after, our two new steaks arrived which made the whole situation uncomfortable. Myself (the best man) and another groomsmen were biting into our first taste of steak while everyone else was finishing their dessert. It went downhill from here. After a few minutes, the manager FINALLY shows up and acts as if nothing happened or was wrong at ALL. He gave us this generic and regurgitated response of, "How is everything? Is everything great? etc." We kindly asked what took him so long to talk to us? He had NO answer. You could tell that he was making things up as he went along and went for a response that ultimately blamed the cooks for the long wait. The worst part is that he wasn't owning up to the problem and he wouldn't answer the question we asked him - "what took you so long to come and talk to us?". It was complete BS and completely unprofessional. He literally looked dumbfounded by my simple question. I honestly cannot believe 2941 had hired this person as a manager. He was horrible... hands down the worst service I've ever received and this includes every McDonalds and hole-in-the-wall restaurant that I've ever been to. I'm really sorry that this was my experience at this restaurant as I was looking forward to this event. I would not recommend this restaurant for any formal venues accommodating 6 or more people. Side note for anyone wondering: At the end of the day, they charged us in full and our party ended up paying ~$2,800 for the evening.
(1)
Christine K.
Tried their fixed menu lunch twice during Restaurant Week. The food was very good & portions were perfect. Looks like it'd be a beautiful place in the summer with the outdoor lake/falls & scenery. Will have to come back then.
(4)
Han V.
This is one of my favorite modern French restaurants. Their brunch was amazing and dinner here was fantastic. Lunch, however, was only so-so. ---Brunch--- So they no longer offer brunch here which is a HUGE bummer. They used to offer a prix fixe menu for brunch and I really loved coming during this time because the restaurant was more serene. Even though the service is great at all times, it was fantastic during brunch since the servers only had a few tables to tend to. Their food was also well executed. They also have to bring back their olive bread which was a personal favorite of mine. I really hope they bring brunch back in the near future. ---Lunch--- I brought a friend here for lunch after raving about their food but we were both so disappointed with the meal and I was so embarrassed! I thought that the food was pretty generic and nothing really impressed, especially for the price you are paying. Service was great as always and I just couldn't bring myself to complain about the food. If lunch wasn't so blase, 2941 would have gotten a better overall rating from me. Food: 2.5 Value: 2 Service: 5 ---Dinner--- I think going dinner here is appropriate for any special occasion. There aren't many other restaurants in the area that can even compare to their waitstaff and the quality and presentation of their food. Service is impeccable during dinner time and it just really makes the whole experience special. The only downside to eating dinner here is that you won't be able to enjoy the scenic views. Food: 5 Value: 5 Service: 5 Overall: 4
(4)
Mirela T.
This place is certainly top of the line. I've been here several times for dinner that were for different special occasions, and have not been disappointed. The ambiance of this place is perfect. Modern and very classy. Large windows for lots of light, and it overlooks a small pond. I personally think that it is stunningly decorated. I think this place is perfect for special occasions as it is a bit pricey. Whether it is a birthday or anniversary it is worth the price. The food was also delicious, it is typical to get a 3-course meal, with an appetizer, entree and dessert. The dishes i had were always perfectly cooked and the plate display was nicely done. I'd recommend you check this place out. Slightly hidden, but worth getting lost for ;)
(5)
Christian B.
"Gorgeous views, amazing interior, matched by amazing food" Food: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Parking: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 2941 is truly a treat, from the professional French chef-inspired menu to the beautiful interior, unique cocktails, and fish ponds outside, this is a perfect restaurant for a nice occasion, date, or event. Food here is definitely fine dining so expect small portions packed with amazing flavors brought out by fresh herbs and oils as opposed to corporate pre-mixed "seasonings" or mixes. This is certainly not the place to go if you're looking for fried chicken and French fries, you come here for beef tare tare or smoked duck breast. The cocktails are all completely unique and amazing - from herbal cocktails like lavender-based or basil-based beverages, all the way to the "official" recipe for 007's shaken but not stirred martini which is quite powerful but tasty nonetheless. Service here is alright. If the same service were given at a casual restaurant, it'd be considered great but this is fine dining and I haven't seen that extra bit of luxury shine through with the server's presentations yet. To run a restaurant of this caliber, the staff will need to really take it up a notch but that's ok for now as the food is spectacular and the ambiance of both the interior and exterior is unparalleled by anything else around. Parking is great because its 100% valet so there's nothing to worry about when arriving except perhaps falling into the coy ponds or waterfalls outside, enjoy!
(5)
Jacob T.
Every time is an experience! The setting is wonderful on a man made lake. The place feels open and the food is just superb. The date night tasting menu is great. My favorite has been duck or steak. Everybody just wants to help and make the experience more pleasant. Great place for special occasions or just a treat to yourself. Had one of my birthday dinners there. They even went out of their way to get a large Birthday balloon.
(5)
Sandi M.
I have such great memorise at this restaurant , my partner decided to pop the "will you marry me ?" At this restaurant .Very classy and elegantly designed , the water front was amazing as they had Khoi fish swimming in them instead if just normal fishes...I must admit he chose a great restaurant. Staff was nice and recommended dishes for us to try and it turned out great , both my partner and I loved what we ordered . Food was cooked perfectly ..!! Would definitely come back to dine again...
(4)
Lily H.
My sister spoke highly of 2941 so my fiance and I decided to give it a try. Maybe it was a mistake to go during RR but I did not enjoy my food. For the appetizer, I got the tomato gazpacho with poached shrimp which was super chunky - I felt like I was eating salsa without the chips. For my entree, I had the rockfish atop overcooked quinoa with an excess amount of lemony sauce that turned my quinoa nearly into porridge. Lastly, for dessert I had the lemon fritters, which was good, but not good enough to make up for the rest of my meal. I did enjoy my glass of wine though. I admit the restaurant is beautiful with large glass windows and gorgeous views, but that didn't cut it for me. Despite the good service, I don't think the food was worth it, even for RR week.
(2)
Jason C.
Before anyone cries foul at my ratings please realize that the head chef passed away last august. articles.washingtonpost.… As great as things may have been in the past, it does not apply anymore. The menu items have changed to simpler dishes. Dishes are no longer visually appealing and do not taste anything remotely similar to what many reviewers have written about in the past. This is what I ordered: Small Bite: American Wagyu Steak Tartare basil-mint aioli, Parmesan cheese, arugula Appetizer: Tuna Tartare Grand Marnier dressing, avocado, fried shallot Entrees: Smoked Duck Breast zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, charred scallion vinaigrette Spiced Skuna Bay Salmon orange-carrot glaze, shaved fennel, dried gooseberry, turmeric sauce Overall problem: Bland and boring. The food was not seasoned at all (or minimally to a point where I couldn't taste it). This must have been the first time in about 400 restaurant visits that I asked for salt and pepper. At most restaurants I visit, I would usually complain that the food is salty but not vice versa. If I were to buy the raw ingredients and slap them together to create a dish without looking at a receipe, that would be an equivalent of what I would find here. Considering that these dishes are expensive ($18 for tuna tartare, $30 somethingish for the duck, and $44 for a rib eye) I find the food at a terrible price point. Despite the great view and the great service, I cannot justify the price of the food here. Even after using a google offer to knock the bill down by about 1/2, I still wouldn't come here again if offered the same discount. This place has probably become a shell of what it was in the past. For those who want an accurate assessment of how the restaurant has transformed, I suggest you look at reviews from 9/2012 and on.
(2)
Mark N.
The calamari appetizer was very good, but $80 later, after a very soupy risotto, and a pasta dish that tasted like it came out of a can, we were not too pleased. The service was good, and the scenery was spectacular, but definitely not worth the price if you are there for the food.
(1)
Alan V.
I went there for restaurant week and all they had was the restaurant week menu, so you had to spend a minimum of $35 ( also the entree portion is smaller than their regular menu portion). The main entrees available were pasta, pork loin, salmon, roast chicken, and sea bass. I got the beet salad appetizer, pork loin, and chocolate coconut layer cake. The salad came out in two seconds without any wait. I sat at the bar. The bartender/server forgot our entree which took at least 30min later to arrive after the appetizer. The pork loin was dry, too salty and flavorless. The chocolate coconut cake was a bit sour. All the entrees were pre-made in the kitchen so it was a bit warm but not hot like it just came out of the grill. A terrible food and service experience for a four dollar sign restaurant.
(1)
Joann B.
Favorite: The filet mignon (served med-rare) and foie gras was soooo good! They were both tender, juicy - a great pairing. Also, the 2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the best. Our dinner here was very nice, relaxed - a great way to ring in the New Year. The service was near perfect. The prix fixed dinner offered a decent variety, but really, I was there for the foie gras and it didn't disappoint. My husband enjoyed all of it, to include tuna appetizer and veal chop. The butterscotch pot de creme was tasty too - I liked it a lot better than the chocolate trio.
(4)
Brian C.
Want to have your WEDDING here? You must be out of your mind. There's nothing good to be said about this establishment, especially with the lack of professionalism and courtesy from management, and the lack of experience from the employees. I was filming a wedding at this venue and there was an incident in which a server dropped an entire tray of drinks on my assistant and our equipment. Yes, an ENTIRE TRAY of drinks, and they did NOTHING to help remedy the situation, causing my shoot of the bride and groom to be compromised. WAKE UP, 2941: It's a couple's WEDDING DAY and they paid top-dollar to have their ONCE IN A LIFETIME moments captured. When this happens, YOU fix YOUR mistakes or everyone suffers consequences. The management saw this happen and saw us scrambling to get our equipment back up and running to get our shots, but they just turned around to set up tables for dinner that weren't even related to the wedding. After this incident, I paid more attention to the staff, and I watched them constantly trip over each other with many bumps and near-misses which could've resulted in more dropped glasses and plates (full glasses and plates of food, that is). I filed a report with management, and, not surprisingly, they were apathetic about the situation, won't be covering their damages, and didn't even have it in them to issue me an apology. I'll take this in stride as a lesson learned, but my lesson for you is to pass on this venue as a host for any events. They don't care about you -- they're only looking out for themselves. 2941 is a dishonest business that I would avoid at all costs.
(1)
Mary N.
Definitely my favorite restaurant in the DC metro area. They offer complimentary valet parking, have a nice bar area (in case you are meeting friends that are running late) and the food is superb. My friends tried the steak tartare and could not stop raving about it. I tried a shrimp appetizer and some calamari which was cooked perfectly. Since it was my birthday, we had champagne and wine, both suggested by the sommelier and they were wonderful. Entrees included the ribeye steak, duck and chicken which everyone loved. The portions are not too big and not too small. Save room for the amazing desserts. This is a great place for a business dinner, special celebration or when you are in the mood for a fabulous meal. They also have private rooms available for groups overlooking their koi pond. Definitely 5 stars - would give it 10 if I could.
(5)
kat c.
Live minutes away and are foodies, but have only been once. While external landscape is gorgeous, internal decor is slightly strained. Service was snooty to a degree by no means merited by the mediocre and over-priced cocktails, wine, and food.
(2)
Bryony B.
I love 2941 - its upscale and beautiful. The tasting menu is the best so that you can try more (its like $75 a person but worth it if you can afford it) things. I don't think I've tried something there I didn't like - including their drinks. The bar area is even nice. They also have weddings there and for good reason - there is an outside area where they usually have the ceremony - its against a backdrop of waterfalls with colorful koi and nature. The inside is classy too - if you get the chance check out the waterfall room in the back of the restaurant used for receptions and stuff.
(5)
Heather J.
This place is very impressive. We went here last night for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was worried about finding the restaurant, as it's tucked away on a side street, in an office building. But there are signs along the road as you get close, guiding you to the location, and I was able to find it without any trouble. Valet parking is free and the valets are friendly and courteous. Despite being in an office building, the actual restaurant is very pretty. There's a koi pond alongside the walkway into the restaurant, and the space features huge windows overlooking a lake. It's really a great space. I have very few complaints about 2941, but here's one. I had made a 7:15 reservation. I arrived right on time, but they didn't have a table available, so I had to wait for a while. I'm being a little nitpicky here, but at a restaurant of this quality, I expect the best in every way. When we were seated, our water glasses were filled right away and our waiter came over to introduce himself. Soon after that, a bread basket arrived with soft, sweet butter. A huge pet peeve of mine is when restaurants serve cold butter that tears the bread apart when you try to spread it, so I was happy to be served nice, soft butter here. It's the little things! For our appetizers, we got the bocconcini mozzarella and the frisee salad. The mozzarella was served over a pomegranate-tomato coulis and grilled asparagus, and topped with a crostini. It was tasty and I enjoyed it, but I don't think the flavor was particularly unique or special. The salad was excellent. It was served with smoked mushrooms, roasted asparagus, and a poached egg. The combination of ingredients was great, and I loved the smoked mushrooms. For our entrees we got the ribeye and the salmon. The salmon was delicious - cooked perfectly and not at all fishy. The skin was crispy and the seasoning was subtle but still added depth of flavor to the fish. The ribeye was tender and had great flavor. It was served with delicious, creamy mashed fingerling potatoes and a little pot of french fries. The fries were good, but again, not special. The dish would have benefited from something green on the plate, such as green beans or Brussels sprouts. It was also served with bearnaise sauce and a beef jus. Both sauces were great, but I liked the beef jus the best. For dessert we got the chocolate pain perdu. It was good, but not outstanding. The edges were a little dry, but the flavor was good. As we were finishing the pain perdu, we were surprised with a complimentary plate of two little beignets. Now, those were outstanding. I wish we could have ordered those for our dessert! The service at 2941 is fantastic. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and helpful. He explained all the dishes very well and came to the table after each dish was delivered to make sure everything was ok. I would definitely return to 2941 for a special occasion.
(4)
Dana Z.
Food snobs man! Food snobs! I read some of the other reviews about "wah wah what a waste I'd rather go to Minibar or Cityzen wah" Please, the fact that you're comparing it to those places (and I've been to both) it can't be THAT bad. Maybe just take it for what it's worth. It's not Cityzen and it's not Komi or Minibar... it's 2941. I'll show you snob. I went here for dinner on a Monday. Yes, a Monday. Not Valentines, not a birthday or an anniversary or restaurant week. Just a Monday. And I wore $800 shoes. It was good. I'd go back.
(5)
Darren N.
Restaurant Week 2013 Review ... Lobster Paella Soup: In my opinion, this shouldn't have qualified as a paella, it was more of a lobster bisque. It was good though, just wasn't paella. Be sure to have some spare bread to get all the soup in the bowl. Duck Trio: The leg confit was very tender and fell off the bone. The sausage was tasty but could have been mistaken for some other meat than duck. The breast meat was just alright, the skin and fat above the meat was a bit too chewy. Additionally, the beans that were served in the dish were so overpowering in flavor I couldn't really taste that it was prepared Perigourdine. I eat a lot of duck, and I would have to say I much rather prefer it prepared as Peking Duck because they make the skin so crispy you won't have a chewy texture issue from the skin and fat. Creamsicle Vacherin: My favorite dish of the night, it was light, refreshing, and had excellent complementing flavors and textures. There was the firm Grand Marnier ice cream, crisp meringue sticks, somewhat frozen sorbet found within the ice cream, and creme fraiche topping it all off. Restaurant Week 2012 Review ... Beef Tartare: The best of all the dishes I have tried here. Raw beef should be of excellent quality, and prepared very carefully, this dish had both. Grilled Pork Loin: The peach marmalade that accompanied the pork was different, not to say I didn't enjoy it, it was just something my palate wasn't used to. The polenta that accompanied it on the other hand was something I was more used to. Chocolate Napoleon: A bit too rich to end my meal, I would have probably enjoyed just a couple scoops of the blueberry sorbet that came with it. The service was good aside from the bartender who took 10 minutes to acknowledge us and then scoffed when I asked for a drink that wasn't on the current drink menu but was on there before. The restaurant itself is very open with high ceilings, they just have an unusual selection of bright color paintings which I don't really get.
(4)
Camey S.
Delicious Modern French cuisine that's approachable and memorable. Chef Bertrand Chemel created a wonderful meal for my friend and I having a girls night. The atmosphere is beautiful with y'all ceilings, huge glass windows showing expansive views and eye-catching decor. With complimentary valet, coat check, and a lovely staff. Our waiter Julio was attentive and friendly. We knew we wanted a sweet wine, and he picked out a gorgeous Rose Moscato called "Bigaro" from Italy and we absolutely loved it. We sat down for a meal, and I expected good food, but with each bite I knew this food was so much more. They brought out breads and butter to start. We added on the crispy calamari, a small bites plate and were pleased to devour these lightly breaded treats. Both dipping sauces were yummy, an aioli and a classic tomato. For entrees we ordered crescent duck breast and the crusted venison loin with a side of fricassee of mushrooms. Both were spot on. Succulent meats and flavorful glazes. The best is saved for last. This is a restaurant with a French chef after all, and for dessert they have a special menu they refer to as "never say never." For this, I recommend the Caramelia Entremet. This decadence is truly the sweet treat to end the meal. Salted caramel brownie bottom, with a thick milk chocolate caramel mousse layer on top, with orange zest and dark chocolate spots. Split this and enjoy!
(5)
Celina C.
2941 has always been on my list of bougie restaurants to try, & bougie it was! I came here for dinner with my two best friends the night before New Year's Eve and our dinner was impeccable. The service was excellent as our waiter was very attentive and although I couldn't understand his European sounding name, nor could I figure out where he was from (Ukraine & Turkey were our main guesses), he was very good to us. We ordered the Calamari as an appetizer & I've never seen them cut in strips like that. They were crunchy, cripsy, zesty, and just all around delicious. Whenever I see calamari as an appetizer on a menu, I usually order it 90% of the time. That's the only way I'll eat squid, and coming from a Filipino that's shameful but oh well. We like things fried too, so it makes up for it haha. My entree was the Lamb Orecchiette. I love pasta and these noodles were perfect. I'm kissing my fingers & inwardly saying Belisimo in my best Chef Boyardee voice. The lamb itself was so tender accompanied by the creaminess of the ricotta sauce. It's a definite must have. I paired my lamb with a glass of Malbec, which was a good classy choice on my part if I do say so myself. For dessert we ordered the Hazelnut Pana Cotta & the Caramelia Entremet. We had no idea what Entremet meant, we just saw "salted caramel brownie" and we were sold. Also, my friend knew one of the waiters and she was kind enough to throw in a glass of a dessert wine for the 3 of us that was apparently best with chocolate desserts - great gesture but it sort of tasted like Robitussin..She also gave us a plate of the donuts which had a nice lemon zest to it. I also love how the desserts are listed under "Never Say Never" and I would never say never to dessert ever. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and despite it being a fancy shmancy place (I thought I saw London Fletcher at a nearby table & almost freaked out), the atmosphere is totally relaxed. It's great for a family gathering, an awesome date spot, or just catching up with your two best friends over loud obnoxious conversation. I suggest you check it out since Restaurant Week is quickly approaching!
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch get together or a fancy dinner, 2941 can suit your needs. I've been here numerous times for happy hour, and the deals are always great! $5 sangria is nice, and the beer options are good too. The complimentary truffle popcorn is always sinfully delicious. I came here for lunch this week. The man who seated us took our coats and always had a smile on his face. Our waiter was personable too; we had easy conversations with him throughout our meal. At the end of the meal though, he was talking to other patrons which delayed our meal's end. Mushroom tartine - always delicious! There are three slices, so you can share this one. The ricotta cheese is so good with the mushrooms, and the bread is tasty. Fall salad - very interesting combination of greens and caramel popcorn and apples. I liked it! As long as each bite had every ingredient, you were in for a treat. The crunch and sweetness of the popcorn added dimension to this otherwise bland salad. Butternut squash soup - I would order this again in a heartbeat! The flavors were so tasty together. You could taste the lemongrass, but it wasn't overpowering. This was a hit. Chicken Scallopini - the portion was very large for lunch - three flattened chicken slabs covered in a citrus-caper topping with creamy and buttery polenta and a small side of spinach. The citrus-caper topping was very good because it added tang (grapefruit). This was a good lunch option. Veggie ravioli - I really liked this one because it wasn't overpowered by cheese. You could actually taste the herbs inside the ravioli! And it didn't taste frozen. Rockfish - they ran out of sea bass, so the rockfish was used instead. It was a thick white fish, and it was prepared well. It was just slightly bland. Citrus doughnuts - always delicious! Bottom line: I like this restaurant for happy hour. The food items can get unnecessarily pricey (burgers), but some items have great innovation. I'll be back!
(4)
B J.
We recently went to celebrate my wife's birthday. I could go either way with 2941. I would have given it 3.5 stars if that were possible. Location: The decor and atmosphere are pretty cool. The ceilings are high and the view of the adjacent lake is nice. There is a koi pond with a waterfall. Strange art on the wall. The artist was definitely inspired by the video for "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." Food: Great plating, ok taste. My wife loved her lemon cavatelli and my tiger shrimp was ok. The salads were so-so. I think the meals looked a lot better than they tasted. I just don't think it's worth the price tag. I've had better meals for less at other fine dining establishments in the area. All that said, the food was decent. Just expect to pay more than it's worth. Service: Our service was pretty good. However, it took them almost an hour to receive our main course after ordering. The waiter told us there was a problem with one of the courses, and that it was taking a bit longer than usual. To his credit, he offered me a half-beer (apparently those exist) to compensate. And, they brought my wife a cool complementary dessert for her birthday, which was nice. Overall, I'd recommend at least one trip there for the overall experience.
(3)
Jehan E.
I'm not sure why this place get such great reviews the food is super salty (I got the crab risotto and my friend got the chicken) and the table bread does not taste fresh. The beef tarte was decent. The desserts were amazing so that's whythis place gets 3 stars.The ambiance is nice and service was good but not worth the price tag. Definitely not a do over.
(2)
Roberta G.
I was at the restaurant which is one of my favorite last night for a dinner meeting. As always the venue and the artwork are lovely and the service is excellent. The bread and appetizers we had overall very good they consisted of a ceviche, stuffed peppers and tuna tartare. My biggest disappointment in the reason for the three stars is that there was a fillet mignon on the menu that I ordered medium rare but the restaurant stated that they would only bring it out medium which was a disservice to that cut of meat. It was tasty but came out dry. This is the first time I have gone to a restaurant be it for dinner or a business meeting where that cut of meat could not be served medium rare. Also given the fact that we were a small group the request for medium rare could've been honored easily. Despite my trying to really like this restaurant the same way o had on the past the change in the couple of years to the menu have been disappointing at times.
(3)
Roger W.
Great atmosphere and amazing food. Beautiful interior with tall glass windows provide a great setting. You can tell the quality of the chefs by the intricate touches on each and every plate. Great place for a special occasion and will be a repeat visitor.
(4)
Toni B.
Went for thanksgiving dinner. First timers. The place was very busy. Seated next to the window. Very drafty. Hubby had to eat with his coat on. Food was good. We ordered different items so we could share.food was good. Service was ok. Nothing out of the ordinary. Unsure if we will return.
(3)
Ningxi X.
Came here yesterday for my friend's wedding. The outside area is great (when the weather's nice). There are fountains in the lake (?). They're only open for private events on Sundays. Finding the place may be a bit confusing as it's in the same complex as General Dynamics. And no way to get there without a car, of course. We had lobster salad to start off. Very generous portions of lobster. Didn't like the parsnip puree as it was too sweet and didn't go well with the lobster. Steamed sea bass for entree. One chunk of bass on top of a piece of sticky rice with mushrooms. Bass was too mushy. Red velvet cake for dessert -- decent. The hors d'oeuvres seemed to be more impressive than our actual meal. The shrimp kabob was excellent, and so were the tuna tartares, though I wish they were warm and maybe bigger. Mac and cheese sticks -- interesting to say the least. Apparently there's a garage which I didn't know about, so I had a valet park my car. Overall a nice location for special occasions; the only thing is that perennial dilemma you have to deal with when going to suburbia -- have to hold the drinks because you have to drive back.
(4)
Abbey J.
Came here for RW lunch and had a great experience! Great service, great food, great space!
(5)
Kim L.
We were excited to try a fine dining experience closer to home. We were very disappointed. Our cocktails before dinner were very good. However, the success stopped there. Our server was very nice, but not particularly attentive. The food was not prepared well. The calamari was tasty, but was heavy after a few bites. The octopus app was not good. Octopus was cooked well, but the flavors of the dish were off putting. The pastas were uninspired and the lobster was overcooked. We had the beef and duck entrees. The duck was overcooked and the dish was lacking overall. The beef was marginal. We decided to skip dessert since the whole meal left much to be desired. We opted for ice cream at home. And the music was distracting. It was like being at a wedding reception playing all the funk dance classics. Needless to say, we will not be going back.
(2)
Pink L.
In the mood for a classy/romantic evening? Come dressed and come here! The scenery including the waterfalls, koi pond, and interior of the restaurant was such a nice treat! Be sure to arrive with some light out to capture your picture with the waterfalls! The food was solid, but the most memorable item will always be there light, airy, and crispy calamari rings!! Hands down the best calamari we've ever had! Our waiter was very friendly too. Really enjoyed our experience here and would come back if I was in town and had the money to splurge for the nice venue and def calamari!!
(4)
Amanda B.
Nothing bad to say about this place....well I did think some of the decor was tacky and didn't blend. Lol Anyway all the food was delicious, the calamari was the 2nd best I've had and the lamb was perfect. I mean honestly I didn't think lamb could taste that good. I also had some escargot for the first time that wasn't too bad. Dessert was awesome. I love the ambiance, very intimate. Great place for pictures outside. Ideal date night.
(5)
April A.
We opted for the tasting menu. The corn ravioli was my favorite course. Would've given 5 stars had it not been for our server Alex. He seemed disinterested in waiting on us. When the veal course came out, my husband was finished with his before Alex came over to tell us what was on the plate. With the dessert course he told us about half of what was on the plate then came back and added more of a description after the fact. Yes I know we were given a menu that described all five courses, but isn't part of the experience the server telling you what you're about to eat?
(4)
Sheena S.
We went here due to a Travelzoo voucher. We ordered a small bite (mushroom tarting and tuna tartare) followed by asparagus agnolotti, and rib eye. The small bites were absolutely delicious. Incredibly tasty. Our entrees were taking a while - we were patiently waited - and long and behold- the GM came over to us and apologized and stated he would take our entrees off our check! How wonderful! I wasn't expecting that at all. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. I will be back and I will ask for our wonderful waiter as well!
(5)
Dmitry D.
This place is nice but I believe that every place u go to had to feed the people normal size portions and I want full at all. I was hungry when I left. Nice place over ask good service.
(3)
Pink L.
In the mood for a classy/romantic evening? Come dressed and come here! The scenery including the waterfalls, koi pond, and interior of the restaurant was such a nice treat! Be sure to arrive with some light out to capture your picture with the waterfalls! The food was solid, but the most memorable item will always be there light, airy, and crispy calamari rings!! Hands down the best calamari we've ever had! Our waiter was very friendly too. Really enjoyed our experience here and would come back if I was in town and had the money to splurge for the nice venue and def calamari!!
(4)
Keith P.
Went for a birthday celebration and it was a lovely evening. New renovation and revamped menu were great. Opening Noshes (Tapas-like appetizers) were yummy ... Melt in your mouth calamari and mac&cheese croquettes. Among our party we tried just about everything. I thought the lamb was the best, but everything was great. The dishes are modest sized by typical American standards, but they were rich and filling. And we had room left for the spectacular deserts. It is not an inexpensive place, but well worth it for a special occasion.
(4)
Josh G.
Fantastic food. The mushroom tartine was ridiculously good. Scallops were delicious. All 3 of the desserts were great. And at night, standing out on the patio looking at the fish is lovely. Would highly recommend 2941.
(5)
Kim S.
The night before I visited 2941 I went to another 'frou frou' restaurant where I dropped a small fortune on meat paste for dinner. I assumed this would be a similar experience. I was WRONG. From the calamari starter to the pecan dessert I ate every bite and it was perfect. The food was presented beautifully and not overly 'messed with'. They didn't turn my my calamari into a gel tube or my lobster into a foam tower. Everything was as it was meant to be. I applaud this place for having excellent, high-quality food that isn't overly cheffed up.
(5)
Julia A.
What a fantastic restaurant all around from beginning to end! I was greeted by an excellent valet. The location and decor is absolutely stunning. Outside is a lake, fountain, and statue. Paired along with the beautiful paintings inside, high ceilings with extravagant lighting, this is a fine dining restaurant that all can enjoy. The food of course was also wonderful. I tried the beef. It was served promptly, as was the dessert. The only qualm I had about this place was that the waiters took a little while to come with the check and were a little pretentious whenever I asked a question about a dish. Other than that - great dining experience.
(4)
Janice Y.
Excellent food and service! The sea bass was amazing!
(5)
Daniel E.
If I could give half stars, I would give it a 4.5. Went during the August 2013 Restaurant Week with my girlfriend for lunch and everything was what you would expect from a nice restaurant. Excellent ambiance, landscaping, and good service. The style of the decor was not my favorite, but it didn't detract from the experience. The starters were good, but not excellent. Had the beet salad and chilled watermelon soup. For the entrees we had the chicken duo and the smoked corn ravioli. The chicken was by far way better and would say it was probably the second best thing we had in the meal. The best, however, was the dessert. The peaches and cream dessert had an amazing lemon verbena ice cream. Additionally, the chocolate mousse dessert was excellent as well. Overall, for a three course meal for two persons that totaled around $42 with tax, it was an excellent meal.
(4)
Lisa N.
You can't get any better than this place. Beautiful scenic views, wonderful service, appetizing French food... what more can you ask for?! For dinner, the menu consists of "small bites" ($5-8/each) which are basically tiny and unique appetizers. However, the portions are quite "small" indeed. *Salmon Tartare (which comes with a guacamole-like sauce and 2 sea salt crackers). IMO, it tastes better than tuna tartare and they give you a decent amount, but we could have used more crackers! *Scallops (with chives and mango). The tiny scallops came on 3 shells and had a beautiful presentation. *Calamari (crispy with avocado and cocktail sauce). I've had much better at Coastal Flats or Ruth Chris. For our entrees, my boyfriend and I both ordered fish. They were both cooked perfectly, tender and moist. *Arctic Char ($26)- a salmon-like fish that is softer and less dense. The portion was rater large and it came with several vegetables. *Peruvian Bass ($29)- our favorite dish of the night. The portion was large as well and came with 4 succulent mussels. For dessert, we ordered... *Hazelnut tart ($8) which was OK but it came with a tasty side of ice cream *Sorbet ($3/scoop) which is offered in a variety of flavors. We ordered Passionfruit/Apriocot which was much too sour for our taste and Pistachio which we destroyed The restaurant also made a special chocolate mousse with "Happy Anniversary" written on the plate on the house, which was very nice of them! For our drinks, we ordered the house Riesling and Pinot Noir. Both were good, but I wish the Pinot Noir was chilled (it was room temperature). The Riesling was the better of the two. The best part of the experience was our waiter in my opinion. Sadly, I forgot his name but he was young and probably from Germany or somewhere else in Eastern Europe... he was constantly smiling, definitely knew the menu and wines from top to bottom, and was at our service exactly when we finished each course (I think he was actually watching us to make sure we never had to wait)... amazing!! Even though the small bites weren't worth it in my opinion, the entrees were amazing and the service was probably the best I've ever had. 2941 is a must-go for any fancy occasion. They also do weddings! One was actually going on outside our window! Also, there is complimentary valet parking which you can pull up right to the front of the restaurant... if not, you can park in their garage and come in through the elevators. This is my third time dining here and it won't be my last!
(5)
Carolyn F.
My boyfriend took me for here for a birthday dinner. The actual restaurant is a bit hard to find--it's at the bottom of a large office building. However, the space is gorgeous--huge floor to ceiling windows that overlook a small lake. The interior is contemporary with great lighting. If would rate this a 4.5--too bad we can't give half star ratings on Yelp. Our experience didn't warrant a 5, but it wasn't far from it. A few cons: we both thought that the hostesses were a bit snooty (and yes, we were weaing proper attire). Also, it took quite a while for our waiter to take our wine order and bring the drinks. We received the bread first, then the wine and appetizers arrived together. Finally, there are not many vegetarian options on the menu. The pros: Our waiter was friendly and relatively attentive. Although we had to ask for this (it wasn't offered by our waiter), the chef prepared a wonderful veggie platter for me. As an appetizer, I got the mushroom tartine, which was delicious. My boyfriend got the a little Caesar salad, which has a creative presentation and was tasty. He liked my mushroom tartine so much that he got one for himself as well. My veggie platter was delish and he enjoyed the duck. Although we almost never order dessert, we shared the lemon-hazelnut gateau marjolaine, which was really good--not too big and not too sweet. It has a nice tart flavor, which I love. They also brought out a little mini birthday treat. The coffee was excellent. We thought that everything was reasonably priced for the qualify and presentation of food as well as the atmosphere. We will definitley come again.
(4)
Karen L.
My first experience at 2941 was good. We went for my husband's birthday with our parents and the food was fantastic! Good portions, presentation was creative and fancy, and the chef was very accommodating to a gluten free guest. They only knock I have on the restaurant is the location. It was confusing to locate for everyone in our party except for me but it would not deter me from going again
(4)
Lowell N.
5 stars for food, 4 stars for service. Superb food with some slight mis-steps on the service. Food: We skipped tasting menu and ordered individually. Starters were Winter Greens and Mushroom Tartine, both delicious and surprisingly big portions. For pasta, Mushroom Risotto and Butternut Squash Agnolotti. Of the two, the risotto was excellent, the agnolotti just good...seemed a bit too overcooked for my taste, but GF enjoyed. For entree, had Rockfish and Venison. I had melt-in-your-mouth venison, done just right, and not too gamey. Rockfish not my taste, but GF raved. They outdid themselves on dessert; in addition to nice birthday treat, we ordered the Torrone and Creamsicle. Torrone was fascinating combination of tastes and textures, and nothing too heavy. Creamsicle was fun (snowman shape) and tasty. In both, the apparently house-made sorbets were a great aspect. Bottom line--food worthy of the hype. Service: odd arrangement when arriving--valet gets your car, and it's not even obvious what door of the building to go in, no signage. After a bit of hesitation, we pick the right door. Quickly seated...but then receive one lunch and one dinner menu (we eventually got a second dinner menu). Long delay between receiving menu and being asked for our orders, and our waiter was polite but seemed reluctant to linger very long, dashing off to the next thing. But once things started rolling, food came in timely fashion, table quickly cleared, etc. So reasonably good service, just not everything expected in a high-end place like this. Facility: Room was handsome but surprisingly noisy, perhaps because of a talkative party nearby. As noted by others, a bit hard to find this place, being in General Dynamics office building. And once we did, had the awkward entry noted above. We were there at night, so couldn't see much, but it was clear there was a nice view of the lake nearby. Bottom line--nice special occasion place, worth the money for excellent food.
(4)
Kristin S.
Love this place!!! Beautiful scenery, a restaurant that overlooks a koi pond larger glass windows, and surrounded by trees, gives a very tranquil feeling while dining. I had been here before but since i had a friend in town and it was restaurant week, we decided to go here for lunch. Tried the heirloom tomato salad and salmon. Both of which tasted very fresh. I do like the restaurant deal, but you do have to go with the options offered. I have been here for lunch and dinner before (on non-restaurant week) and the food choices are excellent and always perfectly cooked. This is a great place to come to for a special occasion or an upscale meal.
(5)
Hue K.
I dreamed about 2941 after reading many positive reviews and the menu.. but never had a chance to visit there because they only opened for dinner and I don't eat big dinner... I made my way out there FINALLY after big snow storm. God bless America.., my office decided to close the entire week. I found out that 2941 now opens for lunch and .. it gets better; offering prix fixed menu for $20.90. There is no acceptable excuse for me now. I went there on Thursday during lunch time before V-day weekend. I wondered why it was called 2941 ... I found out why when I got there. The address is 2941 fairview xxx. (now you don't have to worry about getting lost in case you forget the address as long as you remember the name of the restaurant). I thought it would be a stand-alone restaurant but it was located inside of tall big office building. When you walk inside of the buidling, take the elevator to lower level. Now you make grand-entrance.. One side of the wall is head-to-toe window (made of glass) so as soon as you are inside of the restaurant, you forget that you are in a office building. The window faces a big lake and trees so you feel like you are in middle of get-away resort next to lovely lake. Our server was VERY attentive and friendly (kevin, his name). There are 2 options to choose from for all course (appetizer, entree and dessert). We like simplicity. We ordered one of each from the menu to get all the dishes on the menu. Yes, like others said, you get bottomless refill of bread as soon as you sit until you leave. Bread was good but not one of kind. - Appetizer 1. Wild mushroom veloute (aka. mushroom cream soup) was the best soup I've ever had. It was so light. I thought it was mousse or something. 2. Red Beet salad: Beets were not chopped or sliced like most other places. Beets were velvety mashed..and mozzarella was transformed into creamy sauce.. You won't know if it was beet if you were blinded.. It melts in your mouth.. I was talking and eating.. all of sudden, I realized nothing left.. and I didn't recall if I chewed anything..I could eat a bucket of this... -Entree 1. sweet crabmeat ravioli w/black truffle and parmasan cheese: Ravioli was filled with crabmeat.. Hands down ravioli. 2. Pan roasted beef short ribs: I tasted it and it was very juicy and soft.. mashed potato was lovely... I never eat mashed potato but this one.. I could get this as side-dish all the time. My friend said it was the best beef rib ever. -Dessert 1. Coconut baked alaska: the portion is small like bite size but it was sweet enough that I didn't feel I needed bigger portion. 2. Chocolate cheesecake: I don't like cheesecake anymore since I went overboard with costco's cheesecake but this cheesecake was very good. again small portion so you don't have to feel guilty after licking the plate. While you are waiting for your check, you get another surprise. A bowl of caramelized popcorn. Again, I don't like popcorn anymore after overeating it while I had to be on diet... OMG.. this popcorn is the best popcorn ever. It's like sweet snow.. .. Very pleasant dining experience. Now I have one item written on my to-do-list from March till December 2010. Visiting 2941 at least ONCE a month to try their new dish or everyday dish. I give big applause to 2941 for stepping out of 'culinary comfort zone' to offer something different but exquisite to their customers.
(5)
Dana M.
I wanted to love this place. It is so beautiful and i had read such wonderful things. I went with a party of 10 for lunch. It wasn't crowded. The vale was rude and was literally throwing ppl's slips at them. No big deal b/c we were here for the food. Well the waiter took awhile to get to our table then skipped two people's drink orders. He actually just walked by them. When he returned with the drinks he was asked very nicely (we were all so excited to be here) for two more drink orders.With attitude and the rude comment of "I did ask them!" he took the orders and walked away. When those drinks came out he took our food orders. When the food arrived it wasbeautiful, but taste was eh at best. Greasy, bland. I was so shocked! We all regretted not going to capital grill, j gilberts or somewhere else. No one had anything amazing, outstanding or simply yummy despite having ordered reccomended items. Such a disappontment.
(2)
Deb G.
We came here for my boyfriend's graduation, because this is evidently the place to come for celebrations! I very much enjoyed the koi pond and the landscaping outside. While I liked the decor inside, I thought there was a mismatch between the furnishings and the artwork (I know, nitpicky). As for dinner, we thought about the tasting menu but we had two vegetarians at the table who wouldn't have been too happy about it. Instead, we split several small plates - calamari, mushroom tartine, and zucchini fritters. The mushroom was amazing! So flavorful! The zucchini was good as well, but the calamari was not impressive. It was lightly breaded, but was served lukewarm and was very greasy. The dipping sauces were both excellent, but that doesn't quite make up for the lack of flavor. For dinner, I got the salmon and bf got the smoked duck breast. The salmon was cooked beautifully - medium rare - but the shaved fennel accompanying lacked zip. The orange carrot glaze was lovely, but I wish there had been more. He loved the duck breast and I snuck a bite - whoa! For dessert, the table grabbed a bunch and passed them around. I wasn't really wowed by any except the chocolate hazelnut bar, which was stupendous. Every bite was so good! The malted milk ice cream served aside it, though, was so subtle as to be almost tasteless. So why only three stars? For the price, and the hype, and the atmosphere, I think every bite should have been awesome. And it just wasn't. I'd like to try 2941 again sometime to see if we just went on an inconsistent night.
(3)
Eric B.
Read about this restaurant on DC Eatery. The staff was respectful and friendly. I hat the tasting menu with wine pairing, which was great! The sommelier was very knowledgable and the pairings were spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
(5)
Marco C.
Their portions are too small. We had 2 people. We ordered 2 cocktails, 3 apps, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. I went home and ate a second dinner because I was still quite hungry. Our server also seemed to be having a woke-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-bed kinda' day. The food was delicious but I feel like when I go out for a meal, I should at the very least have enough to eat. The Winter Garden entree was appetizer portioned. Also, not many/any vegan options.
(2)
Reese K.
Absolutely lovely. The atmosphere is classy, but not stuffy. Splurge for the beef tartare and sticky toffee pudding. My waistline hates me, but my soul is smiling.
(5)
Jackie N.
This is a review for their special Valentine's Day menu. It was 3 courses for $75. For appetizers, we got the lobster risotto and tuna tartare. Both were so yummy we gobbled them up immediately. The risotto was creamy and the lobster pieces were substantial and melted in my mouth. The tuna tartare was my favorite part of the whole meal. For entrees, we got the roasted duck, which was surprisingly good I usually do not order duck at American restaurants because it is always so dry, but this duck was cooked perfectly. I got a duo of beef with filet and short rib. Both meats were so tender and juicy. The meat came with potatoes and veggies. Our least favorite part of the meal was dessert. We got the exotic duo to share, which was comprised of a warm chocolate-passion fruit chiboust and a mango-vanilla frozen parfait. Maybe my dessert pallatte is too simple, but I feel like they tried way too hard to infuse lots of ingredients in the dessert. All in all, it was a great experience. The restaurant is gorgeous and the service did not skip a beat!
(4)
Rafi A.
Beautiful place and great selection of fine wine! Overall low value for money. Overhyped and overpriced: the quality and quantity of the food do not justify the $$$$. When a "just okay" dessert that is finished in three small bites costs $14 to $18, you have to ask yourself what it is that you're actually paying for. Quality is priceless, but... I've eaten at various $$$$ restaurants around the world without having the feeling that I'm supporting someone's overhead.
(2)
Mike P.
Great restaurant. My wife & I have been going there for special occasions since it opened. Food and service are exceptional. The menu has inventive, interesting choices and the presentation is great. We highly recommend it. Mike & Linda Annandale, VA
We went here for restaurant week and I have to say this is the first place I've been that had a non dry pork chop. We had everything on the restaurant week menu and it was all fantastic. Even the drinks were good.
(5)
Izzat A.
Went here for dinner last night with some clients. Thought it was okay and kind of overhyped. Maybe it just isn't for my taste palate. Started off with a fall salad, which was okay. Kind of strange because there was caramel popcorn in it. Got the Robiola Cheese Fondue Ravioli and thought it was alright. Ended up with the ricotta cheesecake which was okay as well but tiny. Service was friendly but they forgot to bring wine for some of the others at the table. All in all, I wasn't impressed. This place tries to be really pretentious, but the food isn't close enough to make it worthwhile. Won't be back.
(2)
Tina F.
Amazing menu, cute place and tucked away.."loved" all the appitizers and my Filet. Was tasty
(4)
Josh H.
Wife and I went here the night before Valentine's. She had the seafood risotto, and I had the duck. She enjoyed her risotto at first; not the best, not the worst. Near the end, I sampled one of her shrimp. It tasted horribly bleachy. She said she hadn't noticed it, and we decided it could have been just one bad shrimp. Boy, were we wrong. She was up all night with HORRENDOUS food poisoning. Worst part is, the restaurant refused to reply to us when we originally contacted them. Only when I sent a follow up stating that I would be posting our experience to Yelp did they feign interest. They offered a free meal, but who in their right mind would go back to a place that kept them up all night with no fewer than 13 downright explicit trips to the toilet? Biggest waste of $200 ever. Shame on them.
(1)
Rebecca M.
Restaurant Week 2013 Review This is a bit belated, but I figure worth adding. I was totally underwhelmed by our dining experience. On the Tuesday night, it was quite full and I was surprised that they seemed to only have 2 servers circulating. There were considerable delays from when we were seated to drink orders to food orders. Our waiter seemed to preference the larger parties rather than our little 2-top which was frustrating. For the food: Starter was the Duck Ballotine. Interesting consistency. Very very salty. I don't think I could have eaten more than the allotted portion as it was so rich. Entree was a Ravioli dish which left me still hungry. Dessert was the Creamsicle Vacherine. I was confused by how complex of a dessert it was. With all the parts, it was difficult to eat and impossible to taste the different components simultaneously. I came out thinking that I had a good idea of the restaurant's cooking style. It was all very French with the complex and rich foods. I was glad that we didn't pay more than we did as I was still hungry by the end of the meal.
(3)
Jessica P.
All I have to say is that the food was great, the service even better! Our server Jason was great and had great recommendations! Calling this place our little secret food haven.
(5)
Doo P.
I have been going to this place for many years now.... They started out as White tablecloth high end tasting menu, which I have to say I liked better. Now they have gotten rid of the white tablecloth & have a more casuals type of menu. Some time they will have a fixed tasting menu. But it's hit or miss not all items are great. There regular menu which you can choose how many dishes you want can be hit or miss too. But, what is always good here are their fish dishes & pasta dishes. Desserts is the same thing. Some times I get a good one some time not so much. So basically I'm saying that the food is not consistent like it was with the white tablecloth. But my wife still likes it here so we will probably still come.
(3)
Maria W.
It makes me so sad to write this, but 2941 has lost its lustre. Eight years ago, this was hands down my favorite restaurant in the DC area. I have had some truly memorable dinners here-- the food was creative and perfectly executed, the ambiance was quiet and romantic, but relaxed, and the service was impeccable. Let me start with the positives-- we arrived early and sat at the bar. The cocktails were fantastic and the bartender was awesome. The wine list is excellent, with a really nice range of affordable and splurge bottles. The food was pretty good. Not what I remembered, but had the service been as good as the past, I would have chalked it up to a really nice evening. I just can't say that anything my companion or I ate was that memorable (while I can still remember some pretty revelatory things I ate at 2941 five, eight years ago). Our special occasion was acknowledged with an complimentary little extra dessert (which was delicious), with a candle and good wishes written out in chocolate sauce. Very thoughtful. We went for a special occasion, intending to order the five course tasting menu, but when we were seated, we were flatly and unapologetically informed that the restaurant week menu was our only option that night. To be honest, we had not been aware that 2941 was participating in restaurant week, and were not informed that our options would be limited when we made the reservation. Perhaps this was my fault for not doing my research, but I was disappointed. I know restaurant week can be different-- more people are there and the food is likely not cooked to order as it would be on a regular night. However, this is also a restaurant's time to shine for folks that may be experiencing it for the first time, and who may choose to come back for a special occasion when they are ready to splurge on the full experience. But shine, 2941 did not. Things just went down hill from that rocky beginning. My companion was given the wrong appetizer; our wine, the bottle sequestered at another location, was not refilled in a timely manner (when service is good, this system works quite well- the server refills your glass before you notice you need more); parmesan cheese was not proffered for a pasta dish, and no server came into sight for a few minutes to ask about it. The experience fell flat in other ways, compared to my past experiences. No one offered to check our coats when we came in, or retrieve our car from valet when we were done (I know-- first world problems, but keep in mind this is a very upscale restaurant where these things used to be standard). The restaurant was noisy and chaotic. Our server seemed rushed and fairly unobliging the whole evening. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it just seemed that he was either having a bad night, hated his life, or didn't warm up to us after our initial disappointment about the menu. At any rate, I'm sad to say that I won't be making plans to return to 2941 again. It used to be our standby destination for special occasions. But perhaps those good memories are best saved in the past.
(2)
Heidi I.
This restaurant is like a hotel lobby. The ceilings are too high, and it gives off a cold feeling. I was freezing the entire time, not just from the cold but from the general atmosphere. I couldn't wait to get out of there. The lobster for $ 34.00 tasted awful. I will never go there again.
(2)
Liz T.
What a shame. I have been going to 2941 for about 8 years. It was my favorite restaurant, my place for special occasions. We went for another birthday. My drink "Thai me up, Thai me down" was great! Basil infused gin. We ordered the Tuna Tartar, Escargot Tart Flanbee, Wild Bore Daube, Potato crusted Rock fish and Chocolate Peanut Baked Alaska. Everything but the Tuna Tartar was ordinary and tasteless. The snails tasted like the can they came from, The bore was boring ground pork and the rockfish was just painfully awful. The baked Alaska was a joke, a jar of Marshmallow fluff. I tried to order a glass of wine to go with dinner could not get the waiters attention. We were seated next to a l work station, the entire meal the wait staff was running behind us, jostling our chairs to get spoons! It was a very disappointing experience, So sad
(2)
J D.
After an extended absence from its kitchen, I had occasion to dine here at lunch very recently. The restaurant has been revamped to be a bit more casual, though the ingredients on some of the menu items suggest luxury. The serene view hasn't changed, and this restaurant is an oasis in the Annandale area. The "Daffy" burger is duck burger on a bun. The duck burger is topped with foie gras (one of those luxury items) and onion agrodolce (caramelized onions) and comes with either a salad or fries (I chose the fries). It was a wonderful burger, juicy and properly seasoned, and a definite change from the usual beef option. The foie gras livers and the onions added layers of flavor to the experience. The fries were also good: crisp, hot and just right. We'd started the meal by splitting the mushroom tartine. The ricotta, mushroom and bits of garlic made for a delightful starter, enough to whet the appetite for the main course. Service was prompt and efficient, warm but not overly friendly: just right. The restaurant has valet parking although I just parked in the restaurant's spaces in the parking garage adjacent to the building that houses the restaurant. A future exploration of the dinner menu awaits.
We came here for our anniversary. The food was excellent! I had the duck and it was so delicious. The skin was crispy and the meat was perfectly cooked. My calamari appetizer and the pistachio semifreddo dessert were also good. The portions looked small, but it was just enough for me. I took a star away for service. The waiter forgot to bring my drinks. First he forgot my wine and then I ordered tea with my dessert and he forgot that too. But the food was excellent, so I am not going to make a big deal out of it. We will definitely come back.
(4)
Hannah D.
Company holiday party was here. Staff was helpful and quick. Food was great. Drinks were great. Had the butternut squash soup w/ ginger. It was amazing! Had the filet w/ the Bearnaise sauce - also very good.Warm chocolate cake for dessert was alright. Nothing spectacular. The view was gorgeous though! It was a good evening!
(4)
Sidney Y.
For my boyfriend's birthday, I booked us at a table at 2941. Sadly, our experience there didn't even come close to meeting our expectations of a restaurant that has been named one of the best the DC metro area has to offer by several online publications. First of all, the service was bad. The waiter acted like he couldn't be bothered with us most of the time. After taking our drink orders, the waiter passed us a couple of times without bothering to ask us if we were ready to order. Finally, my boyfriend had to flag him down to tell him that we are ready to order. Then there is the food. My boyfriend and I both opted to go with the restaurant week menu so we both went with the salmon tartare for appetizer, which was delicious. But then we both had the grilled pork loin with an apricot glaze, radicchio salad, and pomme lyonnaise, which was NOT so delicious. The pork itself was okay if a bit dry. But the radicchio salad that topped the pork loin was bitter and lacked any kind of dressing to make it easier to go down. And the apricot glaze did not really go with the flavor of the pork. I did like the pomme lyonnaise, but overall, the whole dish just lacked coherence and is a weird combination of a lot of different flavors that didn't go together. For our desserts, I ordered the black forest cake, which is just okay, But boyfriend was really disappointed with the peach melba he ordered, which is basically an oatmeal cookie topped with a tiny scoop of ice cream and served with 2-3 tiny slices of poached peach on the side. According to him, the taste is okay, but the whole thing is so tiny that he was able to polish it off with 2 or 3 bites. It is hard to imagine anyone willing to pay for a dish like that if it wasn't part of a prix fix menu. Overall, our experience there left much to be desired. I would have even given it a 2 star review if it wasn't for the fact that both my boyfriend and I liked the salmon tartare so much. But still, if the best food you had at a restaurant is the appetizer, then it means there is a lot of room for improvement.
(3)
Safia M.
Excellent! We went as part of a Travelzoo voucher and loved it. Will definietely be back again. The calamari was super tasty.
(5)
Mike M.
Great space, kind of hidden away among several suburban office towers just off the beltway. Excellent design, cool bar area. Seemed to get pretty busy at lunch which is great, glad to see they do a nice business. We were in the waterfall room which has windows peering out on the water feature that defines the front of the restaurant. It is really a stunning view. We dined on a prix fixe menu. I started with a lovely bib lettuce salad followed by filet of beef with celery root and pureed potato which was excellent. The beef was seared with a deep red center and the sides were outstanding. Desert was a choice of green apple sorbet or a chocolate flan with banana ice cream thing. I had the flan and was jealous of the diners who chose the sorbet. Service was outstanding. I'm not often in the area but if I am, 2941 will make an outstanding choice for a client lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
(4)
John D.
We were there at 8pm on a Friday night. After getting our menus, the waiter took about 10 minutes to return to us to take our order, despite us scanning the room multiple times. We ordered a shared app, shared small plate, and two entrees. After about 20 minutes, the hot app and cold small plate came out at the same time, which wasn't ideal but we lived. After about 30 minutes more, the entrees came out. When we were finished, we waited to see the waiter for 10 minutes or so, and asked for our check. Then, we waited another 30 minutes to get our check, and about another 15 minutes for it to be picked up. In total, we were there for 1.5 hours to be served twice. I've had faster five course meals in Italy than I have at this place. WAY too slow. When the customer asks for the check, it means that they want to leave!
(2)
Jihane L.
We had our wedding at this amazing place. The location and menu were mind blowing. We loved the Koi pond and the openness of the space with tall glass windows and walls overlooking the lake and trees. They valet park your car. The wine list is out of this world. The food is excellent but on the pricey side. We love it here and we come back every year on our anniversary. Definitely recommend.
(5)
Avneet K.
Definitely not a 50 dollar rib eye. I ordered this rib eye med rare and it showed up and was med/med. well. The waiter did replace my steak. The second rib eye I received was not the same quality of meat, not sure why.... I would NOT RECOMMEND getting the rib eye. My husband got the same rib eye his was cooked to correct temperature, but not particularly flavorful. If you put a 50 dollar steak on your menu you should make sure you are serving a 50 dollar steak. The oysters were fresh and the dessert (blondie) was good. The best thing I ate was the donut holes sent complements of the chef.
(1)
Lance N.
My fiancee and I went there for our valentine's day dinner. From the reviews and the decor, I thought it was a great place to surprise my fiancee with. After all, she does want our reception there one day. So we got there and it really was a beautiful place. Especially with all the icicles hanging over the water fall and snow covering the lights, it truly was quite beautiful. So we head in and get seated fast - Great! Their tables were super cheap. It was one of those fold up tables where you can only sit on across from each other. If you sit next to each other, you or your date will bang your knees into the table legs if you try sitting next to each other. We had fast service, but a little too fast (will explain). The valentines dinner was a set menu. I actually wanted to order something else on their normal dinner menu. I didn't expect them to confine us to just the valentines menu. For appetizers, I ordered the Tuna tartare and my Fiancee got the... hm, i don't remember. All i remember is how awesome the Tuna Tartare was and having to switch plates since my fiancee liked it better. It's bad when you don't remember one of the dishes. It was that mediocre. Oh yes, she had the "duck--something," she stated. Again - pretty mediocre. As other reviews has stated, the Tuna Tartare is indeed amazing! Then came the main course. I got the rib eye and my fiancee got the swordfish. Strike 1 - Sword fish still smelled fishy and pungent. Keep in mind, we love fish and all things from the sea. For a minute, we thought this was normal but when you bite into it, it still almost tastes raw but not fresh. We tried to eat it but it was basically a fight. My fiancee hesitated in taking it back but of course, for that amount of money being paid, f*ck that, they need to take it back! So i had to do the dirty work. Strike 2 - I waited for the waitress to come by and check up on us but she basically was on "go" and did not seem she was going to come around, so it took some effort to wave her down. When I told her about the swordfish and how it may be undercooked, she asked me how i wanted it cooked. Now, for the amount of money I'm paying, I expect them to cook it like how it's meant to be cooked, and the fact that it tasted and smelled fishy means that it may not be fresh. Strike 3 - After eating something that tastes so horrible, why would I still want to continue eating it? She didn't even offer to exchange it for a different dish, I had to push for that option. And lastly, Strike 4 - Now going back to the rib eye. It tasted like a normal steak that you'd prepare yourself from safeway/wegmans. For that kind of money, i would expect a juicy succulent dry-aged slab of rib eye steak. It was good, but mediocre good. I would rather go to Morton's and get a dry-aged rib eye for less money and have it cooked better. Also, i had it cooked medium rare which they were able to achieve just fine. So I'll give them that. Afterwards we had the dessert to share with 1 side passion fruit and the other side chocolate. they even gave us 2 small pieces of cookies which was nice! so I'll give them a star for effort. So, after 1 drink, 2 coffees and 2 valentines day dinner. the bill came out to about 230 bucks. Worth it? I don't think so. We will give them another chance at a later date but so far, I'm not sure if we want our reception there any more. After all, people always remember a Wedding reception by how awesome the food was and we were hoping 2941 could be that place. Total: 1 stars! (sad tombone effect)
(1)
Mary C.
We were a group of six here for Thanksgiving Dinner. I am familiar with the area so finding it was no problem. 2941 must have taken the comments about being difficult to find because there were 2 road signs explicitly pointing the way. The food was absolutely wonderful. It was a special prix fixe menu for the day. Lots of choices. Members of our group enjoyed the lobster bisque, the butternut squash veloutè, and the beet salad. They were beautiful to behold and each bite was a lovely combination of flavors. Most of our group enjoyed the turkey dinner, with one person ordering the salmon. The turkey breast was extremely tender and I'd love to know how it was cooked so that it was tender and juicy. The salmon was cooked just enough to flake. Again the arrangements were like works of art. The combination of flavors was unusually creative. Our group enjoyed the apple pie, sweet potato beignets, and pecan bar for dessert. Creatively presented, very delicious and yet very homey. Our wait service was just right. No hovering, plates cleared promptly, water glasses filled. No hurrying us up for the next seating.
(5)
Brian L.
Debated a five star or a four star review. Either way, you're going to get a pretty good meal. I had been here once or twice before with my parents, as my Dad knew the Maitre'd.. I guess we got a bit more of special attention because of that :) but this time it was just me and my main squeeze. The tasting menu looked delicious, but as one of us is a vegetarian we were unable to partake. However, we both chose from the á la carte and were happy with what we got. First of all, the bread. "They" say that you can judge a restaurant by the quality of the bread. That being said, the bread was excellent. We split a beet salad. The beets were of a very good quality, and tasted extremely fresh. Our server, Hicham, was a really charming and courteous fellow and, as if my magic, suggested several items that we were already debating getting. He was very helpful to answer questions in a very laid back, friendly, and non-pretentious way. On his recommendation I got the venison and holy moly it was excellent! Easily the best venison I've ever had (though that has only been a handful of times) but quite possibly one of the best meat dishes I have had. (Side note, I was remembering the protein I had at Gordon Ramsay's in Chelsea, and I believe it was better here.) My squeeze got the butternut squash ravioli. I had a bite, the ravioli's themselves were good and rich. It came with candied fruit which was a little weird. Unique. But I think it added to the overall flavour profile. I wasn't crazy about getting dessert, but my squeeze asked if it was possible to get the eclair that was only available on the tasting menu, and they kindly obliged. She loved it, I was on the fence... but I am typically not a dessert person. They brought out complimentary donuts and I was more into those than the eclair! Really nice environment, and I like the decor. Also, the Gunslinger cocktail... delicious!
(5)
nat t.
I have to say that this is handsdown the best place to have a wedding (of those I've been to so far!). Sure, your guests end up being scattered all around the restaurant, but when you're 30 something and go to an average of 9 weddings a year with a similar group of people each time, in the end, it comes down to the food. The wedding ceremony itself was held outside in their gardens, cocktail hour was also outside (yummy hors d'oeuvres). Inside a dance floor had been set up, and there was a room off to the side for a photobooth. This is the only time I've been at a wedding, ordered medium rare steak, and received a perfect medium rare steak. I think I recall the bride telling me that the wedding cost about $130 p/head, which is about the same as what you pay for a wedding at any reception venue in this area... with very mediocre food.
(5)
A A.
I went to 2941 a couple weeks ago for a birthday. It was my first time and I was pleasantly surprised. All of the food was amazing. I always get duck my first time to a restaurant because duck is a fickle meat, easy to mess up and harder to get right. Its my way of testing the chef. They cooked it PERFECTLY. I also had the zucchini fritters, fried calamari, butternut squash soup, and all of it was fantastic we ordered a second round of everything. Its a great atmosphere, quiet and cozy but also accommodates larger groups. I think if you go earlier in the evening it might be a bit "corporate", but we showed up around 8:45pm so it was mostly diners not happy hour professionals. The drinks were a bit strong in alcohol but not alcohol flavor if that makes sense, the flavor was still proportioned. They had some unique and yummy drinks I had fun trying. The service was great, our waiter was fantastic. The front desk girls were helpful over the phone and gave us exactly what we asked for, but when we showed up they seemed snobby and unwelcoming - the verdict is out on the front desk. Don't let that stop you though. They also brought out these sour-sweet donut holes at the end of the meal that were the best donuts I've ever had. I want to order a whole box of those to go. I think 2941 would be a good place for a date just ask for a window seat.
(5)
Bekah K.
My boyfriend is a big fan of 2941 for many years, almost always choosing it as our choice for romantic special occasions. The food and service are consistently outstanding! Everyone there is invested in giving you a special evening out. My boyfriend had Tuna Tartar & I had Beet Salad for appetizers. He had Beef Rib Eye as his main course and I had the Spiced Skuna Bay Salmon . Both were outstanding. They have an excellent wine selection with a wide range of regions and prices. Make your reservation well ahead of time and ask for a table by the window and you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of their art.
(5)
Jennifer M.
I was expecting a lot from this restaurant because of the good reviews, but I wasn't left with much of an impression. Especially if the highlight of the meal is the endless platters of unasked for, yummy, fresh bread! I am not completely convinced that it's baguette because it seemed more like a skinny Pane Italian bread to me (trust me, I know, I've worked in a bakery). One was plain and the other had fresh cherries or cranberries baked in. I started with the Pate de Campagne, "Country Pate", which is made of of ham with a bit of foie gras and pistachio halves. I'd never had country pate before, but it was really refreshing and light compared to your typical pate, which is richer and more decadent. While this was a nice complement to the tons and tons of bread we downed, I would have preferred something a little more similar to typical pate. Entree? Three large, seared scallops topped with triangular slices of beautifully colored watermelon radish and parsley. It was a little salty, but the romesco sauce toned down that saltiness a bit. The scallops were tasty and beautifully cooked: not underdone, not overdone. To finish? An Early Grey Pot de Creme. I was not very impressed with this dessert. The taste was not very distinct and the texture a little... off. I honestly liked the walnut brioche bostock (aka cookie) and clementines that this dessert came with better than the dessert itself. After dessert, they also gave us some of their homemade caramel popcorn. Which stuck to our teeth to no end, but was too good not to nosh on some. Dress is Business Casual. 2941 was nice and elegant with good service (great at recommendations and refilling water/bread without having to ask), but still a little stiff at lunch with what seemed like some dining executives from the office building that 2941 is located in. By the way, there is complimentary valet parking, but if you keep driving past that, you will find yourself in front of the parking garage. If you do enter through the garage however, beware that you may find yourself a bit lost if you are not familiar with the building.
(3)
stephanie c.
Very nice holiday meal on Christmas Eve 2014 BUT BUT BUT do not just make a reservation and think you are getting the gorgeous main dining room. They WILL put you in a distant side room (yuk) or the back room (yuk as well) and it is NOTHING like the experience in the main dining room. Live and learn. Next time we will tell them not to reserve for us unless they can PROMISE the main dining room. Buyer beware
(3)
Hannah B.
Another one of my favorite place. We love everything the chef has to put on the menu and their bar area is a relaxing place to hang out with GG martini with friends!!
(5)
Merly T.
I came here to celebrate my bf's birthday and I had an ok experience here. 1. I made reservation for two. I read great things about 2941 so my expectations were high. I checked in with the hostess. We were 15 minutes early so we went to the bar. The bartender was rude. We sat at the bar and we waited about 5-7 minutes to be greeted. I mean he was standing right there! and the bar was empty. 2. I made reservation for 7:15 pm. Its 7:45pm and I am still waiting for my table. I got up and asked if my table would be ready soon. I was told to wait because they didn't have it ready. I told them I will be waiting at the bar. 8:00pm I am still waiting. I got up and went to check again and I was told to wait a little bit longer. I do understand that things happened but at least let me know what's going on. I came here for food and drinks and so far my experience is not looking good. 3. Service was outstanding!!!! Food tasty!
(3)
Katie S.
We made reservations at 7pm on a Friday night and were seated promptly upon arrival. We decided to go with the Friday night date night 5 course tasting menu special ($68) after seeing tuna and halibut on the menu. Throughout the five courses we really got a chance to sample the range of delicious food the chefs here are able to whip up. We decided to order a soft shell crab appetizer in addition to the tasting menu and our waiter incorporated it wonderfully into the middle of our tasting. Tasting menu: Bluefin tuna confit - this may have been my first time trying the bluefin versus the more traditional ahi you get in a ahi tuna salad. The texture is firmer and than the flaky and fatty ahi but nonetheless delicious and served refreshingly raw. Brioche crusted halibut: oh that buttery brioche sitting all crispy on top of the juicy halibut was simply delicious and may have been my favorite dish out of the tasting menu! Corn ravioli: this was something new to try, it's filled with sweet corn and mascarpone. An interesting and delicious dish as well. Guinea hen duo: the hen is severed two ways, the breast was roasted and just perfectly juicy with a crispy skin. The leg came as a confit leg and was super juicy as well. Kind of reminded me of a crab cake but...a shredded hen leg instead, yum! Dulcet panna cotta: ohhhhh myyyyyy goodness. I could not get enough of whatever that base cream was made of!! The champagne mango and apricot marmalade were sweet enough to be dessert but not too sweet that you felt like you were just eating sugar jam. The cinnamon churro was light and sugary. Delicious! Overall the presentation of the dishes were beautiful and our waiter explained in detail what every dish was as it arrived. Food: 5 Services: 5 Ambiance: 5 I'm delighted we were able to celebrate our anniversary here and would recommend this restaurant to friends and family.
(5)
Isabelle S.
Went there for the first time to celebrate our 16th anniversary. We had a table by the window and enjoyed the view of the lake. We started with cocktails. I chose the Red Little Wagon (vodka and fresh strawberry juice) and loved it. It really tasted like fresh strawberries, and not some sort of liquor / flavored syrup. My husband chose one with gin (I think) cucumber and several spices. He liked it, I found the different tastes to be overwhelming. Too many different flavor in one sip. We then chose the 5-course tasting menu. It's a tasting menu and portions are small. But after 5 courses, we were full. All 5 courses were very well presented, tasty very good, with unusual flavors, or flavor combinations, the kind of experience that reminds you there is more to food that fried food, or food covered in BBQ or other sauce. Service was quick and friendly. We even got an extra dessert to celebrate our anniversary! I give only 4 stars because I am not used to spend so much money on a diner, but it is definitely worth it for a special occasion.
(4)
Cletus V.
Beautiful restaurant! The food is delicious and the view is beautiful. Great place to host a wedding reception or event! Very friendly staff!
(4)
Lauren L.
It's hard to go to a town like dc in the spur of the moment and expect to get good food wout a reservation. Enter 2941. 2941 reminds me of a typical restaurant inside a hotel. Typical atmosphere, typical everything. Except the food. Our waitress couldn't stress enough we needed to order the calamari. Really calamari. I've have calamari at every single place I go to from bars to bowling alleys. Why wouldn't want to waste my money on it here? But she insisted so I did. Calamari- one of the best I ever had! The batter was so soft and light but extremely crispy. It was a like a beer battered fish n chips. It had some type of lightness to it. Maybe an angel made it. the truffle mushroom soup- I swirled the truffle garlic oil into the soup until it melted. More like a chowder it was in the thick side. seasoned perfect Pop over- I was trying to relive the 12 floor Daytons days but no luck. It was cut in half and the chees was placed inside it not baked in it. The ham was very salty. The sweet butter helped cut it a little but not much. Halibut- fish was light and fluffy not over cooked. I'm not a huge fan of risotto so I'm not sure how to judge it but it seemed hard to me. Lamb papardelle- this was extremely tasty. The had a hint of game it so that you know it lamb. The pasta perfectly cooked. Dessert. I had to reread the menu to figured out what I was eating. But it wasn't a good think. It was suppose to be pistachios something. It wasn't cake. It's wasn't a mouse. Thicker than that it was more like a pudding but not really. It wasn't my fav but I'm not a huge dessert fan. I'm sure there are tons of restaurants in DC to die for but somehow This one didn't make me feel that I missed out. In a nutshell 1. Great place to go wout needed ressie weeks ahead. 2. Free valet 3. Try the calamari 4. Ask for specials not on the menu!!! A beautiful girl sitting next to me did and she ate fresh black truffle pasta. And she ordered another plate for dessert. True story
(4)
Dette T.
Came here for my anniversary.. Food was good, place had good ambience, server was rude then he finally came around around desert time.. I was hoping for better service since this place is not cheap and heck, they knew it was our anniversary! I would say, I'd never come back however, a friend is having her wedding reception here so I'd definitely come back lol..
(2)
victoria j.
The high price is the only reason why I'm not giving this place 5 stars, but the ambiance and food quality justify why it's expensive. Great ambiance for a date or a small group. The floor-to-ceiling windows create a romantic sunset in the evening. I didn't have visit the gardens outside, but I heard it was very nice. This is not a good place for babies or rowdy groups. I had ravioli and it tasted yummy. My g/f had duck and it was also very good. Portions tend to be on the smaller side, but for women I would say it's usually plenty. They have some good craft beers and cocktail selections as well. The food and drink prices are on the expensive side, but it's definitely worth it for a special occasion. The young gentleman who served us was very good about patiently answering all our questions about the menu and recommending cocktails for us. I will definitely go back!
(4)
Jay M.
Was I at 2941... or 1492... Restaurant Week menu and Zero Star Service! And yes, my 1st time to this place. SERVICE: The waiter was lackluster and seemed like we were a bother to deal with from the get go. He was impolite, lacked any social skils or whether we were satisfied with out meal. And to top it off, to have a server almost run me over leaving the bathroom made my blood boil as I was not even given a "excuse me" ... pretentious... yes. FOOD: I have been to Michelin Star restaurants and 5 star establishments and after reading the reviews on here and in the Washingtonian, I expected the same! Besides the sub-par service... the food was equally bad. I would love the opportunity to talk with both the chef and the pastry chef, as both were not worth the gas money I drove to get here. The Heirloom Tomato Salad was ok... the tomatoes in my garden are fresher and more favorable. The olive oil even tasted like the Olive Garden version... been tasting oils in Italy, Spain and Napa... definitely sub-par again. The entrees came out... the Grilled Pork Loin was ok... probably the best thing besides the piece of bread. However, the POTATO CHIPS beneath it... oh wait, those were pomme lyonnaise. Greasy, crunchy and reminded me of a diner's potato chips. Where is GORDON RAMSEY when you need him! Next entree was the Ravioli... Being Italian I have eaten fresh raviolis. The pasta was tough, the filling too sweet and the sauce separated to an oily mess. Really... am I at 2941 I thought. DESERTS!!! I literally waited to try the Award Winning Pastry chef's creations... lets just say thank God my wife had a brownie in her purse from California Tortilla and that was better than both. OVERALL: I was so excited to dine at 2941! My wife felt absolutely horrid how bad the meal and service was. I wish I had a better review but at this point, I honestly want to call the GM and get a refund because that is how poor this was.
(1)
Sylvie S.
I stopped by 2941 yesterday for Restaurant Week with a group of friends. The interior is quite nice with the high ceilings and huge windows. The crowd is a mixture of 30 somethings, dates, and business meetings. Everyone is dressed business casual (one girl was in a ball gown) and as a side note, the restaurant is definitely not one for children. I did notice some weird decorations on the wall. I didn't really think they went with everything. It was some 70's lets-eat-mushrooms-and-stare-at-this-poster kind of art... For my first course, I went with the salmon tartare. I also tried the tomato salad and the beet salad and can safely say the salmon tartare was the best. For the entree, I picked the grilled apricot pork loin. I thought that this dish was the weakest of my three courses. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I ate it all because it was in front of me but I was not impressed. I also tried the shrimp risotto and was not a fan of this either. I thought it was over salted. For dessert, I got the peaches and cream. I was able to try the other two desserts which were also quite pleasing but felt that the peaches and ice cream was a really a pefect light summer dessert. Service was attentive and friendly although we did have a newb waiter error when he tried to remove a plate and the knife with some left over food slid off and all over my friend. They did take the correct course of action and offered to pay for her dry cleaning and then comped her food. It was a mistake but was well handled. I'd give 2941 three stars for their Restaurant Week. I've dined here on a regular night in the past and really thought they did a stand up job with the regular menu. I had some excellent sea bass that time!
Hidden away in one of Falls Church's office cluster of buildings - great for lunch and dinner! EVERYTHING is delicious and unforgettable here. First off, the restaurant itself is so pretty. There is a waterfall and a coy pond right outside the entrance of the restaurant. I always stop, and "pet" the coy---they are huge!!! The ambiance and the restaurant is amazing. TONS of glass walls, big windows, so there is endless natural lighting that fills the dinning area. You wouldn't think that you're in Fall Church... The food is original. I've had their duck burger for lunch. You're probably thinking "duck burger?!?" Don't knock it til' you've tried it. :) I've also tried their soft shell crab salad, mushroom ravioli and a the profiteroles for dessert. EVERYTHING. ALL OF IT. AMAZING! I am not one for expensive restaurants-but i do believe some (not all) high end restaurants are actually worth the money. 2941 is definitely one of the few that's on my fancy 5 star list!!!!
(5)
Heather G.
Came here for a holiday lunch. We ordered all of the small plates to start. Do it. Order them BC they are delicious!!! We also ordered the tuna tartar - also delish. I had the crab risotto as my entree. It was good but I wasn't expecting the risotto to be black and there to be cream on top. Still good but I might have ordered differently. Dessert - get the apple gala thing. So good. Would definitely come back!
This place is absolutely amazing. I have dined there for lunch many times & finally went for din din. It is just as amazing for either times. The food has never been anything, but delicious! The presentation wonderful. I am also enamored with the establishment. When you enter the Koi pond & trees make you feel like you are entering an enchanted wonderland. The only thing that doesn't give me a full 5 stars is that every time we have gone for a happy hour the staff seems to only be there to make you your drink. No social activity. Just a drinks linger. I am used to at least having a bit of conversation. Especially being a former bartender myself. I know you make a better tip on acknowledging the customers you are serving. At least I think so.
(4)
Connie C.
I love the decor and open lighting, super great setting and the food was delicious. I had the lobster lasagna (small was perfect) and the lobster was melt in your mouth good!
(4)
Lori B.
Surprisingly artistic and modern atmosphere, good for a romantic or business dinner. Valet parking is available. I enjoyed the 5-course prix fixe dinner with wine pairings. The food and wines were both surprisingly unique and delicious. The server was attentive and conveyed detailed information about each course as it was delivered. Highly recommend!
(5)
Gretchen P.
My manfriend surprised me by taking me to 2941 for my birthday yesterday! From start to finish, I had a wonderful time. The food was delicious and, of course, the company impeccable. This was actually my 2nd trip to 2941--the first was RIGHT after their remodel, last February, and was very good too, but I was blown away by things this time around. Here's the skinny (ha, ironic choice of words, really) on what went down: To start, I ordered a glass of Oregon pinot noir (the best!) before we tucked in. The bread basket included three kinds of bread: a classic french bread, a soft wheat, and an olive loaf. The olive was my favorite! I totally ended up picking out the extra kalamata olives from the leftover pieces of uneaten bread, hehe. Don't judge me. We also ordered an appetizer of calimari. I know it seems a little random, but honestly this may have been the best calimari I have ever, EVER had. The breading wasn't heavy, but was super crisp (I'm thinking it must have been panko--someone else suggested maybe they were breaded in cornstarch?) and the sauces were just delightful-a tomato coulis and a light honey mustard that I think were supposed to be a play on ketchup & mustard. I demolished those little squiddos. 2941 also orders both 2nd course-sizes and full-entree sizes of their pasta dishes. This Hawaiian prawn risotto just sounds too incredible NOT to try, so Sean and I ordered a small size to share. Oh. My. Lanta. The risotto was perfect-creamy and lemony and tangy and delicious-and the prawns were absolutely to die for. I almost-almost!-wish I had just ordered a full-sized version for myself. Luckily, what I did end up choosing as my entree was without a doubt the right choice. I got the roasted duck breast, served with zucchini and asparagus, and it was PHENOMENAL. Perfectly cooked, tender, flavorful... I was getting pretty full by this point (for obvious reasons, haha) so I ended up taking half home. Which means I GET TO EAT IT AGAIN FOR LUNCH AND I'M SO EXCITED OMG. Aaaand recomposing myself... yes, I obviously loved this dish. I think it's a tie between the duck and the risotto for best dish of the night. Of course, since it was my birthday and all, we couldn't NOT sample a dessert! We got the crema fritta, which was a rich cream inside little crisp triangles, with root beer caramel (!!) and a cocoa nib ice cream. Really rich and tasty, and the perfect size to share, though in comparison to the rest of the meal, I suppose I could've taken or left dessert. Besides, I had forgotten from my last visit here that you get complimentary beignets at the end of your meal, so it's like free dessert anyway! Heh. The wait staff was quite attentive, and our waiter even ended up refilling my glass a little to finish off a bottle that he had poured for another table! There weren't a lot of people there (7 PM on a Thursday) and the environment was really great. 2941 is a little off the beaten path, but it's worth it for the lakeside views, koi pond, and waterfall stonework. Bear in mind, it is 'spensive, so best reserved for special occasions.
(5)
Jina Y.
This restaurant was a really nice place. The staff was very nice and informing. I went with a friend to celebrate my birthday and I guess they overheard our conversation because at the end of the meal they brought out a dessert and had happy birthday written on it! That was a nice surprise. The risotto was actually one of the best risotto I have ever had. It came with the dish I ordered with lobster and steak. Would definitely recommend to go for a nice evening.
(4)
Jeong L.
I don't have much to say about this place. I mean, I heard that the last chef passed away or something, and the food quality has changed. It's a shame because this restaurant is absolutely stunning. The ceilings are high and the open view and all those little details in decorations are quite impressive. It would have been one of the most romantic spots to have dinner.... except that the food is not so good. 2941 had one of the most bland tasting food I've ever had in my entire life. We ordered Wagyu steak tartare, Tunana Tartare, Smoked Duck Breast and Salmon. All of them had no taste. They were simply bland. I wondered... did the chef put any seasoning on any of the dishes...??? I was especially displeased with my duck breast dish. Although it was grilled nicely, it tasted like nothing due to lack of any seasoning. It was a piece of ginormous duck breast on a place with some sauce at the bottom (which also had no taste). I don't think the chef is a bad chef. He did grille the duck and salmon quite nicely. But he's gotta find a way to season the food properly or at least create some awesome sauce to go with the dish. Also, I've never seen a duck breast dish come out like that... maybe the chef should cut it up into smaller pieces ...? One week after dining at 2941, my boss coincidentally asked me if I could reserve a table at 2941 for his business meeting. He had been there before the last chef had passed away and he had very pleasant memories of this place. I strongly objected to that idea and told him about the no salt experience there. I went ahead and booked a table at Blue Duck Tavern instead. I really loved the restaurant's ambiance. But I would never go back there again.
(2)
Amanda S.
Went there for Valentine's Day.....really really nice place with a beautiful building and nice atmosphere. The service was fast and I can't really complain.... Besides the fact that my waitress made a smart comment about not being used to so many "young people" there. My problem was the food, the menu is pretty expensive so I expected nothing but the best when we are paying $80 a person. The lobster ravioli was basically some watery sauce on some really bland rubbery lobster with a big noodle inside.... The sea bass was just not good at all.. Really fishy and just not what I've had before at other restaurants like this. My fiances potatoes were really plain and sort of over cooked and dry tasting. The only thing that was really that good was the ahi tuna appetizer. I told my friend and she had been here 2 weeks before and thought the same about the food - very Mediocre for the price.
(3)
Jane A.
Our lunch started out quite nicely with fried calamari and 2 delicious dipping sauces. And then we waited, and waited. We think there was only 1 waiter for the entire restaurant. This was the second time we've had such awful service and probably the last. The bread, the decor, the service and yes, even the food are now not worth a trip to what was once a fantastic restaurant and setting. Don't waste your time or your money.
(2)
Boris W.
I went to this restaurant yesterday for their 2015 Spring Restaurant Week. My wife and I ordered Beef Tartare and Crispy Calamari for appetizers, Grilled Pork Loin and "insert unknown and forgot name here" Pasta, and Coffee Pudding and Lemon Tart for dessert. The food were absolutely amazing! Even the Sauvignon wine my wife ordered tasted better than usual. The bread and butter before the appetizers were unusually tasty as well. The food was definitely 5/5! The environment was just as amazing. The restaurant is situated next to a small pond/creek, and the scenery outside the restaurant matched the beauty inside. The decorations were spectacular and the atmosphere was very cozy. 5/5 for the environment and the mood the restaurant set! Overall, I thought it was a great night, and because it took place during RW, the prices were excellent as well! A delicious three course meal, an excellent location, and an unforgettable experience! 5/5 all the way
(5)
Danielle K.
The experience (dinner and atmosphere) was five stars but the valet was a two star. They opened the car door for my husband and not me. Then when we were leaving they just handed us our keys and pointed to our car. After the get serve inside and the price we were expecting more from the valet. Besides the valet (which is a small glitch) I would definitely go back. The food was amazing. We brought our own wine and did the chefs special from the tasting menu.
(4)
Annie K.
You know you're loved at work when your bosses take you to 2941 for your birthday lunch. Like Samantha W. said, the overall decor of the restaurant didn't give off a snooty feel whatsoever. Since my birthday was in the middle of the multiple snowstorms throughout the DMV region, the lake was iced over and I saw snow mounds everywhere... but hopefully I'll get to checkout the landscape view another time. I started off with the calamari and ordered the steamed sea bass as an entree. The calamari was crispy and a light portion. The steamed sea bass was delicious -- the rice was similar to sushi rice and the fish was cooked perfectly. For dessert, I ordered the coconut cream cake, which had a nice crunch to it, was fluffy, and melted in my mouth. The presentation of the dishes were simple but still very nice. I would definitely recommend 2941 as a great option for a date night, anniversary, birthday, or any other type of celebration. The restaurant has a nice, classy, intimate feel to it. I can't wait to come back someday!
(4)
Bob D.
2941 went through a bit of a hard time when they changed format. I have to say they have come back nicely. Very close to 5 stars actually. Keep up the good work.
(4)
Mickey L.
After a dynamic theme tasting meal and a truly memorable birthday dinner, 2941 has returned to its glory of 2009-2011 when it was our very favorite restaurant! Last year, we were heartened to see 2941's upswing after several years of it struggling to find its culinary identity following the departure of Chef de Cuisine Kevin Takafuji and Pastry Chef Anthony Chavez together with a move to downscale from destination fine dining to casual upscale. After going through Bistro-style cuisine (they do make a superb burger for lunch), Executive Chef Chemel has triumphantly brought back the style that made 2941 me and my dining companion's restaurant darling: its refreshing brand of East Asian-accented French American fine dining with global touches, highlighted by its exquisite herb garden, set in the most beautiful ambiance, and facilitated by stellar service. While their DC Restaurant Week promotion and exceptional Pastry Chef Caitlin Dysart brought us in for an occasional lunch, 2941 intrigued us with its annual Spice Dinner back in March. Not only did it look appetizing, it was also a very reasonable $80 for 8 courses (plus, a vegetarian alternative choice for each of the first 5 courses). Among the many clever incorporation of spices and spice mixes into a wide variety of offerings, the highlights were the Wood-Grilled Ribeye, Slow-Poached Halibut, Fennel-Tomato appetizer, and Napoleon dessert. The beef had a nice smoky exterior and beautifully clean beefy flavor accented by its two sub-cuts (sliced cap and small slab of the heart of ribeye) and a zippy mustard vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. The halibut was cooked to a meaty yet tender texture and brightened with the spring veggies. The fennel dish had our favorite incorporation of spices, yielding a comforting yet novel Mediterranean set of flavors that was definitely worth a detour away from the meats. For dessert, the chocolate phyllo-ricotta mousse Napoleon was brightened by the appollonia-infused cream. Recently, we were racking our minds over where to go for my birthday dinner, but remembering the exciting Spice Dinner, my DC suggested 2941. We looked over their current menu, and it read like 2941's golden era. Fortunately, they tasted even better than described, and we went through 7 courses of euphoria thanks to masterful preparation! Guided by our energetic server Julio, who happily obliged us in taking photos and coaxed us to try the tuna (one of the best tartares in recent memory) as well as finding the best dessert, we had an absolute blast! While all dishes were great, the Ivory King Salmon, Summer Melon, and Peanut Butter Baked Alaska were on another level! The best of the best was the Ivory King Salmon, a thin carpaccio of pristine fish served with EVOO, lemon basil from their garden, yellow peaches, watermelon, and sesame seeds. The fish's inherent flavors gradually unfolded pleasantly alongside the citrusy herb, sweet fruits, and nutty black+white sesame to yield a most ethereal composition. It reminded me of Yukhwe, except with the rare fish and local fruits in place of beef and Korean Shingo Pear. Perhaps the best composed raw fish dish we've had, and together with Fiola's Spiny Lobster and Fiola Mare's Nantucket Scallop Crudo, the troika of best near-raw seafood dishes. Also a refreshingly yet more fragrantly sweet appetizer was the Summer Melons, thin rolled petals of cantaloupe and honeydew pollinated with salt in a semi-gelatinous watermelon coulis lightly peppered with chili heat and topped with sun gold tomatoes and herbs. The quintessential melon salad free from the ubiquitous application of cheese, 2941's rendition made our taste buds go ga-ga over the tiny explosions of lemon verbena and lemon basil that maximized one of 2941's most precious attributes and punctuated complementing layers to the vivacious fruits. Armed with one of our very favorite pastry chefs, 2941 makes us order 2-3 desserts per visit. Thanks to Julio, we had the joy of enjoying one of the best peanut-based desserts ever. The Baked Alaska was a Twinkie-sized loaf of lightly torched soft meringue covering creamy peanut butter ice cream, rich caramel ganache, and crisp chocolate biscuit--like a frozen homemade Snicker bar that dove through soft meringue then got a caramelized finish. In short, 2941 is officially back! Even a dish that had a fault (a very gamey Australian Wagyu Bavette) had an equally superlative component (Lobster "Bourguignon" with Pan-Fried Gnocchi, mini-root veggies, and Shiso) that left a very delicious impression in our minds. Although we ordered three of the best dishes, there are others (Scallop Ceviche and huge Soft Shell Crabs entree) that caught our attention for a future visit. With drop-dead gorgeous ambiance, pro service, and superlative pastry chef, 2941 has come full circle with top-level fine savories indicative of its true potential. Way to go, Chef Chemel!
(5)
Hitomi G.
This place was my favorite restaurant in Northern VA. But when I visited here last week, maybe my 5th time in past 2 years, I saw little changes in quality here and there. Wait staff was great, but busboys did not care how to present plates. They would drop them off backwards... No explanation of the dish. And most of the food was brought to a table if we were in diner. Food was still good but lost top quality that had perfect notch on every single detail. So Sad but will try to go again to see what happens next.
(3)
Katie S.
I finally had the opportunity to go to 2941 for dinner last night and was not disappointed. It's in an office building we have driven by many times and driving up to the valet area kind of feels like you are driving on a sidewalk; but other than that, it's pretty easy to find and is quite pretty. The interior is large and airy, upon walking in the front door you have the option of going to the hostess stand to be seated or going to the huge bar to wait for your table. We were taken to our table right away, and although there seemed to be some confusion of who would be our server at first, we were very well taken care of the rest of the evening. Our drinks came out quickly and the bread basket was lovely. Side-note: Olive bread is apparently my new favorite thing. Being here for restaurant week I feel like I only got a tiny glimpse of what the restaurant has to offer. I am actually a little surprised they didn't offer a smaller a la carte menu to accompany the prix fixe menu like I experienced at several similar restaurants in the area. But overall I enjoyed our evening, so I would probably come back again. I opted for the salmon tartare as my starter, risotto as my main and the peach melba for dessert. The salmon was phenomenal, it sounded like there was going to be too much going on with the crispies, peppers and salmon, but it all worked together really well. This was the star of the night for me. The risotto was OK. The shrimp were delicious but the texture of the rice (not the usual arborio) was a bit off putting to me. The peach melba was OK also. The cookie was a little dry for my liking, but after having a bite of my girlfriend's, I realized I should have gone black forest cake. Again, all in all, we had a nice evening. Our server even noticed the present we brought for my friend's birthday, asked us about it when he was in the restroom to confirm, and then brought out his desert with a candle in it; which I thought was super sweet. 3.5 stars.
Another lovely luncheon at 2941... Started with a delectable gazpacho. Perfectly delicioso, but I should really just stop ordering gazpacho from anywhere other than Jackson 20 because I'm always a little disappointed. Salmon entree was perfection. The salmon itself was like butter, and there was a mussel and chorizo broth that drenched the tiny fingerling potatoes with savory goodness. The peach melba finished the meal, and it was truly memorable. From the snickerdoodle tasting shortbread, crumbly brownie textured base to the warm spiced peaches, every bite was a fresh walk down an old memory lane. Again, why not five stars? The chardonnay that was listed on the restaurant week menu was horrible. I left most of it in the glass because it was that bad. Nevermind the wine not being a decent pairing for the food, it was simply atrocious. Not sure who picked that one out, but it was a bad call! I could have picked up something a thousand times better at Trader Joes.... It was disappointing mar on an otherwise outstanding meal.
(4)
Donovan T.
2941 used to be one of our favorite restaurants. The menu was great, and the service was fantastic. Since then, their pastry chef left, they remodeled (got rid of the awesome looking chandelier) and got some tacky/trippy neon fractal art that clashes with the otherwise warm decor, and changed their menu up from "fine dining to upscale casual dining." We gave it a try right after the remodel, and was underwhelmed. Well, it's been 2.5 years, and they were back in the Washingtonian Top 100 (2014... fell off in the 2015 issue) again, so we thought we'd give it another try. We decided to do their Christmas Eve Prix-Fixe dinner. But before we get to the dinner part, let's talk about the wait. The restaurant was only serving the prix fixe menu tonight, so no a la carte. We had a reservation for 7:30, and had to wait until 7:50 to get seated, which is kind of surprising. That sort of sets the mood for the rest of the dinner. On to the food! For the appetizer, I had the Foie Gras Terrine, with luxardo maraschino cherry brioche, eiswein jam, and mache salad. This was pretty good, but it's hard to mess up a terrine. The cherries along with the brioche paired nicely with the terrine. Sadly, the meal just goes downhill from there. There were no choices for the mid course. It was a Robiola Fresco Raviolini with Brussel sprout chips, and Parmesan cheese. This wasn't bad, but it was unmemorable. The raviolini was bland. The saving grace of the dish was the flavorful Brussel sprout chips. Without it, it would've been like boiled cheese ravioli that wasn't even boiled in salted water. For the main course, I chose the Pheasant Breast with celery root, savoy cabbage, chestnut, cipollini onion, and natural jus. The flavor was clean, and I enjoyed the celery. However, the pheasant was a little over cooked. It was a tad dry and a little chewy. For dessert, I had the Bûche de Noël, with hazelnut dacquoise, milk chocolate chantilly, roasted pear sorbet, and brown sugar meringue. This was actually the best dish of the night for me. Everything harmonized, and the plating was wonderful. The brown sugar meringue in the shape of mushrooms was a delight. The pear sorbet cut the sweetness of the Bûche de Noël just enough to make this dessert not overly sweet. Now to the service. There was a 20% TAXABLE gratuity added on to all the bills. I don't think I've ever seen gratuity taxed before, so I was a little surprised by that. The service was blah. The server took our food and drink order. Being at a higher end restaurant, one would think since no one was drinking wine, the wine glasses would be taken away as the server left the table. Nope, they sat there until right before the first course came out. So for a 2 seater table, we had our utensils, bread plates, bread basket, candle, water glasses and empty wine glasses. So pretty crowded table. Anyway, the only thing fast about the service was them taking away our finished plates. They were like vultures. Right after we set our utensils down, they swoop in to take the plates away. Then we would sit there for about 15 minute before the next course came out. However, they left the napkin used to clean up a mess the server made on the table the whole time. Let's just say the service was not worth the 20% tip plus tax. Overall, fairly unimpressed by the forgettable dinner. May not return anytime soon, if at all.
(2)
Louella M.
Big fan of this place. Made a reservation via Open Table with a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Brian's service was top notch and his recommendations were a big hit. I had the halibut which was divine - basically licked my plate clean and my husband had the duck which he enjoyed as well. We shared the poached pear for dessert - really interesting flavor profiles working together in that dessert (red wine poached pear, ginger ice cream, hazelnut -- all together worked well), Brian also brought a small flourless chocolate cake that had Happy Anniversary written on the plate - very thoughtful service! To end our wonderful meal, we got two little fried dough balls compliments of the pastry chef which were scrumptious. Overall wonderful dining experience. We'll be back for sure!
(5)
Annamaria K.
Everyone talks about the food. Yes, it is an above average dining experience. NoVa is lucky to have this restaurant. BUT the not that well publicized fact is they have the coolest arts on display on the restaurant and on the patio. The restaurant features a Salvador Dali sculpture, a Pissaro painting, several artworks from Jose Alvarez and an enormous geode from Uruguay. Loved looking around while I was enjoying the service and the meal.
(4)
James S.
I've been to 2941 a number of times over the years and it generally impresses in all areas. The location is stunning and on our most recent visit there was a wedding underway on the back patio (which features an unsurpassed view of the river). Having recently purchased a Google "Coupon" we were looking forward to a nice dinner at a slightly lower price than the usual 2941 bill. We arrived early for our 5:30p reservation and needed to pass the time until the dining room opened so we headed to the bar. The drink menu is whimsical with riffs on literature, movies, technology, and tv shows in the drink names. My girlfriend opted for a sparkling "Gilded Lily" with champagne, perruchi apertivo, verjus, and a sugar cube soaked in burlesque bitters - it was light and refreshing. I tried a "Gun Slinger" with buffalo trace bourbon, house made sour, agave nectar, and habanero bitters - this drink is not for the bourbon uninitiated and I enjoyed it quite a bit. We were promptly seated at 5:30p. Our waiter quickly greeted us and reviewed the menus and options. There was the usual ala carte menu as well as a 5 course tasting menu (not available with coupon and everyone at the table must order the tasting menu). We opted for: small bite - Crispy Calamari, appetizer - frisee salad, entrees - smoked duck breast and beef rib eye. We also selected a nice bottle of Tempranillo to accompany our meal. The Calamari and Frisee salad arrived at the same time, which was a bit disappointing as we would have preferred to separate these courses but as we were hungry we dove right in. The calamari comes with a choice of dipping sauces on the side, a delicious and bright citrus aioli and a slightly smoky and sweet tomato sauce. The calamari was perfectly cooked and exceptionally tender. The frisee salad was next up, a beautifully presented dish composed of smoked pioppini mushrooms, a poached egg, roasted asparagus, and parmesan. The egg was perfectly poached and added a wonderful distinct creaminess to the salad. The asparagus spears were huge! I was a bit worried that, due to the size, they might be woody and tough, however they were perfectly cooked and tender. The mushrooms added a nice rich smoky meatiness to the dish and it was quickly devoured. The Smoked Duck Breast was certainly the star of the night. The breast was perfectly cooked with an extra crispy skin and a deep smoky flavor almost reminiscent of bacon. Accompanied by zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, and a charred scallion vinaigrette the dish was wonderfully composed and elegantly presented. The Beef Rib Eye was the only disappointment. The first portion arrived with a slab of fat hanging off of the side the size of a deck of cards. Given, rib eyes are a fatty cut, however as this was hanging off the side of the steak it should have been trimmed off (or down) prior to grilling. It was also cooked closer to medium vs my requested medium-rare most likely because it was a rather thin cut. I pointed this out to the waiter and he apologized and then disappeared. About 10 minutes later (and halfway through my steak) he reappeared with a new rib eye. I hadn't asked for a new dish but was pleasantly surprised that he had made the effort. However, I would have preferred that the waiter had asked for my preference (replacement dish or something different) prior to coordinating - as I would have likely changed my entree to the duck! Unfortunately, though the second steak was better butchered it was still slightly overdone, another thin cut, and rather grainy and uninspired. The Bearnaise sauce on the side was nice (and very rich) but the beef and wine jus tasted a bit scorched and the "frites" were also rather boring. For $44 I had high expectations for the rib eye and would have expected a thicker cut and a bit more pizzazz in presentation. However, my guess is that this is the "safe" dish on a menu that tends to be a bit more eclectic. A final note/warning, if you are sitting facing the front of the restaurant when the sun is going down you will be blinded by the sun. Unfortunately, while the big open windows with no shades/coverings look wonderful and give you a great view of the wonderful landscaping they do nothing to shade you from the sunset which comes in directly through the front of the building. I ended up having to put on my sunglasses during dinner just so I could continue to look at my girlfriend. Service was great throughout our meal (with the minor quibble noted above) and the manager did stop by at the end to inquire about our meal. I mentioned the troubles with the steak but did stress that everything else was awesome. Bottom line - this place is well worth the visit for a nice romantic dinner or a special occasion. If you can get one of the online coupons it also allows you a half price meal experience (if you stay away from bar drinks and wine ;)
(4)
Brad A.
It is rare that I feel that a resturant's food is better than what I can prepare at home. Went to 2941 last night and we were wowed! Everything we had was amazing--a simple ceasar salad small bite was beautifully well executed with paresean crips. The mushroom tartine was delicous. Our waiter, Alex, took the extra care to make sure we had just the right wine. He new the menu inside and out. My girlfriend had the duck breast and it was perfectly prepared but the hit of the meal was my ravioli with duck sausage and escarole--it knocked us out--it was simply prepared but the flavors just worked.
(5)
Ethan B.
What a hidden gem! The food was amazing and our service was great. There are floor to ceiling windows (at least 30 feet high) with the view of a beautiful lake (man-made I'm sure). You feel like you are in a secluded woodland, not like you came off Rt. 50. The food was great and the tuna tartar was some of the best I've had in the NoVA area. They handled all requests very well and the price was very reasonable for the quality of the food. They also had a tasting menu which was required for the whole table and we almost went for it but wanted to try everything on the menu so we split many things. Don't think twice about venturing here...
(4)
Nan K.
Oh my lord. Can I eat here every night? I had the crispy pork belly for my appetizer and it melted in my mouth. I've never had such good pork in my life. I had the lobster and veal for my main dish...I devoured everything without saying a word. It was just that good. I had the chocolate pain perdu for dessert which wasn't up to par with my other dishes, but I think I was too full to fully enjoy it, my pants were getting dangerously tight. I tasted some other desserts and they were all delicious...apparently the famous pastry chef Anthony Chavez doesn't work there anymore, but the new chef is just as good (but I'm no expert, I just like to eat). A friend came here for lunch and said it was mediocre, so I think the dinner menu is better. This is my favorite restaurant in northern Virginia. I've only been here a couple times, but I have never been disappointed.
I had really high hopes for 2941, even ones which I was willing to temper slightly knowing that it was Restaurant Week. Everything started off well - we arrived early, utilized the complimentary valet and enjoyed several excellent cocktails from the bar while taking in the views. Then we sat down to eat. Everything was just meh to just disappointing. The melon soup just tasted like someone threw a cantaloupe in the blender; there was no other flavor, seasoning, or texture. My pork entree had two medallions - one of which was essentially raw. Everything else was just fine enough, but certainly not memorable. The server came by frequently, but somehow never at the right time. Hopefully I'll take some time to recover and be willing to come back when it isn't RW for the full experience I've heard so many good things about...
(3)
Adrienne A.
Lovely setting, nicely done chow, but at those prices, I need to be able to say more about it, than, gosh, it sure was expensive. For someplace in the middle of Fairview Park, I mean goodness . . .it needs to be extraordinary or a tad less pricey. I mean, you know, location, location, location costs extra, we all understand, but without location on your side, you need to work it, girl! So, that's a meh from me. You are not going to Hollywood.
(2)
Jee C.
It amazes me to see people still go here. Their foods are medicore. It's a pretty restaurant, but that's about it. If you never been, try it just for the atmosphere. Foods are bleh. I've been to this place for birthday dinners, wedding receptions... and they were a bit above the average, but the price tag brings this place down to 2 star from 3 lol.
(2)
Kathleen N.
Food ====== $59 Travelzoor Voucher for small bite (~$9), appetizer (~18), two entrees (~$39) $10 Kir Royale (cocktail) $21 Automatic 18% gratuity $20 Overage Mushroom Tartine 6 Crispy Lobster 20 Crescent Duck Breast 32 Crusted Venison Loin 39 The mushroom tartine was very nice; tasty, especially if you like mushrooms and cheese, which I do, and oddly affordable at that. The crispy lobster was unfortunately a bomb. The texture of the lobster was rubbery, very fake-crab like sometimes as well. As for the entrees, the venison loin was a complete disappointment. That may be in part that I may not have read very carefully and did not realize beets were part of the arrangement and I honestly would've preferred a potato or carrot, but it was very prettily formed apples. The meat itself was ok; much like eating a steak. Unfortunately, not the best venison or the best steak I've ever had, so three stars. The potato puree (?) it was placed on was creamy, but otherwise not worth noting. I waffled greatly over choosing the duck breast or the venison. I charged forward thinking deer! and antlers! and luckily, my dinner date chose the duck, and my god, yes, that duck is excellllent. It was my first time hearing the question, how would you like your duck breast cooked. Medium? Med Rare? Ver-rah cool. And de-lish. The winning dish of the night. Okay, the heading of their dessert menu? Adorable. Alas, no tiramisu so i ignored their offerings. Lastly, the Kir Royale. A favorite name of mine; unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of citrus or champagne, and it was both! Haha; well, overpriced, but I hear there's $5 sangria during happy hour, so it pays to be smarter Decor ======= High ceilings, thematic paintings, unique lighting fixtures. I could imagine many a party walking in here and saying, this is where I want to hold a party: engagement, showers, business networking, just something! It is beau-tiful. Good job, interior decorator and architect! Service ====== Waiter was friendly, walked by and checked in, and generally had his wits about him. Extra! ====== - There is a parking lot opening to the left before the curve into automatic valet parking, although the valet parking is complimentary and nice, considering the next extra - Windy as all get out. Seriously, it's like some feng shui madness decided that the entrance to 2941 would be perpetually windy and colder than the rest of Falls Church. Be prepared for some swell gusts. Now, it's not always like this, but more often than not.
(3)
James F.
Went with my wife for wedding anniversary. She had heard nice things about it; had been there for lunch perhaps five years earlier and enjoyed it. For me, first visit, from time of arrival until departure, location seemed strange--in an office park off highway in woods with no street lights. Main dining room was size of airline terminal. Just seemed like I was there for business dinner. Cold; no intimacy; a wasteland. We decided on tasting menu. Overall decent but not for $95 per person. Good news was that it was not built around ridiculously esoteric ingredients--that kind of precociousness. Flights of wine were good but waiter presenting wine assumed we had never heard of wine before--less the narrative than mannerisms. Our main waiter was okay, but lacked all flare and style, seemed like having a neighbor next door serving you. (Expected at any moment to talk about lawns.) Some folks were dressed nicely: a few gents looked like they were just back from a Little League game. If this place at one time had superb food and class, it's long gone. Sum: we made the most of it; the food was solid "B" grade (dessert was "D" fruit and sorbet thing); I have sufficient financial means to not be bothered by the price, otherwise would have felt taken. Sound taps on this place.
(2)
Glenn W.
This is a tough one but I'm going to suck it up and award the 4 stars. Here is why. This was my first time back in about a year and a half. I WANT this place to be great because it's close to my house :) And a do like this place because the food is [mostly] great, and has remained so even after the departure of Krinn. Last year they announced a "retooling" focused on "Mediterranean fare" and "a more casual atmosphere" and "a more affordable experience" or some such thing, and most regulars immediately declared a shark-jumping. The updated decor is an improvement. The food is still awesome. (With one exception: the kitchen now sports a new Pasta station and a dedicated pasta section on the menu. The one pasta dish I tried -- lobster fettucini -- was awful and seemed completely out of place among the otherwise amazing food.) But... (there is always a but) service was horrible. Maybe I just got stuck with a bad waiter this time, that might be it. It's tough because that can single-handedly put a big damper on the evening for me and it did. Because I don't mind paying "fine dining" prices as long as I get commensurate service. And let there be no mistake, this place is pretty spendy even for what it is. Nevertheless. I'm going to be gracious (like always right) and give them the 4 stars. Just don't let it happen again 2941!
(4)
Melissa M.
This place is wonderful! We always take advantage of restaurant week and as always we had an excellent dinner. I had the steak tartare, salmon dinner and a coconut cake for dessert. Hubby had the calamari (asked for tomato sauce and they obliged) which was light and airy...will get this again!, veal taglietelle and chocolate panacotta. Their kettleone dry martini's are awesome too. Services is always spot on. When restaurant week comes along take advantage...great deal!
(5)
Sunny C.
Service (apart from the hostesses) is outstanding. They changed plates, silverware, poured more water quickly without being intrusive and were extremely quiet. Half the time, I didn't notice they were there. We never had to ask for anything. The hostesses were dismissive/unfriendly. We waited for a good 5+ minutes for a hostess to show up. And when they both showed up, they didn't acknowledge our presence or asked if we needed help even though we were standing right in front of them. We had to tell them we had a reservation. I also found it very rude that one of us pointed at us to get our attention. I expected more from a $$$$ restaurant. Food is delicious. Recommend ordering an appetizer, entree, and dessert so that you are full. Short rib ravioli was good but the short rib was a little bit salty. Mont Blanc dessert was yummy and had great texture. The butternut squash soup was light. I liked how they didn't react negatively to us requesting tap water. Ambiance and atmosphere was wonderful. Sitting by the fire was very nice. The nice thing about this restaurant is that you don't have to dress formally (suit/tie/cocktail dress).
(5)
Kristopher B.
We went here for a post-Valentine's Day dinner. The GPS lead us to the wrong place, but once we found the place I was very impressed with the exterior. There is complimentary valet service, and a nice pond with a waterfall outside the entrance. Inside the decor was done in kind of a surrealist style. It was a little weird, but approachable. The menu is 1 page. We ordered 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, and 2 cocktails. Appetizers: Calamari -- Fantastic. If you go here and don't get this you are cheating yourself out of something special. In fact, get 2 plates. Mushroom Tartine -- Very good and with simple ingredients. My wife really liked this a lot. I didn't like the tartness so much, but who am I to yell at a square for being a square. Entrees: Mushroom Risotto: Very good, very creamy risotto. My wife had this. She loved it. The dinner portion was more than enough. Lobster Fettuccini: This was very good, I thought it was priced a little high at $34, but the lobster and sauce tasted wonderful. The sauce was very light. The pasta was cooked alright. Cocktails: Powder Monkey -- Disaster. I don't recommend getting any cocktails from the bar. Cosmopolitan -- Very average. My wife got this, again don't get anything but the simplest of drinks from this bar. Dessert: Chocolate Pain Perdu -- This was amazing. Very well done. I was impressed most by the quality of this dessert. My wife and I enjoyed every bite. Summary: If you go here definitely try the calamari. The entrees are good, but I would say a bit over-priced and there aren't many options on the menu. Whatever you do, don't get the cocktails. Keep your drinks simple. Service: 7/10 Food: 6/10 (calamari and chocolate pain perdu 9/10) atmosphere: 5/10
Let me caveat this review by saying two things. 1) I had been to 2941 before the restaurant re-do, and I really liked it and wanted to continue to like it (and find it to be more affordable), and 2) I had a "Google offers" coupon. This meal had a lot of potential, but there were certain things that just made it miss the mark for me. Food: the bread basket came out (love restaurants that still serve bread) and my husband attacked the olive bread while I enjoyed the wheat bread. The baguette was good, too. Started with the calamari "small bite". It had nice flavor, great crunch, and wasn't greasy at all - but all of the sauce was at the bottom of the dish, which was odd and resulted in a bunch of calamari all over the table as my husband and I attempted to move the pile of calamari around to get at the sauce. Then had the tuna tartare for an appetizer - this was absolutely delicious - no complaints. For my main dish, I had the lobster ravioli (full portion). Pasta was cooked well and there was a good amount of lobster, but there was a LOT of watery broth sitting at the bottom of the dish once I was done, which was odd. My husband had the veal and lobster - the veal was delicious and was prepared perfectly, as was the risotto on the side. The lobster claw, however, was rather mushy. For dessert, we split the "creamsicle." This dessert was absolutely delicious, but what ruined it for us was the fact that it was literally sitting in pieces of ice - which looked really pretty but was a pain to try to avoid eating. I didn't find chewing the ice appealing, but the presentation of the dish made it nearly impossible to avoid. Service: Service was fine, no issues there. Some might have said it was a little slow (we did wait a while to order after our wine came) but to be honest, I enjoyed not being rushed. Atmosphere: The restaurant is very beautiful and nicely decorated. The crowd tends to skew a bit older, with most patrons in business-casual attire although there were a few people in dressy jeans. It was not overly loud but at the same time still had a nice "buzz." Overall, even after the restaurant re-do, I still find a lot of the food to be overpriced (the lobster and veal dish was small for $42). I felt that the meal was good but not great, and had I not had the Google offer I would have felt ripped off. I would be willing to try it again, but would probably stick to the bar and order a burger.
(2)
Kilani W.
Great place ! pricey but its worth it.
(4)
Rick G.
As occasional regulars at 2941 we're consistently happy with their offerings. This time around, our appetizer consisted of: the Warm Crispy Crab with ginger beurre blac, petite salad which was fantastic. The Summer Bouquet of Bibb lettuce, cherry tomato, asparagus, avocado, white balsamic vinaigrette - fresh and mouthwatering! Our main courses were the: Pan Seared Chilean Bass with tomato compote, asparagus, shaved baby zucchini for my wife, and I had the Lobster: lobster sauce, baby turnips, sugar snap peas, heirloom potato, croustillant of which I could not have words to describe how delicious it was; Friends had the 10 oz Beef Filet with smoked pearl onion, herb pomme puree, oyster mushroom, fricassee of peas... and for dessert we shared: the Blueberry Cheesecake with lavender whipped cream, shredded phyllo, lemon cream; the Coconut Mousse with raspberry jam, coconut macaroon, rosemary; and last but not least, the Peach & Strawberry-Lemonade Sorbet with fresh fruit, Madeleine. Where the ideas come from for Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel and his team is impossible to fathom, but his culinary artistry is incredible and thoroughly enjoyable. There are few restaurants in our area that can boast the elegance, taste and utmost eye for detail to wow the palate - not to mention the atmosphere that makes all your senses enjoy the complete experience! And, one cannot forget Caitlin Dysart, 2941's incredible Pastry Chef. I, for one, don't fancy myself one with a sweet tooth, but I can never pass up her incredible offerings - simply put... delish! With various visits including my recent birthday and friends 40th Anniversary, the 2941 Team has our kudos and continued patronage. We're proud to have such an incredible culinary experience and masters of the art in our backyard.
(5)
Tu-van L.
One of the better Restaurant Week experiences I've been to. Located in the same office building as General Dynamics in the Falls Church/Merrifield area, the restaurant is an elegant, corporate expense appropriate vibe. Beautiful space with the tall ceilings with 2/4 walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. Both made for a spacious space with great views of the lake and the torrential downpour at the time we were there. Beautiful view one way and another. Service was inconsistent, almost on the ditsy side, but when they're focused you have their full attention. There were times it took a while for a waiter to serve us, but that wasn't throughout our dining experience and they were otherwise very attentive. RW appetizer was a throwaway, meh at best. My husband's coconut and carrot gazpacho (I think?) appetizer was a weird combination of flavors and my pate appetizer didn't taste my different from the pate I can pull out of a Vietnamese banh mi. Fortunately for us, the entrees turned around our expectations for our dinner. My beef three ways was perfectly portioned with perfectly cooked meats. The desserts were also excellent. Some points can be done better, but overall my husband and I were very impressed with this restaurant. Meh appetizer aside, we'd really consider coming back here for a proper meal or one of their tastings menu.
(4)
The S.
Went here for restaurant week. Did not live up to its reputation. Pork was dry and tough (but good taste). Gazpacho was good but not special. Lemon fritters were good. Calamari was good. Almost everything was too salty (except for dessert ). Atmosphere was nice. If restaurant week is to encourage diners to come back for another occasion, 2941 did not meet its objective. It was good but not as good as its reputation implies.
(3)
Tatyana K.
Were I writing this review prior to the weekend of 9/29/13, 2941 restaurant would have received a solid 4+ star review. However, after attending their "Fall Harvest Brunch" this past weekend, I find myself hardpressed to award this place anything above a 2 star rating (the 3 stars given above are an average of sorts). Tickets to brunch (which is considered a special event, as 2941 does not normally hold brunch service on the weekends) were sold in advance at the cost of $65 +taxes and fees per head. My friends and I were greatly looking forward to this brunch, having eaten at 2941 on separate occasions in the past and had great experiences. I will make a long story short: The brunch was hugely oversold, set up was standing room only (this was intentional as they had only a few tables set up), food was being served in plastic small plates and the line to each food station was about 30 people long (translates to 20 minutes or so of wait for each food item). Same goes for the line for alcohol. Having dined at 2941 previously, we were all shocked the chef would allow his food to be presented in this manner. And no, it isn't that we felt "too good" to eat out of plastic plates, it was just that eating out of those plastic plates, after waiting for 20 minutes at a time for a small morsel of food, in a room that looked like a refugee camp seems nothing less than disrespectful to the chef and his food. And yes, refugees: The room was overly crowded, food and plates were left everywhere by the guests and the staff there had a hard time keeping up with cleaning/maintaining a presentable space. This resulted in a crowded, filthy, and disorganized environment - not exactly the type of space you would want to have brunch at. In hind sight, I believe the restaurant should have either 1) sold many fewer tickets than they did, or 2) sold tickets in batches where each ticket is for a specific time window, thereby allowing for better service and more manageable atmosphere. I place no blame with the staff - they were understandably overwhelmed. The blame in this case goes to the (greedy) event manager of the restaurant, who was clearly more concerned about quantity than quality. What happened in the end ? We, asked to be refunded and left to go have brunch elsewhere, and the line of people trying to do the same was about as long as the food line so clearly we were not the only ones sharing this sentiment. Will I go back to 2941? Yes, because the food is delicious. However, I will be hard pressed to partake in any more of their "special events".
(3)
Sandra K.
I have had dinner here about 10 times total. I will caveat this review by saying that I do know the chef but I do not get special treatment. This is FINE DINING...where they pour your wine seamlessly, your water glass stays full, your napkin is folded when your return to your seat...Elegant without the nonsense fine dining. The food matches up with the atmosphere which will make your feel like a prince or princess. You are never rushed and given anything you want/need during the meal. The food is ambitious, lovely and inventive.
(5)
Tim H.
I've been here twice for year-end company parties. The space is beautiful, especially the outside, which has a nice pond and beautiful landscaping. In the winter, the waterfall freezes, which is just gorgeous. The inside is great too, with huge ceilings and a warm atmosphere. The food has always been good, start to finish. Thoughtful and well prepared choices from vegetarian things to main meat dishes to seafood. Often the appetizers have been the highlight, so at least look them over. The service has also been excellent, though we've never been in the main dining room. [I will add that the lobster may have been too raw last time. A couple people reported it seeming that way and feeling a little ill afterwards. I'm going to give 2941 the benefit of the doubt on this one but it may have been an issue.] The bar is a bit of a weak point. It's priced on par with the great cocktail places in the DC area, but it's not really at that level--our cocktails were good, but not great, and you know it's a bad sign when they hesitate after you say "sidecar, please." Kudos for using Dolin vermouth, though. They also seem to close up rather early, but it's not exactly a frat party now is it? Overall, I've been very impressed with this place, especially its physical setting. It's easy for everyone to find, being right off the beltway / 50, so it's perfect for events. Then again, I've never had to pick up the check, and from the sounds of it that's the way to go. Overall, recommended.
(4)
Trang N.
Attended my best friend's wedding reception here. They did an amazing job decorating the private room (with her decor details of course!) Food was really great, loved the beet salad. My fish entree was good too, but I couldn't help but eye the succulent looking beef many others were having. I hope to return & order that!
(4)
Justin L.
We dug it. It's a little annoying to find from the road at night and extremely isolated, which is part of the charm. I would suggest going during the day though so you can appreciate the view and the interior itself is not what i would call intimate, it efels very much like a corporate lunch space. We were here for restaurant week. We were consistently happy across all of our six different dishes; nothing disappointed. The desserts were particularly outstanding. The service was excellent. It was quick, friendly, and the waiter acted like a normal person, not like some shrill wannabe snob that you often get at "fancy" DC restaurants. There is a full bar with a nice wine list and cocktails, too. I'm not sure how often I'll come back but if I Worked or lived around the area this would be a nice choice for fine dining, if you don't mind the unusual and decidedly non-intimate surroundings.
(4)
Jason S.
Went for a business dinner with a group and we all went with the tasting menu though I opted out of the wine pairings. Gorgeous scenery, hidden among corporations right off of 495 (and more importantly, .2 miles from the hotel where we were staying). Everyone raved about their dishes which all featured great flavors; the halibut with toasted garlic was amazing, as was the friend gnocchi. Would recommend the tasting menu but want to also try a la carte next time I'm in town. DO go if you're entertaining for work or if you want a nice romantic night out.
(5)
Alan V.
I went there for restaurant week and all they had was the restaurant week menu, so you had to spend a minimum of $35 ( also the entree portion is smaller than their regular menu portion). The main entrees available were pasta, pork loin, salmon, roast chicken, and sea bass. I got the beet salad appetizer, pork loin, and chocolate coconut layer cake. The salad came out in two seconds without any wait. I sat at the bar. The bartender/server forgot our entree which took at least 30min later to arrive after the appetizer. The pork loin was dry, too salty and flavorless. The chocolate coconut cake was a bit sour. All the entrees were pre-made in the kitchen so it was a bit warm but not hot like it just came out of the grill. A terrible food and service experience for a four dollar sign restaurant.
(1)
Joann B.
Favorite: The filet mignon (served med-rare) and foie gras was soooo good! They were both tender, juicy - a great pairing. Also, the 2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the best. Our dinner here was very nice, relaxed - a great way to ring in the New Year. The service was near perfect. The prix fixed dinner offered a decent variety, but really, I was there for the foie gras and it didn't disappoint. My husband enjoyed all of it, to include tuna appetizer and veal chop. The butterscotch pot de creme was tasty too - I liked it a lot better than the chocolate trio.
(4)
Dana Z.
Food snobs man! Food snobs! I read some of the other reviews about "wah wah what a waste I'd rather go to Minibar or Cityzen wah" Please, the fact that you're comparing it to those places (and I've been to both) it can't be THAT bad. Maybe just take it for what it's worth. It's not Cityzen and it's not Komi or Minibar... it's 2941. I'll show you snob. I went here for dinner on a Monday. Yes, a Monday. Not Valentines, not a birthday or an anniversary or restaurant week. Just a Monday. And I wore $800 shoes. It was good. I'd go back.
(5)
Brian C.
Want to have your WEDDING here? You must be out of your mind. There's nothing good to be said about this establishment, especially with the lack of professionalism and courtesy from management, and the lack of experience from the employees. I was filming a wedding at this venue and there was an incident in which a server dropped an entire tray of drinks on my assistant and our equipment. Yes, an ENTIRE TRAY of drinks, and they did NOTHING to help remedy the situation, causing my shoot of the bride and groom to be compromised. WAKE UP, 2941: It's a couple's WEDDING DAY and they paid top-dollar to have their ONCE IN A LIFETIME moments captured. When this happens, YOU fix YOUR mistakes or everyone suffers consequences. The management saw this happen and saw us scrambling to get our equipment back up and running to get our shots, but they just turned around to set up tables for dinner that weren't even related to the wedding. After this incident, I paid more attention to the staff, and I watched them constantly trip over each other with many bumps and near-misses which could've resulted in more dropped glasses and plates (full glasses and plates of food, that is). I filed a report with management, and, not surprisingly, they were apathetic about the situation, won't be covering their damages, and didn't even have it in them to issue me an apology. I'll take this in stride as a lesson learned, but my lesson for you is to pass on this venue as a host for any events. They don't care about you -- they're only looking out for themselves. 2941 is a dishonest business that I would avoid at all costs.
(1)
Mary N.
Definitely my favorite restaurant in the DC metro area. They offer complimentary valet parking, have a nice bar area (in case you are meeting friends that are running late) and the food is superb. My friends tried the steak tartare and could not stop raving about it. I tried a shrimp appetizer and some calamari which was cooked perfectly. Since it was my birthday, we had champagne and wine, both suggested by the sommelier and they were wonderful. Entrees included the ribeye steak, duck and chicken which everyone loved. The portions are not too big and not too small. Save room for the amazing desserts. This is a great place for a business dinner, special celebration or when you are in the mood for a fabulous meal. They also have private rooms available for groups overlooking their koi pond. Definitely 5 stars - would give it 10 if I could.
(5)
kat c.
Live minutes away and are foodies, but have only been once. While external landscape is gorgeous, internal decor is slightly strained. Service was snooty to a degree by no means merited by the mediocre and over-priced cocktails, wine, and food.
(2)
Bryony B.
I love 2941 - its upscale and beautiful. The tasting menu is the best so that you can try more (its like $75 a person but worth it if you can afford it) things. I don't think I've tried something there I didn't like - including their drinks. The bar area is even nice. They also have weddings there and for good reason - there is an outside area where they usually have the ceremony - its against a backdrop of waterfalls with colorful koi and nature. The inside is classy too - if you get the chance check out the waterfall room in the back of the restaurant used for receptions and stuff.
(5)
Heather J.
This place is very impressive. We went here last night for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was worried about finding the restaurant, as it's tucked away on a side street, in an office building. But there are signs along the road as you get close, guiding you to the location, and I was able to find it without any trouble. Valet parking is free and the valets are friendly and courteous. Despite being in an office building, the actual restaurant is very pretty. There's a koi pond alongside the walkway into the restaurant, and the space features huge windows overlooking a lake. It's really a great space. I have very few complaints about 2941, but here's one. I had made a 7:15 reservation. I arrived right on time, but they didn't have a table available, so I had to wait for a while. I'm being a little nitpicky here, but at a restaurant of this quality, I expect the best in every way. When we were seated, our water glasses were filled right away and our waiter came over to introduce himself. Soon after that, a bread basket arrived with soft, sweet butter. A huge pet peeve of mine is when restaurants serve cold butter that tears the bread apart when you try to spread it, so I was happy to be served nice, soft butter here. It's the little things! For our appetizers, we got the bocconcini mozzarella and the frisee salad. The mozzarella was served over a pomegranate-tomato coulis and grilled asparagus, and topped with a crostini. It was tasty and I enjoyed it, but I don't think the flavor was particularly unique or special. The salad was excellent. It was served with smoked mushrooms, roasted asparagus, and a poached egg. The combination of ingredients was great, and I loved the smoked mushrooms. For our entrees we got the ribeye and the salmon. The salmon was delicious - cooked perfectly and not at all fishy. The skin was crispy and the seasoning was subtle but still added depth of flavor to the fish. The ribeye was tender and had great flavor. It was served with delicious, creamy mashed fingerling potatoes and a little pot of french fries. The fries were good, but again, not special. The dish would have benefited from something green on the plate, such as green beans or Brussels sprouts. It was also served with bearnaise sauce and a beef jus. Both sauces were great, but I liked the beef jus the best. For dessert we got the chocolate pain perdu. It was good, but not outstanding. The edges were a little dry, but the flavor was good. As we were finishing the pain perdu, we were surprised with a complimentary plate of two little beignets. Now, those were outstanding. I wish we could have ordered those for our dessert! The service at 2941 is fantastic. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and helpful. He explained all the dishes very well and came to the table after each dish was delivered to make sure everything was ok. I would definitely return to 2941 for a special occasion.
(4)
Darren N.
Restaurant Week 2013 Review ... Lobster Paella Soup: In my opinion, this shouldn't have qualified as a paella, it was more of a lobster bisque. It was good though, just wasn't paella. Be sure to have some spare bread to get all the soup in the bowl. Duck Trio: The leg confit was very tender and fell off the bone. The sausage was tasty but could have been mistaken for some other meat than duck. The breast meat was just alright, the skin and fat above the meat was a bit too chewy. Additionally, the beans that were served in the dish were so overpowering in flavor I couldn't really taste that it was prepared Perigourdine. I eat a lot of duck, and I would have to say I much rather prefer it prepared as Peking Duck because they make the skin so crispy you won't have a chewy texture issue from the skin and fat. Creamsicle Vacherin: My favorite dish of the night, it was light, refreshing, and had excellent complementing flavors and textures. There was the firm Grand Marnier ice cream, crisp meringue sticks, somewhat frozen sorbet found within the ice cream, and creme fraiche topping it all off. Restaurant Week 2012 Review ... Beef Tartare: The best of all the dishes I have tried here. Raw beef should be of excellent quality, and prepared very carefully, this dish had both. Grilled Pork Loin: The peach marmalade that accompanied the pork was different, not to say I didn't enjoy it, it was just something my palate wasn't used to. The polenta that accompanied it on the other hand was something I was more used to. Chocolate Napoleon: A bit too rich to end my meal, I would have probably enjoyed just a couple scoops of the blueberry sorbet that came with it. The service was good aside from the bartender who took 10 minutes to acknowledge us and then scoffed when I asked for a drink that wasn't on the current drink menu but was on there before. The restaurant itself is very open with high ceilings, they just have an unusual selection of bright color paintings which I don't really get.
(4)
Camey S.
Delicious Modern French cuisine that's approachable and memorable. Chef Bertrand Chemel created a wonderful meal for my friend and I having a girls night. The atmosphere is beautiful with y'all ceilings, huge glass windows showing expansive views and eye-catching decor. With complimentary valet, coat check, and a lovely staff. Our waiter Julio was attentive and friendly. We knew we wanted a sweet wine, and he picked out a gorgeous Rose Moscato called "Bigaro" from Italy and we absolutely loved it. We sat down for a meal, and I expected good food, but with each bite I knew this food was so much more. They brought out breads and butter to start. We added on the crispy calamari, a small bites plate and were pleased to devour these lightly breaded treats. Both dipping sauces were yummy, an aioli and a classic tomato. For entrees we ordered crescent duck breast and the crusted venison loin with a side of fricassee of mushrooms. Both were spot on. Succulent meats and flavorful glazes. The best is saved for last. This is a restaurant with a French chef after all, and for dessert they have a special menu they refer to as "never say never." For this, I recommend the Caramelia Entremet. This decadence is truly the sweet treat to end the meal. Salted caramel brownie bottom, with a thick milk chocolate caramel mousse layer on top, with orange zest and dark chocolate spots. Split this and enjoy!
(5)
Celina C.
2941 has always been on my list of bougie restaurants to try, & bougie it was! I came here for dinner with my two best friends the night before New Year's Eve and our dinner was impeccable. The service was excellent as our waiter was very attentive and although I couldn't understand his European sounding name, nor could I figure out where he was from (Ukraine & Turkey were our main guesses), he was very good to us. We ordered the Calamari as an appetizer & I've never seen them cut in strips like that. They were crunchy, cripsy, zesty, and just all around delicious. Whenever I see calamari as an appetizer on a menu, I usually order it 90% of the time. That's the only way I'll eat squid, and coming from a Filipino that's shameful but oh well. We like things fried too, so it makes up for it haha. My entree was the Lamb Orecchiette. I love pasta and these noodles were perfect. I'm kissing my fingers & inwardly saying Belisimo in my best Chef Boyardee voice. The lamb itself was so tender accompanied by the creaminess of the ricotta sauce. It's a definite must have. I paired my lamb with a glass of Malbec, which was a good classy choice on my part if I do say so myself. For dessert we ordered the Hazelnut Pana Cotta & the Caramelia Entremet. We had no idea what Entremet meant, we just saw "salted caramel brownie" and we were sold. Also, my friend knew one of the waiters and she was kind enough to throw in a glass of a dessert wine for the 3 of us that was apparently best with chocolate desserts - great gesture but it sort of tasted like Robitussin..She also gave us a plate of the donuts which had a nice lemon zest to it. I also love how the desserts are listed under "Never Say Never" and I would never say never to dessert ever. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and despite it being a fancy shmancy place (I thought I saw London Fletcher at a nearby table & almost freaked out), the atmosphere is totally relaxed. It's great for a family gathering, an awesome date spot, or just catching up with your two best friends over loud obnoxious conversation. I suggest you check it out since Restaurant Week is quickly approaching!
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch get together or a fancy dinner, 2941 can suit your needs. I've been here numerous times for happy hour, and the deals are always great! $5 sangria is nice, and the beer options are good too. The complimentary truffle popcorn is always sinfully delicious. I came here for lunch this week. The man who seated us took our coats and always had a smile on his face. Our waiter was personable too; we had easy conversations with him throughout our meal. At the end of the meal though, he was talking to other patrons which delayed our meal's end. Mushroom tartine - always delicious! There are three slices, so you can share this one. The ricotta cheese is so good with the mushrooms, and the bread is tasty. Fall salad - very interesting combination of greens and caramel popcorn and apples. I liked it! As long as each bite had every ingredient, you were in for a treat. The crunch and sweetness of the popcorn added dimension to this otherwise bland salad. Butternut squash soup - I would order this again in a heartbeat! The flavors were so tasty together. You could taste the lemongrass, but it wasn't overpowering. This was a hit. Chicken Scallopini - the portion was very large for lunch - three flattened chicken slabs covered in a citrus-caper topping with creamy and buttery polenta and a small side of spinach. The citrus-caper topping was very good because it added tang (grapefruit). This was a good lunch option. Veggie ravioli - I really liked this one because it wasn't overpowered by cheese. You could actually taste the herbs inside the ravioli! And it didn't taste frozen. Rockfish - they ran out of sea bass, so the rockfish was used instead. It was a thick white fish, and it was prepared well. It was just slightly bland. Citrus doughnuts - always delicious! Bottom line: I like this restaurant for happy hour. The food items can get unnecessarily pricey (burgers), but some items have great innovation. I'll be back!
(4)
B J.
We recently went to celebrate my wife's birthday. I could go either way with 2941. I would have given it 3.5 stars if that were possible. Location: The decor and atmosphere are pretty cool. The ceilings are high and the view of the adjacent lake is nice. There is a koi pond with a waterfall. Strange art on the wall. The artist was definitely inspired by the video for "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." Food: Great plating, ok taste. My wife loved her lemon cavatelli and my tiger shrimp was ok. The salads were so-so. I think the meals looked a lot better than they tasted. I just don't think it's worth the price tag. I've had better meals for less at other fine dining establishments in the area. All that said, the food was decent. Just expect to pay more than it's worth. Service: Our service was pretty good. However, it took them almost an hour to receive our main course after ordering. The waiter told us there was a problem with one of the courses, and that it was taking a bit longer than usual. To his credit, he offered me a half-beer (apparently those exist) to compensate. And, they brought my wife a cool complementary dessert for her birthday, which was nice. Overall, I'd recommend at least one trip there for the overall experience.
(3)
Jehan E.
I'm not sure why this place get such great reviews the food is super salty (I got the crab risotto and my friend got the chicken) and the table bread does not taste fresh. The beef tarte was decent. The desserts were amazing so that's whythis place gets 3 stars.The ambiance is nice and service was good but not worth the price tag. Definitely not a do over.
(2)
Roberta G.
I was at the restaurant which is one of my favorite last night for a dinner meeting. As always the venue and the artwork are lovely and the service is excellent. The bread and appetizers we had overall very good they consisted of a ceviche, stuffed peppers and tuna tartare. My biggest disappointment in the reason for the three stars is that there was a fillet mignon on the menu that I ordered medium rare but the restaurant stated that they would only bring it out medium which was a disservice to that cut of meat. It was tasty but came out dry. This is the first time I have gone to a restaurant be it for dinner or a business meeting where that cut of meat could not be served medium rare. Also given the fact that we were a small group the request for medium rare could've been honored easily. Despite my trying to really like this restaurant the same way o had on the past the change in the couple of years to the menu have been disappointing at times.
(3)
Roger W.
Great atmosphere and amazing food. Beautiful interior with tall glass windows provide a great setting. You can tell the quality of the chefs by the intricate touches on each and every plate. Great place for a special occasion and will be a repeat visitor.
(4)
Toni B.
Went for thanksgiving dinner. First timers. The place was very busy. Seated next to the window. Very drafty. Hubby had to eat with his coat on. Food was good. We ordered different items so we could share.food was good. Service was ok. Nothing out of the ordinary. Unsure if we will return.
(3)
Ningxi X.
Came here yesterday for my friend's wedding. The outside area is great (when the weather's nice). There are fountains in the lake (?). They're only open for private events on Sundays. Finding the place may be a bit confusing as it's in the same complex as General Dynamics. And no way to get there without a car, of course. We had lobster salad to start off. Very generous portions of lobster. Didn't like the parsnip puree as it was too sweet and didn't go well with the lobster. Steamed sea bass for entree. One chunk of bass on top of a piece of sticky rice with mushrooms. Bass was too mushy. Red velvet cake for dessert -- decent. The hors d'oeuvres seemed to be more impressive than our actual meal. The shrimp kabob was excellent, and so were the tuna tartares, though I wish they were warm and maybe bigger. Mac and cheese sticks -- interesting to say the least. Apparently there's a garage which I didn't know about, so I had a valet park my car. Overall a nice location for special occasions; the only thing is that perennial dilemma you have to deal with when going to suburbia -- have to hold the drinks because you have to drive back.
(4)
Abbey J.
Came here for RW lunch and had a great experience! Great service, great food, great space!
(5)
Kim L.
We were excited to try a fine dining experience closer to home. We were very disappointed. Our cocktails before dinner were very good. However, the success stopped there. Our server was very nice, but not particularly attentive. The food was not prepared well. The calamari was tasty, but was heavy after a few bites. The octopus app was not good. Octopus was cooked well, but the flavors of the dish were off putting. The pastas were uninspired and the lobster was overcooked. We had the beef and duck entrees. The duck was overcooked and the dish was lacking overall. The beef was marginal. We decided to skip dessert since the whole meal left much to be desired. We opted for ice cream at home. And the music was distracting. It was like being at a wedding reception playing all the funk dance classics. Needless to say, we will not be going back.
(2)
First C.
We went here Friday before Valentine's Day. They had a prefixe menu only for the whole weekend and the regular a la carte menu was not available. This was our first time dining here and decided to try it since it was on Washingtonian's top rated restaurants. I had the tuna tartare and chilean sea bass. My husband had the lobster ravioli and filet mignon, and we got the chocolate lover dessert for 2. The tuna tartare was decent. It had the tuna, mayo, avocado, very thin slice (or 2) of jalapeno with garnish on top. It was overall bland with spice, but I'm a fan of sushi and raw fish so it was good on my list. The lobster ravioli was chunks of lobster wrapped in pasta with bland coral sauce. The sea bass was also bland with beans and garnish with some froth. There was just no flavor at all. I'm not a fan of over salting or anything and usually find most foods on the salty side, but the dishes are pretty much tasteless. What I got out of dining here was the nice textures of the food as everything was cooked pretty well, but with zero flavor inspiration. I can't judge the filet because I don't eat red meat, but my husband seemed to like it. The dessert was just 2 different tear drop shape pieces put together to make a heart shape. The chocolate portion was very rich in chocolate which for chocolate lovers like my husband would love. The white portion was a fluffy vanilla cream with a small portion of what tasted like praline on the bottom. I'm certainly not impressed with the restaurant. I don't know if it's because of the restricted menu with it being Valentine's Day weekend or they are just bland in general. We decided we will give this place another shot and hopefully it will be delicious and flavorful the second time around. Once we do I will give an updated review!
(2)
Cathy B.
We went for restaurant week and were limited to that menu. I wanted to get the restaurant week courses AND do add ons from the regular menu, but was told I couldn't because they're only serving the RW menu till the end of the month. All I wanted was fancy french fries, so no big deal but it was still a bit of a surprise to hear "no". I got the salmon tartare--AMAZING. Grilled pork loin--tough, chewy, not good. Peaches and cream--changed my life. SO GOOD! I wanted a sweet cocktail so I got the Misfit Toy--vodka, oj, rose moscato. Sweet and strong. The service is great. Our waiter was really fun and silly, and the guy who bussed our table was really attentive. We could only get a 8/21, 8:45pm reservation so it was too dark to see the water gardens clearly, but from what I could see--huge koi. It was great listening to the water. Very calming. Can't wait to go back! Complimentary valet.
(3)
James P.
This is the my first review and I felt the need to join Yelp specifically to rate this restaurant. I was part of a wedding party that had their rehearsal dinner at 2941 Restaurant two weeks ago and I must say that this was the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. Our party rented out the private dining area in the back for this occasion and the night started out well. We were with a jovial group of ~20 people. During the first half of our dinner, things went as usual and the food was decent (not spectacular). The server did a good job and did his best to accommodate a 20+ person party by himself. The disaster started when we were served our main course. The majority of us had ordered the steaks, two of which, including mine, were very overcooked. We ordered medium rare, we received well-done. We brought this to the attention of our server who promptly said that he would "talk to his manager". We agreed and waited. And waited. We waited twenty-five minutes (or more, no kidding) before a new plate was brought out for us. The worst part is that nobody came to talk us at all. They never came to see what the issue was or anything... If we had known that we had to wait that long for new food, we would have just eaten the overcooked steak because we didn't want to cause any hiccups at the dinner rehearsal. We even asked our server where our manager was and he told us that he was busy and they had also run out of steaks because they specifically purchased enough steaks for this party (but three people didn't show up and we had a choice of steak, fish, or vegan). It was an obvious lie. Even then, which was about 12-15 minutes into waiting, the manager never showed up to speak to us and the server was visibly awkward by this time. After twenty-five minutes or so, everyone had finished their main course and was served their desserts. Shortly after, our two new steaks arrived which made the whole situation uncomfortable. Myself (the best man) and another groomsmen were biting into our first taste of steak while everyone else was finishing their dessert. It went downhill from here. After a few minutes, the manager FINALLY shows up and acts as if nothing happened or was wrong at ALL. He gave us this generic and regurgitated response of, "How is everything? Is everything great? etc." We kindly asked what took him so long to talk to us? He had NO answer. You could tell that he was making things up as he went along and went for a response that ultimately blamed the cooks for the long wait. The worst part is that he wasn't owning up to the problem and he wouldn't answer the question we asked him - "what took you so long to come and talk to us?". It was complete BS and completely unprofessional. He literally looked dumbfounded by my simple question. I honestly cannot believe 2941 had hired this person as a manager. He was horrible... hands down the worst service I've ever received and this includes every McDonalds and hole-in-the-wall restaurant that I've ever been to. I'm really sorry that this was my experience at this restaurant as I was looking forward to this event. I would not recommend this restaurant for any formal venues accommodating 6 or more people. Side note for anyone wondering: At the end of the day, they charged us in full and our party ended up paying ~$2,800 for the evening.
(1)
Christine K.
Tried their fixed menu lunch twice during Restaurant Week. The food was very good & portions were perfect. Looks like it'd be a beautiful place in the summer with the outdoor lake/falls & scenery. Will have to come back then.
(4)
Veggie L.
It's a restaurant sitting in an office building away from busy streets. The moment I was in I felt like in a hotel restaurant. We went in for father's day dinner. Everything we ordered were delicious, from appetizers to main courses. then adding wines and cocktails, our bill easily added up to almost $200 for only 2 adults and one kid. This is quite pricy, even though I love the food a lot, we will come back but only for special occasions. Their waiters/waitresses do not seem "well" (or "overly", depend on how you look at it) trained, they are quite relaxed and polite. They did not frequent our table unnecessarily, which I liked. In addition, I saw several kids, none is small kid. Overall it is very quiet. I'm sure they welcome kids. Just perhaps when kids make big noise some may raise eyebrows.
(5)
Rey C.
We had our High School reunion Dinner here and I was very impressed with the location and the taste of the food. It is ok to pay for an expensive price as long as it comes with an excellent quality of service and good food. It was a gastronomic experience with our group from appetizer to dessert. I was pretty suprised with the taste of the beef and tuna tartare, it was pretty tasty and adveturous, with the hint of white truffle oil . Main course, I had the duck's breast, cooked medium rare and it was served beatifully and was very tasty. Overall, I had a pleasant experience and definitely I should be coming back to this restaurant when I visit Virginia.
(4)
Han V.
This is one of my favorite modern French restaurants. Their brunch was amazing and dinner here was fantastic. Lunch, however, was only so-so. ---Brunch--- So they no longer offer brunch here which is a HUGE bummer. They used to offer a prix fixe menu for brunch and I really loved coming during this time because the restaurant was more serene. Even though the service is great at all times, it was fantastic during brunch since the servers only had a few tables to tend to. Their food was also well executed. They also have to bring back their olive bread which was a personal favorite of mine. I really hope they bring brunch back in the near future. ---Lunch--- I brought a friend here for lunch after raving about their food but we were both so disappointed with the meal and I was so embarrassed! I thought that the food was pretty generic and nothing really impressed, especially for the price you are paying. Service was great as always and I just couldn't bring myself to complain about the food. If lunch wasn't so blase, 2941 would have gotten a better overall rating from me. Food: 2.5 Value: 2 Service: 5 ---Dinner--- I think going dinner here is appropriate for any special occasion. There aren't many other restaurants in the area that can even compare to their waitstaff and the quality and presentation of their food. Service is impeccable during dinner time and it just really makes the whole experience special. The only downside to eating dinner here is that you won't be able to enjoy the scenic views. Food: 5 Value: 5 Service: 5 Overall: 4
(4)
Mirela T.
This place is certainly top of the line. I've been here several times for dinner that were for different special occasions, and have not been disappointed. The ambiance of this place is perfect. Modern and very classy. Large windows for lots of light, and it overlooks a small pond. I personally think that it is stunningly decorated. I think this place is perfect for special occasions as it is a bit pricey. Whether it is a birthday or anniversary it is worth the price. The food was also delicious, it is typical to get a 3-course meal, with an appetizer, entree and dessert. The dishes i had were always perfectly cooked and the plate display was nicely done. I'd recommend you check this place out. Slightly hidden, but worth getting lost for ;)
(5)
Christian B.
"Gorgeous views, amazing interior, matched by amazing food" Food: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Parking: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 2941 is truly a treat, from the professional French chef-inspired menu to the beautiful interior, unique cocktails, and fish ponds outside, this is a perfect restaurant for a nice occasion, date, or event. Food here is definitely fine dining so expect small portions packed with amazing flavors brought out by fresh herbs and oils as opposed to corporate pre-mixed "seasonings" or mixes. This is certainly not the place to go if you're looking for fried chicken and French fries, you come here for beef tare tare or smoked duck breast. The cocktails are all completely unique and amazing - from herbal cocktails like lavender-based or basil-based beverages, all the way to the "official" recipe for 007's shaken but not stirred martini which is quite powerful but tasty nonetheless. Service here is alright. If the same service were given at a casual restaurant, it'd be considered great but this is fine dining and I haven't seen that extra bit of luxury shine through with the server's presentations yet. To run a restaurant of this caliber, the staff will need to really take it up a notch but that's ok for now as the food is spectacular and the ambiance of both the interior and exterior is unparalleled by anything else around. Parking is great because its 100% valet so there's nothing to worry about when arriving except perhaps falling into the coy ponds or waterfalls outside, enjoy!
(5)
Jacob T.
Every time is an experience! The setting is wonderful on a man made lake. The place feels open and the food is just superb. The date night tasting menu is great. My favorite has been duck or steak. Everybody just wants to help and make the experience more pleasant. Great place for special occasions or just a treat to yourself. Had one of my birthday dinners there. They even went out of their way to get a large Birthday balloon.
(5)
Sandi M.
I have such great memorise at this restaurant , my partner decided to pop the "will you marry me ?" At this restaurant .Very classy and elegantly designed , the water front was amazing as they had Khoi fish swimming in them instead if just normal fishes...I must admit he chose a great restaurant. Staff was nice and recommended dishes for us to try and it turned out great , both my partner and I loved what we ordered . Food was cooked perfectly ..!! Would definitely come back to dine again...
(4)
Lily H.
My sister spoke highly of 2941 so my fiance and I decided to give it a try. Maybe it was a mistake to go during RR but I did not enjoy my food. For the appetizer, I got the tomato gazpacho with poached shrimp which was super chunky - I felt like I was eating salsa without the chips. For my entree, I had the rockfish atop overcooked quinoa with an excess amount of lemony sauce that turned my quinoa nearly into porridge. Lastly, for dessert I had the lemon fritters, which was good, but not good enough to make up for the rest of my meal. I did enjoy my glass of wine though. I admit the restaurant is beautiful with large glass windows and gorgeous views, but that didn't cut it for me. Despite the good service, I don't think the food was worth it, even for RR week.
(2)
Jason C.
Before anyone cries foul at my ratings please realize that the head chef passed away last august. articles.washingtonpost.… As great as things may have been in the past, it does not apply anymore. The menu items have changed to simpler dishes. Dishes are no longer visually appealing and do not taste anything remotely similar to what many reviewers have written about in the past. This is what I ordered: Small Bite: American Wagyu Steak Tartare basil-mint aioli, Parmesan cheese, arugula Appetizer: Tuna Tartare Grand Marnier dressing, avocado, fried shallot Entrees: Smoked Duck Breast zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, charred scallion vinaigrette Spiced Skuna Bay Salmon orange-carrot glaze, shaved fennel, dried gooseberry, turmeric sauce Overall problem: Bland and boring. The food was not seasoned at all (or minimally to a point where I couldn't taste it). This must have been the first time in about 400 restaurant visits that I asked for salt and pepper. At most restaurants I visit, I would usually complain that the food is salty but not vice versa. If I were to buy the raw ingredients and slap them together to create a dish without looking at a receipe, that would be an equivalent of what I would find here. Considering that these dishes are expensive ($18 for tuna tartare, $30 somethingish for the duck, and $44 for a rib eye) I find the food at a terrible price point. Despite the great view and the great service, I cannot justify the price of the food here. Even after using a google offer to knock the bill down by about 1/2, I still wouldn't come here again if offered the same discount. This place has probably become a shell of what it was in the past. For those who want an accurate assessment of how the restaurant has transformed, I suggest you look at reviews from 9/2012 and on.
(2)
Mark N.
The calamari appetizer was very good, but $80 later, after a very soupy risotto, and a pasta dish that tasted like it came out of a can, we were not too pleased. The service was good, and the scenery was spectacular, but definitely not worth the price if you are there for the food.
This place is overpriced, pretentious and the food is mediocre and bland. I came here for Restaurant Week - February 2013 and had the following: Beef Tartare -Completely overwhelmed with dijon mustard and texture of tartare was too chewy Atlantic Salmon | quinoa, squash, salmoriglio sauce -Salmon was perfectly cooked but lacked any depth of flavor Grilled Pork Loin | blood orange, spicy scallion vinaigrette, spinach -A little overcooked and did not taste any blood orange or spicy scallion vinaigrette Creamsicle -Texture was like soaked styrofoam I really wanted to try to like this restaurant because the decor and presentation of food is so beautiful but the food is just so forgettable.
(2)
Saara Z.
Had a good Friday night dinner at 2941. We opted for the Friday "Date Night" Special tasting menu which featured five courses for $68 and supplemented it with a couple other items we also wanted to try. My favorites were the steak tartare, pumpkin soup, and lamb dish. There was a pappardelle dish that I thought was just average and the dessert - a pumpkin ice cream smore - was not worth more than a couple bites. The service for us started out pretty good but then the waitress became really distracted with a larger table she was attending to and kind of forgot about us, which was unfortunate.
(4)
He H.
Went there for gal's birthday during restaurant week. The waiters are nice but the food is average and make me wonder why they are so expensive.
Heard a lot of good things bout 2941 so was excited to finally try it for summer restaurant week. No doubt the gardens and surroundings are beautiful and it draws you in right away. The service was on point and super fast maybe cause it was restaurant week but everything came out so fast it kind of made me wonder how much of it was actually freshly made. No complaints though since I was so hungry haha. We got the crab salad and salmon tartare for our apps, the rack of lamb and braised chicken pasta for our entree, peaches and cream and chocolate cheesecake for dessert. The best thing was the tartare, soo good. The rest was good but I wasn't blown away like I thought I'd be considering the credentials of this restaurant. Maybe next time will have to try other dishes. Nonetheless good eats and lovely surroundings.
(3)
Pegah Y.
I took my fiance to 2941 to celebrate his 28th birthday recently (his third birthday that we are celebrating together, whoo hoo!). EXCELLENT FOOD! But service was pretty disappointing, and we were the ONLY people who were not seated near the window. Since this was a special occasion for my fiance's birthday, I made sure to make reservations well in advance. Despite getting reservations that far in advance, we were not seated near the windows, which have a lovely view of the lake, waterfalls, and outdoor greenery area. We were literally the only ones seated away from the windows... I was quite baffled. And it was a Tuesday night and the restaurant wasn't anywhere near full. When we asked them to seat us closer to the windows, they said they didn't have any tables available near the windows.. but they clearly did. I had initially wanted to give them 4 stars but the more I think about it, the more disappointed I am that the service was that rude and unaccommodating, especially since it was for my fiance's birthday and I made sure to reserve well in advance. Another thing is that we noticed that the waiters were very rude to the people who refilled our waters. That was not classy and was very disconcerting. Despite that, however, we both did enjoy the food! For appetizers, we ordered the crispy calimari (with chorizo aioli) and the tuna tartare (with grand marnier dressing, avocado, fried shallot, and basil oil). My fiance was in love with the calimari, so much so that he ordered another calimari appetizer to enjoy AFTER his entree! The tuna tartare was delicious and perfect with the avocado that accompanied it. For our entrees, my fiance ordered the soft shell crab, which came with summer squash, hon shimeji mushrooms, peardrop tomato, and smoked salmon cream. He really enjoyed his entree. For my entree, I ordered the Grilled Wild Halibut, which came with yellow corn, bacon, spring onion, and sauce choron. I thought it was tasty, though a little on the undercooked side. For dessert, we ordered: vanilla ice cream for me and baked alaska for my fiance. Both were good, but see my comment below: At the very end, they brought out a small marshmallow with a candle in it and a chocolate-drizzled "Happy Birthday" for my fiance. They also brought out 3 orange-flavored beignets. However, for most of the aftermath of our entrees, it did not seem like they were going to bring anything special for his birthday (despite them saying they would when I reserved). They brought everything out AFTER we had ordered dessert. I felt like that was underhanded, as though they wanted us to order dessert despite their free birthday dessert. Bottom line: Excellent food, but rude service. We were disappointed we did not get to enjoy the famous view during our meal. I would think twice about visiting again, only for that reason. I would prefer to go elsewhere where guests are treated with courtesy, in ADDITION to having excellent food. Oh, and random side note - this is my 1600th Yelp Review!
(3)
Lydia R.
*4.5 stars* I really enjoyed trying 2941 for lunch because I was working in the area. My colleagues and I were among a handful of the restaurant patrons, and we shared a server who was very nice and responsive. We had a beautiful view surrounding us the whole meal - of the nearby lake, some sculptures, and interesting art. For the food, we started with a basket of bread which was an exciting variety. I asked if I could have olive oil for my bread rather than the butter, and our waiter generously obliged. I ordered the grilled octopus salad for lunch, which was not what I was expecting! To be honest, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I noticed Ursula had landed on my plate, along with some leafy greens tossed with cut up peppers and olives and goat cheese. So I actually really enjoyed this salad, despite the intimidating tentacles on full display. I definitely got what I asked for with this order, and I even had some tentacle to take home with me. All in all, a great experience and I would love to return to try the more formal dinner!
(4)
Phi N.
This review is won't be the most accurate for their menu because I came here for a wedding. But I thought it was still worthy of a review. We started with a shrimp risotto-- there was way too much lemon on it. I had the steak main course, but I also tried my friend's seafood main course. The shrimp and scallops were humongous but the dish lacked salt or much taste at all. I'm glad I didn't choose that one, haha. The steak was pretty good and had the right amount of sodium. It came with mashed potatoes and bacon wrapped asparagus; great compliments to the steak! Finished off the wedding with a decent red velvet cake. I hear excellent things about their regular menu so maybe I'll have to return for that and give them a more fair review.
(3)
Kimberly K.
Came here awhile back and had a lovely dinning experience. They have complimentary valet, which is very nice. Upon entering the restaurant, I loved walking around and looking at the waterfall and koi fish. The building has high ceilings and it's spacious inside. I also like the big mirrors everywhere. Employees are kind and attentive. The restaurant is very clean and organized. It was so nice to see a wedding going on as we were eating. Complimentary bread is brought to the table. Everything we ordered was delicious and cooked to perfection. The only dish we thought that could have had more flavor is the Brioche Crusted Halibut. The Halibut was delicate and cooked perfectly, it just lacked flavor. Our favorite dish here would be the Crab Risotto. So smooth and creamy, topped off with chunks of fresh crab meat. Their crispy calamari had a light and airy batter. You still get that nice bite of the calamari inside. Delicious! Quality ingredients make me one happy camper.
(4)
Jennifer K.
I've been here many times for work events last 5 years, most of the times we are at the conference room on the main floor or downstairs boardroom if it's a bigger party. Service is top notch as expected and venue is great as well. Very well organized, everyone dressed well and clean, staff are friendly and knowledgable of their menu (I mean you think this is given but how many times have you gone to places where someone tells you "oh I'm not sure, let me ask and I'll be right back" like ten thousand times). I haven't tried all entrees but most including appetizers except for seafood items because I am allergic and everything I've tried were pretty good. Steak has been my favorite followed by pasta items.
(4)
Le L.
I always heard about this place but never really have the chance to try this place out. I came here on thursday night for a friend's birthday dinner. Parking was a little confusing at first since it was dark so I didn't see any signs said parking garage, but luckily a friend told me there is a complimentary valet parking (we just have to tips them at the end). So we turned left to the restaurant and got the valet parking. The restaurant itself is very nice, well decorated. At first it wasn't many people but later on around 6:30PM, the whole place got filled up, I guess the place is pretty good then. My husband and I ordered calamari and lobster lasagna to share (there are two prices $19 and $34, I believe is small and large portion, since we are sharing so we ordered. Came to our surprise, the portion is pretty small for the large size (i guess this is what they called fine dine). I actually like it a lot, especially the sauce, very creamy and I love it with the breads.
(4)
S A.
Food portion is tiny. Salmon, pasta nor lamb didn't have much flavor..i first thought it is just me but 3 of my friends didn't enjoy the food either. Only giving 1 star but nice ambiance of restaurant and artful interior..
(1)
Rich B.
This is one handsome space. I'll agree with another review (Lori M.) who described it as "not too stuffy upscale". Yes. You'll bring a fancy first date here. Or your parents. Or your spouse. Or business colleagues. The staff is formal enough but very friendly and warm. They've stuck a really nice balance here. Soaring space. Amazingly landscaped outside. Is it me, or does the menu tend to lean towards a bit hardier fare? Good stuff (I had duck if I recall).
(4)
Elina Y.
I am in love with this place! I love the floor to ceiling glass walls, the cute scenic view out of the window, the high ceilings--I just love everything about this place! Service was great and their food was equally as satisfying. Their grilled pork loin was just divine! Slightly salty that blended perfectly with the creamy barley side. Ughhh, it was just delicious! I saw a couple walking in for wedding arrangements. This place would serve to be the perfect romantic spot for photos and events. Highly recommend 2941.
(5)
Gina A.
We happened to come during restaurant week, so sometimes it's hard to judge the food during that time...not to say that it was bad in the least. We both cleared our plates completely haha. They had some very interesting dishes on the menu, including this delicious drunken watermelon appetizer with calamari and shrimp. With a few of their dishes I got to experience some new tastes and combinations of things I have never experienced before which was lovely. The grilled pork loin practically melted in my mouth and was over creamy polenta. Very creative desserts as well. If you're into unique combinations of food this is certainly a place to try. Atmosphere is beautiful, outside and in.
(4)
Jenny T.
Came here for restaurant week with my coworkers during lunch. I'll dive right into the food: I wasn't a huge fan of the bread. There were several kinds, but they were all kind of bitter. I'm a carb lover and I barely had one slice... Crispy Calamari | roasted peppers, cannellini beans, chorizo aioli - interesting combination of beans and calamari. Wasn't a huge fan of the batter on the calamaris, but it was cooked just right. Salmon à l'Oseille | sorrel sauce, scallion, baby carrot - the salmon was cooked well, but... I've never had sorrel sauce, not sure if it's always like that, but it was frothy and bubbly, which didn't make me feel comfortable... And my first bite was just way too oily for me. I've never had whole cooked scallion I don't think, not sure how I feel about it because it was a little difficult to chew and swallow. But I loved the baby carrots, they were so cute!! Chocolate-Coconut Layer Cake | cocoa-almond dacquoise, dark chocolate ganache, coconut mousse, lime cream - not as chocolaty as my coworkers and I had hoped. But it was good. The coconut mousse was nothing like I've had before, but I think the cake was just too much coconut for me, and the lime didn't gel very well with it in my opinion. Definitely not a chocolate lover's dessert, but it is for coconut lovers! Then we were talking about donuts being better than our dessert, and they randomly brought out complimentary lemon donuts! It was great! But.. They themselves were nothing to brag about. Maybe it's because I'm not a huge fan of citrus flavored desserts (besides sorbets). Overall, I didn't think the food was that great and serving sizes were tiny. Nor was service impeccable--(although granted they were very busy) we got there at 1:10 for a 1:30 reservation, but they still couldn't seat us until 1:23, so we were just standing around waiting for over 10 minutes. They took care to move the tables and chairs so that chairs were alternating in color though haha. Then when the check came, we asked the server if he took a maximum of separate cards, he bitterly responds, "unfortunately no." Well then.... This place is walking distance from my coworkers and I, but... I don't know that we'd come back too often.
(3)
J W R.
Took advantage of 2941s extended Restaurant Week and am so glad I did. Wow, what a beautiful place, with phenomenal fresh food, preferred perfectly and served with beauty. It is always an amazing experience to go to 2941 to have a memorable, high quality meal. Of note, the heirloom tomato salad was bursting with summer flavors, and the grilled rack of lamb was tender, moist and succulent. An exceptional wine list with several varieties from around the world. I also appreciate that 2941 is a place I can go and talk to my dinner companions and be heard without a raised voice. So great food, peaceful ambiance, an exceptional wine list and free parking - 2941 is always on my short list of great NoVa restaurants.
(5)
Ken L.
You really get what you pay for. It was expensive fine dining but it was also delightful. I personally ordered the filet and braised short ribs. They were SO good! The portion was indeed small but was so worth it. I also heard from my other friends that their food were also good, e.g. lobster ravioli, etc. I'll definitely be back to try other stuff as I understood that they change their menu every now and then.
(5)
Mike B.
Great place tucked away back in the woods, or so it seems. They have free valet parking, which you need to use cause there isn't really a lot next to the door. Once inside they have a nice bar with pretty decent drinks. When I was sitting at the bar I was looking at pictures of food on Yelp, but that was a bad idea because they change the menu every few months. So I sat down and was hoping for short ribs and they didn't have them. I did get a filet which was good, but not great. I asked for medium and it came out medium well. I am not really one to send stuff make and make it awkward at the table, so I ate it. It wasn't bad of course, it was still a filet, but for $42 it could have been cooked better. Overall I would have given the place a 5, but the steak was a bit of a disappointment. They did have great sides and desserts, so I will give it another shot in a few months once the menu changes again.
(4)
Yaka H.
2941 offers a date night tasting menu on Thursday and Friday nights. We opted to give it a go, since it seems like a great way to try a variety of dishes in one meal. Date night tasting menu consisted of: complimentary bread basket of three different kinds of breads, first course of butternut squash velvoute with desert apple compote, second course of chilean sea bass with lobster consomme, third course of wild boar ragu with pappadelle, fourth course of steak with red cabbage and pomme puree, and a dessert course of ricotta cheesecake with oat crumble, creme anglais, chantilly cream, and poached fruit. Afterwards, a complimentary snack of fried doughnut holes. Pretty plating and good flavors to wow your date. The steak course was probably our favorite. Succulent, flavorful steak and the cabbage was just on point. SX almost spit out his drink he was sipping when he saw the size of it (as a result, I forgot to take a picture of this course), but we both appreciated each bite. SX actually declared it as the best steak he has ever had. The sea bass dish definitely a close second favorite. Dessert had the perfect balance sweet and tart with creamy and crunchy textures. SX (notorious for avoiding this kind of dining establishment due to small portion sizes and small protein sizes), surprisingly felt okay after our meal. Though, he was on his phone looking for nearby late night kebab joints (he thought we were in Arlington... sigh). I was stuffed. The interior is really generic and the various artwork they have are confusing. Super bland interior similar to a catering hall, but this restaurant is located inside of a business building. So, if you go during winter dinner time, there's no way to see the outside greenery or little waterfall. I had a refreshing cocktail, recommended by our server that was bubbly and had grapefruit. Driving here was slightly confusing, only if you cannot read signs. We drove past the signs for the parking garage and had to U our way out of the security-gated parking lot at the end of the road.
(4)
Rick B.
Location: Near Capital Beltway, but a little difficult to find unless you use SatNav Style: Modern with lots of large windows looking out onto grounds and lake Ambiance: Pleasant Service: Very good, wait staff knowledgeable about menu and wine list Food. Excellent - varied, well presented, tasty Wines: Good selection, with enough variety on the by-the-glass list
(4)
Daniel T.
4.5 stars! Finally got to try this place during restaurant week after being on my hit list for quite some time. I love the ambiance. It is a very classy, sexy establishment! The entrance is a short driveway through a wooded area, resembling a driveway to a large house or mansion. There was complimentary valet = awesome. The restaurant is surrounded by a large koi fish pond, the interior has very very high ceilings and unique light fixtures as well as some old fashioned paintings. Great place for a special occasion. The food and service were both superb. I enjoyed the beef tartar and the sea bass risotto. In my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Northern VA - will definitely return.
(4)
Danni D.
Came for restaurant week and every dish was amazing! I highly suggest the chicken pappardelle and the salmon tartare. So flavorful and satisfying. Loved the dessert too and then they give complimentary caramel popcorn at the end. I can't wait to go back. Also I love the koi fish all around the restaurant. One of my new favorites. Worth the 30 min drive outside the city.
(5)
Karisa D.
*** Restaurant Week Review*** Ever since I read about 2941 in last year's Washingtonian's 100 Best Restaurants, I have wanted to go and try this place. We had tried unsuccessfully to get a weekend reservation at 2941 for the last two restaurant weeks, but it seems like third time's the charm. We were able to make reservation for 6:0pm on Saturday. Highly recommend reservations if you come to 2941 during the weekend. We drove up to an office building where the restaurant is located and used the free valet; lovely perk I think. We walked in, were immediately greeted and seated immediately. We were given the restaurant week menus, water, and fresh bread. We then looked over the menu and gave our orders. I ordered the tuna tartare, pappardelle, and coconut cake for dessert. We also ordered wine pairings to go with our entree. The food was wonderful. I know restaurant week menus can be hit or miss but 2941 was delicious. The tartare was flavorful and surprisingly filling. The pappardelle was well made, but the dessert was my favorite. I have heard their pastry chef is amazing and we were not disappointed. Our waiter also brought out the donut holes which was delicious and a perfect end to our meal. 2941 is beautiful inside. With it's high ceilings and big windows, you can tell they utilize their space well. I would imagine it capitalizes on the natural light they get from the windows during the day. Our service was fantastic too. Everyone worked together seamlessly to give us a wonderful dining experience. I would like to come back on a non restaurant week. I am sure the food would be just as delicious, if not more so.
(4)
Philip L.
I just had my birthday dinner here. I went a bit early for my reservation since I had nothing better to do. I sat at the bar and ordered the popcorn and the Sangria for the happy hour specials. I really love the popcorn here. It is only $3 and it is not really a dealbreaker if you don't manage to finish it. I heard the Calamari was delicious so I ordered it ($9 at the bar and $10 at the table), for my date. She loved it! She raved how soft the Calamari was and it was surprisingly not-chewy. The Sangria was heavier alcohol-wise than expected, which is always welcome. I really did enjoy it. In addition, the bartender was awesome. She was playful and treated my date really well. I truly give her my thanks. Now for the main course: I ordered a salad, which was nothing special. We also ordered oysters (3 from Canada and 3 from Florida). Apparently, they do taste differently. I wouldn't know. Either or, we also ordered the Wild Salmon Confit, Asparagus, and Shallots. The texture of the Salmon was incredibly soft. The fork could barely hold the salmon without it slipping out into the sauce. It was a delicious experience. The view was gorgeous, but it was a bit on the rainy side. I would prefer it to be dark at the restaurant to really enjoy the view, but I was tired and wanted to head home and rest. The waiter was prompt and was gracious to bring out a delicious dessert on the house with Happy birthday on the plate. The dessert was not overly-sweet which made it a good light after-dinner choice. I ordered the Top Hat, which was INCREDIBLY strong. I could not finish it because I am the driver so I only had a couple of sips. My date had the Gin and Tonic which was strong as well. One thing is certain is that this place does not skimp on the alcohol content for the price paid like some other establishments. Overall, the food was delicious and it is a date-spot. However, I prefer the bar area for happy hour more than the dining room experience. If I were to come here again, it would be for happy hour and that Sangria.
(4)
Preston B.
It's an ecological portrait to look at while dining. Location: The location is quite difficult to find and if you park in the garage, park on the second floor (that's the same floor as the restaurant). It's best to drive to the front of the restaurant and use valet parking. Food: Looks appealing, interesting, eccentric, and alluring. But the taste is plain. I had the Wester Ross Salmon Confit with mushroom risotto and potatoes. And Apple Galette for dessert. Service: Good service and polite. Ambience: Scenic. You are surrounded by windows with a view of the lake and woods. I recommend it for an occasion to impress your guest(s) with something different and luxurious. -"What if we only have tonight? What would you do then?" "That is a good line," she laughed-
(4)
Jamie K.
I was invited to my friend's birthday party on Sunday. The server did not offer any drink or bread until we asked for it. They were so rude. I can't believe this place is one of top restaurants in this area... Also their food is not really great and over priced. My friend asked for a lime and the server picked up the lime with his hand and dumped inside her glass.... We couldn't believe our eyes!!!!!!! My friend spent a lot of money for this birthday event and all the guest were not happy with their service.
(1)
Jane P.
Loved everything I tried! Everything was so tasty and service was great. Food came out real quick and the servers were attentive to our needs. For the appetizer I got the salmon tartare. This was so scrumptious-lol yes, this word describes this appetizer so perfectly. It had salmon on top of guacamole. It had jalapeños and crispy, thin potatoes on top of it and every bite made me smile! For the entree I tried the shrimp risotto and grilled pork loin. Both so good too! The shrimp risotto tasted slightly citrusy and sweet. The grilled pork loin was filled with flavors! It had a delicious sweet sauce and the crispy pork was topped with a slaw. Every bite was so yummy! The best part-dessert was sooooooo good and worth it! I tried the lemon fritter and peach melba. The lemon fritter were donuts in the shape of a ball and they were coated with sugar. They were really soft and fluffy in the middle. It came with cold ice cream and fruits on top. I really liked the pieces of sweetened orange peel. The peach melba had sweetened peaches on the side and a scoop on ice cream. It was all layered on a chewy cookie. Very good!
(5)
Linda P.
2015 DC 3 course restaurant week menu was good. Ordered the sea bass with risotto. Sea bass was cooked nicely and felt like I was almost eating a scallop. Beef tartare was good but wished egg on top was not cooked through so much. Lemon meringue for dessert was very tart - more of a good palate cleanser than a dessert. Had higher expectations though. Wasn't amazed enough to consider coming back again to pay full $$$. Decor was modern. Service was good. Happy I tried it once to see what the hype was.
(4)
Iori M.
Great atmosphere. Not too stuffy upscale, not too modern. Waiting staff was pleasure to talk to. Food choices vary, but most of the items we tried were pretty good. A bit pricey, but I think it's a good choice for a date/night out.
(4)
art f.
Another restaurant week visit - still a great value. I love the spaciousness and airiness. The art work is fanciful but it doesn't work well for me. Our cocktails were excellent - in particular, try the perhaps unfortunately named "Gunslinger" is a great concoction of bourbon, sour mix, bitters, and heat that blends exceptionally well. We both started with the beef tartare and then went to a black rice (venere) with sea bass and a tagliatelle with chicken. Both were good winter comfort foods but the venere rice dish was superb - dense, creamy rice with a generous portion of simply delicious sea bass. Desserts are very interesting and not overly rich. All in all, a very good restaurant week experience.
(4)
Lori A.
Tried this restaurant for restaurant week. Made a reservation, arrived on time and didn't have to wait at all. The venue is really cool, not your traditional restaurant setting when thinking of a fancy shmancy restaurant. The artwork is odd but definitely works with the space. I can imagine this place being really pretty in the spring and fall. Food wise I ordered the winter salad and my other dining mates ordered the calamari. They ate the calamari within seconds it was so delicious! My salad was also very good and refreshing, the popcorn gave it an interesting taste and texture. My boyfriend ordered the pasta and he wasn't really impressed. Something was missing with the sauce, it was pretty bland. I ordered the Atlantic salmon and omg!!! YUM!! The Brussel sprouts and the butternut squash sauce were an excellent combination. My other friends ordered the sea bass with risotto and it was not very aesthetically appealing. The sea bass itself was really good however the risotto was very bland and salty and also resembled retried black beans. The dessert was ok, nothing to write home about. I'd love to come here on a regular night and try their normal menu. Definitely a cool place to dine in!
I love 2941. My first experience with the restaurant was for my engagement party in November 2012. The private room is beautiful. They give you a lot of room to create a beautiful experience. We had 50 people and a band. The view of the water fall and the pond is quite lovely. Since then I have consistently dined at the restaurant. Their bartenders and servers are knowledgeable. The menu is well put together, plating and consistency is top notch. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion with a large party or just you and your beau.
(5)
Merry M.
Great service, nice ambiance and good food. Came here on Christmas Eve and was offered the 4 course prix fixe Christmas Eve menu. For apps, we got the foie gras-not the best I've had, but also not the worst, scallops and lobster in lobster bisque served in a pastry biscuit-so delicious! Then they served a light cheese filled ravioli that was also delicious. For entrees, my bf got the pan seared turbot, which was mediocre and I got the filet mignon which was the highlight of dinner! It was cooked and seasoned perfectly-like butter! For dessert, we got the chocolate biscuit and pineapple upside down cake. Both were good, but not spectacular. I definitely want to come back and try their regular menu. The prix fixe menu didn't wow us but we wanted to order different items to try. It was a miss with the turbot but overall a great dining experience. The table we sat at seemed un-stable and the chairs were a bit wobbly. They did however offer complimentary valet parking and coat check which was nice.
(4)
Bryan D.
My wife and I started with the ceviche and the barley risotto. Both were amazing but the ceviche really shined. Perfect taste without any fishyness. Next was the spaghetti Nero and the asparagus ravioli with the onion gratin side. Decent portions prepared perfectly. We were very full afterwards and our bill was under $100. That includes 2 glasses of wine as well. Highly recommend checking this place out.
(5)
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Address :2941 Fairview Park Dr
Falls Church, VA, 22042
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jane P.
Loved everything I tried! Everything was so tasty and service was great. Food came out real quick and the servers were attentive to our needs. For the appetizer I got the salmon tartare. This was so scrumptious-lol yes, this word describes this appetizer so perfectly. It had salmon on top of guacamole. It had jalapeños and crispy, thin potatoes on top of it and every bite made me smile! For the entree I tried the shrimp risotto and grilled pork loin. Both so good too! The shrimp risotto tasted slightly citrusy and sweet. The grilled pork loin was filled with flavors! It had a delicious sweet sauce and the crispy pork was topped with a slaw. Every bite was so yummy! The best part-dessert was sooooooo good and worth it! I tried the lemon fritter and peach melba. The lemon fritter were donuts in the shape of a ball and they were coated with sugar. They were really soft and fluffy in the middle. It came with cold ice cream and fruits on top. I really liked the pieces of sweetened orange peel. The peach melba had sweetened peaches on the side and a scoop on ice cream. It was all layered on a chewy cookie. Very good!
(5)Linda P.
2015 DC 3 course restaurant week menu was good. Ordered the sea bass with risotto. Sea bass was cooked nicely and felt like I was almost eating a scallop. Beef tartare was good but wished egg on top was not cooked through so much. Lemon meringue for dessert was very tart - more of a good palate cleanser than a dessert. Had higher expectations though. Wasn't amazed enough to consider coming back again to pay full $$$. Decor was modern. Service was good. Happy I tried it once to see what the hype was.
(4)Iori M.
Great atmosphere. Not too stuffy upscale, not too modern. Waiting staff was pleasure to talk to. Food choices vary, but most of the items we tried were pretty good. A bit pricey, but I think it's a good choice for a date/night out.
(4)art f.
Another restaurant week visit - still a great value. I love the spaciousness and airiness. The art work is fanciful but it doesn't work well for me. Our cocktails were excellent - in particular, try the perhaps unfortunately named "Gunslinger" is a great concoction of bourbon, sour mix, bitters, and heat that blends exceptionally well. We both started with the beef tartare and then went to a black rice (venere) with sea bass and a tagliatelle with chicken. Both were good winter comfort foods but the venere rice dish was superb - dense, creamy rice with a generous portion of simply delicious sea bass. Desserts are very interesting and not overly rich. All in all, a very good restaurant week experience.
(4)Lori A.
Tried this restaurant for restaurant week. Made a reservation, arrived on time and didn't have to wait at all. The venue is really cool, not your traditional restaurant setting when thinking of a fancy shmancy restaurant. The artwork is odd but definitely works with the space. I can imagine this place being really pretty in the spring and fall. Food wise I ordered the winter salad and my other dining mates ordered the calamari. They ate the calamari within seconds it was so delicious! My salad was also very good and refreshing, the popcorn gave it an interesting taste and texture. My boyfriend ordered the pasta and he wasn't really impressed. Something was missing with the sauce, it was pretty bland. I ordered the Atlantic salmon and omg!!! YUM!! The Brussel sprouts and the butternut squash sauce were an excellent combination. My other friends ordered the sea bass with risotto and it was not very aesthetically appealing. The sea bass itself was really good however the risotto was very bland and salty and also resembled retried black beans. The dessert was ok, nothing to write home about. I'd love to come here on a regular night and try their normal menu. Definitely a cool place to dine in!
(4)Jenée P.
I love 2941. My first experience with the restaurant was for my engagement party in November 2012. The private room is beautiful. They give you a lot of room to create a beautiful experience. We had 50 people and a band. The view of the water fall and the pond is quite lovely. Since then I have consistently dined at the restaurant. Their bartenders and servers are knowledgeable. The menu is well put together, plating and consistency is top notch. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion with a large party or just you and your beau.
(5)Merry M.
Great service, nice ambiance and good food. Came here on Christmas Eve and was offered the 4 course prix fixe Christmas Eve menu. For apps, we got the foie gras-not the best I've had, but also not the worst, scallops and lobster in lobster bisque served in a pastry biscuit-so delicious! Then they served a light cheese filled ravioli that was also delicious. For entrees, my bf got the pan seared turbot, which was mediocre and I got the filet mignon which was the highlight of dinner! It was cooked and seasoned perfectly-like butter! For dessert, we got the chocolate biscuit and pineapple upside down cake. Both were good, but not spectacular. I definitely want to come back and try their regular menu. The prix fixe menu didn't wow us but we wanted to order different items to try. It was a miss with the turbot but overall a great dining experience. The table we sat at seemed un-stable and the chairs were a bit wobbly. They did however offer complimentary valet parking and coat check which was nice.
(4)Bryan D.
My wife and I started with the ceviche and the barley risotto. Both were amazing but the ceviche really shined. Perfect taste without any fishyness. Next was the spaghetti Nero and the asparagus ravioli with the onion gratin side. Decent portions prepared perfectly. We were very full afterwards and our bill was under $100. That includes 2 glasses of wine as well. Highly recommend checking this place out.
(5)Josh G.
Fantastic food. The mushroom tartine was ridiculously good. Scallops were delicious. All 3 of the desserts were great. And at night, standing out on the patio looking at the fish is lovely. Would highly recommend 2941.
(5)Boris W.
I went to this restaurant yesterday for their 2015 Spring Restaurant Week. My wife and I ordered Beef Tartare and Crispy Calamari for appetizers, Grilled Pork Loin and "insert unknown and forgot name here" Pasta, and Coffee Pudding and Lemon Tart for dessert. The food were absolutely amazing! Even the Sauvignon wine my wife ordered tasted better than usual. The bread and butter before the appetizers were unusually tasty as well. The food was definitely 5/5! The environment was just as amazing. The restaurant is situated next to a small pond/creek, and the scenery outside the restaurant matched the beauty inside. The decorations were spectacular and the atmosphere was very cozy. 5/5 for the environment and the mood the restaurant set! Overall, I thought it was a great night, and because it took place during RW, the prices were excellent as well! A delicious three course meal, an excellent location, and an unforgettable experience! 5/5 all the way
(5)Danielle K.
The experience (dinner and atmosphere) was five stars but the valet was a two star. They opened the car door for my husband and not me. Then when we were leaving they just handed us our keys and pointed to our car. After the get serve inside and the price we were expecting more from the valet. Besides the valet (which is a small glitch) I would definitely go back. The food was amazing. We brought our own wine and did the chefs special from the tasting menu.
(4)Annie K.
You know you're loved at work when your bosses take you to 2941 for your birthday lunch. Like Samantha W. said, the overall decor of the restaurant didn't give off a snooty feel whatsoever. Since my birthday was in the middle of the multiple snowstorms throughout the DMV region, the lake was iced over and I saw snow mounds everywhere... but hopefully I'll get to checkout the landscape view another time. I started off with the calamari and ordered the steamed sea bass as an entree. The calamari was crispy and a light portion. The steamed sea bass was delicious -- the rice was similar to sushi rice and the fish was cooked perfectly. For dessert, I ordered the coconut cream cake, which had a nice crunch to it, was fluffy, and melted in my mouth. The presentation of the dishes were simple but still very nice. I would definitely recommend 2941 as a great option for a date night, anniversary, birthday, or any other type of celebration. The restaurant has a nice, classy, intimate feel to it. I can't wait to come back someday!
(4)Bob D.
2941 went through a bit of a hard time when they changed format. I have to say they have come back nicely. Very close to 5 stars actually. Keep up the good work.
(4)Mickey L.
After a dynamic theme tasting meal and a truly memorable birthday dinner, 2941 has returned to its glory of 2009-2011 when it was our very favorite restaurant! Last year, we were heartened to see 2941's upswing after several years of it struggling to find its culinary identity following the departure of Chef de Cuisine Kevin Takafuji and Pastry Chef Anthony Chavez together with a move to downscale from destination fine dining to casual upscale. After going through Bistro-style cuisine (they do make a superb burger for lunch), Executive Chef Chemel has triumphantly brought back the style that made 2941 me and my dining companion's restaurant darling: its refreshing brand of East Asian-accented French American fine dining with global touches, highlighted by its exquisite herb garden, set in the most beautiful ambiance, and facilitated by stellar service. While their DC Restaurant Week promotion and exceptional Pastry Chef Caitlin Dysart brought us in for an occasional lunch, 2941 intrigued us with its annual Spice Dinner back in March. Not only did it look appetizing, it was also a very reasonable $80 for 8 courses (plus, a vegetarian alternative choice for each of the first 5 courses). Among the many clever incorporation of spices and spice mixes into a wide variety of offerings, the highlights were the Wood-Grilled Ribeye, Slow-Poached Halibut, Fennel-Tomato appetizer, and Napoleon dessert. The beef had a nice smoky exterior and beautifully clean beefy flavor accented by its two sub-cuts (sliced cap and small slab of the heart of ribeye) and a zippy mustard vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. The halibut was cooked to a meaty yet tender texture and brightened with the spring veggies. The fennel dish had our favorite incorporation of spices, yielding a comforting yet novel Mediterranean set of flavors that was definitely worth a detour away from the meats. For dessert, the chocolate phyllo-ricotta mousse Napoleon was brightened by the appollonia-infused cream. Recently, we were racking our minds over where to go for my birthday dinner, but remembering the exciting Spice Dinner, my DC suggested 2941. We looked over their current menu, and it read like 2941's golden era. Fortunately, they tasted even better than described, and we went through 7 courses of euphoria thanks to masterful preparation! Guided by our energetic server Julio, who happily obliged us in taking photos and coaxed us to try the tuna (one of the best tartares in recent memory) as well as finding the best dessert, we had an absolute blast! While all dishes were great, the Ivory King Salmon, Summer Melon, and Peanut Butter Baked Alaska were on another level! The best of the best was the Ivory King Salmon, a thin carpaccio of pristine fish served with EVOO, lemon basil from their garden, yellow peaches, watermelon, and sesame seeds. The fish's inherent flavors gradually unfolded pleasantly alongside the citrusy herb, sweet fruits, and nutty black+white sesame to yield a most ethereal composition. It reminded me of Yukhwe, except with the rare fish and local fruits in place of beef and Korean Shingo Pear. Perhaps the best composed raw fish dish we've had, and together with Fiola's Spiny Lobster and Fiola Mare's Nantucket Scallop Crudo, the troika of best near-raw seafood dishes. Also a refreshingly yet more fragrantly sweet appetizer was the Summer Melons, thin rolled petals of cantaloupe and honeydew pollinated with salt in a semi-gelatinous watermelon coulis lightly peppered with chili heat and topped with sun gold tomatoes and herbs. The quintessential melon salad free from the ubiquitous application of cheese, 2941's rendition made our taste buds go ga-ga over the tiny explosions of lemon verbena and lemon basil that maximized one of 2941's most precious attributes and punctuated complementing layers to the vivacious fruits. Armed with one of our very favorite pastry chefs, 2941 makes us order 2-3 desserts per visit. Thanks to Julio, we had the joy of enjoying one of the best peanut-based desserts ever. The Baked Alaska was a Twinkie-sized loaf of lightly torched soft meringue covering creamy peanut butter ice cream, rich caramel ganache, and crisp chocolate biscuit--like a frozen homemade Snicker bar that dove through soft meringue then got a caramelized finish. In short, 2941 is officially back! Even a dish that had a fault (a very gamey Australian Wagyu Bavette) had an equally superlative component (Lobster "Bourguignon" with Pan-Fried Gnocchi, mini-root veggies, and Shiso) that left a very delicious impression in our minds. Although we ordered three of the best dishes, there are others (Scallop Ceviche and huge Soft Shell Crabs entree) that caught our attention for a future visit. With drop-dead gorgeous ambiance, pro service, and superlative pastry chef, 2941 has come full circle with top-level fine savories indicative of its true potential. Way to go, Chef Chemel!
(5)Hitomi G.
This place was my favorite restaurant in Northern VA. But when I visited here last week, maybe my 5th time in past 2 years, I saw little changes in quality here and there. Wait staff was great, but busboys did not care how to present plates. They would drop them off backwards... No explanation of the dish. And most of the food was brought to a table if we were in diner. Food was still good but lost top quality that had perfect notch on every single detail. So Sad but will try to go again to see what happens next.
(3)Katie S.
I finally had the opportunity to go to 2941 for dinner last night and was not disappointed. It's in an office building we have driven by many times and driving up to the valet area kind of feels like you are driving on a sidewalk; but other than that, it's pretty easy to find and is quite pretty. The interior is large and airy, upon walking in the front door you have the option of going to the hostess stand to be seated or going to the huge bar to wait for your table. We were taken to our table right away, and although there seemed to be some confusion of who would be our server at first, we were very well taken care of the rest of the evening. Our drinks came out quickly and the bread basket was lovely. Side-note: Olive bread is apparently my new favorite thing. Being here for restaurant week I feel like I only got a tiny glimpse of what the restaurant has to offer. I am actually a little surprised they didn't offer a smaller a la carte menu to accompany the prix fixe menu like I experienced at several similar restaurants in the area. But overall I enjoyed our evening, so I would probably come back again. I opted for the salmon tartare as my starter, risotto as my main and the peach melba for dessert. The salmon was phenomenal, it sounded like there was going to be too much going on with the crispies, peppers and salmon, but it all worked together really well. This was the star of the night for me. The risotto was OK. The shrimp were delicious but the texture of the rice (not the usual arborio) was a bit off putting to me. The peach melba was OK also. The cookie was a little dry for my liking, but after having a bite of my girlfriend's, I realized I should have gone black forest cake. Again, all in all, we had a nice evening. Our server even noticed the present we brought for my friend's birthday, asked us about it when he was in the restroom to confirm, and then brought out his desert with a candle in it; which I thought was super sweet. 3.5 stars.
(3)Cyndy K.
Cyndy's Bottom Line: A restaurant that has been around and in need of an uplift. My first visit to 2941 years ago was quite different from the setting today which Is much more casual. We started with drinks at the bar which offers happy hour drink specials and bar snacks. Monday-Friday, 4pm-7pm. Great place to have an after work drink. This is what we ate: 1. Tomato Gazpacho, poached shrimp, cucumber, lemon thyme. The shrimp poached perfectly. 2. Salmon Tartare with fried shallots, avocado, spicy aioli, and crispy potato. Enjoyed the combination of items layered and each flavor profile. Topped off with the tasty fried shallots, delicious. 3. Rockfish served with a quinoa, zucchini, and lemon émulsion. Rockfish cooked and seasoned well. The quinoa was a nice compliment to the fish. 4. Grilled Pork Loin with an apricot glaze, Pomme lyonnaise, and radicchio salad. The pork loin was delicious with robust flavor but it was rather tough and chewy. 5. Peach Melba with brown sugar cookie, toasted oat ice cream, peach marmalade, raspberry granite, almond streusel. Delicious morsel! 6. Lemon Fritters with fresh berries, ricotta sorbet, crème anglaise, candied lemon zest. Good little fritters with the delectable ricotta. Sweet, savory and creamy. Dinner was good especially for restaurant week. However, I would return for happy hour instead of a dinner.
(3)Christa F.
Another lovely luncheon at 2941... Started with a delectable gazpacho. Perfectly delicioso, but I should really just stop ordering gazpacho from anywhere other than Jackson 20 because I'm always a little disappointed. Salmon entree was perfection. The salmon itself was like butter, and there was a mussel and chorizo broth that drenched the tiny fingerling potatoes with savory goodness. The peach melba finished the meal, and it was truly memorable. From the snickerdoodle tasting shortbread, crumbly brownie textured base to the warm spiced peaches, every bite was a fresh walk down an old memory lane. Again, why not five stars? The chardonnay that was listed on the restaurant week menu was horrible. I left most of it in the glass because it was that bad. Nevermind the wine not being a decent pairing for the food, it was simply atrocious. Not sure who picked that one out, but it was a bad call! I could have picked up something a thousand times better at Trader Joes.... It was disappointing mar on an otherwise outstanding meal.
(4)Z P.
Great decor. Very attentive bartenders . Bar food was ok. Steak tartar was very bland . Daffy burger was ok. Try their cocktails ; especially the gov't mule.
(3)Lynwood M.
Excellent location to have an executive level business meal. Must dress in a suit and tie. Meals are excellent. Never over crowded so always feels intimate. Located near all the major federal contracting firms.
(5)Ken L.
You really get what you pay for. It was expensive fine dining but it was also delightful. I personally ordered the filet and braised short ribs. They were SO good! The portion was indeed small but was so worth it. I also heard from my other friends that their food were also good, e.g. lobster ravioli, etc. I'll definitely be back to try other stuff as I understood that they change their menu every now and then.
(5)Toulaphone C.
This was a very pretty restaurant inside and out! I was instantly drawn to the lake, pond and garden outside. A very nice place to take pictures outside with your buddies/loved ones if you're into that kind of stuff. I came here for DC Restaurant Week and for dinner and was not disappointed for the most part. There was great service and the employees there were very attentive. Onto the food.... For the appetizer I got the crab salad, with watermelon gelée, basil, cherry tomatoes It tasted refreshing and healthy, haha. The watermelon gelée was a bit different and interesting, but I still went with it and ate the whole thing. For my entree I got the Pan Seared Rack Of Lamb with summer squash, herb vinaigrette, spaetzle. Delicious. The lamb was cooked medium rare just how I like it. My dessert was Peaches & Cream, with yogurt mousse, poached peaches, vanilla chiffon, raspberry sorbet. Tasted healthy. But that's a good thing, I guess. My friend's salmon tartare was delish and so was my other friend's grilled salmon. The red blend wine was a nice touch to our meal and went down smoothly, so props to that as well. Overall the food was delicious, just small portions. I wanted a bowl of pho after that, but I know that's the portions we, as America, should be eating. So thank you for the portion control 2941.
(4)Jenny C.
Heard a lot of good things bout 2941 so was excited to finally try it for summer restaurant week. No doubt the gardens and surroundings are beautiful and it draws you in right away. The service was on point and super fast maybe cause it was restaurant week but everything came out so fast it kind of made me wonder how much of it was actually freshly made. No complaints though since I was so hungry haha. We got the crab salad and salmon tartare for our apps, the rack of lamb and braised chicken pasta for our entree, peaches and cream and chocolate cheesecake for dessert. The best thing was the tartare, soo good. The rest was good but I wasn't blown away like I thought I'd be considering the credentials of this restaurant. Maybe next time will have to try other dishes. Nonetheless good eats and lovely surroundings.
(3)Pegah Y.
I took my fiance to 2941 to celebrate his 28th birthday recently (his third birthday that we are celebrating together, whoo hoo!). EXCELLENT FOOD! But service was pretty disappointing, and we were the ONLY people who were not seated near the window. Since this was a special occasion for my fiance's birthday, I made sure to make reservations well in advance. Despite getting reservations that far in advance, we were not seated near the windows, which have a lovely view of the lake, waterfalls, and outdoor greenery area. We were literally the only ones seated away from the windows... I was quite baffled. And it was a Tuesday night and the restaurant wasn't anywhere near full. When we asked them to seat us closer to the windows, they said they didn't have any tables available near the windows.. but they clearly did. I had initially wanted to give them 4 stars but the more I think about it, the more disappointed I am that the service was that rude and unaccommodating, especially since it was for my fiance's birthday and I made sure to reserve well in advance. Another thing is that we noticed that the waiters were very rude to the people who refilled our waters. That was not classy and was very disconcerting. Despite that, however, we both did enjoy the food! For appetizers, we ordered the crispy calimari (with chorizo aioli) and the tuna tartare (with grand marnier dressing, avocado, fried shallot, and basil oil). My fiance was in love with the calimari, so much so that he ordered another calimari appetizer to enjoy AFTER his entree! The tuna tartare was delicious and perfect with the avocado that accompanied it. For our entrees, my fiance ordered the soft shell crab, which came with summer squash, hon shimeji mushrooms, peardrop tomato, and smoked salmon cream. He really enjoyed his entree. For my entree, I ordered the Grilled Wild Halibut, which came with yellow corn, bacon, spring onion, and sauce choron. I thought it was tasty, though a little on the undercooked side. For dessert, we ordered: vanilla ice cream for me and baked alaska for my fiance. Both were good, but see my comment below: At the very end, they brought out a small marshmallow with a candle in it and a chocolate-drizzled "Happy Birthday" for my fiance. They also brought out 3 orange-flavored beignets. However, for most of the aftermath of our entrees, it did not seem like they were going to bring anything special for his birthday (despite them saying they would when I reserved). They brought everything out AFTER we had ordered dessert. I felt like that was underhanded, as though they wanted us to order dessert despite their free birthday dessert. Bottom line: Excellent food, but rude service. We were disappointed we did not get to enjoy the famous view during our meal. I would think twice about visiting again, only for that reason. I would prefer to go elsewhere where guests are treated with courtesy, in ADDITION to having excellent food. Oh, and random side note - this is my 1600th Yelp Review!
(3)Lydia R.
*4.5 stars* I really enjoyed trying 2941 for lunch because I was working in the area. My colleagues and I were among a handful of the restaurant patrons, and we shared a server who was very nice and responsive. We had a beautiful view surrounding us the whole meal - of the nearby lake, some sculptures, and interesting art. For the food, we started with a basket of bread which was an exciting variety. I asked if I could have olive oil for my bread rather than the butter, and our waiter generously obliged. I ordered the grilled octopus salad for lunch, which was not what I was expecting! To be honest, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I noticed Ursula had landed on my plate, along with some leafy greens tossed with cut up peppers and olives and goat cheese. So I actually really enjoyed this salad, despite the intimidating tentacles on full display. I definitely got what I asked for with this order, and I even had some tentacle to take home with me. All in all, a great experience and I would love to return to try the more formal dinner!
(4)Phi N.
This review is won't be the most accurate for their menu because I came here for a wedding. But I thought it was still worthy of a review. We started with a shrimp risotto-- there was way too much lemon on it. I had the steak main course, but I also tried my friend's seafood main course. The shrimp and scallops were humongous but the dish lacked salt or much taste at all. I'm glad I didn't choose that one, haha. The steak was pretty good and had the right amount of sodium. It came with mashed potatoes and bacon wrapped asparagus; great compliments to the steak! Finished off the wedding with a decent red velvet cake. I hear excellent things about their regular menu so maybe I'll have to return for that and give them a more fair review.
(3)Kimberly K.
Came here awhile back and had a lovely dinning experience. They have complimentary valet, which is very nice. Upon entering the restaurant, I loved walking around and looking at the waterfall and koi fish. The building has high ceilings and it's spacious inside. I also like the big mirrors everywhere. Employees are kind and attentive. The restaurant is very clean and organized. It was so nice to see a wedding going on as we were eating. Complimentary bread is brought to the table. Everything we ordered was delicious and cooked to perfection. The only dish we thought that could have had more flavor is the Brioche Crusted Halibut. The Halibut was delicate and cooked perfectly, it just lacked flavor. Our favorite dish here would be the Crab Risotto. So smooth and creamy, topped off with chunks of fresh crab meat. Their crispy calamari had a light and airy batter. You still get that nice bite of the calamari inside. Delicious! Quality ingredients make me one happy camper.
(4)Jennifer K.
I've been here many times for work events last 5 years, most of the times we are at the conference room on the main floor or downstairs boardroom if it's a bigger party. Service is top notch as expected and venue is great as well. Very well organized, everyone dressed well and clean, staff are friendly and knowledgable of their menu (I mean you think this is given but how many times have you gone to places where someone tells you "oh I'm not sure, let me ask and I'll be right back" like ten thousand times). I haven't tried all entrees but most including appetizers except for seafood items because I am allergic and everything I've tried were pretty good. Steak has been my favorite followed by pasta items.
(4)Le L.
I always heard about this place but never really have the chance to try this place out. I came here on thursday night for a friend's birthday dinner. Parking was a little confusing at first since it was dark so I didn't see any signs said parking garage, but luckily a friend told me there is a complimentary valet parking (we just have to tips them at the end). So we turned left to the restaurant and got the valet parking. The restaurant itself is very nice, well decorated. At first it wasn't many people but later on around 6:30PM, the whole place got filled up, I guess the place is pretty good then. My husband and I ordered calamari and lobster lasagna to share (there are two prices $19 and $34, I believe is small and large portion, since we are sharing so we ordered. Came to our surprise, the portion is pretty small for the large size (i guess this is what they called fine dine). I actually like it a lot, especially the sauce, very creamy and I love it with the breads.
(4)S A.
Food portion is tiny. Salmon, pasta nor lamb didn't have much flavor..i first thought it is just me but 3 of my friends didn't enjoy the food either. Only giving 1 star but nice ambiance of restaurant and artful interior..
(1)Rich B.
This is one handsome space. I'll agree with another review (Lori M.) who described it as "not too stuffy upscale". Yes. You'll bring a fancy first date here. Or your parents. Or your spouse. Or business colleagues. The staff is formal enough but very friendly and warm. They've stuck a really nice balance here. Soaring space. Amazingly landscaped outside. Is it me, or does the menu tend to lean towards a bit hardier fare? Good stuff (I had duck if I recall).
(4)Elina Y.
I am in love with this place! I love the floor to ceiling glass walls, the cute scenic view out of the window, the high ceilings--I just love everything about this place! Service was great and their food was equally as satisfying. Their grilled pork loin was just divine! Slightly salty that blended perfectly with the creamy barley side. Ughhh, it was just delicious! I saw a couple walking in for wedding arrangements. This place would serve to be the perfect romantic spot for photos and events. Highly recommend 2941.
(5)Dmitry D.
This place is nice but I believe that every place u go to had to feed the people normal size portions and I want full at all. I was hungry when I left. Nice place over ask good service.
(3)Ellen K.
I had been wanting to go to 2941 Restaurant for a while now, so I decided to go for restaurant week. I was really shocked because everything I tried pretty much ranged from bad to so-so. At their prices and with their reputation, I was expecting something much better. My boyfriend didn't want to make me feel bad during the meal (since I chose the restaurant), but later, he admitted that was probably the worst restaurant week experience he ever had. Service was alright. Apps: -Salmon Tartare - just whatever. -Country Pâté - also just whatever Entrees: -Grilled Pork Loin - sauce was okay, but HOLY MOLY SO DRY. -Risotto - it was WAYYY too heavy; I could barely stomach half. shrimp was piached well, though. Desserts: -Black Forest Cake - actually good! the best thing I had all night. -Lemon Fritters - pretty good.. it's hard to mess up fried dough, after all. No plans to go back anytime soon. Or maybe ever.
(2)Jenny T.
Came here for restaurant week with my coworkers during lunch. I'll dive right into the food: I wasn't a huge fan of the bread. There were several kinds, but they were all kind of bitter. I'm a carb lover and I barely had one slice... Crispy Calamari | roasted peppers, cannellini beans, chorizo aioli - interesting combination of beans and calamari. Wasn't a huge fan of the batter on the calamaris, but it was cooked just right. Salmon à l'Oseille | sorrel sauce, scallion, baby carrot - the salmon was cooked well, but... I've never had sorrel sauce, not sure if it's always like that, but it was frothy and bubbly, which didn't make me feel comfortable... And my first bite was just way too oily for me. I've never had whole cooked scallion I don't think, not sure how I feel about it because it was a little difficult to chew and swallow. But I loved the baby carrots, they were so cute!! Chocolate-Coconut Layer Cake | cocoa-almond dacquoise, dark chocolate ganache, coconut mousse, lime cream - not as chocolaty as my coworkers and I had hoped. But it was good. The coconut mousse was nothing like I've had before, but I think the cake was just too much coconut for me, and the lime didn't gel very well with it in my opinion. Definitely not a chocolate lover's dessert, but it is for coconut lovers! Then we were talking about donuts being better than our dessert, and they randomly brought out complimentary lemon donuts! It was great! But.. They themselves were nothing to brag about. Maybe it's because I'm not a huge fan of citrus flavored desserts (besides sorbets). Overall, I didn't think the food was that great and serving sizes were tiny. Nor was service impeccable--(although granted they were very busy) we got there at 1:10 for a 1:30 reservation, but they still couldn't seat us until 1:23, so we were just standing around waiting for over 10 minutes. They took care to move the tables and chairs so that chairs were alternating in color though haha. Then when the check came, we asked the server if he took a maximum of separate cards, he bitterly responds, "unfortunately no." Well then.... This place is walking distance from my coworkers and I, but... I don't know that we'd come back too often.
(3)J W R.
Took advantage of 2941s extended Restaurant Week and am so glad I did. Wow, what a beautiful place, with phenomenal fresh food, preferred perfectly and served with beauty. It is always an amazing experience to go to 2941 to have a memorable, high quality meal. Of note, the heirloom tomato salad was bursting with summer flavors, and the grilled rack of lamb was tender, moist and succulent. An exceptional wine list with several varieties from around the world. I also appreciate that 2941 is a place I can go and talk to my dinner companions and be heard without a raised voice. So great food, peaceful ambiance, an exceptional wine list and free parking - 2941 is always on my short list of great NoVa restaurants.
(5)Kim S.
The night before I visited 2941 I went to another 'frou frou' restaurant where I dropped a small fortune on meat paste for dinner. I assumed this would be a similar experience. I was WRONG. From the calamari starter to the pecan dessert I ate every bite and it was perfect. The food was presented beautifully and not overly 'messed with'. They didn't turn my my calamari into a gel tube or my lobster into a foam tower. Everything was as it was meant to be. I applaud this place for having excellent, high-quality food that isn't overly cheffed up.
(5)Mike B.
Great place tucked away back in the woods, or so it seems. They have free valet parking, which you need to use cause there isn't really a lot next to the door. Once inside they have a nice bar with pretty decent drinks. When I was sitting at the bar I was looking at pictures of food on Yelp, but that was a bad idea because they change the menu every few months. So I sat down and was hoping for short ribs and they didn't have them. I did get a filet which was good, but not great. I asked for medium and it came out medium well. I am not really one to send stuff make and make it awkward at the table, so I ate it. It wasn't bad of course, it was still a filet, but for $42 it could have been cooked better. Overall I would have given the place a 5, but the steak was a bit of a disappointment. They did have great sides and desserts, so I will give it another shot in a few months once the menu changes again.
(4)Yaka H.
2941 offers a date night tasting menu on Thursday and Friday nights. We opted to give it a go, since it seems like a great way to try a variety of dishes in one meal. Date night tasting menu consisted of: complimentary bread basket of three different kinds of breads, first course of butternut squash velvoute with desert apple compote, second course of chilean sea bass with lobster consomme, third course of wild boar ragu with pappadelle, fourth course of steak with red cabbage and pomme puree, and a dessert course of ricotta cheesecake with oat crumble, creme anglais, chantilly cream, and poached fruit. Afterwards, a complimentary snack of fried doughnut holes. Pretty plating and good flavors to wow your date. The steak course was probably our favorite. Succulent, flavorful steak and the cabbage was just on point. SX almost spit out his drink he was sipping when he saw the size of it (as a result, I forgot to take a picture of this course), but we both appreciated each bite. SX actually declared it as the best steak he has ever had. The sea bass dish definitely a close second favorite. Dessert had the perfect balance sweet and tart with creamy and crunchy textures. SX (notorious for avoiding this kind of dining establishment due to small portion sizes and small protein sizes), surprisingly felt okay after our meal. Though, he was on his phone looking for nearby late night kebab joints (he thought we were in Arlington... sigh). I was stuffed. The interior is really generic and the various artwork they have are confusing. Super bland interior similar to a catering hall, but this restaurant is located inside of a business building. So, if you go during winter dinner time, there's no way to see the outside greenery or little waterfall. I had a refreshing cocktail, recommended by our server that was bubbly and had grapefruit. Driving here was slightly confusing, only if you cannot read signs. We drove past the signs for the parking garage and had to U our way out of the security-gated parking lot at the end of the road.
(4)Rick B.
Location: Near Capital Beltway, but a little difficult to find unless you use SatNav Style: Modern with lots of large windows looking out onto grounds and lake Ambiance: Pleasant Service: Very good, wait staff knowledgeable about menu and wine list Food. Excellent - varied, well presented, tasty Wines: Good selection, with enough variety on the by-the-glass list
(4)Daniel T.
4.5 stars! Finally got to try this place during restaurant week after being on my hit list for quite some time. I love the ambiance. It is a very classy, sexy establishment! The entrance is a short driveway through a wooded area, resembling a driveway to a large house or mansion. There was complimentary valet = awesome. The restaurant is surrounded by a large koi fish pond, the interior has very very high ceilings and unique light fixtures as well as some old fashioned paintings. Great place for a special occasion. The food and service were both superb. I enjoyed the beef tartar and the sea bass risotto. In my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Northern VA - will definitely return.
(4)Danni D.
Came for restaurant week and every dish was amazing! I highly suggest the chicken pappardelle and the salmon tartare. So flavorful and satisfying. Loved the dessert too and then they give complimentary caramel popcorn at the end. I can't wait to go back. Also I love the koi fish all around the restaurant. One of my new favorites. Worth the 30 min drive outside the city.
(5)Karisa D.
*** Restaurant Week Review*** Ever since I read about 2941 in last year's Washingtonian's 100 Best Restaurants, I have wanted to go and try this place. We had tried unsuccessfully to get a weekend reservation at 2941 for the last two restaurant weeks, but it seems like third time's the charm. We were able to make reservation for 6:0pm on Saturday. Highly recommend reservations if you come to 2941 during the weekend. We drove up to an office building where the restaurant is located and used the free valet; lovely perk I think. We walked in, were immediately greeted and seated immediately. We were given the restaurant week menus, water, and fresh bread. We then looked over the menu and gave our orders. I ordered the tuna tartare, pappardelle, and coconut cake for dessert. We also ordered wine pairings to go with our entree. The food was wonderful. I know restaurant week menus can be hit or miss but 2941 was delicious. The tartare was flavorful and surprisingly filling. The pappardelle was well made, but the dessert was my favorite. I have heard their pastry chef is amazing and we were not disappointed. Our waiter also brought out the donut holes which was delicious and a perfect end to our meal. 2941 is beautiful inside. With it's high ceilings and big windows, you can tell they utilize their space well. I would imagine it capitalizes on the natural light they get from the windows during the day. Our service was fantastic too. Everyone worked together seamlessly to give us a wonderful dining experience. I would like to come back on a non restaurant week. I am sure the food would be just as delicious, if not more so.
(4)Philip L.
I just had my birthday dinner here. I went a bit early for my reservation since I had nothing better to do. I sat at the bar and ordered the popcorn and the Sangria for the happy hour specials. I really love the popcorn here. It is only $3 and it is not really a dealbreaker if you don't manage to finish it. I heard the Calamari was delicious so I ordered it ($9 at the bar and $10 at the table), for my date. She loved it! She raved how soft the Calamari was and it was surprisingly not-chewy. The Sangria was heavier alcohol-wise than expected, which is always welcome. I really did enjoy it. In addition, the bartender was awesome. She was playful and treated my date really well. I truly give her my thanks. Now for the main course: I ordered a salad, which was nothing special. We also ordered oysters (3 from Canada and 3 from Florida). Apparently, they do taste differently. I wouldn't know. Either or, we also ordered the Wild Salmon Confit, Asparagus, and Shallots. The texture of the Salmon was incredibly soft. The fork could barely hold the salmon without it slipping out into the sauce. It was a delicious experience. The view was gorgeous, but it was a bit on the rainy side. I would prefer it to be dark at the restaurant to really enjoy the view, but I was tired and wanted to head home and rest. The waiter was prompt and was gracious to bring out a delicious dessert on the house with Happy birthday on the plate. The dessert was not overly-sweet which made it a good light after-dinner choice. I ordered the Top Hat, which was INCREDIBLY strong. I could not finish it because I am the driver so I only had a couple of sips. My date had the Gin and Tonic which was strong as well. One thing is certain is that this place does not skimp on the alcohol content for the price paid like some other establishments. Overall, the food was delicious and it is a date-spot. However, I prefer the bar area for happy hour more than the dining room experience. If I were to come here again, it would be for happy hour and that Sangria.
(4)Preston B.
It's an ecological portrait to look at while dining. Location: The location is quite difficult to find and if you park in the garage, park on the second floor (that's the same floor as the restaurant). It's best to drive to the front of the restaurant and use valet parking. Food: Looks appealing, interesting, eccentric, and alluring. But the taste is plain. I had the Wester Ross Salmon Confit with mushroom risotto and potatoes. And Apple Galette for dessert. Service: Good service and polite. Ambience: Scenic. You are surrounded by windows with a view of the lake and woods. I recommend it for an occasion to impress your guest(s) with something different and luxurious. -"What if we only have tonight? What would you do then?" "That is a good line," she laughed-
(4)Jamie K.
I was invited to my friend's birthday party on Sunday. The server did not offer any drink or bread until we asked for it. They were so rude. I can't believe this place is one of top restaurants in this area... Also their food is not really great and over priced. My friend asked for a lime and the server picked up the lime with his hand and dumped inside her glass.... We couldn't believe our eyes!!!!!!! My friend spent a lot of money for this birthday event and all the guest were not happy with their service.
(1)Lauren L.
It's hard to go to a town like dc in the spur of the moment and expect to get good food wout a reservation. Enter 2941. 2941 reminds me of a typical restaurant inside a hotel. Typical atmosphere, typical everything. Except the food. Our waitress couldn't stress enough we needed to order the calamari. Really calamari. I've have calamari at every single place I go to from bars to bowling alleys. Why wouldn't want to waste my money on it here? But she insisted so I did. Calamari- one of the best I ever had! The batter was so soft and light but extremely crispy. It was a like a beer battered fish n chips. It had some type of lightness to it. Maybe an angel made it. the truffle mushroom soup- I swirled the truffle garlic oil into the soup until it melted. More like a chowder it was in the thick side. seasoned perfect Pop over- I was trying to relive the 12 floor Daytons days but no luck. It was cut in half and the chees was placed inside it not baked in it. The ham was very salty. The sweet butter helped cut it a little but not much. Halibut- fish was light and fluffy not over cooked. I'm not a huge fan of risotto so I'm not sure how to judge it but it seemed hard to me. Lamb papardelle- this was extremely tasty. The had a hint of game it so that you know it lamb. The pasta perfectly cooked. Dessert. I had to reread the menu to figured out what I was eating. But it wasn't a good think. It was suppose to be pistachios something. It wasn't cake. It's wasn't a mouse. Thicker than that it was more like a pudding but not really. It wasn't my fav but I'm not a huge dessert fan. I'm sure there are tons of restaurants in DC to die for but somehow This one didn't make me feel that I missed out. In a nutshell 1. Great place to go wout needed ressie weeks ahead. 2. Free valet 3. Try the calamari 4. Ask for specials not on the menu!!! A beautiful girl sitting next to me did and she ate fresh black truffle pasta. And she ordered another plate for dessert. True story
(4)Dette T.
Came here for my anniversary.. Food was good, place had good ambience, server was rude then he finally came around around desert time.. I was hoping for better service since this place is not cheap and heck, they knew it was our anniversary! I would say, I'd never come back however, a friend is having her wedding reception here so I'd definitely come back lol..
(2)victoria j.
The high price is the only reason why I'm not giving this place 5 stars, but the ambiance and food quality justify why it's expensive. Great ambiance for a date or a small group. The floor-to-ceiling windows create a romantic sunset in the evening. I didn't have visit the gardens outside, but I heard it was very nice. This is not a good place for babies or rowdy groups. I had ravioli and it tasted yummy. My g/f had duck and it was also very good. Portions tend to be on the smaller side, but for women I would say it's usually plenty. They have some good craft beers and cocktail selections as well. The food and drink prices are on the expensive side, but it's definitely worth it for a special occasion. The young gentleman who served us was very good about patiently answering all our questions about the menu and recommending cocktails for us. I will definitely go back!
(4)Jay M.
Was I at 2941... or 1492... Restaurant Week menu and Zero Star Service! And yes, my 1st time to this place. SERVICE: The waiter was lackluster and seemed like we were a bother to deal with from the get go. He was impolite, lacked any social skils or whether we were satisfied with out meal. And to top it off, to have a server almost run me over leaving the bathroom made my blood boil as I was not even given a "excuse me" ... pretentious... yes. FOOD: I have been to Michelin Star restaurants and 5 star establishments and after reading the reviews on here and in the Washingtonian, I expected the same! Besides the sub-par service... the food was equally bad. I would love the opportunity to talk with both the chef and the pastry chef, as both were not worth the gas money I drove to get here. The Heirloom Tomato Salad was ok... the tomatoes in my garden are fresher and more favorable. The olive oil even tasted like the Olive Garden version... been tasting oils in Italy, Spain and Napa... definitely sub-par again. The entrees came out... the Grilled Pork Loin was ok... probably the best thing besides the piece of bread. However, the POTATO CHIPS beneath it... oh wait, those were pomme lyonnaise. Greasy, crunchy and reminded me of a diner's potato chips. Where is GORDON RAMSEY when you need him! Next entree was the Ravioli... Being Italian I have eaten fresh raviolis. The pasta was tough, the filling too sweet and the sauce separated to an oily mess. Really... am I at 2941 I thought. DESERTS!!! I literally waited to try the Award Winning Pastry chef's creations... lets just say thank God my wife had a brownie in her purse from California Tortilla and that was better than both. OVERALL: I was so excited to dine at 2941! My wife felt absolutely horrid how bad the meal and service was. I wish I had a better review but at this point, I honestly want to call the GM and get a refund because that is how poor this was.
(1)Sylvie S.
I stopped by 2941 yesterday for Restaurant Week with a group of friends. The interior is quite nice with the high ceilings and huge windows. The crowd is a mixture of 30 somethings, dates, and business meetings. Everyone is dressed business casual (one girl was in a ball gown) and as a side note, the restaurant is definitely not one for children. I did notice some weird decorations on the wall. I didn't really think they went with everything. It was some 70's lets-eat-mushrooms-and-stare-at-this-poster kind of art... For my first course, I went with the salmon tartare. I also tried the tomato salad and the beet salad and can safely say the salmon tartare was the best. For the entree, I picked the grilled apricot pork loin. I thought that this dish was the weakest of my three courses. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I ate it all because it was in front of me but I was not impressed. I also tried the shrimp risotto and was not a fan of this either. I thought it was over salted. For dessert, I got the peaches and cream. I was able to try the other two desserts which were also quite pleasing but felt that the peaches and ice cream was a really a pefect light summer dessert. Service was attentive and friendly although we did have a newb waiter error when he tried to remove a plate and the knife with some left over food slid off and all over my friend. They did take the correct course of action and offered to pay for her dry cleaning and then comped her food. It was a mistake but was well handled. I'd give 2941 three stars for their Restaurant Week. I've dined here on a regular night in the past and really thought they did a stand up job with the regular menu. I had some excellent sea bass that time!
(4)Lhynette C. A.
Hidden away in one of Falls Church's office cluster of buildings - great for lunch and dinner! EVERYTHING is delicious and unforgettable here. First off, the restaurant itself is so pretty. There is a waterfall and a coy pond right outside the entrance of the restaurant. I always stop, and "pet" the coy---they are huge!!! The ambiance and the restaurant is amazing. TONS of glass walls, big windows, so there is endless natural lighting that fills the dinning area. You wouldn't think that you're in Fall Church... The food is original. I've had their duck burger for lunch. You're probably thinking "duck burger?!?" Don't knock it til' you've tried it. :) I've also tried their soft shell crab salad, mushroom ravioli and a the profiteroles for dessert. EVERYTHING. ALL OF IT. AMAZING! I am not one for expensive restaurants-but i do believe some (not all) high end restaurants are actually worth the money. 2941 is definitely one of the few that's on my fancy 5 star list!!!!
(5)Heather G.
Came here for a holiday lunch. We ordered all of the small plates to start. Do it. Order them BC they are delicious!!! We also ordered the tuna tartar - also delish. I had the crab risotto as my entree. It was good but I wasn't expecting the risotto to be black and there to be cream on top. Still good but I might have ordered differently. Dessert - get the apple gala thing. So good. Would definitely come back!
(4)Katie L.
I wish I could give zero star. I came here during the restaurant week and got seats at the bar. I wanted to order some food from the regular menu instead of getting the restaurant week food, but the bartender told me the whole restaurant only had restaurant week menu. But few minutes later, the customer next to us ordered a main course from the regular menu. I was disappointed that they lied to me about the menu. The appetizers were not good. Many other restaurants can do a better job. After finishing the appetizers, we waited for over 15 minutes until they took the empty plates away, and waited for over half an hour for he next dish. At the same time, all other customers got some bread before or with the appetizers, and they didn't check with us or give us any bread, or refill the water. We could definitely have much better services at any other restaurant. For a four-dollars restaurant, I was shocked to see the bartenders made drinks and serve food without washing hands after touching the cash. :( I asked the bartender to help check the order with the kitchen. He just said they were busy because it's the restaurant week. I know that but that doesn't mean it's ok to let the customers suffer from terrible services and starving. The whole restaurant wasn't packed that night. If the restaurant doesn't have the capability of catering the customers during the restaurant week, please do not force the customers to get food from the restaurant week menu! The entrée we got were sea bass and pork loin, and the portion was much smaller. The pork loin was way to salty and very dry. The sea bass is just ok. The desserts were disappointing too. For the food quality and services, I would say this is the worst dinning experience ever. I simply can't understand why this restaurant could have such good reviews. :(
(1)Raquel N.
This place is absolutely amazing. I have dined there for lunch many times & finally went for din din. It is just as amazing for either times. The food has never been anything, but delicious! The presentation wonderful. I am also enamored with the establishment. When you enter the Koi pond & trees make you feel like you are entering an enchanted wonderland. The only thing that doesn't give me a full 5 stars is that every time we have gone for a happy hour the staff seems to only be there to make you your drink. No social activity. Just a drinks linger. I am used to at least having a bit of conversation. Especially being a former bartender myself. I know you make a better tip on acknowledging the customers you are serving. At least I think so.
(4)Connie C.
I love the decor and open lighting, super great setting and the food was delicious. I had the lobster lasagna (small was perfect) and the lobster was melt in your mouth good!
(4)Lori B.
Surprisingly artistic and modern atmosphere, good for a romantic or business dinner. Valet parking is available. I enjoyed the 5-course prix fixe dinner with wine pairings. The food and wines were both surprisingly unique and delicious. The server was attentive and conveyed detailed information about each course as it was delivered. Highly recommend!
(5)Jeong L.
I don't have much to say about this place. I mean, I heard that the last chef passed away or something, and the food quality has changed. It's a shame because this restaurant is absolutely stunning. The ceilings are high and the open view and all those little details in decorations are quite impressive. It would have been one of the most romantic spots to have dinner.... except that the food is not so good. 2941 had one of the most bland tasting food I've ever had in my entire life. We ordered Wagyu steak tartare, Tunana Tartare, Smoked Duck Breast and Salmon. All of them had no taste. They were simply bland. I wondered... did the chef put any seasoning on any of the dishes...??? I was especially displeased with my duck breast dish. Although it was grilled nicely, it tasted like nothing due to lack of any seasoning. It was a piece of ginormous duck breast on a place with some sauce at the bottom (which also had no taste). I don't think the chef is a bad chef. He did grille the duck and salmon quite nicely. But he's gotta find a way to season the food properly or at least create some awesome sauce to go with the dish. Also, I've never seen a duck breast dish come out like that... maybe the chef should cut it up into smaller pieces ...? One week after dining at 2941, my boss coincidentally asked me if I could reserve a table at 2941 for his business meeting. He had been there before the last chef had passed away and he had very pleasant memories of this place. I strongly objected to that idea and told him about the no salt experience there. I went ahead and booked a table at Blue Duck Tavern instead. I really loved the restaurant's ambiance. But I would never go back there again.
(2)Gretchen P.
My manfriend surprised me by taking me to 2941 for my birthday yesterday! From start to finish, I had a wonderful time. The food was delicious and, of course, the company impeccable. This was actually my 2nd trip to 2941--the first was RIGHT after their remodel, last February, and was very good too, but I was blown away by things this time around. Here's the skinny (ha, ironic choice of words, really) on what went down: To start, I ordered a glass of Oregon pinot noir (the best!) before we tucked in. The bread basket included three kinds of bread: a classic french bread, a soft wheat, and an olive loaf. The olive was my favorite! I totally ended up picking out the extra kalamata olives from the leftover pieces of uneaten bread, hehe. Don't judge me. We also ordered an appetizer of calimari. I know it seems a little random, but honestly this may have been the best calimari I have ever, EVER had. The breading wasn't heavy, but was super crisp (I'm thinking it must have been panko--someone else suggested maybe they were breaded in cornstarch?) and the sauces were just delightful-a tomato coulis and a light honey mustard that I think were supposed to be a play on ketchup & mustard. I demolished those little squiddos. 2941 also orders both 2nd course-sizes and full-entree sizes of their pasta dishes. This Hawaiian prawn risotto just sounds too incredible NOT to try, so Sean and I ordered a small size to share. Oh. My. Lanta. The risotto was perfect-creamy and lemony and tangy and delicious-and the prawns were absolutely to die for. I almost-almost!-wish I had just ordered a full-sized version for myself. Luckily, what I did end up choosing as my entree was without a doubt the right choice. I got the roasted duck breast, served with zucchini and asparagus, and it was PHENOMENAL. Perfectly cooked, tender, flavorful... I was getting pretty full by this point (for obvious reasons, haha) so I ended up taking half home. Which means I GET TO EAT IT AGAIN FOR LUNCH AND I'M SO EXCITED OMG. Aaaand recomposing myself... yes, I obviously loved this dish. I think it's a tie between the duck and the risotto for best dish of the night. Of course, since it was my birthday and all, we couldn't NOT sample a dessert! We got the crema fritta, which was a rich cream inside little crisp triangles, with root beer caramel (!!) and a cocoa nib ice cream. Really rich and tasty, and the perfect size to share, though in comparison to the rest of the meal, I suppose I could've taken or left dessert. Besides, I had forgotten from my last visit here that you get complimentary beignets at the end of your meal, so it's like free dessert anyway! Heh. The wait staff was quite attentive, and our waiter even ended up refilling my glass a little to finish off a bottle that he had poured for another table! There weren't a lot of people there (7 PM on a Thursday) and the environment was really great. 2941 is a little off the beaten path, but it's worth it for the lakeside views, koi pond, and waterfall stonework. Bear in mind, it is 'spensive, so best reserved for special occasions.
(5)Jina Y.
This restaurant was a really nice place. The staff was very nice and informing. I went with a friend to celebrate my birthday and I guess they overheard our conversation because at the end of the meal they brought out a dessert and had happy birthday written on it! That was a nice surprise. The risotto was actually one of the best risotto I have ever had. It came with the dish I ordered with lobster and steak. Would definitely recommend to go for a nice evening.
(4)Amanda S.
Went there for Valentine's Day.....really really nice place with a beautiful building and nice atmosphere. The service was fast and I can't really complain.... Besides the fact that my waitress made a smart comment about not being used to so many "young people" there. My problem was the food, the menu is pretty expensive so I expected nothing but the best when we are paying $80 a person. The lobster ravioli was basically some watery sauce on some really bland rubbery lobster with a big noodle inside.... The sea bass was just not good at all.. Really fishy and just not what I've had before at other restaurants like this. My fiances potatoes were really plain and sort of over cooked and dry tasting. The only thing that was really that good was the ahi tuna appetizer. I told my friend and she had been here 2 weeks before and thought the same about the food - very Mediocre for the price.
(3)Adam I.
I have been to 2941 many times and i absolutely love it, they have a wonderful happy hour menu, being a wine drinker i love their happy hour chardonnay, it is tasty and it is only $5. Calamari and scallops ceviche were delightful. the view of restaurant (when you sit at the bar) is very relaxing. Dining area is modernly decorated too, Will definitely return especially for happy hour since it is a great deal...
(5)Adam W.
Just tried their restaurant week dinner. Everything was good. The atmosphere, the server, Sombat and his team, and of course the food. I had the lamb and wife had the green veggie entree. The only negative was the portions was small, but I understand it's a business. I plan to try their regular menu, hope the portions are larger and will write an updated review.
(5)David K.
Truly ECLECTIC...I don't know what to make of this place, but I like it. Went there for restaurant week yesterday. The first appetizer we received (calamari) was a disaster. It came out cold and was bland in a slapdash dipping sauce with fava beans and red peppers. I truly had the bar set LOW. The steak tartare appetizer was an immediate redeemer, flavorful with a nice toasty/bruschettalike supporter. Mains were very good, a whitefish with an excellent risotto and a tasty pasta tossed with chicken and pancetta. Desserts were good, nothing memorable, but solid. I liked the lemon tart (a bit biased as I Iike any lemony dessert.) Service was excellent. Drinks were very good. I had 3 Gunslingers, a bourbon based drink that lived up to its name. Decor was all over the map. We sat in the bar area which was very inviting. The rest of the place is one part airplane hangar art museum, one part banquet center. The art on the walls varies from Impressionism to southwestern style modern. It is a sight to BEHOLD and that's just the inside. Outside you have a manmade lake, Dali statue (SERIOUSLY,) and a koi pond (SERIOUSLY.) I've never been to ANY place ANYWHERE like 2941, and I've travelled all over the world. Mix one part fine dining, add a dash of kitsch, shake well and stir and you have this oddball in the DC suburbs. I HATE that I LOVE this place. A guilty pleasure you could say, but a pleasure nonetheless.
(4)Lisa J.
I would easily give this place 5 stars. The food was undeniably amazing, the service was great, and the decor/atmosphere was lovely. The calamari was the best calamari I have ever tasted. It was so fluffy, light, and full of flavor. The duck dish was perfectly cooked, amazing sauce, perfection. The complimentary donuts they give you at the end of your meal was literally melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Hands down, amazing restaurant.
(5)Mils S.
Great happy hour, but I would suggest dressing as business professional to fit in. Food is pretentious, but if you're trying to impress a client or a first date then go for it...dinner is pricey, but it's a fancy restaurant so it goes with the territory. Complimentary valet parking; take advantage of it because parking is a b*tch, you'd have to drive around to the parking garage and walking back to the restaurant is a maze (almost took us ten minutes).
(4)Saara Z.
Had a good Friday night dinner at 2941. We opted for the Friday "Date Night" Special tasting menu which featured five courses for $68 and supplemented it with a couple other items we also wanted to try. My favorites were the steak tartare, pumpkin soup, and lamb dish. There was a pappardelle dish that I thought was just average and the dessert - a pumpkin ice cream smore - was not worth more than a couple bites. The service for us started out pretty good but then the waitress became really distracted with a larger table she was attending to and kind of forgot about us, which was unfortunate.
(4)He H.
Went there for gal's birthday during restaurant week. The waiters are nice but the food is average and make me wonder why they are so expensive.
(3)Jackie B.
I get unexplainable joy thinking about the grilled cheese and roasted tomato soup I had here during a wedding reception. It sounds way too simple/plain to be served at a restaurant this nice, but it was sooo good! All of the appetizers we were served were delicious, including the mini crab cakes and mini melty ham, cheese & quail egg sandwiches. My ribeye entree was good as well, albeit a bit overdone. But the 2nd course adult grilled cheese and tomato soup was so tasty and the most satisfying! Scenery is lovely for a reception and/or wedding. I've dined her only once before a couple of years back for dinner and remember service being just as excellent as it was at the reception. I don't recall too much about the meal, except that I had a fish entree and calamari for an app which were both great. Our waiter was very French, very handsome, and very attentive.
(4)Annie N.
I've been here for both restaurant week and happy hour and enjoyed my experience each time! I forgot what I got for restaurant week, but the food and service is exceptional. I recently came here for happy hour and was surprised by their great deals! They have select beers and wines for $5. I got the white sangria; It was not too sweet, and a great complement to the summer humidity. They also have select appetizers for half off. We got the fried calamari (delicious, great size), arancini (a cheesy fried risotto ball), truffle popcorn (mmmm truffle), and the pommes frites (the truffle & spicy aioli was delicious as well as the fries). What really distinguishes this high end restaurant from others is their service. I've been to a fancy, upscale, french style restaurant where my boyfriend and I experienced subpar service (and we were the only ones in the restaurant too). Given that we are asian and look like we are 15 year olds, they probably thought we were too young and assumed we weren't going to tip well. Trust me, as a server, I know that is exactly what they were thinking. Anyways, at 2941 my boyfriend and I were treated with great and friendly service, which we really appreciated!
(5)Armand L.
Had a great happy hour dinner and drinks here. One off the best places in Falls Church for happy hour and great food. definitely sit at the bar and get the sliders for $2. Delicious.
(4)Kristina M.
Really fantastic restaurant, superior food and impeccable service. It's recent renovation gave the main dining room a breezy and sleek million-dollar-California-mansion kind of feeling. Perfect for business lunch, drinks for "serious talk" after work, gorgeous facilities and food for special events. Surrounded by lush waterfalls with coi ponds overlooking man made lake with fountain and outside patio with original Salvador Dali sculpture. There is a fantastic Chef, always making fun seasonal adjustments to their menu. My favorites for lunch are the calamari (always different, always delightful) and their classic Caesar salad with roasted chicken. It melts in your mouth. And they have the most delicious complementary little lemon glazed treats after your meal. It's just dreamy.
(5)Jenn C.
Hubby and I went here for a belated valentines day dinner. We had reservations on a Wednesday night and were sat immediately. Food- amazing! The portions were small compared to what you get at other restaurants, but it's the amount you're supposed to eat ha! Appetizer- Tuna tartare- small cubes of raw tuna topped with a spicy aioli and thinly slices avocado on top. It was delicious! Very light and a good balance Entree- I had the lobster lasagna- it was the meat of a whole lobster and thinly sliced scallops. Hubby had roasted duck breast - i'm not usually a fan of duck, but this was a really good... Cuts beautifully and it was not greasy at all. Dessert -. For dessert, we split the peanut butter baked Alaska. It was really good and Rich... I'm not a huge fan of peanut butter, but my husband loves it so that's what we got! It was very good with a sweet and salty combination going on. Service - our server was nice. Not overly talkative or friendly. I know that most restaurants of this class don't usually have chatty servers, but I do you like it when I can at least get a sense of warmth from the server. Overall though, the service was excellent and there's nothing that I could fault. Overall - it was a great experience. We both left full and happy! We would definitely recommend this restaurant for those looking for a quiet nice dinner out.
(5)Sarah C.
2941 revamped heir restaurant to be a little more casual and less intimidating, but it is still 5 stars. We check the online menu frequently to see if we like what they are serving (it changes often) and when it does we are off! Be aware that this menu is from Spring 2013. The great - The steak tartare is AMAZING. We order this every time they have it. 2 orders b/c we don't want to share. Asparagus ravioli with white asparagus, mint, thyme, burrata, and Parmesan. Duck confit ravioli with tomato jam and fiddlehead ferns. Steak fritte. Strawberry shortcake with coconut, shredded phyllo, and white tea ice cream. The good - Zucchini fritters with a feta and mint dip; salmon carpaccio; beet salad. The okay - Tuna tartare with avocado, crispy shallots, and jalapeno. I was actually I little disappointed because the avocado was more like guacamole, which wasn't what I was looking for. But by no means was it bad.
(5)Anna W.
My boyfriend and I came here Friday February 13, 2015 for their Valentine's Day special going on that weekend. Our reservation time was at 5:45pm but came here ten minutes early but we were still seated as prompt to arrival. My one and only complaint where my visit here made it very unpleasant is how we got seated right by the window when there were a bunch of other seats around. We weren't even seated in the main dining room but to the room off to the side near the bar. I understand that the seating is done by servers and how many tables they get, but they could've made our dinner a bit more pleasant by seating us somewhere where it wasn't so cold. Our server Julio was quite the charm and made the visit very pleasing. He was prompt in bringing us the vday special 3 course menu and asked about drinks as prompt to being seated. He asked about wine but unfortunately I am pregnant so I was not able to drink any alcoholic beverages. He did mention the "non-alcoholic" cocktails which I was VERY excited about. I asked him for a recommendation and he got me the "Nassau Mama" which I really enjoyed! I let my bf try it and he thought it was pretty amazing too! Because it was that good I had to take a picture of the cocktail description so I could try and mix it up myself some day! As for my bf's drink he had asked for top shelf Hennessy BUT they didn't have it as Julio was prompt in letting us know. He was disappointed and shocked that the restaurant didn't have any back stock of the top shelf or anything in the middle for his favorite cognac brand he wanted. He just went with a double neat Hennesy V.S. As our appetizer I got the "Lobster Ravioli" and he got the "Crispy Veal." There was a good portion of lobster for my ravioli, quite more than expected. The dish lacked of seasoning.. My BF tried a bite and he thought that same. I felt that the sauce wasn't much of a kick at all but a very mild taste to it, a little salt would have made a huge difference. My BF said his veal was VERY good and just right for his taste buds and not lacking in seasoning. For the main course I got the "Chilean Sea Bass," which again lacked in seasoning with the sauce. The fish was cooked to perfect. They left the fat on the fish that's between the meat and skin which gave the fish a gamey taste to it. The sauce was too mild to mask the taste of the gaminess. There was a good amount of black truffle shavings which I enjoyed. The celery root had the most seasoning in the dish sadly. Which I enjoyed eating and wished that there was more of in the dish. I still finished my dish though it wasn't that appetizing. I never not leave a plate unfinished or send it back just because it lacked to my taste. My BF did try my entree and said he liked his a lot better.. My boyfriend got the "Crescent Duck" which again he REALLY enjoyed. The breast was very meaty, cooked to medium and delicious to his taste. Though there was a gamey taste to it, it was seasoned well enough to mask it and enjoy for him. He ate the whole thing and said that it's the best "duck" dish he's had. I'm glad that he enjoyed his! For dessert we got the "Chocolate Lovers." We aren't a huge fan of chocolate but we just got what Julio recommended. In the dark chocolate mouse the hazelnut dacquoise was the BEST part of it. It was so good I just dug the inside out and ate it. My boyfriend loved the vanilla mousse with the flourless cake in the middle. It was too much chocolate for us but we enjoyed every single bite of it! They gave us a complimentary lemon tart which was delicious as well! I want to thank Julio for his impeccable service and making our visit enjoyable! I would ask to be seated by him next time and would recommend his service to others.
(4)S G.
Here's the bottom line, this is a dressy place with tasty food, a great setting, and conscientious service - but it will cost you. We went during Restaurant Week, a great way to try out high end restaurants before committing. My food was excellent, but wine by the glass starts at $10 - about the same range as their nice cocktail menu ($10-14). We had the three course lunch menu and apart from my husband's pork, which was a little tough, all the food was top notch. The complimentary valet parking was fine, although seemed unnecessary. The service was attentive without being pushy. We had a lovely visit and may return for a special occasion when we're ready to splurge! And the warm donut bites they served at the end of the meal were fabulous!
(4)Katie S.
We made reservations at 7pm on a Friday night and were seated promptly upon arrival. We decided to go with the Friday night date night 5 course tasting menu special ($68) after seeing tuna and halibut on the menu. Throughout the five courses we really got a chance to sample the range of delicious food the chefs here are able to whip up. We decided to order a soft shell crab appetizer in addition to the tasting menu and our waiter incorporated it wonderfully into the middle of our tasting. Tasting menu: Bluefin tuna confit - this may have been my first time trying the bluefin versus the more traditional ahi you get in a ahi tuna salad. The texture is firmer and than the flaky and fatty ahi but nonetheless delicious and served refreshingly raw. Brioche crusted halibut: oh that buttery brioche sitting all crispy on top of the juicy halibut was simply delicious and may have been my favorite dish out of the tasting menu! Corn ravioli: this was something new to try, it's filled with sweet corn and mascarpone. An interesting and delicious dish as well. Guinea hen duo: the hen is severed two ways, the breast was roasted and just perfectly juicy with a crispy skin. The leg came as a confit leg and was super juicy as well. Kind of reminded me of a crab cake but...a shredded hen leg instead, yum! Dulcet panna cotta: ohhhhh myyyyyy goodness. I could not get enough of whatever that base cream was made of!! The champagne mango and apricot marmalade were sweet enough to be dessert but not too sweet that you felt like you were just eating sugar jam. The cinnamon churro was light and sugary. Delicious! Overall the presentation of the dishes were beautiful and our waiter explained in detail what every dish was as it arrived. Food: 5 Services: 5 Ambiance: 5 I'm delighted we were able to celebrate our anniversary here and would recommend this restaurant to friends and family.
(5)Isabelle S.
Went there for the first time to celebrate our 16th anniversary. We had a table by the window and enjoyed the view of the lake. We started with cocktails. I chose the Red Little Wagon (vodka and fresh strawberry juice) and loved it. It really tasted like fresh strawberries, and not some sort of liquor / flavored syrup. My husband chose one with gin (I think) cucumber and several spices. He liked it, I found the different tastes to be overwhelming. Too many different flavor in one sip. We then chose the 5-course tasting menu. It's a tasting menu and portions are small. But after 5 courses, we were full. All 5 courses were very well presented, tasty very good, with unusual flavors, or flavor combinations, the kind of experience that reminds you there is more to food that fried food, or food covered in BBQ or other sauce. Service was quick and friendly. We even got an extra dessert to celebrate our anniversary! I give only 4 stars because I am not used to spend so much money on a diner, but it is definitely worth it for a special occasion.
(4)Cletus V.
Beautiful restaurant! The food is delicious and the view is beautiful. Great place to host a wedding reception or event! Very friendly staff!
(4)Amanda B.
Nothing bad to say about this place....well I did think some of the decor was tacky and didn't blend. Lol Anyway all the food was delicious, the calamari was the 2nd best I've had and the lamb was perfect. I mean honestly I didn't think lamb could taste that good. I also had some escargot for the first time that wasn't too bad. Dessert was awesome. I love the ambiance, very intimate. Great place for pictures outside. Ideal date night.
(5)April A.
We opted for the tasting menu. The corn ravioli was my favorite course. Would've given 5 stars had it not been for our server Alex. He seemed disinterested in waiting on us. When the veal course came out, my husband was finished with his before Alex came over to tell us what was on the plate. With the dessert course he told us about half of what was on the plate then came back and added more of a description after the fact. Yes I know we were given a menu that described all five courses, but isn't part of the experience the server telling you what you're about to eat?
(4)Sheena S.
We went here due to a Travelzoo voucher. We ordered a small bite (mushroom tarting and tuna tartare) followed by asparagus agnolotti, and rib eye. The small bites were absolutely delicious. Incredibly tasty. Our entrees were taking a while - we were patiently waited - and long and behold- the GM came over to us and apologized and stated he would take our entrees off our check! How wonderful! I wasn't expecting that at all. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. I will be back and I will ask for our wonderful waiter as well!
(5)Merly T.
I came here to celebrate my bf's birthday and I had an ok experience here. 1. I made reservation for two. I read great things about 2941 so my expectations were high. I checked in with the hostess. We were 15 minutes early so we went to the bar. The bartender was rude. We sat at the bar and we waited about 5-7 minutes to be greeted. I mean he was standing right there! and the bar was empty. 2. I made reservation for 7:15 pm. Its 7:45pm and I am still waiting for my table. I got up and asked if my table would be ready soon. I was told to wait because they didn't have it ready. I told them I will be waiting at the bar. 8:00pm I am still waiting. I got up and went to check again and I was told to wait a little bit longer. I do understand that things happened but at least let me know what's going on. I came here for food and drinks and so far my experience is not looking good. 3. Service was outstanding!!!! Food tasty!
(3)Nan K.
Oh my lord. Can I eat here every night? I had the crispy pork belly for my appetizer and it melted in my mouth. I've never had such good pork in my life. I had the lobster and veal for my main dish...I devoured everything without saying a word. It was just that good. I had the chocolate pain perdu for dessert which wasn't up to par with my other dishes, but I think I was too full to fully enjoy it, my pants were getting dangerously tight. I tasted some other desserts and they were all delicious...apparently the famous pastry chef Anthony Chavez doesn't work there anymore, but the new chef is just as good (but I'm no expert, I just like to eat). A friend came here for lunch and said it was mediocre, so I think the dinner menu is better. This is my favorite restaurant in northern Virginia. I've only been here a couple times, but I have never been disappointed.
(5)Ethan B.
What a hidden gem! The food was amazing and our service was great. There are floor to ceiling windows (at least 30 feet high) with the view of a beautiful lake (man-made I'm sure). You feel like you are in a secluded woodland, not like you came off Rt. 50. The food was great and the tuna tartar was some of the best I've had in the NoVA area. They handled all requests very well and the price was very reasonable for the quality of the food. They also had a tasting menu which was required for the whole table and we almost went for it but wanted to try everything on the menu so we split many things. Don't think twice about venturing here...
(4)Hannah B.
Another one of my favorite place. We love everything the chef has to put on the menu and their bar area is a relaxing place to hang out with GG martini with friends!!
(5)Gina A.
We happened to come during restaurant week, so sometimes it's hard to judge the food during that time...not to say that it was bad in the least. We both cleared our plates completely haha. They had some very interesting dishes on the menu, including this delicious drunken watermelon appetizer with calamari and shrimp. With a few of their dishes I got to experience some new tastes and combinations of things I have never experienced before which was lovely. The grilled pork loin practically melted in my mouth and was over creamy polenta. Very creative desserts as well. If you're into unique combinations of food this is certainly a place to try. Atmosphere is beautiful, outside and in.
(4)Laura D.
I've been here several times but after tonight's experience I will NOT be returning. We sat in the main dining room (which was completely empty at 7pm on a Friday night) and noticed the burger which we had at the bar earlier in the week wasn't on the main menu. My boyfriend asked if he could order the burger and was told a stern no, that was only allowed at the bar (which was less than 10 feet away and not at all separate from the main dining room) because they offer "a different experience here". A different experience? It is in the exact same room and the atmosphere exactly the same. Who are you kidding? Our waiter was incredibly condescending, rolled his eyes, and said absolutely not, so we requested to speak with the manager. The manager Jonathan was also extremely rude and condescending and refused to bring a burger to the table and walked away while we were still talking to him. Unbelievably bad customer service - the four of us were in shock. The rest of us were absolutely willing to get the more expensive entrées offered in the dining room but after that we were so turned off and could not stand the snotty waiters (which were just standing around with no tables to wait on). One would think they would have wanted our tip but I guess not. They were just trying to upsell us which is unbelievably tacky. So turned off by the attitude and poor customer service, we decided to just sit at the bar where the service was amazing and the staff incredibly nice. The real kicker was, is that they offered us the full menu at the bar!!! There is absolutely no need to sit in the main dining room - you can get the whole menu at the bar and the staff there is so much nicer. I am disgusted by Jonathan and the other waiters and won't be returning because of them.
(1)Kimberly T.
I had really high hopes for 2941, even ones which I was willing to temper slightly knowing that it was Restaurant Week. Everything started off well - we arrived early, utilized the complimentary valet and enjoyed several excellent cocktails from the bar while taking in the views. Then we sat down to eat. Everything was just meh to just disappointing. The melon soup just tasted like someone threw a cantaloupe in the blender; there was no other flavor, seasoning, or texture. My pork entree had two medallions - one of which was essentially raw. Everything else was just fine enough, but certainly not memorable. The server came by frequently, but somehow never at the right time. Hopefully I'll take some time to recover and be willing to come back when it isn't RW for the full experience I've heard so many good things about...
(3)Adrienne A.
Lovely setting, nicely done chow, but at those prices, I need to be able to say more about it, than, gosh, it sure was expensive. For someplace in the middle of Fairview Park, I mean goodness . . .it needs to be extraordinary or a tad less pricey. I mean, you know, location, location, location costs extra, we all understand, but without location on your side, you need to work it, girl! So, that's a meh from me. You are not going to Hollywood.
(2)Jee C.
It amazes me to see people still go here. Their foods are medicore. It's a pretty restaurant, but that's about it. If you never been, try it just for the atmosphere. Foods are bleh. I've been to this place for birthday dinners, wedding receptions... and they were a bit above the average, but the price tag brings this place down to 2 star from 3 lol.
(2)Daniel E.
If I could give half stars, I would give it a 4.5. Went during the August 2013 Restaurant Week with my girlfriend for lunch and everything was what you would expect from a nice restaurant. Excellent ambiance, landscaping, and good service. The style of the decor was not my favorite, but it didn't detract from the experience. The starters were good, but not excellent. Had the beet salad and chilled watermelon soup. For the entrees we had the chicken duo and the smoked corn ravioli. The chicken was by far way better and would say it was probably the second best thing we had in the meal. The best, however, was the dessert. The peaches and cream dessert had an amazing lemon verbena ice cream. Additionally, the chocolate mousse dessert was excellent as well. Overall, for a three course meal for two persons that totaled around $42 with tax, it was an excellent meal.
(4)Lisa N.
You can't get any better than this place. Beautiful scenic views, wonderful service, appetizing French food... what more can you ask for?! For dinner, the menu consists of "small bites" ($5-8/each) which are basically tiny and unique appetizers. However, the portions are quite "small" indeed. *Salmon Tartare (which comes with a guacamole-like sauce and 2 sea salt crackers). IMO, it tastes better than tuna tartare and they give you a decent amount, but we could have used more crackers! *Scallops (with chives and mango). The tiny scallops came on 3 shells and had a beautiful presentation. *Calamari (crispy with avocado and cocktail sauce). I've had much better at Coastal Flats or Ruth Chris. For our entrees, my boyfriend and I both ordered fish. They were both cooked perfectly, tender and moist. *Arctic Char ($26)- a salmon-like fish that is softer and less dense. The portion was rater large and it came with several vegetables. *Peruvian Bass ($29)- our favorite dish of the night. The portion was large as well and came with 4 succulent mussels. For dessert, we ordered... *Hazelnut tart ($8) which was OK but it came with a tasty side of ice cream *Sorbet ($3/scoop) which is offered in a variety of flavors. We ordered Passionfruit/Apriocot which was much too sour for our taste and Pistachio which we destroyed The restaurant also made a special chocolate mousse with "Happy Anniversary" written on the plate on the house, which was very nice of them! For our drinks, we ordered the house Riesling and Pinot Noir. Both were good, but I wish the Pinot Noir was chilled (it was room temperature). The Riesling was the better of the two. The best part of the experience was our waiter in my opinion. Sadly, I forgot his name but he was young and probably from Germany or somewhere else in Eastern Europe... he was constantly smiling, definitely knew the menu and wines from top to bottom, and was at our service exactly when we finished each course (I think he was actually watching us to make sure we never had to wait)... amazing!! Even though the small bites weren't worth it in my opinion, the entrees were amazing and the service was probably the best I've ever had. 2941 is a must-go for any fancy occasion. They also do weddings! One was actually going on outside our window! Also, there is complimentary valet parking which you can pull up right to the front of the restaurant... if not, you can park in their garage and come in through the elevators. This is my third time dining here and it won't be my last!
(5)Julia A.
What a fantastic restaurant all around from beginning to end! I was greeted by an excellent valet. The location and decor is absolutely stunning. Outside is a lake, fountain, and statue. Paired along with the beautiful paintings inside, high ceilings with extravagant lighting, this is a fine dining restaurant that all can enjoy. The food of course was also wonderful. I tried the beef. It was served promptly, as was the dessert. The only qualm I had about this place was that the waiters took a little while to come with the check and were a little pretentious whenever I asked a question about a dish. Other than that - great dining experience.
(4)Janice Y.
Excellent food and service! The sea bass was amazing!
(5)Carolyn F.
My boyfriend took me for here for a birthday dinner. The actual restaurant is a bit hard to find--it's at the bottom of a large office building. However, the space is gorgeous--huge floor to ceiling windows that overlook a small lake. The interior is contemporary with great lighting. If would rate this a 4.5--too bad we can't give half star ratings on Yelp. Our experience didn't warrant a 5, but it wasn't far from it. A few cons: we both thought that the hostesses were a bit snooty (and yes, we were weaing proper attire). Also, it took quite a while for our waiter to take our wine order and bring the drinks. We received the bread first, then the wine and appetizers arrived together. Finally, there are not many vegetarian options on the menu. The pros: Our waiter was friendly and relatively attentive. Although we had to ask for this (it wasn't offered by our waiter), the chef prepared a wonderful veggie platter for me. As an appetizer, I got the mushroom tartine, which was delicious. My boyfriend got the a little Caesar salad, which has a creative presentation and was tasty. He liked my mushroom tartine so much that he got one for himself as well. My veggie platter was delish and he enjoyed the duck. Although we almost never order dessert, we shared the lemon-hazelnut gateau marjolaine, which was really good--not too big and not too sweet. It has a nice tart flavor, which I love. They also brought out a little mini birthday treat. The coffee was excellent. We thought that everything was reasonably priced for the qualify and presentation of food as well as the atmosphere. We will definitley come again.
(4)Karen L.
My first experience at 2941 was good. We went for my husband's birthday with our parents and the food was fantastic! Good portions, presentation was creative and fancy, and the chef was very accommodating to a gluten free guest. They only knock I have on the restaurant is the location. It was confusing to locate for everyone in our party except for me but it would not deter me from going again
(4)Norry H.
9 of us UNITÉ GOURMANDS members had a wonderful dinner here last night. In spite of the past Sunday's WP SUNDAY MAGAZINE article by Tom Sietzema, the place was filled with many patrons. (well, it's a Friday evening, anyway.) As this was my very first time, I was really impressed with the spaciousness of this place as I walked in, especially with the 3 story high ceiling! From the NOSH & NEXT selections, we ordered the following: Black Truffle Mac & Cheese - Excellent! Tuna Tartar - Excellent! (Not too salty at all unlike Tom Sietzema's review.) Crispy Calamari Wagyu Beef Sliders Pear & Endive Salad - Very Good! Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes - No Jumbo. :( Hudson Valley Foie Gras - Very Good! Black Truffle Mac & Cheese was made into bite size croquettes and they were very enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the smell and taste of truffle as I bit the crunchy shell. Tuna Tartar was perfectly prepared. I am glad I did not avoid it just because Tom Sietzema said it was too salty in the WP Sunday Magazine. We enjoyed the complimentary basket of various kinds of bread with the appetizers. It was excellent. Before the Entrée came, we ordered another bottle of Sonoma Zinfandel which was the least priced bottle at $60. Yikes! (Some were drinking other stuff. That's why this was only the second bottle although there were 9 of us.) From NEED selections, we ordered the following: Meat & Potato (Ribeye) Alaskan Halibut Amish Chicken Breast Roasted Duck aL'Orange Grilled Tuna Loin The ribeye was pretty good and the duck with orange was fun but the chicken breast was a little dry, and nothing special about the fish either. I would pair Yuzu marmalade with the roasted duck to enhance the flavor with some sweetness I thought. I think enjoyed the NOSH and NEXT more than NEED. Next time, I will go for the beautiful bar instead of the dining room so I can enjoy the grand view of the lake outside more easily. Overall, very nice interior, grand view of outside with huge windows, good food, good service, lots of parking in the back for self parking lovers like myself.
(4)Amanda M.
This place is overpriced, pretentious and the food is mediocre and bland. I came here for Restaurant Week - February 2013 and had the following: Beef Tartare -Completely overwhelmed with dijon mustard and texture of tartare was too chewy Atlantic Salmon | quinoa, squash, salmoriglio sauce -Salmon was perfectly cooked but lacked any depth of flavor Grilled Pork Loin | blood orange, spicy scallion vinaigrette, spinach -A little overcooked and did not taste any blood orange or spicy scallion vinaigrette Creamsicle -Texture was like soaked styrofoam I really wanted to try to like this restaurant because the decor and presentation of food is so beautiful but the food is just so forgettable.
(2)Donovan T.
2941 used to be one of our favorite restaurants. The menu was great, and the service was fantastic. Since then, their pastry chef left, they remodeled (got rid of the awesome looking chandelier) and got some tacky/trippy neon fractal art that clashes with the otherwise warm decor, and changed their menu up from "fine dining to upscale casual dining." We gave it a try right after the remodel, and was underwhelmed. Well, it's been 2.5 years, and they were back in the Washingtonian Top 100 (2014... fell off in the 2015 issue) again, so we thought we'd give it another try. We decided to do their Christmas Eve Prix-Fixe dinner. But before we get to the dinner part, let's talk about the wait. The restaurant was only serving the prix fixe menu tonight, so no a la carte. We had a reservation for 7:30, and had to wait until 7:50 to get seated, which is kind of surprising. That sort of sets the mood for the rest of the dinner. On to the food! For the appetizer, I had the Foie Gras Terrine, with luxardo maraschino cherry brioche, eiswein jam, and mache salad. This was pretty good, but it's hard to mess up a terrine. The cherries along with the brioche paired nicely with the terrine. Sadly, the meal just goes downhill from there. There were no choices for the mid course. It was a Robiola Fresco Raviolini with Brussel sprout chips, and Parmesan cheese. This wasn't bad, but it was unmemorable. The raviolini was bland. The saving grace of the dish was the flavorful Brussel sprout chips. Without it, it would've been like boiled cheese ravioli that wasn't even boiled in salted water. For the main course, I chose the Pheasant Breast with celery root, savoy cabbage, chestnut, cipollini onion, and natural jus. The flavor was clean, and I enjoyed the celery. However, the pheasant was a little over cooked. It was a tad dry and a little chewy. For dessert, I had the Bûche de Noël, with hazelnut dacquoise, milk chocolate chantilly, roasted pear sorbet, and brown sugar meringue. This was actually the best dish of the night for me. Everything harmonized, and the plating was wonderful. The brown sugar meringue in the shape of mushrooms was a delight. The pear sorbet cut the sweetness of the Bûche de Noël just enough to make this dessert not overly sweet. Now to the service. There was a 20% TAXABLE gratuity added on to all the bills. I don't think I've ever seen gratuity taxed before, so I was a little surprised by that. The service was blah. The server took our food and drink order. Being at a higher end restaurant, one would think since no one was drinking wine, the wine glasses would be taken away as the server left the table. Nope, they sat there until right before the first course came out. So for a 2 seater table, we had our utensils, bread plates, bread basket, candle, water glasses and empty wine glasses. So pretty crowded table. Anyway, the only thing fast about the service was them taking away our finished plates. They were like vultures. Right after we set our utensils down, they swoop in to take the plates away. Then we would sit there for about 15 minute before the next course came out. However, they left the napkin used to clean up a mess the server made on the table the whole time. Let's just say the service was not worth the 20% tip plus tax. Overall, fairly unimpressed by the forgettable dinner. May not return anytime soon, if at all.
(2)Lowell N.
5 stars for food, 4 stars for service. Superb food with some slight mis-steps on the service. Food: We skipped tasting menu and ordered individually. Starters were Winter Greens and Mushroom Tartine, both delicious and surprisingly big portions. For pasta, Mushroom Risotto and Butternut Squash Agnolotti. Of the two, the risotto was excellent, the agnolotti just good...seemed a bit too overcooked for my taste, but GF enjoyed. For entree, had Rockfish and Venison. I had melt-in-your-mouth venison, done just right, and not too gamey. Rockfish not my taste, but GF raved. They outdid themselves on dessert; in addition to nice birthday treat, we ordered the Torrone and Creamsicle. Torrone was fascinating combination of tastes and textures, and nothing too heavy. Creamsicle was fun (snowman shape) and tasty. In both, the apparently house-made sorbets were a great aspect. Bottom line--food worthy of the hype. Service: odd arrangement when arriving--valet gets your car, and it's not even obvious what door of the building to go in, no signage. After a bit of hesitation, we pick the right door. Quickly seated...but then receive one lunch and one dinner menu (we eventually got a second dinner menu). Long delay between receiving menu and being asked for our orders, and our waiter was polite but seemed reluctant to linger very long, dashing off to the next thing. But once things started rolling, food came in timely fashion, table quickly cleared, etc. So reasonably good service, just not everything expected in a high-end place like this. Facility: Room was handsome but surprisingly noisy, perhaps because of a talkative party nearby. As noted by others, a bit hard to find this place, being in General Dynamics office building. And once we did, had the awkward entry noted above. We were there at night, so couldn't see much, but it was clear there was a nice view of the lake nearby. Bottom line--nice special occasion place, worth the money for excellent food.
(4)Hue K.
I dreamed about 2941 after reading many positive reviews and the menu.. but never had a chance to visit there because they only opened for dinner and I don't eat big dinner... I made my way out there FINALLY after big snow storm. God bless America.., my office decided to close the entire week. I found out that 2941 now opens for lunch and .. it gets better; offering prix fixed menu for $20.90. There is no acceptable excuse for me now. I went there on Thursday during lunch time before V-day weekend. I wondered why it was called 2941 ... I found out why when I got there. The address is 2941 fairview xxx. (now you don't have to worry about getting lost in case you forget the address as long as you remember the name of the restaurant). I thought it would be a stand-alone restaurant but it was located inside of tall big office building. When you walk inside of the buidling, take the elevator to lower level. Now you make grand-entrance.. One side of the wall is head-to-toe window (made of glass) so as soon as you are inside of the restaurant, you forget that you are in a office building. The window faces a big lake and trees so you feel like you are in middle of get-away resort next to lovely lake. Our server was VERY attentive and friendly (kevin, his name). There are 2 options to choose from for all course (appetizer, entree and dessert). We like simplicity. We ordered one of each from the menu to get all the dishes on the menu. Yes, like others said, you get bottomless refill of bread as soon as you sit until you leave. Bread was good but not one of kind. - Appetizer 1. Wild mushroom veloute (aka. mushroom cream soup) was the best soup I've ever had. It was so light. I thought it was mousse or something. 2. Red Beet salad: Beets were not chopped or sliced like most other places. Beets were velvety mashed..and mozzarella was transformed into creamy sauce.. You won't know if it was beet if you were blinded.. It melts in your mouth.. I was talking and eating.. all of sudden, I realized nothing left.. and I didn't recall if I chewed anything..I could eat a bucket of this... -Entree 1. sweet crabmeat ravioli w/black truffle and parmasan cheese: Ravioli was filled with crabmeat.. Hands down ravioli. 2. Pan roasted beef short ribs: I tasted it and it was very juicy and soft.. mashed potato was lovely... I never eat mashed potato but this one.. I could get this as side-dish all the time. My friend said it was the best beef rib ever. -Dessert 1. Coconut baked alaska: the portion is small like bite size but it was sweet enough that I didn't feel I needed bigger portion. 2. Chocolate cheesecake: I don't like cheesecake anymore since I went overboard with costco's cheesecake but this cheesecake was very good. again small portion so you don't have to feel guilty after licking the plate. While you are waiting for your check, you get another surprise. A bowl of caramelized popcorn. Again, I don't like popcorn anymore after overeating it while I had to be on diet... OMG.. this popcorn is the best popcorn ever. It's like sweet snow.. .. Very pleasant dining experience. Now I have one item written on my to-do-list from March till December 2010. Visiting 2941 at least ONCE a month to try their new dish or everyday dish. I give big applause to 2941 for stepping out of 'culinary comfort zone' to offer something different but exquisite to their customers.
(5)Kristin S.
Love this place!!! Beautiful scenery, a restaurant that overlooks a koi pond larger glass windows, and surrounded by trees, gives a very tranquil feeling while dining. I had been here before but since i had a friend in town and it was restaurant week, we decided to go here for lunch. Tried the heirloom tomato salad and salmon. Both of which tasted very fresh. I do like the restaurant deal, but you do have to go with the options offered. I have been here for lunch and dinner before (on non-restaurant week) and the food choices are excellent and always perfectly cooked. This is a great place to come to for a special occasion or an upscale meal.
(5)James F.
Went with my wife for wedding anniversary. She had heard nice things about it; had been there for lunch perhaps five years earlier and enjoyed it. For me, first visit, from time of arrival until departure, location seemed strange--in an office park off highway in woods with no street lights. Main dining room was size of airline terminal. Just seemed like I was there for business dinner. Cold; no intimacy; a wasteland. We decided on tasting menu. Overall decent but not for $95 per person. Good news was that it was not built around ridiculously esoteric ingredients--that kind of precociousness. Flights of wine were good but waiter presenting wine assumed we had never heard of wine before--less the narrative than mannerisms. Our main waiter was okay, but lacked all flare and style, seemed like having a neighbor next door serving you. (Expected at any moment to talk about lawns.) Some folks were dressed nicely: a few gents looked like they were just back from a Little League game. If this place at one time had superb food and class, it's long gone. Sum: we made the most of it; the food was solid "B" grade (dessert was "D" fruit and sorbet thing); I have sufficient financial means to not be bothered by the price, otherwise would have felt taken. Sound taps on this place.
(2)Glenn W.
This is a tough one but I'm going to suck it up and award the 4 stars. Here is why. This was my first time back in about a year and a half. I WANT this place to be great because it's close to my house :) And a do like this place because the food is [mostly] great, and has remained so even after the departure of Krinn. Last year they announced a "retooling" focused on "Mediterranean fare" and "a more casual atmosphere" and "a more affordable experience" or some such thing, and most regulars immediately declared a shark-jumping. The updated decor is an improvement. The food is still awesome. (With one exception: the kitchen now sports a new Pasta station and a dedicated pasta section on the menu. The one pasta dish I tried -- lobster fettucini -- was awful and seemed completely out of place among the otherwise amazing food.) But... (there is always a but) service was horrible. Maybe I just got stuck with a bad waiter this time, that might be it. It's tough because that can single-handedly put a big damper on the evening for me and it did. Because I don't mind paying "fine dining" prices as long as I get commensurate service. And let there be no mistake, this place is pretty spendy even for what it is. Nevertheless. I'm going to be gracious (like always right) and give them the 4 stars. Just don't let it happen again 2941!
(4)Melissa M.
This place is wonderful! We always take advantage of restaurant week and as always we had an excellent dinner. I had the steak tartare, salmon dinner and a coconut cake for dessert. Hubby had the calamari (asked for tomato sauce and they obliged) which was light and airy...will get this again!, veal taglietelle and chocolate panacotta. Their kettleone dry martini's are awesome too. Services is always spot on. When restaurant week comes along take advantage...great deal!
(5)Keith P.
Went for a birthday celebration and it was a lovely evening. New renovation and revamped menu were great. Opening Noshes (Tapas-like appetizers) were yummy ... Melt in your mouth calamari and mac&cheese croquettes. Among our party we tried just about everything. I thought the lamb was the best, but everything was great. The dishes are modest sized by typical American standards, but they were rich and filling. And we had room left for the spectacular deserts. It is not an inexpensive place, but well worth it for a special occasion.
(4)Sunny C.
Service (apart from the hostesses) is outstanding. They changed plates, silverware, poured more water quickly without being intrusive and were extremely quiet. Half the time, I didn't notice they were there. We never had to ask for anything. The hostesses were dismissive/unfriendly. We waited for a good 5+ minutes for a hostess to show up. And when they both showed up, they didn't acknowledge our presence or asked if we needed help even though we were standing right in front of them. We had to tell them we had a reservation. I also found it very rude that one of us pointed at us to get our attention. I expected more from a $$$$ restaurant. Food is delicious. Recommend ordering an appetizer, entree, and dessert so that you are full. Short rib ravioli was good but the short rib was a little bit salty. Mont Blanc dessert was yummy and had great texture. The butternut squash soup was light. I liked how they didn't react negatively to us requesting tap water. Ambiance and atmosphere was wonderful. Sitting by the fire was very nice. The nice thing about this restaurant is that you don't have to dress formally (suit/tie/cocktail dress).
(5)Kristopher B.
We went here for a post-Valentine's Day dinner. The GPS lead us to the wrong place, but once we found the place I was very impressed with the exterior. There is complimentary valet service, and a nice pond with a waterfall outside the entrance. Inside the decor was done in kind of a surrealist style. It was a little weird, but approachable. The menu is 1 page. We ordered 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, and 2 cocktails. Appetizers: Calamari -- Fantastic. If you go here and don't get this you are cheating yourself out of something special. In fact, get 2 plates. Mushroom Tartine -- Very good and with simple ingredients. My wife really liked this a lot. I didn't like the tartness so much, but who am I to yell at a square for being a square. Entrees: Mushroom Risotto: Very good, very creamy risotto. My wife had this. She loved it. The dinner portion was more than enough. Lobster Fettuccini: This was very good, I thought it was priced a little high at $34, but the lobster and sauce tasted wonderful. The sauce was very light. The pasta was cooked alright. Cocktails: Powder Monkey -- Disaster. I don't recommend getting any cocktails from the bar. Cosmopolitan -- Very average. My wife got this, again don't get anything but the simplest of drinks from this bar. Dessert: Chocolate Pain Perdu -- This was amazing. Very well done. I was impressed most by the quality of this dessert. My wife and I enjoyed every bite. Summary: If you go here definitely try the calamari. The entrees are good, but I would say a bit over-priced and there aren't many options on the menu. Whatever you do, don't get the cocktails. Keep your drinks simple. Service: 7/10 Food: 6/10 (calamari and chocolate pain perdu 9/10) atmosphere: 5/10
(3)Jennifer S.
I visited during the winter 2013 Restaurant Week and was completely underwhelmed. I started with the Duck Ballotine which tasted fine but a bit salty. I selected the rockfish with quinoa for my entrée it tasted fine but was a little bland. The Creamsicle Vacherine was also fine. It tasted like vanilla ice cream with a little orange juice on it. Perhaps you are noticing a trend. Everything tasted fine. The best part of the meal was the caramel corn that came to the table during dessert. The restaurant itself is located in a strange location. Although, I'm sure the view is lovely in the day light because it overlooks a lake. The décor is nice, clean, modern...it looks very corporate but it's nice. I was a little annoyed that my only parking option was valet. Overall I was disappointed by the mediocrity of the experience. There was absolutely nothing special about this place. To sum it up: nice atmosphere, good service, average food, strange location.
(2)Laurie W.
Let me caveat this review by saying two things. 1) I had been to 2941 before the restaurant re-do, and I really liked it and wanted to continue to like it (and find it to be more affordable), and 2) I had a "Google offers" coupon. This meal had a lot of potential, but there were certain things that just made it miss the mark for me. Food: the bread basket came out (love restaurants that still serve bread) and my husband attacked the olive bread while I enjoyed the wheat bread. The baguette was good, too. Started with the calamari "small bite". It had nice flavor, great crunch, and wasn't greasy at all - but all of the sauce was at the bottom of the dish, which was odd and resulted in a bunch of calamari all over the table as my husband and I attempted to move the pile of calamari around to get at the sauce. Then had the tuna tartare for an appetizer - this was absolutely delicious - no complaints. For my main dish, I had the lobster ravioli (full portion). Pasta was cooked well and there was a good amount of lobster, but there was a LOT of watery broth sitting at the bottom of the dish once I was done, which was odd. My husband had the veal and lobster - the veal was delicious and was prepared perfectly, as was the risotto on the side. The lobster claw, however, was rather mushy. For dessert, we split the "creamsicle." This dessert was absolutely delicious, but what ruined it for us was the fact that it was literally sitting in pieces of ice - which looked really pretty but was a pain to try to avoid eating. I didn't find chewing the ice appealing, but the presentation of the dish made it nearly impossible to avoid. Service: Service was fine, no issues there. Some might have said it was a little slow (we did wait a while to order after our wine came) but to be honest, I enjoyed not being rushed. Atmosphere: The restaurant is very beautiful and nicely decorated. The crowd tends to skew a bit older, with most patrons in business-casual attire although there were a few people in dressy jeans. It was not overly loud but at the same time still had a nice "buzz." Overall, even after the restaurant re-do, I still find a lot of the food to be overpriced (the lobster and veal dish was small for $42). I felt that the meal was good but not great, and had I not had the Google offer I would have felt ripped off. I would be willing to try it again, but would probably stick to the bar and order a burger.
(2)Kilani W.
Great place ! pricey but its worth it.
(4)Brad A.
It is rare that I feel that a resturant's food is better than what I can prepare at home. Went to 2941 last night and we were wowed! Everything we had was amazing--a simple ceasar salad small bite was beautifully well executed with paresean crips. The mushroom tartine was delicous. Our waiter, Alex, took the extra care to make sure we had just the right wine. He new the menu inside and out. My girlfriend had the duck breast and it was perfectly prepared but the hit of the meal was my ravioli with duck sausage and escarole--it knocked us out--it was simply prepared but the flavors just worked.
(5)Louella M.
Big fan of this place. Made a reservation via Open Table with a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Brian's service was top notch and his recommendations were a big hit. I had the halibut which was divine - basically licked my plate clean and my husband had the duck which he enjoyed as well. We shared the poached pear for dessert - really interesting flavor profiles working together in that dessert (red wine poached pear, ginger ice cream, hazelnut -- all together worked well), Brian also brought a small flourless chocolate cake that had Happy Anniversary written on the plate - very thoughtful service! To end our wonderful meal, we got two little fried dough balls compliments of the pastry chef which were scrumptious. Overall wonderful dining experience. We'll be back for sure!
(5)Annamaria K.
Everyone talks about the food. Yes, it is an above average dining experience. NoVa is lucky to have this restaurant. BUT the not that well publicized fact is they have the coolest arts on display on the restaurant and on the patio. The restaurant features a Salvador Dali sculpture, a Pissaro painting, several artworks from Jose Alvarez and an enormous geode from Uruguay. Loved looking around while I was enjoying the service and the meal.
(4)Rick G.
As occasional regulars at 2941 we're consistently happy with their offerings. This time around, our appetizer consisted of: the Warm Crispy Crab with ginger beurre blac, petite salad which was fantastic. The Summer Bouquet of Bibb lettuce, cherry tomato, asparagus, avocado, white balsamic vinaigrette - fresh and mouthwatering! Our main courses were the: Pan Seared Chilean Bass with tomato compote, asparagus, shaved baby zucchini for my wife, and I had the Lobster: lobster sauce, baby turnips, sugar snap peas, heirloom potato, croustillant of which I could not have words to describe how delicious it was; Friends had the 10 oz Beef Filet with smoked pearl onion, herb pomme puree, oyster mushroom, fricassee of peas... and for dessert we shared: the Blueberry Cheesecake with lavender whipped cream, shredded phyllo, lemon cream; the Coconut Mousse with raspberry jam, coconut macaroon, rosemary; and last but not least, the Peach & Strawberry-Lemonade Sorbet with fresh fruit, Madeleine. Where the ideas come from for Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel and his team is impossible to fathom, but his culinary artistry is incredible and thoroughly enjoyable. There are few restaurants in our area that can boast the elegance, taste and utmost eye for detail to wow the palate - not to mention the atmosphere that makes all your senses enjoy the complete experience! And, one cannot forget Caitlin Dysart, 2941's incredible Pastry Chef. I, for one, don't fancy myself one with a sweet tooth, but I can never pass up her incredible offerings - simply put... delish! With various visits including my recent birthday and friends 40th Anniversary, the 2941 Team has our kudos and continued patronage. We're proud to have such an incredible culinary experience and masters of the art in our backyard.
(5)Tu-van L.
One of the better Restaurant Week experiences I've been to. Located in the same office building as General Dynamics in the Falls Church/Merrifield area, the restaurant is an elegant, corporate expense appropriate vibe. Beautiful space with the tall ceilings with 2/4 walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. Both made for a spacious space with great views of the lake and the torrential downpour at the time we were there. Beautiful view one way and another. Service was inconsistent, almost on the ditsy side, but when they're focused you have their full attention. There were times it took a while for a waiter to serve us, but that wasn't throughout our dining experience and they were otherwise very attentive. RW appetizer was a throwaway, meh at best. My husband's coconut and carrot gazpacho (I think?) appetizer was a weird combination of flavors and my pate appetizer didn't taste my different from the pate I can pull out of a Vietnamese banh mi. Fortunately for us, the entrees turned around our expectations for our dinner. My beef three ways was perfectly portioned with perfectly cooked meats. The desserts were also excellent. Some points can be done better, but overall my husband and I were very impressed with this restaurant. Meh appetizer aside, we'd really consider coming back here for a proper meal or one of their tastings menu.
(4)The S.
Went here for restaurant week. Did not live up to its reputation. Pork was dry and tough (but good taste). Gazpacho was good but not special. Lemon fritters were good. Calamari was good. Almost everything was too salty (except for dessert ). Atmosphere was nice. If restaurant week is to encourage diners to come back for another occasion, 2941 did not meet its objective. It was good but not as good as its reputation implies.
(3)Tatyana K.
Were I writing this review prior to the weekend of 9/29/13, 2941 restaurant would have received a solid 4+ star review. However, after attending their "Fall Harvest Brunch" this past weekend, I find myself hardpressed to award this place anything above a 2 star rating (the 3 stars given above are an average of sorts). Tickets to brunch (which is considered a special event, as 2941 does not normally hold brunch service on the weekends) were sold in advance at the cost of $65 +taxes and fees per head. My friends and I were greatly looking forward to this brunch, having eaten at 2941 on separate occasions in the past and had great experiences. I will make a long story short: The brunch was hugely oversold, set up was standing room only (this was intentional as they had only a few tables set up), food was being served in plastic small plates and the line to each food station was about 30 people long (translates to 20 minutes or so of wait for each food item). Same goes for the line for alcohol. Having dined at 2941 previously, we were all shocked the chef would allow his food to be presented in this manner. And no, it isn't that we felt "too good" to eat out of plastic plates, it was just that eating out of those plastic plates, after waiting for 20 minutes at a time for a small morsel of food, in a room that looked like a refugee camp seems nothing less than disrespectful to the chef and his food. And yes, refugees: The room was overly crowded, food and plates were left everywhere by the guests and the staff there had a hard time keeping up with cleaning/maintaining a presentable space. This resulted in a crowded, filthy, and disorganized environment - not exactly the type of space you would want to have brunch at. In hind sight, I believe the restaurant should have either 1) sold many fewer tickets than they did, or 2) sold tickets in batches where each ticket is for a specific time window, thereby allowing for better service and more manageable atmosphere. I place no blame with the staff - they were understandably overwhelmed. The blame in this case goes to the (greedy) event manager of the restaurant, who was clearly more concerned about quantity than quality. What happened in the end ? We, asked to be refunded and left to go have brunch elsewhere, and the line of people trying to do the same was about as long as the food line so clearly we were not the only ones sharing this sentiment. Will I go back to 2941? Yes, because the food is delicious. However, I will be hard pressed to partake in any more of their "special events".
(3)Sandra K.
I have had dinner here about 10 times total. I will caveat this review by saying that I do know the chef but I do not get special treatment. This is FINE DINING...where they pour your wine seamlessly, your water glass stays full, your napkin is folded when your return to your seat...Elegant without the nonsense fine dining. The food matches up with the atmosphere which will make your feel like a prince or princess. You are never rushed and given anything you want/need during the meal. The food is ambitious, lovely and inventive.
(5)Tim H.
I've been here twice for year-end company parties. The space is beautiful, especially the outside, which has a nice pond and beautiful landscaping. In the winter, the waterfall freezes, which is just gorgeous. The inside is great too, with huge ceilings and a warm atmosphere. The food has always been good, start to finish. Thoughtful and well prepared choices from vegetarian things to main meat dishes to seafood. Often the appetizers have been the highlight, so at least look them over. The service has also been excellent, though we've never been in the main dining room. [I will add that the lobster may have been too raw last time. A couple people reported it seeming that way and feeling a little ill afterwards. I'm going to give 2941 the benefit of the doubt on this one but it may have been an issue.] The bar is a bit of a weak point. It's priced on par with the great cocktail places in the DC area, but it's not really at that level--our cocktails were good, but not great, and you know it's a bad sign when they hesitate after you say "sidecar, please." Kudos for using Dolin vermouth, though. They also seem to close up rather early, but it's not exactly a frat party now is it? Overall, I've been very impressed with this place, especially its physical setting. It's easy for everyone to find, being right off the beltway / 50, so it's perfect for events. Then again, I've never had to pick up the check, and from the sounds of it that's the way to go. Overall, recommended.
(4)Trang N.
Attended my best friend's wedding reception here. They did an amazing job decorating the private room (with her decor details of course!) Food was really great, loved the beet salad. My fish entree was good too, but I couldn't help but eye the succulent looking beef many others were having. I hope to return & order that!
(4)Justin L.
We dug it. It's a little annoying to find from the road at night and extremely isolated, which is part of the charm. I would suggest going during the day though so you can appreciate the view and the interior itself is not what i would call intimate, it efels very much like a corporate lunch space. We were here for restaurant week. We were consistently happy across all of our six different dishes; nothing disappointed. The desserts were particularly outstanding. The service was excellent. It was quick, friendly, and the waiter acted like a normal person, not like some shrill wannabe snob that you often get at "fancy" DC restaurants. There is a full bar with a nice wine list and cocktails, too. I'm not sure how often I'll come back but if I Worked or lived around the area this would be a nice choice for fine dining, if you don't mind the unusual and decidedly non-intimate surroundings.
(4)Jason S.
Went for a business dinner with a group and we all went with the tasting menu though I opted out of the wine pairings. Gorgeous scenery, hidden among corporations right off of 495 (and more importantly, .2 miles from the hotel where we were staying). Everyone raved about their dishes which all featured great flavors; the halibut with toasted garlic was amazing, as was the friend gnocchi. Would recommend the tasting menu but want to also try a la carte next time I'm in town. DO go if you're entertaining for work or if you want a nice romantic night out.
(5)Kathleen N.
Food ====== $59 Travelzoor Voucher for small bite (~$9), appetizer (~18), two entrees (~$39) $10 Kir Royale (cocktail) $21 Automatic 18% gratuity $20 Overage Mushroom Tartine 6 Crispy Lobster 20 Crescent Duck Breast 32 Crusted Venison Loin 39 The mushroom tartine was very nice; tasty, especially if you like mushrooms and cheese, which I do, and oddly affordable at that. The crispy lobster was unfortunately a bomb. The texture of the lobster was rubbery, very fake-crab like sometimes as well. As for the entrees, the venison loin was a complete disappointment. That may be in part that I may not have read very carefully and did not realize beets were part of the arrangement and I honestly would've preferred a potato or carrot, but it was very prettily formed apples. The meat itself was ok; much like eating a steak. Unfortunately, not the best venison or the best steak I've ever had, so three stars. The potato puree (?) it was placed on was creamy, but otherwise not worth noting. I waffled greatly over choosing the duck breast or the venison. I charged forward thinking deer! and antlers! and luckily, my dinner date chose the duck, and my god, yes, that duck is excellllent. It was my first time hearing the question, how would you like your duck breast cooked. Medium? Med Rare? Ver-rah cool. And de-lish. The winning dish of the night. Okay, the heading of their dessert menu? Adorable. Alas, no tiramisu so i ignored their offerings. Lastly, the Kir Royale. A favorite name of mine; unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of citrus or champagne, and it was both! Haha; well, overpriced, but I hear there's $5 sangria during happy hour, so it pays to be smarter Decor ======= High ceilings, thematic paintings, unique lighting fixtures. I could imagine many a party walking in here and saying, this is where I want to hold a party: engagement, showers, business networking, just something! It is beau-tiful. Good job, interior decorator and architect! Service ====== Waiter was friendly, walked by and checked in, and generally had his wits about him. Extra! ====== - There is a parking lot opening to the left before the curve into automatic valet parking, although the valet parking is complimentary and nice, considering the next extra - Windy as all get out. Seriously, it's like some feng shui madness decided that the entrance to 2941 would be perpetually windy and colder than the rest of Falls Church. Be prepared for some swell gusts. Now, it's not always like this, but more often than not.
(3)James S.
I've been to 2941 a number of times over the years and it generally impresses in all areas. The location is stunning and on our most recent visit there was a wedding underway on the back patio (which features an unsurpassed view of the river). Having recently purchased a Google "Coupon" we were looking forward to a nice dinner at a slightly lower price than the usual 2941 bill. We arrived early for our 5:30p reservation and needed to pass the time until the dining room opened so we headed to the bar. The drink menu is whimsical with riffs on literature, movies, technology, and tv shows in the drink names. My girlfriend opted for a sparkling "Gilded Lily" with champagne, perruchi apertivo, verjus, and a sugar cube soaked in burlesque bitters - it was light and refreshing. I tried a "Gun Slinger" with buffalo trace bourbon, house made sour, agave nectar, and habanero bitters - this drink is not for the bourbon uninitiated and I enjoyed it quite a bit. We were promptly seated at 5:30p. Our waiter quickly greeted us and reviewed the menus and options. There was the usual ala carte menu as well as a 5 course tasting menu (not available with coupon and everyone at the table must order the tasting menu). We opted for: small bite - Crispy Calamari, appetizer - frisee salad, entrees - smoked duck breast and beef rib eye. We also selected a nice bottle of Tempranillo to accompany our meal. The Calamari and Frisee salad arrived at the same time, which was a bit disappointing as we would have preferred to separate these courses but as we were hungry we dove right in. The calamari comes with a choice of dipping sauces on the side, a delicious and bright citrus aioli and a slightly smoky and sweet tomato sauce. The calamari was perfectly cooked and exceptionally tender. The frisee salad was next up, a beautifully presented dish composed of smoked pioppini mushrooms, a poached egg, roasted asparagus, and parmesan. The egg was perfectly poached and added a wonderful distinct creaminess to the salad. The asparagus spears were huge! I was a bit worried that, due to the size, they might be woody and tough, however they were perfectly cooked and tender. The mushrooms added a nice rich smoky meatiness to the dish and it was quickly devoured. The Smoked Duck Breast was certainly the star of the night. The breast was perfectly cooked with an extra crispy skin and a deep smoky flavor almost reminiscent of bacon. Accompanied by zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, and a charred scallion vinaigrette the dish was wonderfully composed and elegantly presented. The Beef Rib Eye was the only disappointment. The first portion arrived with a slab of fat hanging off of the side the size of a deck of cards. Given, rib eyes are a fatty cut, however as this was hanging off the side of the steak it should have been trimmed off (or down) prior to grilling. It was also cooked closer to medium vs my requested medium-rare most likely because it was a rather thin cut. I pointed this out to the waiter and he apologized and then disappeared. About 10 minutes later (and halfway through my steak) he reappeared with a new rib eye. I hadn't asked for a new dish but was pleasantly surprised that he had made the effort. However, I would have preferred that the waiter had asked for my preference (replacement dish or something different) prior to coordinating - as I would have likely changed my entree to the duck! Unfortunately, though the second steak was better butchered it was still slightly overdone, another thin cut, and rather grainy and uninspired. The Bearnaise sauce on the side was nice (and very rich) but the beef and wine jus tasted a bit scorched and the "frites" were also rather boring. For $44 I had high expectations for the rib eye and would have expected a thicker cut and a bit more pizzazz in presentation. However, my guess is that this is the "safe" dish on a menu that tends to be a bit more eclectic. A final note/warning, if you are sitting facing the front of the restaurant when the sun is going down you will be blinded by the sun. Unfortunately, while the big open windows with no shades/coverings look wonderful and give you a great view of the wonderful landscaping they do nothing to shade you from the sunset which comes in directly through the front of the building. I ended up having to put on my sunglasses during dinner just so I could continue to look at my girlfriend. Service was great throughout our meal (with the minor quibble noted above) and the manager did stop by at the end to inquire about our meal. I mentioned the troubles with the steak but did stress that everything else was awesome. Bottom line - this place is well worth the visit for a nice romantic dinner or a special occasion. If you can get one of the online coupons it also allows you a half price meal experience (if you stay away from bar drinks and wine ;)
(4)Jane A.
Our lunch started out quite nicely with fried calamari and 2 delicious dipping sauces. And then we waited, and waited. We think there was only 1 waiter for the entire restaurant. This was the second time we've had such awful service and probably the last. The bread, the decor, the service and yes, even the food are now not worth a trip to what was once a fantastic restaurant and setting. Don't waste your time or your money.
(2)Dana M.
I wanted to love this place. It is so beautiful and i had read such wonderful things. I went with a party of 10 for lunch. It wasn't crowded. The vale was rude and was literally throwing ppl's slips at them. No big deal b/c we were here for the food. Well the waiter took awhile to get to our table then skipped two people's drink orders. He actually just walked by them. When he returned with the drinks he was asked very nicely (we were all so excited to be here) for two more drink orders.With attitude and the rude comment of "I did ask them!" he took the orders and walked away. When those drinks came out he took our food orders. When the food arrived it wasbeautiful, but taste was eh at best. Greasy, bland. I was so shocked! We all regretted not going to capital grill, j gilberts or somewhere else. No one had anything amazing, outstanding or simply yummy despite having ordered reccomended items. Such a disappontment.
(2)Deb G.
We came here for my boyfriend's graduation, because this is evidently the place to come for celebrations! I very much enjoyed the koi pond and the landscaping outside. While I liked the decor inside, I thought there was a mismatch between the furnishings and the artwork (I know, nitpicky). As for dinner, we thought about the tasting menu but we had two vegetarians at the table who wouldn't have been too happy about it. Instead, we split several small plates - calamari, mushroom tartine, and zucchini fritters. The mushroom was amazing! So flavorful! The zucchini was good as well, but the calamari was not impressive. It was lightly breaded, but was served lukewarm and was very greasy. The dipping sauces were both excellent, but that doesn't quite make up for the lack of flavor. For dinner, I got the salmon and bf got the smoked duck breast. The salmon was cooked beautifully - medium rare - but the shaved fennel accompanying lacked zip. The orange carrot glaze was lovely, but I wish there had been more. He loved the duck breast and I snuck a bite - whoa! For dessert, the table grabbed a bunch and passed them around. I wasn't really wowed by any except the chocolate hazelnut bar, which was stupendous. Every bite was so good! The malted milk ice cream served aside it, though, was so subtle as to be almost tasteless. So why only three stars? For the price, and the hype, and the atmosphere, I think every bite should have been awesome. And it just wasn't. I'd like to try 2941 again sometime to see if we just went on an inconsistent night.
(3)Eric B.
Read about this restaurant on DC Eatery. The staff was respectful and friendly. I hat the tasting menu with wine pairing, which was great! The sommelier was very knowledgable and the pairings were spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
(5)Hannah D.
Company holiday party was here. Staff was helpful and quick. Food was great. Drinks were great. Had the butternut squash soup w/ ginger. It was amazing! Had the filet w/ the Bearnaise sauce - also very good.Warm chocolate cake for dessert was alright. Nothing spectacular. The view was gorgeous though! It was a good evening!
(4)Heidi I.
This restaurant is like a hotel lobby. The ceilings are too high, and it gives off a cold feeling. I was freezing the entire time, not just from the cold but from the general atmosphere. I couldn't wait to get out of there. The lobster for $ 34.00 tasted awful. I will never go there again.
(2)Jackie N.
This is a review for their special Valentine's Day menu. It was 3 courses for $75. For appetizers, we got the lobster risotto and tuna tartare. Both were so yummy we gobbled them up immediately. The risotto was creamy and the lobster pieces were substantial and melted in my mouth. The tuna tartare was my favorite part of the whole meal. For entrees, we got the roasted duck, which was surprisingly good I usually do not order duck at American restaurants because it is always so dry, but this duck was cooked perfectly. I got a duo of beef with filet and short rib. Both meats were so tender and juicy. The meat came with potatoes and veggies. Our least favorite part of the meal was dessert. We got the exotic duo to share, which was comprised of a warm chocolate-passion fruit chiboust and a mango-vanilla frozen parfait. Maybe my dessert pallatte is too simple, but I feel like they tried way too hard to infuse lots of ingredients in the dessert. All in all, it was a great experience. The restaurant is gorgeous and the service did not skip a beat!
(4)Rafi A.
Beautiful place and great selection of fine wine! Overall low value for money. Overhyped and overpriced: the quality and quantity of the food do not justify the $$$$. When a "just okay" dessert that is finished in three small bites costs $14 to $18, you have to ask yourself what it is that you're actually paying for. Quality is priceless, but... I've eaten at various $$$$ restaurants around the world without having the feeling that I'm supporting someone's overhead.
(2)Mike P.
Great restaurant. My wife & I have been going there for special occasions since it opened. Food and service are exceptional. The menu has inventive, interesting choices and the presentation is great. We highly recommend it. Mike & Linda Annandale, VA
(5)Marco C.
Their portions are too small. We had 2 people. We ordered 2 cocktails, 3 apps, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. I went home and ate a second dinner because I was still quite hungry. Our server also seemed to be having a woke-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-bed kinda' day. The food was delicious but I feel like when I go out for a meal, I should at the very least have enough to eat. The Winter Garden entree was appetizer portioned. Also, not many/any vegan options.
(2)Reese K.
Absolutely lovely. The atmosphere is classy, but not stuffy. Splurge for the beef tartare and sticky toffee pudding. My waistline hates me, but my soul is smiling.
(5)Vanessa S.
We came here for our anniversary. The food was excellent! I had the duck and it was so delicious. The skin was crispy and the meat was perfectly cooked. My calamari appetizer and the pistachio semifreddo dessert were also good. The portions looked small, but it was just enough for me. I took a star away for service. The waiter forgot to bring my drinks. First he forgot my wine and then I ordered tea with my dessert and he forgot that too. But the food was excellent, so I am not going to make a big deal out of it. We will definitely come back.
(4)John C.
If this place is considered the pinnacle for fine dining and great food, then I have completely lost respect for all the food critics from Yelps to NorthernVirginia mag, to the Washingtonian. I have been waiting for the right occasion to visit 2941, and the opportunity came about on a friends birthday. So, I made sure that I ordered everything on the menu that we all wish to try. We ended up ordering pretty much more than half of the menu: Crispy Calamari, Mangalica Tart Flambée, North Carolina Shrimp Fritto, Oysters, Steak Tartare, Wild Boar " Daube", Potato Crusted Rockfish, Coconut Smoked Duck Breast, Rib Eye, deserts, cappuccino, and a few bottles of wine. The food presentation did not reflect a $$$$ restaurant. The seasoning and flavoring on all the dishes only hit one taste pallet...SALTY. There were no unique seasoning in any of the dishes. Unfortunately, the most disappointing dishes happen to be our entrees. The boar pasta was bland and salty. The pasta was definitely not hand made. I would guess came from a box. The ribeye was extremely salty and flavorless. I would guess the only seasoning on the ribeye was a handful of salt. Seriously, how can an establishment of this magnitude ruin such a beautiful piece of meat. On to the duck. I have eaten duck dishes at pretty much any restaurants that I go to that offered ducks and 2941 duck dish was again flavorless and just simply salty. I think we see a pattern here. Everything was flavorless and salty. Everyone in our party of four came to that same conclusion. However, the worse dish of the night was the rockfish. On the very first bite, we all looked at each other and in unison said "not fresh". How can you possibly serve fish that was not fresh! The service...if I could give zero star I would. There was no service throughout the evening. The waiter did just enough to take our order and bring out plates and silverware. When he did have time to visit our table, never a smile as if spending over $500 for a party of four wasn't enough to warrant his attention. The only real service we received was from a particular busboy. I ended up giving him a huge tip on the side. I'm sorry but the beautiful ambience can NOT make up for the obvious flaw in bad food and service. You are definitely paying the $$$$ rating for the ambience and nothing else.
(2)Corwin B.
We went here for restaurant week and I have to say this is the first place I've been that had a non dry pork chop. We had everything on the restaurant week menu and it was all fantastic. Even the drinks were good.
(5)Izzat A.
Went here for dinner last night with some clients. Thought it was okay and kind of overhyped. Maybe it just isn't for my taste palate. Started off with a fall salad, which was okay. Kind of strange because there was caramel popcorn in it. Got the Robiola Cheese Fondue Ravioli and thought it was alright. Ended up with the ricotta cheesecake which was okay as well but tiny. Service was friendly but they forgot to bring wine for some of the others at the table. All in all, I wasn't impressed. This place tries to be really pretentious, but the food isn't close enough to make it worthwhile. Won't be back.
(2)Tina F.
Amazing menu, cute place and tucked away.."loved" all the appitizers and my Filet. Was tasty
(4)Josh H.
Wife and I went here the night before Valentine's. She had the seafood risotto, and I had the duck. She enjoyed her risotto at first; not the best, not the worst. Near the end, I sampled one of her shrimp. It tasted horribly bleachy. She said she hadn't noticed it, and we decided it could have been just one bad shrimp. Boy, were we wrong. She was up all night with HORRENDOUS food poisoning. Worst part is, the restaurant refused to reply to us when we originally contacted them. Only when I sent a follow up stating that I would be posting our experience to Yelp did they feign interest. They offered a free meal, but who in their right mind would go back to a place that kept them up all night with no fewer than 13 downright explicit trips to the toilet? Biggest waste of $200 ever. Shame on them.
(1)Rebecca M.
Restaurant Week 2013 Review This is a bit belated, but I figure worth adding. I was totally underwhelmed by our dining experience. On the Tuesday night, it was quite full and I was surprised that they seemed to only have 2 servers circulating. There were considerable delays from when we were seated to drink orders to food orders. Our waiter seemed to preference the larger parties rather than our little 2-top which was frustrating. For the food: Starter was the Duck Ballotine. Interesting consistency. Very very salty. I don't think I could have eaten more than the allotted portion as it was so rich. Entree was a Ravioli dish which left me still hungry. Dessert was the Creamsicle Vacherine. I was confused by how complex of a dessert it was. With all the parts, it was difficult to eat and impossible to taste the different components simultaneously. I came out thinking that I had a good idea of the restaurant's cooking style. It was all very French with the complex and rich foods. I was glad that we didn't pay more than we did as I was still hungry by the end of the meal.
(3)Jessica P.
All I have to say is that the food was great, the service even better! Our server Jason was great and had great recommendations! Calling this place our little secret food haven.
(5)Doo P.
I have been going to this place for many years now.... They started out as White tablecloth high end tasting menu, which I have to say I liked better. Now they have gotten rid of the white tablecloth & have a more casuals type of menu. Some time they will have a fixed tasting menu. But it's hit or miss not all items are great. There regular menu which you can choose how many dishes you want can be hit or miss too. But, what is always good here are their fish dishes & pasta dishes. Desserts is the same thing. Some times I get a good one some time not so much. So basically I'm saying that the food is not consistent like it was with the white tablecloth. But my wife still likes it here so we will probably still come.
(3)Maria W.
It makes me so sad to write this, but 2941 has lost its lustre. Eight years ago, this was hands down my favorite restaurant in the DC area. I have had some truly memorable dinners here-- the food was creative and perfectly executed, the ambiance was quiet and romantic, but relaxed, and the service was impeccable. Let me start with the positives-- we arrived early and sat at the bar. The cocktails were fantastic and the bartender was awesome. The wine list is excellent, with a really nice range of affordable and splurge bottles. The food was pretty good. Not what I remembered, but had the service been as good as the past, I would have chalked it up to a really nice evening. I just can't say that anything my companion or I ate was that memorable (while I can still remember some pretty revelatory things I ate at 2941 five, eight years ago). Our special occasion was acknowledged with an complimentary little extra dessert (which was delicious), with a candle and good wishes written out in chocolate sauce. Very thoughtful. We went for a special occasion, intending to order the five course tasting menu, but when we were seated, we were flatly and unapologetically informed that the restaurant week menu was our only option that night. To be honest, we had not been aware that 2941 was participating in restaurant week, and were not informed that our options would be limited when we made the reservation. Perhaps this was my fault for not doing my research, but I was disappointed. I know restaurant week can be different-- more people are there and the food is likely not cooked to order as it would be on a regular night. However, this is also a restaurant's time to shine for folks that may be experiencing it for the first time, and who may choose to come back for a special occasion when they are ready to splurge on the full experience. But shine, 2941 did not. Things just went down hill from that rocky beginning. My companion was given the wrong appetizer; our wine, the bottle sequestered at another location, was not refilled in a timely manner (when service is good, this system works quite well- the server refills your glass before you notice you need more); parmesan cheese was not proffered for a pasta dish, and no server came into sight for a few minutes to ask about it. The experience fell flat in other ways, compared to my past experiences. No one offered to check our coats when we came in, or retrieve our car from valet when we were done (I know-- first world problems, but keep in mind this is a very upscale restaurant where these things used to be standard). The restaurant was noisy and chaotic. Our server seemed rushed and fairly unobliging the whole evening. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it just seemed that he was either having a bad night, hated his life, or didn't warm up to us after our initial disappointment about the menu. At any rate, I'm sad to say that I won't be making plans to return to 2941 again. It used to be our standby destination for special occasions. But perhaps those good memories are best saved in the past.
(2)Liz T.
What a shame. I have been going to 2941 for about 8 years. It was my favorite restaurant, my place for special occasions. We went for another birthday. My drink "Thai me up, Thai me down" was great! Basil infused gin. We ordered the Tuna Tartar, Escargot Tart Flanbee, Wild Bore Daube, Potato crusted Rock fish and Chocolate Peanut Baked Alaska. Everything but the Tuna Tartar was ordinary and tasteless. The snails tasted like the can they came from, The bore was boring ground pork and the rockfish was just painfully awful. The baked Alaska was a joke, a jar of Marshmallow fluff. I tried to order a glass of wine to go with dinner could not get the waiters attention. We were seated next to a l work station, the entire meal the wait staff was running behind us, jostling our chairs to get spoons! It was a very disappointing experience, So sad
(2)J D.
After an extended absence from its kitchen, I had occasion to dine here at lunch very recently. The restaurant has been revamped to be a bit more casual, though the ingredients on some of the menu items suggest luxury. The serene view hasn't changed, and this restaurant is an oasis in the Annandale area. The "Daffy" burger is duck burger on a bun. The duck burger is topped with foie gras (one of those luxury items) and onion agrodolce (caramelized onions) and comes with either a salad or fries (I chose the fries). It was a wonderful burger, juicy and properly seasoned, and a definite change from the usual beef option. The foie gras livers and the onions added layers of flavor to the experience. The fries were also good: crisp, hot and just right. We'd started the meal by splitting the mushroom tartine. The ricotta, mushroom and bits of garlic made for a delightful starter, enough to whet the appetite for the main course. Service was prompt and efficient, warm but not overly friendly: just right. The restaurant has valet parking although I just parked in the restaurant's spaces in the parking garage adjacent to the building that houses the restaurant. A future exploration of the dinner menu awaits.
(4)Samantha W.
I was soooo excited to try the infamous 2941! I came here for restaurant week with my family last night and found that the restaurant wasn't very crowded (given our reservation was at 6:15 on a Tuesday.) The high ceilings and artsy décor gave the restaurant a lavish, yet un-snooty appeal. Outside, the landscaping is magnificent - there's a large coy pond chaulk full of humungous coy fish and several waterfalls. The left side of the restaurant overlooks a pretty pond. So, on to the good stuff... the food! My family was pretty consistent in ordering off of the restaurant week menu. Most of us ordered the same things, so we didn't get to sample a large variety of the menu. The favorites of the night were the Salmon tartare as an appetizer, grilled pork loin and shrimp risotto as entrees and then the chocolate and vanilla parfait and the almond bread pudding as dessert. Appetizer: the salmon tartare was absolutely amazing ... some of The best tartare I've ever had. the quality of the salmon was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It was so fresh and fatty, I almost forgot I was eating fish! It was also perfectly seasoned with Just the right amount of lime juice. I was also pleasantly surprised of the generous size of the portion. It came with a zucchini fritter on top - the saltiness of the fritter complimented the salmon. This is a Must try in my book. Entrees: grilled pork loin - I only tried a bite of this dish, but it was absolutely amazing! The pork loin was nice and tender, cooked to perfection, juicy and came with a sweet glaze. Shrimp Risotto - cooked in a savory lobster bisque, this risotto is creamy, rich and gets better with every bite. Since it is cooked in a bisque, the dish is a tad on the heavy side, but it was so delicious that I had to hold myself back from licking the bowl! The shrimp was also cooked to perfection. I don't know how they did it, but they stopped the shrimp from cooking Just before it got that rubbery feeling that shrimp sometimes gets. They were so succulent that I almost thought they weren't cooked (in a good way)! Dessert: The chocolate and vanilla parfait was topped with blueberries and was a perfect yin and yang of chocolate and vanilla. It was a small serving, however, it was extremely dense and got super sweet towards the end (I don't like super sweet foods.) However, it was very rich and yummy. The big hit of the night was 2941's take on bread pudding. It was a neat strip of bread, soaked in pudding, with little puffs of almond mousse along the top. Absolutely delicious. They added a bit of spices to this dessert to kick it up a notch. All in all, we had a magnificent meal at 2941. I'm glad that the food was all it cracked up to be and I can't wait to come back!
(5)Sidney Y.
For my boyfriend's birthday, I booked us at a table at 2941. Sadly, our experience there didn't even come close to meeting our expectations of a restaurant that has been named one of the best the DC metro area has to offer by several online publications. First of all, the service was bad. The waiter acted like he couldn't be bothered with us most of the time. After taking our drink orders, the waiter passed us a couple of times without bothering to ask us if we were ready to order. Finally, my boyfriend had to flag him down to tell him that we are ready to order. Then there is the food. My boyfriend and I both opted to go with the restaurant week menu so we both went with the salmon tartare for appetizer, which was delicious. But then we both had the grilled pork loin with an apricot glaze, radicchio salad, and pomme lyonnaise, which was NOT so delicious. The pork itself was okay if a bit dry. But the radicchio salad that topped the pork loin was bitter and lacked any kind of dressing to make it easier to go down. And the apricot glaze did not really go with the flavor of the pork. I did like the pomme lyonnaise, but overall, the whole dish just lacked coherence and is a weird combination of a lot of different flavors that didn't go together. For our desserts, I ordered the black forest cake, which is just okay, But boyfriend was really disappointed with the peach melba he ordered, which is basically an oatmeal cookie topped with a tiny scoop of ice cream and served with 2-3 tiny slices of poached peach on the side. According to him, the taste is okay, but the whole thing is so tiny that he was able to polish it off with 2 or 3 bites. It is hard to imagine anyone willing to pay for a dish like that if it wasn't part of a prix fix menu. Overall, our experience there left much to be desired. I would have even given it a 2 star review if it wasn't for the fact that both my boyfriend and I liked the salmon tartare so much. But still, if the best food you had at a restaurant is the appetizer, then it means there is a lot of room for improvement.
(3)Safia M.
Excellent! We went as part of a Travelzoo voucher and loved it. Will definietely be back again. The calamari was super tasty.
(5)Mike M.
Great space, kind of hidden away among several suburban office towers just off the beltway. Excellent design, cool bar area. Seemed to get pretty busy at lunch which is great, glad to see they do a nice business. We were in the waterfall room which has windows peering out on the water feature that defines the front of the restaurant. It is really a stunning view. We dined on a prix fixe menu. I started with a lovely bib lettuce salad followed by filet of beef with celery root and pureed potato which was excellent. The beef was seared with a deep red center and the sides were outstanding. Desert was a choice of green apple sorbet or a chocolate flan with banana ice cream thing. I had the flan and was jealous of the diners who chose the sorbet. Service was outstanding. I'm not often in the area but if I am, 2941 will make an outstanding choice for a client lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
(4)John D.
We were there at 8pm on a Friday night. After getting our menus, the waiter took about 10 minutes to return to us to take our order, despite us scanning the room multiple times. We ordered a shared app, shared small plate, and two entrees. After about 20 minutes, the hot app and cold small plate came out at the same time, which wasn't ideal but we lived. After about 30 minutes more, the entrees came out. When we were finished, we waited to see the waiter for 10 minutes or so, and asked for our check. Then, we waited another 30 minutes to get our check, and about another 15 minutes for it to be picked up. In total, we were there for 1.5 hours to be served twice. I've had faster five course meals in Italy than I have at this place. WAY too slow. When the customer asks for the check, it means that they want to leave!
(2)Jihane L.
We had our wedding at this amazing place. The location and menu were mind blowing. We loved the Koi pond and the openness of the space with tall glass windows and walls overlooking the lake and trees. They valet park your car. The wine list is out of this world. The food is excellent but on the pricey side. We love it here and we come back every year on our anniversary. Definitely recommend.
(5)Avneet K.
Definitely not a 50 dollar rib eye. I ordered this rib eye med rare and it showed up and was med/med. well. The waiter did replace my steak. The second rib eye I received was not the same quality of meat, not sure why.... I would NOT RECOMMEND getting the rib eye. My husband got the same rib eye his was cooked to correct temperature, but not particularly flavorful. If you put a 50 dollar steak on your menu you should make sure you are serving a 50 dollar steak. The oysters were fresh and the dessert (blondie) was good. The best thing I ate was the donut holes sent complements of the chef.
(1)Lance N.
My fiancee and I went there for our valentine's day dinner. From the reviews and the decor, I thought it was a great place to surprise my fiancee with. After all, she does want our reception there one day. So we got there and it really was a beautiful place. Especially with all the icicles hanging over the water fall and snow covering the lights, it truly was quite beautiful. So we head in and get seated fast - Great! Their tables were super cheap. It was one of those fold up tables where you can only sit on across from each other. If you sit next to each other, you or your date will bang your knees into the table legs if you try sitting next to each other. We had fast service, but a little too fast (will explain). The valentines dinner was a set menu. I actually wanted to order something else on their normal dinner menu. I didn't expect them to confine us to just the valentines menu. For appetizers, I ordered the Tuna tartare and my Fiancee got the... hm, i don't remember. All i remember is how awesome the Tuna Tartare was and having to switch plates since my fiancee liked it better. It's bad when you don't remember one of the dishes. It was that mediocre. Oh yes, she had the "duck--something," she stated. Again - pretty mediocre. As other reviews has stated, the Tuna Tartare is indeed amazing! Then came the main course. I got the rib eye and my fiancee got the swordfish. Strike 1 - Sword fish still smelled fishy and pungent. Keep in mind, we love fish and all things from the sea. For a minute, we thought this was normal but when you bite into it, it still almost tastes raw but not fresh. We tried to eat it but it was basically a fight. My fiancee hesitated in taking it back but of course, for that amount of money being paid, f*ck that, they need to take it back! So i had to do the dirty work. Strike 2 - I waited for the waitress to come by and check up on us but she basically was on "go" and did not seem she was going to come around, so it took some effort to wave her down. When I told her about the swordfish and how it may be undercooked, she asked me how i wanted it cooked. Now, for the amount of money I'm paying, I expect them to cook it like how it's meant to be cooked, and the fact that it tasted and smelled fishy means that it may not be fresh. Strike 3 - After eating something that tastes so horrible, why would I still want to continue eating it? She didn't even offer to exchange it for a different dish, I had to push for that option. And lastly, Strike 4 - Now going back to the rib eye. It tasted like a normal steak that you'd prepare yourself from safeway/wegmans. For that kind of money, i would expect a juicy succulent dry-aged slab of rib eye steak. It was good, but mediocre good. I would rather go to Morton's and get a dry-aged rib eye for less money and have it cooked better. Also, i had it cooked medium rare which they were able to achieve just fine. So I'll give them that. Afterwards we had the dessert to share with 1 side passion fruit and the other side chocolate. they even gave us 2 small pieces of cookies which was nice! so I'll give them a star for effort. So, after 1 drink, 2 coffees and 2 valentines day dinner. the bill came out to about 230 bucks. Worth it? I don't think so. We will give them another chance at a later date but so far, I'm not sure if we want our reception there any more. After all, people always remember a Wedding reception by how awesome the food was and we were hoping 2941 could be that place. Total: 1 stars! (sad tombone effect)
(1)Mary C.
We were a group of six here for Thanksgiving Dinner. I am familiar with the area so finding it was no problem. 2941 must have taken the comments about being difficult to find because there were 2 road signs explicitly pointing the way. The food was absolutely wonderful. It was a special prix fixe menu for the day. Lots of choices. Members of our group enjoyed the lobster bisque, the butternut squash veloutè, and the beet salad. They were beautiful to behold and each bite was a lovely combination of flavors. Most of our group enjoyed the turkey dinner, with one person ordering the salmon. The turkey breast was extremely tender and I'd love to know how it was cooked so that it was tender and juicy. The salmon was cooked just enough to flake. Again the arrangements were like works of art. The combination of flavors was unusually creative. Our group enjoyed the apple pie, sweet potato beignets, and pecan bar for dessert. Creatively presented, very delicious and yet very homey. Our wait service was just right. No hovering, plates cleared promptly, water glasses filled. No hurrying us up for the next seating.
(5)Brian L.
Debated a five star or a four star review. Either way, you're going to get a pretty good meal. I had been here once or twice before with my parents, as my Dad knew the Maitre'd.. I guess we got a bit more of special attention because of that :) but this time it was just me and my main squeeze. The tasting menu looked delicious, but as one of us is a vegetarian we were unable to partake. However, we both chose from the á la carte and were happy with what we got. First of all, the bread. "They" say that you can judge a restaurant by the quality of the bread. That being said, the bread was excellent. We split a beet salad. The beets were of a very good quality, and tasted extremely fresh. Our server, Hicham, was a really charming and courteous fellow and, as if my magic, suggested several items that we were already debating getting. He was very helpful to answer questions in a very laid back, friendly, and non-pretentious way. On his recommendation I got the venison and holy moly it was excellent! Easily the best venison I've ever had (though that has only been a handful of times) but quite possibly one of the best meat dishes I have had. (Side note, I was remembering the protein I had at Gordon Ramsay's in Chelsea, and I believe it was better here.) My squeeze got the butternut squash ravioli. I had a bite, the ravioli's themselves were good and rich. It came with candied fruit which was a little weird. Unique. But I think it added to the overall flavour profile. I wasn't crazy about getting dessert, but my squeeze asked if it was possible to get the eclair that was only available on the tasting menu, and they kindly obliged. She loved it, I was on the fence... but I am typically not a dessert person. They brought out complimentary donuts and I was more into those than the eclair! Really nice environment, and I like the decor. Also, the Gunslinger cocktail... delicious!
(5)nat t.
I have to say that this is handsdown the best place to have a wedding (of those I've been to so far!). Sure, your guests end up being scattered all around the restaurant, but when you're 30 something and go to an average of 9 weddings a year with a similar group of people each time, in the end, it comes down to the food. The wedding ceremony itself was held outside in their gardens, cocktail hour was also outside (yummy hors d'oeuvres). Inside a dance floor had been set up, and there was a room off to the side for a photobooth. This is the only time I've been at a wedding, ordered medium rare steak, and received a perfect medium rare steak. I think I recall the bride telling me that the wedding cost about $130 p/head, which is about the same as what you pay for a wedding at any reception venue in this area... with very mediocre food.
(5)A A.
I went to 2941 a couple weeks ago for a birthday. It was my first time and I was pleasantly surprised. All of the food was amazing. I always get duck my first time to a restaurant because duck is a fickle meat, easy to mess up and harder to get right. Its my way of testing the chef. They cooked it PERFECTLY. I also had the zucchini fritters, fried calamari, butternut squash soup, and all of it was fantastic we ordered a second round of everything. Its a great atmosphere, quiet and cozy but also accommodates larger groups. I think if you go earlier in the evening it might be a bit "corporate", but we showed up around 8:45pm so it was mostly diners not happy hour professionals. The drinks were a bit strong in alcohol but not alcohol flavor if that makes sense, the flavor was still proportioned. They had some unique and yummy drinks I had fun trying. The service was great, our waiter was fantastic. The front desk girls were helpful over the phone and gave us exactly what we asked for, but when we showed up they seemed snobby and unwelcoming - the verdict is out on the front desk. Don't let that stop you though. They also brought out these sour-sweet donut holes at the end of the meal that were the best donuts I've ever had. I want to order a whole box of those to go. I think 2941 would be a good place for a date just ask for a window seat.
(5)Bekah K.
My boyfriend is a big fan of 2941 for many years, almost always choosing it as our choice for romantic special occasions. The food and service are consistently outstanding! Everyone there is invested in giving you a special evening out. My boyfriend had Tuna Tartar & I had Beet Salad for appetizers. He had Beef Rib Eye as his main course and I had the Spiced Skuna Bay Salmon . Both were outstanding. They have an excellent wine selection with a wide range of regions and prices. Make your reservation well ahead of time and ask for a table by the window and you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of their art.
(5)Jennifer M.
I was expecting a lot from this restaurant because of the good reviews, but I wasn't left with much of an impression. Especially if the highlight of the meal is the endless platters of unasked for, yummy, fresh bread! I am not completely convinced that it's baguette because it seemed more like a skinny Pane Italian bread to me (trust me, I know, I've worked in a bakery). One was plain and the other had fresh cherries or cranberries baked in. I started with the Pate de Campagne, "Country Pate", which is made of of ham with a bit of foie gras and pistachio halves. I'd never had country pate before, but it was really refreshing and light compared to your typical pate, which is richer and more decadent. While this was a nice complement to the tons and tons of bread we downed, I would have preferred something a little more similar to typical pate. Entree? Three large, seared scallops topped with triangular slices of beautifully colored watermelon radish and parsley. It was a little salty, but the romesco sauce toned down that saltiness a bit. The scallops were tasty and beautifully cooked: not underdone, not overdone. To finish? An Early Grey Pot de Creme. I was not very impressed with this dessert. The taste was not very distinct and the texture a little... off. I honestly liked the walnut brioche bostock (aka cookie) and clementines that this dessert came with better than the dessert itself. After dessert, they also gave us some of their homemade caramel popcorn. Which stuck to our teeth to no end, but was too good not to nosh on some. Dress is Business Casual. 2941 was nice and elegant with good service (great at recommendations and refilling water/bread without having to ask), but still a little stiff at lunch with what seemed like some dining executives from the office building that 2941 is located in. By the way, there is complimentary valet parking, but if you keep driving past that, you will find yourself in front of the parking garage. If you do enter through the garage however, beware that you may find yourself a bit lost if you are not familiar with the building.
(3)stephanie c.
Very nice holiday meal on Christmas Eve 2014 BUT BUT BUT do not just make a reservation and think you are getting the gorgeous main dining room. They WILL put you in a distant side room (yuk) or the back room (yuk as well) and it is NOTHING like the experience in the main dining room. Live and learn. Next time we will tell them not to reserve for us unless they can PROMISE the main dining room. Buyer beware
(3)First C.
We went here Friday before Valentine's Day. They had a prefixe menu only for the whole weekend and the regular a la carte menu was not available. This was our first time dining here and decided to try it since it was on Washingtonian's top rated restaurants. I had the tuna tartare and chilean sea bass. My husband had the lobster ravioli and filet mignon, and we got the chocolate lover dessert for 2. The tuna tartare was decent. It had the tuna, mayo, avocado, very thin slice (or 2) of jalapeno with garnish on top. It was overall bland with spice, but I'm a fan of sushi and raw fish so it was good on my list. The lobster ravioli was chunks of lobster wrapped in pasta with bland coral sauce. The sea bass was also bland with beans and garnish with some froth. There was just no flavor at all. I'm not a fan of over salting or anything and usually find most foods on the salty side, but the dishes are pretty much tasteless. What I got out of dining here was the nice textures of the food as everything was cooked pretty well, but with zero flavor inspiration. I can't judge the filet because I don't eat red meat, but my husband seemed to like it. The dessert was just 2 different tear drop shape pieces put together to make a heart shape. The chocolate portion was very rich in chocolate which for chocolate lovers like my husband would love. The white portion was a fluffy vanilla cream with a small portion of what tasted like praline on the bottom. I'm certainly not impressed with the restaurant. I don't know if it's because of the restricted menu with it being Valentine's Day weekend or they are just bland in general. We decided we will give this place another shot and hopefully it will be delicious and flavorful the second time around. Once we do I will give an updated review!
(2)Cathy B.
We went for restaurant week and were limited to that menu. I wanted to get the restaurant week courses AND do add ons from the regular menu, but was told I couldn't because they're only serving the RW menu till the end of the month. All I wanted was fancy french fries, so no big deal but it was still a bit of a surprise to hear "no". I got the salmon tartare--AMAZING. Grilled pork loin--tough, chewy, not good. Peaches and cream--changed my life. SO GOOD! I wanted a sweet cocktail so I got the Misfit Toy--vodka, oj, rose moscato. Sweet and strong. The service is great. Our waiter was really fun and silly, and the guy who bussed our table was really attentive. We could only get a 8/21, 8:45pm reservation so it was too dark to see the water gardens clearly, but from what I could see--huge koi. It was great listening to the water. Very calming. Can't wait to go back! Complimentary valet.
(3)Veggie L.
It's a restaurant sitting in an office building away from busy streets. The moment I was in I felt like in a hotel restaurant. We went in for father's day dinner. Everything we ordered were delicious, from appetizers to main courses. then adding wines and cocktails, our bill easily added up to almost $200 for only 2 adults and one kid. This is quite pricy, even though I love the food a lot, we will come back but only for special occasions. Their waiters/waitresses do not seem "well" (or "overly", depend on how you look at it) trained, they are quite relaxed and polite. They did not frequent our table unnecessarily, which I liked. In addition, I saw several kids, none is small kid. Overall it is very quiet. I'm sure they welcome kids. Just perhaps when kids make big noise some may raise eyebrows.
(5)Rey C.
We had our High School reunion Dinner here and I was very impressed with the location and the taste of the food. It is ok to pay for an expensive price as long as it comes with an excellent quality of service and good food. It was a gastronomic experience with our group from appetizer to dessert. I was pretty suprised with the taste of the beef and tuna tartare, it was pretty tasty and adveturous, with the hint of white truffle oil . Main course, I had the duck's breast, cooked medium rare and it was served beatifully and was very tasty. Overall, I had a pleasant experience and definitely I should be coming back to this restaurant when I visit Virginia.
(4)James P.
This is the my first review and I felt the need to join Yelp specifically to rate this restaurant. I was part of a wedding party that had their rehearsal dinner at 2941 Restaurant two weeks ago and I must say that this was the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. Our party rented out the private dining area in the back for this occasion and the night started out well. We were with a jovial group of ~20 people. During the first half of our dinner, things went as usual and the food was decent (not spectacular). The server did a good job and did his best to accommodate a 20+ person party by himself. The disaster started when we were served our main course. The majority of us had ordered the steaks, two of which, including mine, were very overcooked. We ordered medium rare, we received well-done. We brought this to the attention of our server who promptly said that he would "talk to his manager". We agreed and waited. And waited. We waited twenty-five minutes (or more, no kidding) before a new plate was brought out for us. The worst part is that nobody came to talk us at all. They never came to see what the issue was or anything... If we had known that we had to wait that long for new food, we would have just eaten the overcooked steak because we didn't want to cause any hiccups at the dinner rehearsal. We even asked our server where our manager was and he told us that he was busy and they had also run out of steaks because they specifically purchased enough steaks for this party (but three people didn't show up and we had a choice of steak, fish, or vegan). It was an obvious lie. Even then, which was about 12-15 minutes into waiting, the manager never showed up to speak to us and the server was visibly awkward by this time. After twenty-five minutes or so, everyone had finished their main course and was served their desserts. Shortly after, our two new steaks arrived which made the whole situation uncomfortable. Myself (the best man) and another groomsmen were biting into our first taste of steak while everyone else was finishing their dessert. It went downhill from here. After a few minutes, the manager FINALLY shows up and acts as if nothing happened or was wrong at ALL. He gave us this generic and regurgitated response of, "How is everything? Is everything great? etc." We kindly asked what took him so long to talk to us? He had NO answer. You could tell that he was making things up as he went along and went for a response that ultimately blamed the cooks for the long wait. The worst part is that he wasn't owning up to the problem and he wouldn't answer the question we asked him - "what took you so long to come and talk to us?". It was complete BS and completely unprofessional. He literally looked dumbfounded by my simple question. I honestly cannot believe 2941 had hired this person as a manager. He was horrible... hands down the worst service I've ever received and this includes every McDonalds and hole-in-the-wall restaurant that I've ever been to. I'm really sorry that this was my experience at this restaurant as I was looking forward to this event. I would not recommend this restaurant for any formal venues accommodating 6 or more people. Side note for anyone wondering: At the end of the day, they charged us in full and our party ended up paying ~$2,800 for the evening.
(1)Christine K.
Tried their fixed menu lunch twice during Restaurant Week. The food was very good & portions were perfect. Looks like it'd be a beautiful place in the summer with the outdoor lake/falls & scenery. Will have to come back then.
(4)Han V.
This is one of my favorite modern French restaurants. Their brunch was amazing and dinner here was fantastic. Lunch, however, was only so-so. ---Brunch--- So they no longer offer brunch here which is a HUGE bummer. They used to offer a prix fixe menu for brunch and I really loved coming during this time because the restaurant was more serene. Even though the service is great at all times, it was fantastic during brunch since the servers only had a few tables to tend to. Their food was also well executed. They also have to bring back their olive bread which was a personal favorite of mine. I really hope they bring brunch back in the near future. ---Lunch--- I brought a friend here for lunch after raving about their food but we were both so disappointed with the meal and I was so embarrassed! I thought that the food was pretty generic and nothing really impressed, especially for the price you are paying. Service was great as always and I just couldn't bring myself to complain about the food. If lunch wasn't so blase, 2941 would have gotten a better overall rating from me. Food: 2.5 Value: 2 Service: 5 ---Dinner--- I think going dinner here is appropriate for any special occasion. There aren't many other restaurants in the area that can even compare to their waitstaff and the quality and presentation of their food. Service is impeccable during dinner time and it just really makes the whole experience special. The only downside to eating dinner here is that you won't be able to enjoy the scenic views. Food: 5 Value: 5 Service: 5 Overall: 4
(4)Mirela T.
This place is certainly top of the line. I've been here several times for dinner that were for different special occasions, and have not been disappointed. The ambiance of this place is perfect. Modern and very classy. Large windows for lots of light, and it overlooks a small pond. I personally think that it is stunningly decorated. I think this place is perfect for special occasions as it is a bit pricey. Whether it is a birthday or anniversary it is worth the price. The food was also delicious, it is typical to get a 3-course meal, with an appetizer, entree and dessert. The dishes i had were always perfectly cooked and the plate display was nicely done. I'd recommend you check this place out. Slightly hidden, but worth getting lost for ;)
(5)Christian B.
"Gorgeous views, amazing interior, matched by amazing food" Food: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Parking: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 2941 is truly a treat, from the professional French chef-inspired menu to the beautiful interior, unique cocktails, and fish ponds outside, this is a perfect restaurant for a nice occasion, date, or event. Food here is definitely fine dining so expect small portions packed with amazing flavors brought out by fresh herbs and oils as opposed to corporate pre-mixed "seasonings" or mixes. This is certainly not the place to go if you're looking for fried chicken and French fries, you come here for beef tare tare or smoked duck breast. The cocktails are all completely unique and amazing - from herbal cocktails like lavender-based or basil-based beverages, all the way to the "official" recipe for 007's shaken but not stirred martini which is quite powerful but tasty nonetheless. Service here is alright. If the same service were given at a casual restaurant, it'd be considered great but this is fine dining and I haven't seen that extra bit of luxury shine through with the server's presentations yet. To run a restaurant of this caliber, the staff will need to really take it up a notch but that's ok for now as the food is spectacular and the ambiance of both the interior and exterior is unparalleled by anything else around. Parking is great because its 100% valet so there's nothing to worry about when arriving except perhaps falling into the coy ponds or waterfalls outside, enjoy!
(5)Jacob T.
Every time is an experience! The setting is wonderful on a man made lake. The place feels open and the food is just superb. The date night tasting menu is great. My favorite has been duck or steak. Everybody just wants to help and make the experience more pleasant. Great place for special occasions or just a treat to yourself. Had one of my birthday dinners there. They even went out of their way to get a large Birthday balloon.
(5)Sandi M.
I have such great memorise at this restaurant , my partner decided to pop the "will you marry me ?" At this restaurant .Very classy and elegantly designed , the water front was amazing as they had Khoi fish swimming in them instead if just normal fishes...I must admit he chose a great restaurant. Staff was nice and recommended dishes for us to try and it turned out great , both my partner and I loved what we ordered . Food was cooked perfectly ..!! Would definitely come back to dine again...
(4)Lily H.
My sister spoke highly of 2941 so my fiance and I decided to give it a try. Maybe it was a mistake to go during RR but I did not enjoy my food. For the appetizer, I got the tomato gazpacho with poached shrimp which was super chunky - I felt like I was eating salsa without the chips. For my entree, I had the rockfish atop overcooked quinoa with an excess amount of lemony sauce that turned my quinoa nearly into porridge. Lastly, for dessert I had the lemon fritters, which was good, but not good enough to make up for the rest of my meal. I did enjoy my glass of wine though. I admit the restaurant is beautiful with large glass windows and gorgeous views, but that didn't cut it for me. Despite the good service, I don't think the food was worth it, even for RR week.
(2)Jason C.
Before anyone cries foul at my ratings please realize that the head chef passed away last august. articles.washingtonpost.… As great as things may have been in the past, it does not apply anymore. The menu items have changed to simpler dishes. Dishes are no longer visually appealing and do not taste anything remotely similar to what many reviewers have written about in the past. This is what I ordered: Small Bite: American Wagyu Steak Tartare basil-mint aioli, Parmesan cheese, arugula Appetizer: Tuna Tartare Grand Marnier dressing, avocado, fried shallot Entrees: Smoked Duck Breast zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, charred scallion vinaigrette Spiced Skuna Bay Salmon orange-carrot glaze, shaved fennel, dried gooseberry, turmeric sauce Overall problem: Bland and boring. The food was not seasoned at all (or minimally to a point where I couldn't taste it). This must have been the first time in about 400 restaurant visits that I asked for salt and pepper. At most restaurants I visit, I would usually complain that the food is salty but not vice versa. If I were to buy the raw ingredients and slap them together to create a dish without looking at a receipe, that would be an equivalent of what I would find here. Considering that these dishes are expensive ($18 for tuna tartare, $30 somethingish for the duck, and $44 for a rib eye) I find the food at a terrible price point. Despite the great view and the great service, I cannot justify the price of the food here. Even after using a google offer to knock the bill down by about 1/2, I still wouldn't come here again if offered the same discount. This place has probably become a shell of what it was in the past. For those who want an accurate assessment of how the restaurant has transformed, I suggest you look at reviews from 9/2012 and on.
(2)Mark N.
The calamari appetizer was very good, but $80 later, after a very soupy risotto, and a pasta dish that tasted like it came out of a can, we were not too pleased. The service was good, and the scenery was spectacular, but definitely not worth the price if you are there for the food.
(1)Alan V.
I went there for restaurant week and all they had was the restaurant week menu, so you had to spend a minimum of $35 ( also the entree portion is smaller than their regular menu portion). The main entrees available were pasta, pork loin, salmon, roast chicken, and sea bass. I got the beet salad appetizer, pork loin, and chocolate coconut layer cake. The salad came out in two seconds without any wait. I sat at the bar. The bartender/server forgot our entree which took at least 30min later to arrive after the appetizer. The pork loin was dry, too salty and flavorless. The chocolate coconut cake was a bit sour. All the entrees were pre-made in the kitchen so it was a bit warm but not hot like it just came out of the grill. A terrible food and service experience for a four dollar sign restaurant.
(1)Joann B.
Favorite: The filet mignon (served med-rare) and foie gras was soooo good! They were both tender, juicy - a great pairing. Also, the 2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the best. Our dinner here was very nice, relaxed - a great way to ring in the New Year. The service was near perfect. The prix fixed dinner offered a decent variety, but really, I was there for the foie gras and it didn't disappoint. My husband enjoyed all of it, to include tuna appetizer and veal chop. The butterscotch pot de creme was tasty too - I liked it a lot better than the chocolate trio.
(4)Brian C.
Want to have your WEDDING here? You must be out of your mind. There's nothing good to be said about this establishment, especially with the lack of professionalism and courtesy from management, and the lack of experience from the employees. I was filming a wedding at this venue and there was an incident in which a server dropped an entire tray of drinks on my assistant and our equipment. Yes, an ENTIRE TRAY of drinks, and they did NOTHING to help remedy the situation, causing my shoot of the bride and groom to be compromised. WAKE UP, 2941: It's a couple's WEDDING DAY and they paid top-dollar to have their ONCE IN A LIFETIME moments captured. When this happens, YOU fix YOUR mistakes or everyone suffers consequences. The management saw this happen and saw us scrambling to get our equipment back up and running to get our shots, but they just turned around to set up tables for dinner that weren't even related to the wedding. After this incident, I paid more attention to the staff, and I watched them constantly trip over each other with many bumps and near-misses which could've resulted in more dropped glasses and plates (full glasses and plates of food, that is). I filed a report with management, and, not surprisingly, they were apathetic about the situation, won't be covering their damages, and didn't even have it in them to issue me an apology. I'll take this in stride as a lesson learned, but my lesson for you is to pass on this venue as a host for any events. They don't care about you -- they're only looking out for themselves. 2941 is a dishonest business that I would avoid at all costs.
(1)Mary N.
Definitely my favorite restaurant in the DC metro area. They offer complimentary valet parking, have a nice bar area (in case you are meeting friends that are running late) and the food is superb. My friends tried the steak tartare and could not stop raving about it. I tried a shrimp appetizer and some calamari which was cooked perfectly. Since it was my birthday, we had champagne and wine, both suggested by the sommelier and they were wonderful. Entrees included the ribeye steak, duck and chicken which everyone loved. The portions are not too big and not too small. Save room for the amazing desserts. This is a great place for a business dinner, special celebration or when you are in the mood for a fabulous meal. They also have private rooms available for groups overlooking their koi pond. Definitely 5 stars - would give it 10 if I could.
(5)kat c.
Live minutes away and are foodies, but have only been once. While external landscape is gorgeous, internal decor is slightly strained. Service was snooty to a degree by no means merited by the mediocre and over-priced cocktails, wine, and food.
(2)Bryony B.
I love 2941 - its upscale and beautiful. The tasting menu is the best so that you can try more (its like $75 a person but worth it if you can afford it) things. I don't think I've tried something there I didn't like - including their drinks. The bar area is even nice. They also have weddings there and for good reason - there is an outside area where they usually have the ceremony - its against a backdrop of waterfalls with colorful koi and nature. The inside is classy too - if you get the chance check out the waterfall room in the back of the restaurant used for receptions and stuff.
(5)Heather J.
This place is very impressive. We went here last night for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was worried about finding the restaurant, as it's tucked away on a side street, in an office building. But there are signs along the road as you get close, guiding you to the location, and I was able to find it without any trouble. Valet parking is free and the valets are friendly and courteous. Despite being in an office building, the actual restaurant is very pretty. There's a koi pond alongside the walkway into the restaurant, and the space features huge windows overlooking a lake. It's really a great space. I have very few complaints about 2941, but here's one. I had made a 7:15 reservation. I arrived right on time, but they didn't have a table available, so I had to wait for a while. I'm being a little nitpicky here, but at a restaurant of this quality, I expect the best in every way. When we were seated, our water glasses were filled right away and our waiter came over to introduce himself. Soon after that, a bread basket arrived with soft, sweet butter. A huge pet peeve of mine is when restaurants serve cold butter that tears the bread apart when you try to spread it, so I was happy to be served nice, soft butter here. It's the little things! For our appetizers, we got the bocconcini mozzarella and the frisee salad. The mozzarella was served over a pomegranate-tomato coulis and grilled asparagus, and topped with a crostini. It was tasty and I enjoyed it, but I don't think the flavor was particularly unique or special. The salad was excellent. It was served with smoked mushrooms, roasted asparagus, and a poached egg. The combination of ingredients was great, and I loved the smoked mushrooms. For our entrees we got the ribeye and the salmon. The salmon was delicious - cooked perfectly and not at all fishy. The skin was crispy and the seasoning was subtle but still added depth of flavor to the fish. The ribeye was tender and had great flavor. It was served with delicious, creamy mashed fingerling potatoes and a little pot of french fries. The fries were good, but again, not special. The dish would have benefited from something green on the plate, such as green beans or Brussels sprouts. It was also served with bearnaise sauce and a beef jus. Both sauces were great, but I liked the beef jus the best. For dessert we got the chocolate pain perdu. It was good, but not outstanding. The edges were a little dry, but the flavor was good. As we were finishing the pain perdu, we were surprised with a complimentary plate of two little beignets. Now, those were outstanding. I wish we could have ordered those for our dessert! The service at 2941 is fantastic. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and helpful. He explained all the dishes very well and came to the table after each dish was delivered to make sure everything was ok. I would definitely return to 2941 for a special occasion.
(4)Dana Z.
Food snobs man! Food snobs! I read some of the other reviews about "wah wah what a waste I'd rather go to Minibar or Cityzen wah" Please, the fact that you're comparing it to those places (and I've been to both) it can't be THAT bad. Maybe just take it for what it's worth. It's not Cityzen and it's not Komi or Minibar... it's 2941. I'll show you snob. I went here for dinner on a Monday. Yes, a Monday. Not Valentines, not a birthday or an anniversary or restaurant week. Just a Monday. And I wore $800 shoes. It was good. I'd go back.
(5)Darren N.
Restaurant Week 2013 Review ... Lobster Paella Soup: In my opinion, this shouldn't have qualified as a paella, it was more of a lobster bisque. It was good though, just wasn't paella. Be sure to have some spare bread to get all the soup in the bowl. Duck Trio: The leg confit was very tender and fell off the bone. The sausage was tasty but could have been mistaken for some other meat than duck. The breast meat was just alright, the skin and fat above the meat was a bit too chewy. Additionally, the beans that were served in the dish were so overpowering in flavor I couldn't really taste that it was prepared Perigourdine. I eat a lot of duck, and I would have to say I much rather prefer it prepared as Peking Duck because they make the skin so crispy you won't have a chewy texture issue from the skin and fat. Creamsicle Vacherin: My favorite dish of the night, it was light, refreshing, and had excellent complementing flavors and textures. There was the firm Grand Marnier ice cream, crisp meringue sticks, somewhat frozen sorbet found within the ice cream, and creme fraiche topping it all off. Restaurant Week 2012 Review ... Beef Tartare: The best of all the dishes I have tried here. Raw beef should be of excellent quality, and prepared very carefully, this dish had both. Grilled Pork Loin: The peach marmalade that accompanied the pork was different, not to say I didn't enjoy it, it was just something my palate wasn't used to. The polenta that accompanied it on the other hand was something I was more used to. Chocolate Napoleon: A bit too rich to end my meal, I would have probably enjoyed just a couple scoops of the blueberry sorbet that came with it. The service was good aside from the bartender who took 10 minutes to acknowledge us and then scoffed when I asked for a drink that wasn't on the current drink menu but was on there before. The restaurant itself is very open with high ceilings, they just have an unusual selection of bright color paintings which I don't really get.
(4)Camey S.
Delicious Modern French cuisine that's approachable and memorable. Chef Bertrand Chemel created a wonderful meal for my friend and I having a girls night. The atmosphere is beautiful with y'all ceilings, huge glass windows showing expansive views and eye-catching decor. With complimentary valet, coat check, and a lovely staff. Our waiter Julio was attentive and friendly. We knew we wanted a sweet wine, and he picked out a gorgeous Rose Moscato called "Bigaro" from Italy and we absolutely loved it. We sat down for a meal, and I expected good food, but with each bite I knew this food was so much more. They brought out breads and butter to start. We added on the crispy calamari, a small bites plate and were pleased to devour these lightly breaded treats. Both dipping sauces were yummy, an aioli and a classic tomato. For entrees we ordered crescent duck breast and the crusted venison loin with a side of fricassee of mushrooms. Both were spot on. Succulent meats and flavorful glazes. The best is saved for last. This is a restaurant with a French chef after all, and for dessert they have a special menu they refer to as "never say never." For this, I recommend the Caramelia Entremet. This decadence is truly the sweet treat to end the meal. Salted caramel brownie bottom, with a thick milk chocolate caramel mousse layer on top, with orange zest and dark chocolate spots. Split this and enjoy!
(5)Celina C.
2941 has always been on my list of bougie restaurants to try, & bougie it was! I came here for dinner with my two best friends the night before New Year's Eve and our dinner was impeccable. The service was excellent as our waiter was very attentive and although I couldn't understand his European sounding name, nor could I figure out where he was from (Ukraine & Turkey were our main guesses), he was very good to us. We ordered the Calamari as an appetizer & I've never seen them cut in strips like that. They were crunchy, cripsy, zesty, and just all around delicious. Whenever I see calamari as an appetizer on a menu, I usually order it 90% of the time. That's the only way I'll eat squid, and coming from a Filipino that's shameful but oh well. We like things fried too, so it makes up for it haha. My entree was the Lamb Orecchiette. I love pasta and these noodles were perfect. I'm kissing my fingers & inwardly saying Belisimo in my best Chef Boyardee voice. The lamb itself was so tender accompanied by the creaminess of the ricotta sauce. It's a definite must have. I paired my lamb with a glass of Malbec, which was a good classy choice on my part if I do say so myself. For dessert we ordered the Hazelnut Pana Cotta & the Caramelia Entremet. We had no idea what Entremet meant, we just saw "salted caramel brownie" and we were sold. Also, my friend knew one of the waiters and she was kind enough to throw in a glass of a dessert wine for the 3 of us that was apparently best with chocolate desserts - great gesture but it sort of tasted like Robitussin..She also gave us a plate of the donuts which had a nice lemon zest to it. I also love how the desserts are listed under "Never Say Never" and I would never say never to dessert ever. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and despite it being a fancy shmancy place (I thought I saw London Fletcher at a nearby table & almost freaked out), the atmosphere is totally relaxed. It's great for a family gathering, an awesome date spot, or just catching up with your two best friends over loud obnoxious conversation. I suggest you check it out since Restaurant Week is quickly approaching!
(5)Peter P.
The family and friends had a lovely Thanksgiving meal at 2941. Their special menu features turkey, filet mignon, sea bass, lobster, and a vegetarian dish. Appetizers included a taste of wild boar, a really tasty crab salad, various salads, and a butternut squash soup. The soup and crab salad were special treats. The entrées were equally tasty. The filet was especially well received; good restaurants know medium rare and 2941 certainly knows how to cook beef. The turkey was generous and well sauced (this is Thanksgiving after all). Finally, dessert. It will surprise no one that an award winning pastry chef would produce some tasty pastries. The apple pie was scrumptious, flaky crust and all the things that make pie right. Chocolate torte, pumpkin s'mores and a ricotta cheesecake rounded out the choices. My personal favorite was the cheesecake. Ricotta is not my first thought for cheesecake but it was wonderfully creamy. 2941 certainly made a special day special. Thank you.
(5)Natasha G.
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch get together or a fancy dinner, 2941 can suit your needs. I've been here numerous times for happy hour, and the deals are always great! $5 sangria is nice, and the beer options are good too. The complimentary truffle popcorn is always sinfully delicious. I came here for lunch this week. The man who seated us took our coats and always had a smile on his face. Our waiter was personable too; we had easy conversations with him throughout our meal. At the end of the meal though, he was talking to other patrons which delayed our meal's end. Mushroom tartine - always delicious! There are three slices, so you can share this one. The ricotta cheese is so good with the mushrooms, and the bread is tasty. Fall salad - very interesting combination of greens and caramel popcorn and apples. I liked it! As long as each bite had every ingredient, you were in for a treat. The crunch and sweetness of the popcorn added dimension to this otherwise bland salad. Butternut squash soup - I would order this again in a heartbeat! The flavors were so tasty together. You could taste the lemongrass, but it wasn't overpowering. This was a hit. Chicken Scallopini - the portion was very large for lunch - three flattened chicken slabs covered in a citrus-caper topping with creamy and buttery polenta and a small side of spinach. The citrus-caper topping was very good because it added tang (grapefruit). This was a good lunch option. Veggie ravioli - I really liked this one because it wasn't overpowered by cheese. You could actually taste the herbs inside the ravioli! And it didn't taste frozen. Rockfish - they ran out of sea bass, so the rockfish was used instead. It was a thick white fish, and it was prepared well. It was just slightly bland. Citrus doughnuts - always delicious! Bottom line: I like this restaurant for happy hour. The food items can get unnecessarily pricey (burgers), but some items have great innovation. I'll be back!
(4)B J.
We recently went to celebrate my wife's birthday. I could go either way with 2941. I would have given it 3.5 stars if that were possible. Location: The decor and atmosphere are pretty cool. The ceilings are high and the view of the adjacent lake is nice. There is a koi pond with a waterfall. Strange art on the wall. The artist was definitely inspired by the video for "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." Food: Great plating, ok taste. My wife loved her lemon cavatelli and my tiger shrimp was ok. The salads were so-so. I think the meals looked a lot better than they tasted. I just don't think it's worth the price tag. I've had better meals for less at other fine dining establishments in the area. All that said, the food was decent. Just expect to pay more than it's worth. Service: Our service was pretty good. However, it took them almost an hour to receive our main course after ordering. The waiter told us there was a problem with one of the courses, and that it was taking a bit longer than usual. To his credit, he offered me a half-beer (apparently those exist) to compensate. And, they brought my wife a cool complementary dessert for her birthday, which was nice. Overall, I'd recommend at least one trip there for the overall experience.
(3)Jehan E.
I'm not sure why this place get such great reviews the food is super salty (I got the crab risotto and my friend got the chicken) and the table bread does not taste fresh. The beef tarte was decent. The desserts were amazing so that's whythis place gets 3 stars.The ambiance is nice and service was good but not worth the price tag. Definitely not a do over.
(2)Roberta G.
I was at the restaurant which is one of my favorite last night for a dinner meeting. As always the venue and the artwork are lovely and the service is excellent. The bread and appetizers we had overall very good they consisted of a ceviche, stuffed peppers and tuna tartare. My biggest disappointment in the reason for the three stars is that there was a fillet mignon on the menu that I ordered medium rare but the restaurant stated that they would only bring it out medium which was a disservice to that cut of meat. It was tasty but came out dry. This is the first time I have gone to a restaurant be it for dinner or a business meeting where that cut of meat could not be served medium rare. Also given the fact that we were a small group the request for medium rare could've been honored easily. Despite my trying to really like this restaurant the same way o had on the past the change in the couple of years to the menu have been disappointing at times.
(3)Roger W.
Great atmosphere and amazing food. Beautiful interior with tall glass windows provide a great setting. You can tell the quality of the chefs by the intricate touches on each and every plate. Great place for a special occasion and will be a repeat visitor.
(4)Toni B.
Went for thanksgiving dinner. First timers. The place was very busy. Seated next to the window. Very drafty. Hubby had to eat with his coat on. Food was good. We ordered different items so we could share.food was good. Service was ok. Nothing out of the ordinary. Unsure if we will return.
(3)Ningxi X.
Came here yesterday for my friend's wedding. The outside area is great (when the weather's nice). There are fountains in the lake (?). They're only open for private events on Sundays. Finding the place may be a bit confusing as it's in the same complex as General Dynamics. And no way to get there without a car, of course. We had lobster salad to start off. Very generous portions of lobster. Didn't like the parsnip puree as it was too sweet and didn't go well with the lobster. Steamed sea bass for entree. One chunk of bass on top of a piece of sticky rice with mushrooms. Bass was too mushy. Red velvet cake for dessert -- decent. The hors d'oeuvres seemed to be more impressive than our actual meal. The shrimp kabob was excellent, and so were the tuna tartares, though I wish they were warm and maybe bigger. Mac and cheese sticks -- interesting to say the least. Apparently there's a garage which I didn't know about, so I had a valet park my car. Overall a nice location for special occasions; the only thing is that perennial dilemma you have to deal with when going to suburbia -- have to hold the drinks because you have to drive back.
(4)Abbey J.
Came here for RW lunch and had a great experience! Great service, great food, great space!
(5)Kim L.
We were excited to try a fine dining experience closer to home. We were very disappointed. Our cocktails before dinner were very good. However, the success stopped there. Our server was very nice, but not particularly attentive. The food was not prepared well. The calamari was tasty, but was heavy after a few bites. The octopus app was not good. Octopus was cooked well, but the flavors of the dish were off putting. The pastas were uninspired and the lobster was overcooked. We had the beef and duck entrees. The duck was overcooked and the dish was lacking overall. The beef was marginal. We decided to skip dessert since the whole meal left much to be desired. We opted for ice cream at home. And the music was distracting. It was like being at a wedding reception playing all the funk dance classics. Needless to say, we will not be going back.
(2)Pink L.
In the mood for a classy/romantic evening? Come dressed and come here! The scenery including the waterfalls, koi pond, and interior of the restaurant was such a nice treat! Be sure to arrive with some light out to capture your picture with the waterfalls! The food was solid, but the most memorable item will always be there light, airy, and crispy calamari rings!! Hands down the best calamari we've ever had! Our waiter was very friendly too. Really enjoyed our experience here and would come back if I was in town and had the money to splurge for the nice venue and def calamari!!
(4)Amanda B.
Nothing bad to say about this place....well I did think some of the decor was tacky and didn't blend. Lol Anyway all the food was delicious, the calamari was the 2nd best I've had and the lamb was perfect. I mean honestly I didn't think lamb could taste that good. I also had some escargot for the first time that wasn't too bad. Dessert was awesome. I love the ambiance, very intimate. Great place for pictures outside. Ideal date night.
(5)April A.
We opted for the tasting menu. The corn ravioli was my favorite course. Would've given 5 stars had it not been for our server Alex. He seemed disinterested in waiting on us. When the veal course came out, my husband was finished with his before Alex came over to tell us what was on the plate. With the dessert course he told us about half of what was on the plate then came back and added more of a description after the fact. Yes I know we were given a menu that described all five courses, but isn't part of the experience the server telling you what you're about to eat?
(4)Sheena S.
We went here due to a Travelzoo voucher. We ordered a small bite (mushroom tarting and tuna tartare) followed by asparagus agnolotti, and rib eye. The small bites were absolutely delicious. Incredibly tasty. Our entrees were taking a while - we were patiently waited - and long and behold- the GM came over to us and apologized and stated he would take our entrees off our check! How wonderful! I wasn't expecting that at all. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. I will be back and I will ask for our wonderful waiter as well!
(5)Dmitry D.
This place is nice but I believe that every place u go to had to feed the people normal size portions and I want full at all. I was hungry when I left. Nice place over ask good service.
(3)Pink L.
In the mood for a classy/romantic evening? Come dressed and come here! The scenery including the waterfalls, koi pond, and interior of the restaurant was such a nice treat! Be sure to arrive with some light out to capture your picture with the waterfalls! The food was solid, but the most memorable item will always be there light, airy, and crispy calamari rings!! Hands down the best calamari we've ever had! Our waiter was very friendly too. Really enjoyed our experience here and would come back if I was in town and had the money to splurge for the nice venue and def calamari!!
(4)Keith P.
Went for a birthday celebration and it was a lovely evening. New renovation and revamped menu were great. Opening Noshes (Tapas-like appetizers) were yummy ... Melt in your mouth calamari and mac&cheese croquettes. Among our party we tried just about everything. I thought the lamb was the best, but everything was great. The dishes are modest sized by typical American standards, but they were rich and filling. And we had room left for the spectacular deserts. It is not an inexpensive place, but well worth it for a special occasion.
(4)Josh G.
Fantastic food. The mushroom tartine was ridiculously good. Scallops were delicious. All 3 of the desserts were great. And at night, standing out on the patio looking at the fish is lovely. Would highly recommend 2941.
(5)Kim S.
The night before I visited 2941 I went to another 'frou frou' restaurant where I dropped a small fortune on meat paste for dinner. I assumed this would be a similar experience. I was WRONG. From the calamari starter to the pecan dessert I ate every bite and it was perfect. The food was presented beautifully and not overly 'messed with'. They didn't turn my my calamari into a gel tube or my lobster into a foam tower. Everything was as it was meant to be. I applaud this place for having excellent, high-quality food that isn't overly cheffed up.
(5)Julia A.
What a fantastic restaurant all around from beginning to end! I was greeted by an excellent valet. The location and decor is absolutely stunning. Outside is a lake, fountain, and statue. Paired along with the beautiful paintings inside, high ceilings with extravagant lighting, this is a fine dining restaurant that all can enjoy. The food of course was also wonderful. I tried the beef. It was served promptly, as was the dessert. The only qualm I had about this place was that the waiters took a little while to come with the check and were a little pretentious whenever I asked a question about a dish. Other than that - great dining experience.
(4)Janice Y.
Excellent food and service! The sea bass was amazing!
(5)Daniel E.
If I could give half stars, I would give it a 4.5. Went during the August 2013 Restaurant Week with my girlfriend for lunch and everything was what you would expect from a nice restaurant. Excellent ambiance, landscaping, and good service. The style of the decor was not my favorite, but it didn't detract from the experience. The starters were good, but not excellent. Had the beet salad and chilled watermelon soup. For the entrees we had the chicken duo and the smoked corn ravioli. The chicken was by far way better and would say it was probably the second best thing we had in the meal. The best, however, was the dessert. The peaches and cream dessert had an amazing lemon verbena ice cream. Additionally, the chocolate mousse dessert was excellent as well. Overall, for a three course meal for two persons that totaled around $42 with tax, it was an excellent meal.
(4)Lisa N.
You can't get any better than this place. Beautiful scenic views, wonderful service, appetizing French food... what more can you ask for?! For dinner, the menu consists of "small bites" ($5-8/each) which are basically tiny and unique appetizers. However, the portions are quite "small" indeed. *Salmon Tartare (which comes with a guacamole-like sauce and 2 sea salt crackers). IMO, it tastes better than tuna tartare and they give you a decent amount, but we could have used more crackers! *Scallops (with chives and mango). The tiny scallops came on 3 shells and had a beautiful presentation. *Calamari (crispy with avocado and cocktail sauce). I've had much better at Coastal Flats or Ruth Chris. For our entrees, my boyfriend and I both ordered fish. They were both cooked perfectly, tender and moist. *Arctic Char ($26)- a salmon-like fish that is softer and less dense. The portion was rater large and it came with several vegetables. *Peruvian Bass ($29)- our favorite dish of the night. The portion was large as well and came with 4 succulent mussels. For dessert, we ordered... *Hazelnut tart ($8) which was OK but it came with a tasty side of ice cream *Sorbet ($3/scoop) which is offered in a variety of flavors. We ordered Passionfruit/Apriocot which was much too sour for our taste and Pistachio which we destroyed The restaurant also made a special chocolate mousse with "Happy Anniversary" written on the plate on the house, which was very nice of them! For our drinks, we ordered the house Riesling and Pinot Noir. Both were good, but I wish the Pinot Noir was chilled (it was room temperature). The Riesling was the better of the two. The best part of the experience was our waiter in my opinion. Sadly, I forgot his name but he was young and probably from Germany or somewhere else in Eastern Europe... he was constantly smiling, definitely knew the menu and wines from top to bottom, and was at our service exactly when we finished each course (I think he was actually watching us to make sure we never had to wait)... amazing!! Even though the small bites weren't worth it in my opinion, the entrees were amazing and the service was probably the best I've ever had. 2941 is a must-go for any fancy occasion. They also do weddings! One was actually going on outside our window! Also, there is complimentary valet parking which you can pull up right to the front of the restaurant... if not, you can park in their garage and come in through the elevators. This is my third time dining here and it won't be my last!
(5)Carolyn F.
My boyfriend took me for here for a birthday dinner. The actual restaurant is a bit hard to find--it's at the bottom of a large office building. However, the space is gorgeous--huge floor to ceiling windows that overlook a small lake. The interior is contemporary with great lighting. If would rate this a 4.5--too bad we can't give half star ratings on Yelp. Our experience didn't warrant a 5, but it wasn't far from it. A few cons: we both thought that the hostesses were a bit snooty (and yes, we were weaing proper attire). Also, it took quite a while for our waiter to take our wine order and bring the drinks. We received the bread first, then the wine and appetizers arrived together. Finally, there are not many vegetarian options on the menu. The pros: Our waiter was friendly and relatively attentive. Although we had to ask for this (it wasn't offered by our waiter), the chef prepared a wonderful veggie platter for me. As an appetizer, I got the mushroom tartine, which was delicious. My boyfriend got the a little Caesar salad, which has a creative presentation and was tasty. He liked my mushroom tartine so much that he got one for himself as well. My veggie platter was delish and he enjoyed the duck. Although we almost never order dessert, we shared the lemon-hazelnut gateau marjolaine, which was really good--not too big and not too sweet. It has a nice tart flavor, which I love. They also brought out a little mini birthday treat. The coffee was excellent. We thought that everything was reasonably priced for the qualify and presentation of food as well as the atmosphere. We will definitley come again.
(4)Karen L.
My first experience at 2941 was good. We went for my husband's birthday with our parents and the food was fantastic! Good portions, presentation was creative and fancy, and the chef was very accommodating to a gluten free guest. They only knock I have on the restaurant is the location. It was confusing to locate for everyone in our party except for me but it would not deter me from going again
(4)Lowell N.
5 stars for food, 4 stars for service. Superb food with some slight mis-steps on the service. Food: We skipped tasting menu and ordered individually. Starters were Winter Greens and Mushroom Tartine, both delicious and surprisingly big portions. For pasta, Mushroom Risotto and Butternut Squash Agnolotti. Of the two, the risotto was excellent, the agnolotti just good...seemed a bit too overcooked for my taste, but GF enjoyed. For entree, had Rockfish and Venison. I had melt-in-your-mouth venison, done just right, and not too gamey. Rockfish not my taste, but GF raved. They outdid themselves on dessert; in addition to nice birthday treat, we ordered the Torrone and Creamsicle. Torrone was fascinating combination of tastes and textures, and nothing too heavy. Creamsicle was fun (snowman shape) and tasty. In both, the apparently house-made sorbets were a great aspect. Bottom line--food worthy of the hype. Service: odd arrangement when arriving--valet gets your car, and it's not even obvious what door of the building to go in, no signage. After a bit of hesitation, we pick the right door. Quickly seated...but then receive one lunch and one dinner menu (we eventually got a second dinner menu). Long delay between receiving menu and being asked for our orders, and our waiter was polite but seemed reluctant to linger very long, dashing off to the next thing. But once things started rolling, food came in timely fashion, table quickly cleared, etc. So reasonably good service, just not everything expected in a high-end place like this. Facility: Room was handsome but surprisingly noisy, perhaps because of a talkative party nearby. As noted by others, a bit hard to find this place, being in General Dynamics office building. And once we did, had the awkward entry noted above. We were there at night, so couldn't see much, but it was clear there was a nice view of the lake nearby. Bottom line--nice special occasion place, worth the money for excellent food.
(4)Kristin S.
Love this place!!! Beautiful scenery, a restaurant that overlooks a koi pond larger glass windows, and surrounded by trees, gives a very tranquil feeling while dining. I had been here before but since i had a friend in town and it was restaurant week, we decided to go here for lunch. Tried the heirloom tomato salad and salmon. Both of which tasted very fresh. I do like the restaurant deal, but you do have to go with the options offered. I have been here for lunch and dinner before (on non-restaurant week) and the food choices are excellent and always perfectly cooked. This is a great place to come to for a special occasion or an upscale meal.
(5)Hue K.
I dreamed about 2941 after reading many positive reviews and the menu.. but never had a chance to visit there because they only opened for dinner and I don't eat big dinner... I made my way out there FINALLY after big snow storm. God bless America.., my office decided to close the entire week. I found out that 2941 now opens for lunch and .. it gets better; offering prix fixed menu for $20.90. There is no acceptable excuse for me now. I went there on Thursday during lunch time before V-day weekend. I wondered why it was called 2941 ... I found out why when I got there. The address is 2941 fairview xxx. (now you don't have to worry about getting lost in case you forget the address as long as you remember the name of the restaurant). I thought it would be a stand-alone restaurant but it was located inside of tall big office building. When you walk inside of the buidling, take the elevator to lower level. Now you make grand-entrance.. One side of the wall is head-to-toe window (made of glass) so as soon as you are inside of the restaurant, you forget that you are in a office building. The window faces a big lake and trees so you feel like you are in middle of get-away resort next to lovely lake. Our server was VERY attentive and friendly (kevin, his name). There are 2 options to choose from for all course (appetizer, entree and dessert). We like simplicity. We ordered one of each from the menu to get all the dishes on the menu. Yes, like others said, you get bottomless refill of bread as soon as you sit until you leave. Bread was good but not one of kind. - Appetizer 1. Wild mushroom veloute (aka. mushroom cream soup) was the best soup I've ever had. It was so light. I thought it was mousse or something. 2. Red Beet salad: Beets were not chopped or sliced like most other places. Beets were velvety mashed..and mozzarella was transformed into creamy sauce.. You won't know if it was beet if you were blinded.. It melts in your mouth.. I was talking and eating.. all of sudden, I realized nothing left.. and I didn't recall if I chewed anything..I could eat a bucket of this... -Entree 1. sweet crabmeat ravioli w/black truffle and parmasan cheese: Ravioli was filled with crabmeat.. Hands down ravioli. 2. Pan roasted beef short ribs: I tasted it and it was very juicy and soft.. mashed potato was lovely... I never eat mashed potato but this one.. I could get this as side-dish all the time. My friend said it was the best beef rib ever. -Dessert 1. Coconut baked alaska: the portion is small like bite size but it was sweet enough that I didn't feel I needed bigger portion. 2. Chocolate cheesecake: I don't like cheesecake anymore since I went overboard with costco's cheesecake but this cheesecake was very good. again small portion so you don't have to feel guilty after licking the plate. While you are waiting for your check, you get another surprise. A bowl of caramelized popcorn. Again, I don't like popcorn anymore after overeating it while I had to be on diet... OMG.. this popcorn is the best popcorn ever. It's like sweet snow.. .. Very pleasant dining experience. Now I have one item written on my to-do-list from March till December 2010. Visiting 2941 at least ONCE a month to try their new dish or everyday dish. I give big applause to 2941 for stepping out of 'culinary comfort zone' to offer something different but exquisite to their customers.
(5)Dana M.
I wanted to love this place. It is so beautiful and i had read such wonderful things. I went with a party of 10 for lunch. It wasn't crowded. The vale was rude and was literally throwing ppl's slips at them. No big deal b/c we were here for the food. Well the waiter took awhile to get to our table then skipped two people's drink orders. He actually just walked by them. When he returned with the drinks he was asked very nicely (we were all so excited to be here) for two more drink orders.With attitude and the rude comment of "I did ask them!" he took the orders and walked away. When those drinks came out he took our food orders. When the food arrived it wasbeautiful, but taste was eh at best. Greasy, bland. I was so shocked! We all regretted not going to capital grill, j gilberts or somewhere else. No one had anything amazing, outstanding or simply yummy despite having ordered reccomended items. Such a disappontment.
(2)Deb G.
We came here for my boyfriend's graduation, because this is evidently the place to come for celebrations! I very much enjoyed the koi pond and the landscaping outside. While I liked the decor inside, I thought there was a mismatch between the furnishings and the artwork (I know, nitpicky). As for dinner, we thought about the tasting menu but we had two vegetarians at the table who wouldn't have been too happy about it. Instead, we split several small plates - calamari, mushroom tartine, and zucchini fritters. The mushroom was amazing! So flavorful! The zucchini was good as well, but the calamari was not impressive. It was lightly breaded, but was served lukewarm and was very greasy. The dipping sauces were both excellent, but that doesn't quite make up for the lack of flavor. For dinner, I got the salmon and bf got the smoked duck breast. The salmon was cooked beautifully - medium rare - but the shaved fennel accompanying lacked zip. The orange carrot glaze was lovely, but I wish there had been more. He loved the duck breast and I snuck a bite - whoa! For dessert, the table grabbed a bunch and passed them around. I wasn't really wowed by any except the chocolate hazelnut bar, which was stupendous. Every bite was so good! The malted milk ice cream served aside it, though, was so subtle as to be almost tasteless. So why only three stars? For the price, and the hype, and the atmosphere, I think every bite should have been awesome. And it just wasn't. I'd like to try 2941 again sometime to see if we just went on an inconsistent night.
(3)Eric B.
Read about this restaurant on DC Eatery. The staff was respectful and friendly. I hat the tasting menu with wine pairing, which was great! The sommelier was very knowledgable and the pairings were spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
(5)Marco C.
Their portions are too small. We had 2 people. We ordered 2 cocktails, 3 apps, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. I went home and ate a second dinner because I was still quite hungry. Our server also seemed to be having a woke-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-bed kinda' day. The food was delicious but I feel like when I go out for a meal, I should at the very least have enough to eat. The Winter Garden entree was appetizer portioned. Also, not many/any vegan options.
(2)Reese K.
Absolutely lovely. The atmosphere is classy, but not stuffy. Splurge for the beef tartare and sticky toffee pudding. My waistline hates me, but my soul is smiling.
(5)Jackie N.
This is a review for their special Valentine's Day menu. It was 3 courses for $75. For appetizers, we got the lobster risotto and tuna tartare. Both were so yummy we gobbled them up immediately. The risotto was creamy and the lobster pieces were substantial and melted in my mouth. The tuna tartare was my favorite part of the whole meal. For entrees, we got the roasted duck, which was surprisingly good I usually do not order duck at American restaurants because it is always so dry, but this duck was cooked perfectly. I got a duo of beef with filet and short rib. Both meats were so tender and juicy. The meat came with potatoes and veggies. Our least favorite part of the meal was dessert. We got the exotic duo to share, which was comprised of a warm chocolate-passion fruit chiboust and a mango-vanilla frozen parfait. Maybe my dessert pallatte is too simple, but I feel like they tried way too hard to infuse lots of ingredients in the dessert. All in all, it was a great experience. The restaurant is gorgeous and the service did not skip a beat!
(4)Rafi A.
Beautiful place and great selection of fine wine! Overall low value for money. Overhyped and overpriced: the quality and quantity of the food do not justify the $$$$. When a "just okay" dessert that is finished in three small bites costs $14 to $18, you have to ask yourself what it is that you're actually paying for. Quality is priceless, but... I've eaten at various $$$$ restaurants around the world without having the feeling that I'm supporting someone's overhead.
(2)Mike P.
Great restaurant. My wife & I have been going there for special occasions since it opened. Food and service are exceptional. The menu has inventive, interesting choices and the presentation is great. We highly recommend it. Mike & Linda Annandale, VA
(5)John C.
If this place is considered the pinnacle for fine dining and great food, then I have completely lost respect for all the food critics from Yelps to NorthernVirginia mag, to the Washingtonian. I have been waiting for the right occasion to visit 2941, and the opportunity came about on a friends birthday. So, I made sure that I ordered everything on the menu that we all wish to try. We ended up ordering pretty much more than half of the menu: Crispy Calamari, Mangalica Tart Flambée, North Carolina Shrimp Fritto, Oysters, Steak Tartare, Wild Boar " Daube", Potato Crusted Rockfish, Coconut Smoked Duck Breast, Rib Eye, deserts, cappuccino, and a few bottles of wine. The food presentation did not reflect a $$$$ restaurant. The seasoning and flavoring on all the dishes only hit one taste pallet...SALTY. There were no unique seasoning in any of the dishes. Unfortunately, the most disappointing dishes happen to be our entrees. The boar pasta was bland and salty. The pasta was definitely not hand made. I would guess came from a box. The ribeye was extremely salty and flavorless. I would guess the only seasoning on the ribeye was a handful of salt. Seriously, how can an establishment of this magnitude ruin such a beautiful piece of meat. On to the duck. I have eaten duck dishes at pretty much any restaurants that I go to that offered ducks and 2941 duck dish was again flavorless and just simply salty. I think we see a pattern here. Everything was flavorless and salty. Everyone in our party of four came to that same conclusion. However, the worse dish of the night was the rockfish. On the very first bite, we all looked at each other and in unison said "not fresh". How can you possibly serve fish that was not fresh! The service...if I could give zero star I would. There was no service throughout the evening. The waiter did just enough to take our order and bring out plates and silverware. When he did have time to visit our table, never a smile as if spending over $500 for a party of four wasn't enough to warrant his attention. The only real service we received was from a particular busboy. I ended up giving him a huge tip on the side. I'm sorry but the beautiful ambience can NOT make up for the obvious flaw in bad food and service. You are definitely paying the $$$$ rating for the ambience and nothing else.
(2)Corwin B.
We went here for restaurant week and I have to say this is the first place I've been that had a non dry pork chop. We had everything on the restaurant week menu and it was all fantastic. Even the drinks were good.
(5)Izzat A.
Went here for dinner last night with some clients. Thought it was okay and kind of overhyped. Maybe it just isn't for my taste palate. Started off with a fall salad, which was okay. Kind of strange because there was caramel popcorn in it. Got the Robiola Cheese Fondue Ravioli and thought it was alright. Ended up with the ricotta cheesecake which was okay as well but tiny. Service was friendly but they forgot to bring wine for some of the others at the table. All in all, I wasn't impressed. This place tries to be really pretentious, but the food isn't close enough to make it worthwhile. Won't be back.
(2)Tina F.
Amazing menu, cute place and tucked away.."loved" all the appitizers and my Filet. Was tasty
(4)Josh H.
Wife and I went here the night before Valentine's. She had the seafood risotto, and I had the duck. She enjoyed her risotto at first; not the best, not the worst. Near the end, I sampled one of her shrimp. It tasted horribly bleachy. She said she hadn't noticed it, and we decided it could have been just one bad shrimp. Boy, were we wrong. She was up all night with HORRENDOUS food poisoning. Worst part is, the restaurant refused to reply to us when we originally contacted them. Only when I sent a follow up stating that I would be posting our experience to Yelp did they feign interest. They offered a free meal, but who in their right mind would go back to a place that kept them up all night with no fewer than 13 downright explicit trips to the toilet? Biggest waste of $200 ever. Shame on them.
(1)Rebecca M.
Restaurant Week 2013 Review This is a bit belated, but I figure worth adding. I was totally underwhelmed by our dining experience. On the Tuesday night, it was quite full and I was surprised that they seemed to only have 2 servers circulating. There were considerable delays from when we were seated to drink orders to food orders. Our waiter seemed to preference the larger parties rather than our little 2-top which was frustrating. For the food: Starter was the Duck Ballotine. Interesting consistency. Very very salty. I don't think I could have eaten more than the allotted portion as it was so rich. Entree was a Ravioli dish which left me still hungry. Dessert was the Creamsicle Vacherine. I was confused by how complex of a dessert it was. With all the parts, it was difficult to eat and impossible to taste the different components simultaneously. I came out thinking that I had a good idea of the restaurant's cooking style. It was all very French with the complex and rich foods. I was glad that we didn't pay more than we did as I was still hungry by the end of the meal.
(3)Jessica P.
All I have to say is that the food was great, the service even better! Our server Jason was great and had great recommendations! Calling this place our little secret food haven.
(5)Doo P.
I have been going to this place for many years now.... They started out as White tablecloth high end tasting menu, which I have to say I liked better. Now they have gotten rid of the white tablecloth & have a more casuals type of menu. Some time they will have a fixed tasting menu. But it's hit or miss not all items are great. There regular menu which you can choose how many dishes you want can be hit or miss too. But, what is always good here are their fish dishes & pasta dishes. Desserts is the same thing. Some times I get a good one some time not so much. So basically I'm saying that the food is not consistent like it was with the white tablecloth. But my wife still likes it here so we will probably still come.
(3)Maria W.
It makes me so sad to write this, but 2941 has lost its lustre. Eight years ago, this was hands down my favorite restaurant in the DC area. I have had some truly memorable dinners here-- the food was creative and perfectly executed, the ambiance was quiet and romantic, but relaxed, and the service was impeccable. Let me start with the positives-- we arrived early and sat at the bar. The cocktails were fantastic and the bartender was awesome. The wine list is excellent, with a really nice range of affordable and splurge bottles. The food was pretty good. Not what I remembered, but had the service been as good as the past, I would have chalked it up to a really nice evening. I just can't say that anything my companion or I ate was that memorable (while I can still remember some pretty revelatory things I ate at 2941 five, eight years ago). Our special occasion was acknowledged with an complimentary little extra dessert (which was delicious), with a candle and good wishes written out in chocolate sauce. Very thoughtful. We went for a special occasion, intending to order the five course tasting menu, but when we were seated, we were flatly and unapologetically informed that the restaurant week menu was our only option that night. To be honest, we had not been aware that 2941 was participating in restaurant week, and were not informed that our options would be limited when we made the reservation. Perhaps this was my fault for not doing my research, but I was disappointed. I know restaurant week can be different-- more people are there and the food is likely not cooked to order as it would be on a regular night. However, this is also a restaurant's time to shine for folks that may be experiencing it for the first time, and who may choose to come back for a special occasion when they are ready to splurge on the full experience. But shine, 2941 did not. Things just went down hill from that rocky beginning. My companion was given the wrong appetizer; our wine, the bottle sequestered at another location, was not refilled in a timely manner (when service is good, this system works quite well- the server refills your glass before you notice you need more); parmesan cheese was not proffered for a pasta dish, and no server came into sight for a few minutes to ask about it. The experience fell flat in other ways, compared to my past experiences. No one offered to check our coats when we came in, or retrieve our car from valet when we were done (I know-- first world problems, but keep in mind this is a very upscale restaurant where these things used to be standard). The restaurant was noisy and chaotic. Our server seemed rushed and fairly unobliging the whole evening. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it just seemed that he was either having a bad night, hated his life, or didn't warm up to us after our initial disappointment about the menu. At any rate, I'm sad to say that I won't be making plans to return to 2941 again. It used to be our standby destination for special occasions. But perhaps those good memories are best saved in the past.
(2)Heidi I.
This restaurant is like a hotel lobby. The ceilings are too high, and it gives off a cold feeling. I was freezing the entire time, not just from the cold but from the general atmosphere. I couldn't wait to get out of there. The lobster for $ 34.00 tasted awful. I will never go there again.
(2)Liz T.
What a shame. I have been going to 2941 for about 8 years. It was my favorite restaurant, my place for special occasions. We went for another birthday. My drink "Thai me up, Thai me down" was great! Basil infused gin. We ordered the Tuna Tartar, Escargot Tart Flanbee, Wild Bore Daube, Potato crusted Rock fish and Chocolate Peanut Baked Alaska. Everything but the Tuna Tartar was ordinary and tasteless. The snails tasted like the can they came from, The bore was boring ground pork and the rockfish was just painfully awful. The baked Alaska was a joke, a jar of Marshmallow fluff. I tried to order a glass of wine to go with dinner could not get the waiters attention. We were seated next to a l work station, the entire meal the wait staff was running behind us, jostling our chairs to get spoons! It was a very disappointing experience, So sad
(2)J D.
After an extended absence from its kitchen, I had occasion to dine here at lunch very recently. The restaurant has been revamped to be a bit more casual, though the ingredients on some of the menu items suggest luxury. The serene view hasn't changed, and this restaurant is an oasis in the Annandale area. The "Daffy" burger is duck burger on a bun. The duck burger is topped with foie gras (one of those luxury items) and onion agrodolce (caramelized onions) and comes with either a salad or fries (I chose the fries). It was a wonderful burger, juicy and properly seasoned, and a definite change from the usual beef option. The foie gras livers and the onions added layers of flavor to the experience. The fries were also good: crisp, hot and just right. We'd started the meal by splitting the mushroom tartine. The ricotta, mushroom and bits of garlic made for a delightful starter, enough to whet the appetite for the main course. Service was prompt and efficient, warm but not overly friendly: just right. The restaurant has valet parking although I just parked in the restaurant's spaces in the parking garage adjacent to the building that houses the restaurant. A future exploration of the dinner menu awaits.
(4)Samantha W.
I was soooo excited to try the infamous 2941! I came here for restaurant week with my family last night and found that the restaurant wasn't very crowded (given our reservation was at 6:15 on a Tuesday.) The high ceilings and artsy décor gave the restaurant a lavish, yet un-snooty appeal. Outside, the landscaping is magnificent - there's a large coy pond chaulk full of humungous coy fish and several waterfalls. The left side of the restaurant overlooks a pretty pond. So, on to the good stuff... the food! My family was pretty consistent in ordering off of the restaurant week menu. Most of us ordered the same things, so we didn't get to sample a large variety of the menu. The favorites of the night were the Salmon tartare as an appetizer, grilled pork loin and shrimp risotto as entrees and then the chocolate and vanilla parfait and the almond bread pudding as dessert. Appetizer: the salmon tartare was absolutely amazing ... some of The best tartare I've ever had. the quality of the salmon was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It was so fresh and fatty, I almost forgot I was eating fish! It was also perfectly seasoned with Just the right amount of lime juice. I was also pleasantly surprised of the generous size of the portion. It came with a zucchini fritter on top - the saltiness of the fritter complimented the salmon. This is a Must try in my book. Entrees: grilled pork loin - I only tried a bite of this dish, but it was absolutely amazing! The pork loin was nice and tender, cooked to perfection, juicy and came with a sweet glaze. Shrimp Risotto - cooked in a savory lobster bisque, this risotto is creamy, rich and gets better with every bite. Since it is cooked in a bisque, the dish is a tad on the heavy side, but it was so delicious that I had to hold myself back from licking the bowl! The shrimp was also cooked to perfection. I don't know how they did it, but they stopped the shrimp from cooking Just before it got that rubbery feeling that shrimp sometimes gets. They were so succulent that I almost thought they weren't cooked (in a good way)! Dessert: The chocolate and vanilla parfait was topped with blueberries and was a perfect yin and yang of chocolate and vanilla. It was a small serving, however, it was extremely dense and got super sweet towards the end (I don't like super sweet foods.) However, it was very rich and yummy. The big hit of the night was 2941's take on bread pudding. It was a neat strip of bread, soaked in pudding, with little puffs of almond mousse along the top. Absolutely delicious. They added a bit of spices to this dessert to kick it up a notch. All in all, we had a magnificent meal at 2941. I'm glad that the food was all it cracked up to be and I can't wait to come back!
(5)Vanessa S.
We came here for our anniversary. The food was excellent! I had the duck and it was so delicious. The skin was crispy and the meat was perfectly cooked. My calamari appetizer and the pistachio semifreddo dessert were also good. The portions looked small, but it was just enough for me. I took a star away for service. The waiter forgot to bring my drinks. First he forgot my wine and then I ordered tea with my dessert and he forgot that too. But the food was excellent, so I am not going to make a big deal out of it. We will definitely come back.
(4)Hannah D.
Company holiday party was here. Staff was helpful and quick. Food was great. Drinks were great. Had the butternut squash soup w/ ginger. It was amazing! Had the filet w/ the Bearnaise sauce - also very good.Warm chocolate cake for dessert was alright. Nothing spectacular. The view was gorgeous though! It was a good evening!
(4)Sidney Y.
For my boyfriend's birthday, I booked us at a table at 2941. Sadly, our experience there didn't even come close to meeting our expectations of a restaurant that has been named one of the best the DC metro area has to offer by several online publications. First of all, the service was bad. The waiter acted like he couldn't be bothered with us most of the time. After taking our drink orders, the waiter passed us a couple of times without bothering to ask us if we were ready to order. Finally, my boyfriend had to flag him down to tell him that we are ready to order. Then there is the food. My boyfriend and I both opted to go with the restaurant week menu so we both went with the salmon tartare for appetizer, which was delicious. But then we both had the grilled pork loin with an apricot glaze, radicchio salad, and pomme lyonnaise, which was NOT so delicious. The pork itself was okay if a bit dry. But the radicchio salad that topped the pork loin was bitter and lacked any kind of dressing to make it easier to go down. And the apricot glaze did not really go with the flavor of the pork. I did like the pomme lyonnaise, but overall, the whole dish just lacked coherence and is a weird combination of a lot of different flavors that didn't go together. For our desserts, I ordered the black forest cake, which is just okay, But boyfriend was really disappointed with the peach melba he ordered, which is basically an oatmeal cookie topped with a tiny scoop of ice cream and served with 2-3 tiny slices of poached peach on the side. According to him, the taste is okay, but the whole thing is so tiny that he was able to polish it off with 2 or 3 bites. It is hard to imagine anyone willing to pay for a dish like that if it wasn't part of a prix fix menu. Overall, our experience there left much to be desired. I would have even given it a 2 star review if it wasn't for the fact that both my boyfriend and I liked the salmon tartare so much. But still, if the best food you had at a restaurant is the appetizer, then it means there is a lot of room for improvement.
(3)Safia M.
Excellent! We went as part of a Travelzoo voucher and loved it. Will definietely be back again. The calamari was super tasty.
(5)Mike M.
Great space, kind of hidden away among several suburban office towers just off the beltway. Excellent design, cool bar area. Seemed to get pretty busy at lunch which is great, glad to see they do a nice business. We were in the waterfall room which has windows peering out on the water feature that defines the front of the restaurant. It is really a stunning view. We dined on a prix fixe menu. I started with a lovely bib lettuce salad followed by filet of beef with celery root and pureed potato which was excellent. The beef was seared with a deep red center and the sides were outstanding. Desert was a choice of green apple sorbet or a chocolate flan with banana ice cream thing. I had the flan and was jealous of the diners who chose the sorbet. Service was outstanding. I'm not often in the area but if I am, 2941 will make an outstanding choice for a client lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
(4)John D.
We were there at 8pm on a Friday night. After getting our menus, the waiter took about 10 minutes to return to us to take our order, despite us scanning the room multiple times. We ordered a shared app, shared small plate, and two entrees. After about 20 minutes, the hot app and cold small plate came out at the same time, which wasn't ideal but we lived. After about 30 minutes more, the entrees came out. When we were finished, we waited to see the waiter for 10 minutes or so, and asked for our check. Then, we waited another 30 minutes to get our check, and about another 15 minutes for it to be picked up. In total, we were there for 1.5 hours to be served twice. I've had faster five course meals in Italy than I have at this place. WAY too slow. When the customer asks for the check, it means that they want to leave!
(2)Jihane L.
We had our wedding at this amazing place. The location and menu were mind blowing. We loved the Koi pond and the openness of the space with tall glass windows and walls overlooking the lake and trees. They valet park your car. The wine list is out of this world. The food is excellent but on the pricey side. We love it here and we come back every year on our anniversary. Definitely recommend.
(5)Avneet K.
Definitely not a 50 dollar rib eye. I ordered this rib eye med rare and it showed up and was med/med. well. The waiter did replace my steak. The second rib eye I received was not the same quality of meat, not sure why.... I would NOT RECOMMEND getting the rib eye. My husband got the same rib eye his was cooked to correct temperature, but not particularly flavorful. If you put a 50 dollar steak on your menu you should make sure you are serving a 50 dollar steak. The oysters were fresh and the dessert (blondie) was good. The best thing I ate was the donut holes sent complements of the chef.
(1)Lance N.
My fiancee and I went there for our valentine's day dinner. From the reviews and the decor, I thought it was a great place to surprise my fiancee with. After all, she does want our reception there one day. So we got there and it really was a beautiful place. Especially with all the icicles hanging over the water fall and snow covering the lights, it truly was quite beautiful. So we head in and get seated fast - Great! Their tables were super cheap. It was one of those fold up tables where you can only sit on across from each other. If you sit next to each other, you or your date will bang your knees into the table legs if you try sitting next to each other. We had fast service, but a little too fast (will explain). The valentines dinner was a set menu. I actually wanted to order something else on their normal dinner menu. I didn't expect them to confine us to just the valentines menu. For appetizers, I ordered the Tuna tartare and my Fiancee got the... hm, i don't remember. All i remember is how awesome the Tuna Tartare was and having to switch plates since my fiancee liked it better. It's bad when you don't remember one of the dishes. It was that mediocre. Oh yes, she had the "duck--something," she stated. Again - pretty mediocre. As other reviews has stated, the Tuna Tartare is indeed amazing! Then came the main course. I got the rib eye and my fiancee got the swordfish. Strike 1 - Sword fish still smelled fishy and pungent. Keep in mind, we love fish and all things from the sea. For a minute, we thought this was normal but when you bite into it, it still almost tastes raw but not fresh. We tried to eat it but it was basically a fight. My fiancee hesitated in taking it back but of course, for that amount of money being paid, f*ck that, they need to take it back! So i had to do the dirty work. Strike 2 - I waited for the waitress to come by and check up on us but she basically was on "go" and did not seem she was going to come around, so it took some effort to wave her down. When I told her about the swordfish and how it may be undercooked, she asked me how i wanted it cooked. Now, for the amount of money I'm paying, I expect them to cook it like how it's meant to be cooked, and the fact that it tasted and smelled fishy means that it may not be fresh. Strike 3 - After eating something that tastes so horrible, why would I still want to continue eating it? She didn't even offer to exchange it for a different dish, I had to push for that option. And lastly, Strike 4 - Now going back to the rib eye. It tasted like a normal steak that you'd prepare yourself from safeway/wegmans. For that kind of money, i would expect a juicy succulent dry-aged slab of rib eye steak. It was good, but mediocre good. I would rather go to Morton's and get a dry-aged rib eye for less money and have it cooked better. Also, i had it cooked medium rare which they were able to achieve just fine. So I'll give them that. Afterwards we had the dessert to share with 1 side passion fruit and the other side chocolate. they even gave us 2 small pieces of cookies which was nice! so I'll give them a star for effort. So, after 1 drink, 2 coffees and 2 valentines day dinner. the bill came out to about 230 bucks. Worth it? I don't think so. We will give them another chance at a later date but so far, I'm not sure if we want our reception there any more. After all, people always remember a Wedding reception by how awesome the food was and we were hoping 2941 could be that place. Total: 1 stars! (sad tombone effect)
(1)Mary C.
We were a group of six here for Thanksgiving Dinner. I am familiar with the area so finding it was no problem. 2941 must have taken the comments about being difficult to find because there were 2 road signs explicitly pointing the way. The food was absolutely wonderful. It was a special prix fixe menu for the day. Lots of choices. Members of our group enjoyed the lobster bisque, the butternut squash veloutè, and the beet salad. They were beautiful to behold and each bite was a lovely combination of flavors. Most of our group enjoyed the turkey dinner, with one person ordering the salmon. The turkey breast was extremely tender and I'd love to know how it was cooked so that it was tender and juicy. The salmon was cooked just enough to flake. Again the arrangements were like works of art. The combination of flavors was unusually creative. Our group enjoyed the apple pie, sweet potato beignets, and pecan bar for dessert. Creatively presented, very delicious and yet very homey. Our wait service was just right. No hovering, plates cleared promptly, water glasses filled. No hurrying us up for the next seating.
(5)Brian L.
Debated a five star or a four star review. Either way, you're going to get a pretty good meal. I had been here once or twice before with my parents, as my Dad knew the Maitre'd.. I guess we got a bit more of special attention because of that :) but this time it was just me and my main squeeze. The tasting menu looked delicious, but as one of us is a vegetarian we were unable to partake. However, we both chose from the á la carte and were happy with what we got. First of all, the bread. "They" say that you can judge a restaurant by the quality of the bread. That being said, the bread was excellent. We split a beet salad. The beets were of a very good quality, and tasted extremely fresh. Our server, Hicham, was a really charming and courteous fellow and, as if my magic, suggested several items that we were already debating getting. He was very helpful to answer questions in a very laid back, friendly, and non-pretentious way. On his recommendation I got the venison and holy moly it was excellent! Easily the best venison I've ever had (though that has only been a handful of times) but quite possibly one of the best meat dishes I have had. (Side note, I was remembering the protein I had at Gordon Ramsay's in Chelsea, and I believe it was better here.) My squeeze got the butternut squash ravioli. I had a bite, the ravioli's themselves were good and rich. It came with candied fruit which was a little weird. Unique. But I think it added to the overall flavour profile. I wasn't crazy about getting dessert, but my squeeze asked if it was possible to get the eclair that was only available on the tasting menu, and they kindly obliged. She loved it, I was on the fence... but I am typically not a dessert person. They brought out complimentary donuts and I was more into those than the eclair! Really nice environment, and I like the decor. Also, the Gunslinger cocktail... delicious!
(5)nat t.
I have to say that this is handsdown the best place to have a wedding (of those I've been to so far!). Sure, your guests end up being scattered all around the restaurant, but when you're 30 something and go to an average of 9 weddings a year with a similar group of people each time, in the end, it comes down to the food. The wedding ceremony itself was held outside in their gardens, cocktail hour was also outside (yummy hors d'oeuvres). Inside a dance floor had been set up, and there was a room off to the side for a photobooth. This is the only time I've been at a wedding, ordered medium rare steak, and received a perfect medium rare steak. I think I recall the bride telling me that the wedding cost about $130 p/head, which is about the same as what you pay for a wedding at any reception venue in this area... with very mediocre food.
(5)A A.
I went to 2941 a couple weeks ago for a birthday. It was my first time and I was pleasantly surprised. All of the food was amazing. I always get duck my first time to a restaurant because duck is a fickle meat, easy to mess up and harder to get right. Its my way of testing the chef. They cooked it PERFECTLY. I also had the zucchini fritters, fried calamari, butternut squash soup, and all of it was fantastic we ordered a second round of everything. Its a great atmosphere, quiet and cozy but also accommodates larger groups. I think if you go earlier in the evening it might be a bit "corporate", but we showed up around 8:45pm so it was mostly diners not happy hour professionals. The drinks were a bit strong in alcohol but not alcohol flavor if that makes sense, the flavor was still proportioned. They had some unique and yummy drinks I had fun trying. The service was great, our waiter was fantastic. The front desk girls were helpful over the phone and gave us exactly what we asked for, but when we showed up they seemed snobby and unwelcoming - the verdict is out on the front desk. Don't let that stop you though. They also brought out these sour-sweet donut holes at the end of the meal that were the best donuts I've ever had. I want to order a whole box of those to go. I think 2941 would be a good place for a date just ask for a window seat.
(5)Bekah K.
My boyfriend is a big fan of 2941 for many years, almost always choosing it as our choice for romantic special occasions. The food and service are consistently outstanding! Everyone there is invested in giving you a special evening out. My boyfriend had Tuna Tartar & I had Beet Salad for appetizers. He had Beef Rib Eye as his main course and I had the Spiced Skuna Bay Salmon . Both were outstanding. They have an excellent wine selection with a wide range of regions and prices. Make your reservation well ahead of time and ask for a table by the window and you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of their art.
(5)Jennifer M.
I was expecting a lot from this restaurant because of the good reviews, but I wasn't left with much of an impression. Especially if the highlight of the meal is the endless platters of unasked for, yummy, fresh bread! I am not completely convinced that it's baguette because it seemed more like a skinny Pane Italian bread to me (trust me, I know, I've worked in a bakery). One was plain and the other had fresh cherries or cranberries baked in. I started with the Pate de Campagne, "Country Pate", which is made of of ham with a bit of foie gras and pistachio halves. I'd never had country pate before, but it was really refreshing and light compared to your typical pate, which is richer and more decadent. While this was a nice complement to the tons and tons of bread we downed, I would have preferred something a little more similar to typical pate. Entree? Three large, seared scallops topped with triangular slices of beautifully colored watermelon radish and parsley. It was a little salty, but the romesco sauce toned down that saltiness a bit. The scallops were tasty and beautifully cooked: not underdone, not overdone. To finish? An Early Grey Pot de Creme. I was not very impressed with this dessert. The taste was not very distinct and the texture a little... off. I honestly liked the walnut brioche bostock (aka cookie) and clementines that this dessert came with better than the dessert itself. After dessert, they also gave us some of their homemade caramel popcorn. Which stuck to our teeth to no end, but was too good not to nosh on some. Dress is Business Casual. 2941 was nice and elegant with good service (great at recommendations and refilling water/bread without having to ask), but still a little stiff at lunch with what seemed like some dining executives from the office building that 2941 is located in. By the way, there is complimentary valet parking, but if you keep driving past that, you will find yourself in front of the parking garage. If you do enter through the garage however, beware that you may find yourself a bit lost if you are not familiar with the building.
(3)stephanie c.
Very nice holiday meal on Christmas Eve 2014 BUT BUT BUT do not just make a reservation and think you are getting the gorgeous main dining room. They WILL put you in a distant side room (yuk) or the back room (yuk as well) and it is NOTHING like the experience in the main dining room. Live and learn. Next time we will tell them not to reserve for us unless they can PROMISE the main dining room. Buyer beware
(3)Hannah B.
Another one of my favorite place. We love everything the chef has to put on the menu and their bar area is a relaxing place to hang out with GG martini with friends!!
(5)Merly T.
I came here to celebrate my bf's birthday and I had an ok experience here. 1. I made reservation for two. I read great things about 2941 so my expectations were high. I checked in with the hostess. We were 15 minutes early so we went to the bar. The bartender was rude. We sat at the bar and we waited about 5-7 minutes to be greeted. I mean he was standing right there! and the bar was empty. 2. I made reservation for 7:15 pm. Its 7:45pm and I am still waiting for my table. I got up and asked if my table would be ready soon. I was told to wait because they didn't have it ready. I told them I will be waiting at the bar. 8:00pm I am still waiting. I got up and went to check again and I was told to wait a little bit longer. I do understand that things happened but at least let me know what's going on. I came here for food and drinks and so far my experience is not looking good. 3. Service was outstanding!!!! Food tasty!
(3)Katie S.
We made reservations at 7pm on a Friday night and were seated promptly upon arrival. We decided to go with the Friday night date night 5 course tasting menu special ($68) after seeing tuna and halibut on the menu. Throughout the five courses we really got a chance to sample the range of delicious food the chefs here are able to whip up. We decided to order a soft shell crab appetizer in addition to the tasting menu and our waiter incorporated it wonderfully into the middle of our tasting. Tasting menu: Bluefin tuna confit - this may have been my first time trying the bluefin versus the more traditional ahi you get in a ahi tuna salad. The texture is firmer and than the flaky and fatty ahi but nonetheless delicious and served refreshingly raw. Brioche crusted halibut: oh that buttery brioche sitting all crispy on top of the juicy halibut was simply delicious and may have been my favorite dish out of the tasting menu! Corn ravioli: this was something new to try, it's filled with sweet corn and mascarpone. An interesting and delicious dish as well. Guinea hen duo: the hen is severed two ways, the breast was roasted and just perfectly juicy with a crispy skin. The leg came as a confit leg and was super juicy as well. Kind of reminded me of a crab cake but...a shredded hen leg instead, yum! Dulcet panna cotta: ohhhhh myyyyyy goodness. I could not get enough of whatever that base cream was made of!! The champagne mango and apricot marmalade were sweet enough to be dessert but not too sweet that you felt like you were just eating sugar jam. The cinnamon churro was light and sugary. Delicious! Overall the presentation of the dishes were beautiful and our waiter explained in detail what every dish was as it arrived. Food: 5 Services: 5 Ambiance: 5 I'm delighted we were able to celebrate our anniversary here and would recommend this restaurant to friends and family.
(5)Isabelle S.
Went there for the first time to celebrate our 16th anniversary. We had a table by the window and enjoyed the view of the lake. We started with cocktails. I chose the Red Little Wagon (vodka and fresh strawberry juice) and loved it. It really tasted like fresh strawberries, and not some sort of liquor / flavored syrup. My husband chose one with gin (I think) cucumber and several spices. He liked it, I found the different tastes to be overwhelming. Too many different flavor in one sip. We then chose the 5-course tasting menu. It's a tasting menu and portions are small. But after 5 courses, we were full. All 5 courses were very well presented, tasty very good, with unusual flavors, or flavor combinations, the kind of experience that reminds you there is more to food that fried food, or food covered in BBQ or other sauce. Service was quick and friendly. We even got an extra dessert to celebrate our anniversary! I give only 4 stars because I am not used to spend so much money on a diner, but it is definitely worth it for a special occasion.
(4)Cletus V.
Beautiful restaurant! The food is delicious and the view is beautiful. Great place to host a wedding reception or event! Very friendly staff!
(4)Lauren L.
It's hard to go to a town like dc in the spur of the moment and expect to get good food wout a reservation. Enter 2941. 2941 reminds me of a typical restaurant inside a hotel. Typical atmosphere, typical everything. Except the food. Our waitress couldn't stress enough we needed to order the calamari. Really calamari. I've have calamari at every single place I go to from bars to bowling alleys. Why wouldn't want to waste my money on it here? But she insisted so I did. Calamari- one of the best I ever had! The batter was so soft and light but extremely crispy. It was a like a beer battered fish n chips. It had some type of lightness to it. Maybe an angel made it. the truffle mushroom soup- I swirled the truffle garlic oil into the soup until it melted. More like a chowder it was in the thick side. seasoned perfect Pop over- I was trying to relive the 12 floor Daytons days but no luck. It was cut in half and the chees was placed inside it not baked in it. The ham was very salty. The sweet butter helped cut it a little but not much. Halibut- fish was light and fluffy not over cooked. I'm not a huge fan of risotto so I'm not sure how to judge it but it seemed hard to me. Lamb papardelle- this was extremely tasty. The had a hint of game it so that you know it lamb. The pasta perfectly cooked. Dessert. I had to reread the menu to figured out what I was eating. But it wasn't a good think. It was suppose to be pistachios something. It wasn't cake. It's wasn't a mouse. Thicker than that it was more like a pudding but not really. It wasn't my fav but I'm not a huge dessert fan. I'm sure there are tons of restaurants in DC to die for but somehow This one didn't make me feel that I missed out. In a nutshell 1. Great place to go wout needed ressie weeks ahead. 2. Free valet 3. Try the calamari 4. Ask for specials not on the menu!!! A beautiful girl sitting next to me did and she ate fresh black truffle pasta. And she ordered another plate for dessert. True story
(4)Dette T.
Came here for my anniversary.. Food was good, place had good ambience, server was rude then he finally came around around desert time.. I was hoping for better service since this place is not cheap and heck, they knew it was our anniversary! I would say, I'd never come back however, a friend is having her wedding reception here so I'd definitely come back lol..
(2)victoria j.
The high price is the only reason why I'm not giving this place 5 stars, but the ambiance and food quality justify why it's expensive. Great ambiance for a date or a small group. The floor-to-ceiling windows create a romantic sunset in the evening. I didn't have visit the gardens outside, but I heard it was very nice. This is not a good place for babies or rowdy groups. I had ravioli and it tasted yummy. My g/f had duck and it was also very good. Portions tend to be on the smaller side, but for women I would say it's usually plenty. They have some good craft beers and cocktail selections as well. The food and drink prices are on the expensive side, but it's definitely worth it for a special occasion. The young gentleman who served us was very good about patiently answering all our questions about the menu and recommending cocktails for us. I will definitely go back!
(4)Jay M.
Was I at 2941... or 1492... Restaurant Week menu and Zero Star Service! And yes, my 1st time to this place. SERVICE: The waiter was lackluster and seemed like we were a bother to deal with from the get go. He was impolite, lacked any social skils or whether we were satisfied with out meal. And to top it off, to have a server almost run me over leaving the bathroom made my blood boil as I was not even given a "excuse me" ... pretentious... yes. FOOD: I have been to Michelin Star restaurants and 5 star establishments and after reading the reviews on here and in the Washingtonian, I expected the same! Besides the sub-par service... the food was equally bad. I would love the opportunity to talk with both the chef and the pastry chef, as both were not worth the gas money I drove to get here. The Heirloom Tomato Salad was ok... the tomatoes in my garden are fresher and more favorable. The olive oil even tasted like the Olive Garden version... been tasting oils in Italy, Spain and Napa... definitely sub-par again. The entrees came out... the Grilled Pork Loin was ok... probably the best thing besides the piece of bread. However, the POTATO CHIPS beneath it... oh wait, those were pomme lyonnaise. Greasy, crunchy and reminded me of a diner's potato chips. Where is GORDON RAMSEY when you need him! Next entree was the Ravioli... Being Italian I have eaten fresh raviolis. The pasta was tough, the filling too sweet and the sauce separated to an oily mess. Really... am I at 2941 I thought. DESERTS!!! I literally waited to try the Award Winning Pastry chef's creations... lets just say thank God my wife had a brownie in her purse from California Tortilla and that was better than both. OVERALL: I was so excited to dine at 2941! My wife felt absolutely horrid how bad the meal and service was. I wish I had a better review but at this point, I honestly want to call the GM and get a refund because that is how poor this was.
(1)Sylvie S.
I stopped by 2941 yesterday for Restaurant Week with a group of friends. The interior is quite nice with the high ceilings and huge windows. The crowd is a mixture of 30 somethings, dates, and business meetings. Everyone is dressed business casual (one girl was in a ball gown) and as a side note, the restaurant is definitely not one for children. I did notice some weird decorations on the wall. I didn't really think they went with everything. It was some 70's lets-eat-mushrooms-and-stare-at-this-poster kind of art... For my first course, I went with the salmon tartare. I also tried the tomato salad and the beet salad and can safely say the salmon tartare was the best. For the entree, I picked the grilled apricot pork loin. I thought that this dish was the weakest of my three courses. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I ate it all because it was in front of me but I was not impressed. I also tried the shrimp risotto and was not a fan of this either. I thought it was over salted. For dessert, I got the peaches and cream. I was able to try the other two desserts which were also quite pleasing but felt that the peaches and ice cream was a really a pefect light summer dessert. Service was attentive and friendly although we did have a newb waiter error when he tried to remove a plate and the knife with some left over food slid off and all over my friend. They did take the correct course of action and offered to pay for her dry cleaning and then comped her food. It was a mistake but was well handled. I'd give 2941 three stars for their Restaurant Week. I've dined here on a regular night in the past and really thought they did a stand up job with the regular menu. I had some excellent sea bass that time!
(4)Ellen K.
I had been wanting to go to 2941 Restaurant for a while now, so I decided to go for restaurant week. I was really shocked because everything I tried pretty much ranged from bad to so-so. At their prices and with their reputation, I was expecting something much better. My boyfriend didn't want to make me feel bad during the meal (since I chose the restaurant), but later, he admitted that was probably the worst restaurant week experience he ever had. Service was alright. Apps: -Salmon Tartare - just whatever. -Country Pâté - also just whatever Entrees: -Grilled Pork Loin - sauce was okay, but HOLY MOLY SO DRY. -Risotto - it was WAYYY too heavy; I could barely stomach half. shrimp was piached well, though. Desserts: -Black Forest Cake - actually good! the best thing I had all night. -Lemon Fritters - pretty good.. it's hard to mess up fried dough, after all. No plans to go back anytime soon. Or maybe ever.
(2)Lhynette C. A.
Hidden away in one of Falls Church's office cluster of buildings - great for lunch and dinner! EVERYTHING is delicious and unforgettable here. First off, the restaurant itself is so pretty. There is a waterfall and a coy pond right outside the entrance of the restaurant. I always stop, and "pet" the coy---they are huge!!! The ambiance and the restaurant is amazing. TONS of glass walls, big windows, so there is endless natural lighting that fills the dinning area. You wouldn't think that you're in Fall Church... The food is original. I've had their duck burger for lunch. You're probably thinking "duck burger?!?" Don't knock it til' you've tried it. :) I've also tried their soft shell crab salad, mushroom ravioli and a the profiteroles for dessert. EVERYTHING. ALL OF IT. AMAZING! I am not one for expensive restaurants-but i do believe some (not all) high end restaurants are actually worth the money. 2941 is definitely one of the few that's on my fancy 5 star list!!!!
(5)Heather G.
Came here for a holiday lunch. We ordered all of the small plates to start. Do it. Order them BC they are delicious!!! We also ordered the tuna tartar - also delish. I had the crab risotto as my entree. It was good but I wasn't expecting the risotto to be black and there to be cream on top. Still good but I might have ordered differently. Dessert - get the apple gala thing. So good. Would definitely come back!
(4)Katie L.
I wish I could give zero star. I came here during the restaurant week and got seats at the bar. I wanted to order some food from the regular menu instead of getting the restaurant week food, but the bartender told me the whole restaurant only had restaurant week menu. But few minutes later, the customer next to us ordered a main course from the regular menu. I was disappointed that they lied to me about the menu. The appetizers were not good. Many other restaurants can do a better job. After finishing the appetizers, we waited for over 15 minutes until they took the empty plates away, and waited for over half an hour for he next dish. At the same time, all other customers got some bread before or with the appetizers, and they didn't check with us or give us any bread, or refill the water. We could definitely have much better services at any other restaurant. For a four-dollars restaurant, I was shocked to see the bartenders made drinks and serve food without washing hands after touching the cash. :( I asked the bartender to help check the order with the kitchen. He just said they were busy because it's the restaurant week. I know that but that doesn't mean it's ok to let the customers suffer from terrible services and starving. The whole restaurant wasn't packed that night. If the restaurant doesn't have the capability of catering the customers during the restaurant week, please do not force the customers to get food from the restaurant week menu! The entrée we got were sea bass and pork loin, and the portion was much smaller. The pork loin was way to salty and very dry. The sea bass is just ok. The desserts were disappointing too. For the food quality and services, I would say this is the worst dinning experience ever. I simply can't understand why this restaurant could have such good reviews. :(
(1)Raquel N.
This place is absolutely amazing. I have dined there for lunch many times & finally went for din din. It is just as amazing for either times. The food has never been anything, but delicious! The presentation wonderful. I am also enamored with the establishment. When you enter the Koi pond & trees make you feel like you are entering an enchanted wonderland. The only thing that doesn't give me a full 5 stars is that every time we have gone for a happy hour the staff seems to only be there to make you your drink. No social activity. Just a drinks linger. I am used to at least having a bit of conversation. Especially being a former bartender myself. I know you make a better tip on acknowledging the customers you are serving. At least I think so.
(4)Connie C.
I love the decor and open lighting, super great setting and the food was delicious. I had the lobster lasagna (small was perfect) and the lobster was melt in your mouth good!
(4)Lori B.
Surprisingly artistic and modern atmosphere, good for a romantic or business dinner. Valet parking is available. I enjoyed the 5-course prix fixe dinner with wine pairings. The food and wines were both surprisingly unique and delicious. The server was attentive and conveyed detailed information about each course as it was delivered. Highly recommend!
(5)Gretchen P.
My manfriend surprised me by taking me to 2941 for my birthday yesterday! From start to finish, I had a wonderful time. The food was delicious and, of course, the company impeccable. This was actually my 2nd trip to 2941--the first was RIGHT after their remodel, last February, and was very good too, but I was blown away by things this time around. Here's the skinny (ha, ironic choice of words, really) on what went down: To start, I ordered a glass of Oregon pinot noir (the best!) before we tucked in. The bread basket included three kinds of bread: a classic french bread, a soft wheat, and an olive loaf. The olive was my favorite! I totally ended up picking out the extra kalamata olives from the leftover pieces of uneaten bread, hehe. Don't judge me. We also ordered an appetizer of calimari. I know it seems a little random, but honestly this may have been the best calimari I have ever, EVER had. The breading wasn't heavy, but was super crisp (I'm thinking it must have been panko--someone else suggested maybe they were breaded in cornstarch?) and the sauces were just delightful-a tomato coulis and a light honey mustard that I think were supposed to be a play on ketchup & mustard. I demolished those little squiddos. 2941 also orders both 2nd course-sizes and full-entree sizes of their pasta dishes. This Hawaiian prawn risotto just sounds too incredible NOT to try, so Sean and I ordered a small size to share. Oh. My. Lanta. The risotto was perfect-creamy and lemony and tangy and delicious-and the prawns were absolutely to die for. I almost-almost!-wish I had just ordered a full-sized version for myself. Luckily, what I did end up choosing as my entree was without a doubt the right choice. I got the roasted duck breast, served with zucchini and asparagus, and it was PHENOMENAL. Perfectly cooked, tender, flavorful... I was getting pretty full by this point (for obvious reasons, haha) so I ended up taking half home. Which means I GET TO EAT IT AGAIN FOR LUNCH AND I'M SO EXCITED OMG. Aaaand recomposing myself... yes, I obviously loved this dish. I think it's a tie between the duck and the risotto for best dish of the night. Of course, since it was my birthday and all, we couldn't NOT sample a dessert! We got the crema fritta, which was a rich cream inside little crisp triangles, with root beer caramel (!!) and a cocoa nib ice cream. Really rich and tasty, and the perfect size to share, though in comparison to the rest of the meal, I suppose I could've taken or left dessert. Besides, I had forgotten from my last visit here that you get complimentary beignets at the end of your meal, so it's like free dessert anyway! Heh. The wait staff was quite attentive, and our waiter even ended up refilling my glass a little to finish off a bottle that he had poured for another table! There weren't a lot of people there (7 PM on a Thursday) and the environment was really great. 2941 is a little off the beaten path, but it's worth it for the lakeside views, koi pond, and waterfall stonework. Bear in mind, it is 'spensive, so best reserved for special occasions.
(5)Jina Y.
This restaurant was a really nice place. The staff was very nice and informing. I went with a friend to celebrate my birthday and I guess they overheard our conversation because at the end of the meal they brought out a dessert and had happy birthday written on it! That was a nice surprise. The risotto was actually one of the best risotto I have ever had. It came with the dish I ordered with lobster and steak. Would definitely recommend to go for a nice evening.
(4)Jeong L.
I don't have much to say about this place. I mean, I heard that the last chef passed away or something, and the food quality has changed. It's a shame because this restaurant is absolutely stunning. The ceilings are high and the open view and all those little details in decorations are quite impressive. It would have been one of the most romantic spots to have dinner.... except that the food is not so good. 2941 had one of the most bland tasting food I've ever had in my entire life. We ordered Wagyu steak tartare, Tunana Tartare, Smoked Duck Breast and Salmon. All of them had no taste. They were simply bland. I wondered... did the chef put any seasoning on any of the dishes...??? I was especially displeased with my duck breast dish. Although it was grilled nicely, it tasted like nothing due to lack of any seasoning. It was a piece of ginormous duck breast on a place with some sauce at the bottom (which also had no taste). I don't think the chef is a bad chef. He did grille the duck and salmon quite nicely. But he's gotta find a way to season the food properly or at least create some awesome sauce to go with the dish. Also, I've never seen a duck breast dish come out like that... maybe the chef should cut it up into smaller pieces ...? One week after dining at 2941, my boss coincidentally asked me if I could reserve a table at 2941 for his business meeting. He had been there before the last chef had passed away and he had very pleasant memories of this place. I strongly objected to that idea and told him about the no salt experience there. I went ahead and booked a table at Blue Duck Tavern instead. I really loved the restaurant's ambiance. But I would never go back there again.
(2)Amanda S.
Went there for Valentine's Day.....really really nice place with a beautiful building and nice atmosphere. The service was fast and I can't really complain.... Besides the fact that my waitress made a smart comment about not being used to so many "young people" there. My problem was the food, the menu is pretty expensive so I expected nothing but the best when we are paying $80 a person. The lobster ravioli was basically some watery sauce on some really bland rubbery lobster with a big noodle inside.... The sea bass was just not good at all.. Really fishy and just not what I've had before at other restaurants like this. My fiances potatoes were really plain and sort of over cooked and dry tasting. The only thing that was really that good was the ahi tuna appetizer. I told my friend and she had been here 2 weeks before and thought the same about the food - very Mediocre for the price.
(3)Jane A.
Our lunch started out quite nicely with fried calamari and 2 delicious dipping sauces. And then we waited, and waited. We think there was only 1 waiter for the entire restaurant. This was the second time we've had such awful service and probably the last. The bread, the decor, the service and yes, even the food are now not worth a trip to what was once a fantastic restaurant and setting. Don't waste your time or your money.
(2)Boris W.
I went to this restaurant yesterday for their 2015 Spring Restaurant Week. My wife and I ordered Beef Tartare and Crispy Calamari for appetizers, Grilled Pork Loin and "insert unknown and forgot name here" Pasta, and Coffee Pudding and Lemon Tart for dessert. The food were absolutely amazing! Even the Sauvignon wine my wife ordered tasted better than usual. The bread and butter before the appetizers were unusually tasty as well. The food was definitely 5/5! The environment was just as amazing. The restaurant is situated next to a small pond/creek, and the scenery outside the restaurant matched the beauty inside. The decorations were spectacular and the atmosphere was very cozy. 5/5 for the environment and the mood the restaurant set! Overall, I thought it was a great night, and because it took place during RW, the prices were excellent as well! A delicious three course meal, an excellent location, and an unforgettable experience! 5/5 all the way
(5)Danielle K.
The experience (dinner and atmosphere) was five stars but the valet was a two star. They opened the car door for my husband and not me. Then when we were leaving they just handed us our keys and pointed to our car. After the get serve inside and the price we were expecting more from the valet. Besides the valet (which is a small glitch) I would definitely go back. The food was amazing. We brought our own wine and did the chefs special from the tasting menu.
(4)Annie K.
You know you're loved at work when your bosses take you to 2941 for your birthday lunch. Like Samantha W. said, the overall decor of the restaurant didn't give off a snooty feel whatsoever. Since my birthday was in the middle of the multiple snowstorms throughout the DMV region, the lake was iced over and I saw snow mounds everywhere... but hopefully I'll get to checkout the landscape view another time. I started off with the calamari and ordered the steamed sea bass as an entree. The calamari was crispy and a light portion. The steamed sea bass was delicious -- the rice was similar to sushi rice and the fish was cooked perfectly. For dessert, I ordered the coconut cream cake, which had a nice crunch to it, was fluffy, and melted in my mouth. The presentation of the dishes were simple but still very nice. I would definitely recommend 2941 as a great option for a date night, anniversary, birthday, or any other type of celebration. The restaurant has a nice, classy, intimate feel to it. I can't wait to come back someday!
(4)Bob D.
2941 went through a bit of a hard time when they changed format. I have to say they have come back nicely. Very close to 5 stars actually. Keep up the good work.
(4)Mickey L.
After a dynamic theme tasting meal and a truly memorable birthday dinner, 2941 has returned to its glory of 2009-2011 when it was our very favorite restaurant! Last year, we were heartened to see 2941's upswing after several years of it struggling to find its culinary identity following the departure of Chef de Cuisine Kevin Takafuji and Pastry Chef Anthony Chavez together with a move to downscale from destination fine dining to casual upscale. After going through Bistro-style cuisine (they do make a superb burger for lunch), Executive Chef Chemel has triumphantly brought back the style that made 2941 me and my dining companion's restaurant darling: its refreshing brand of East Asian-accented French American fine dining with global touches, highlighted by its exquisite herb garden, set in the most beautiful ambiance, and facilitated by stellar service. While their DC Restaurant Week promotion and exceptional Pastry Chef Caitlin Dysart brought us in for an occasional lunch, 2941 intrigued us with its annual Spice Dinner back in March. Not only did it look appetizing, it was also a very reasonable $80 for 8 courses (plus, a vegetarian alternative choice for each of the first 5 courses). Among the many clever incorporation of spices and spice mixes into a wide variety of offerings, the highlights were the Wood-Grilled Ribeye, Slow-Poached Halibut, Fennel-Tomato appetizer, and Napoleon dessert. The beef had a nice smoky exterior and beautifully clean beefy flavor accented by its two sub-cuts (sliced cap and small slab of the heart of ribeye) and a zippy mustard vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. The halibut was cooked to a meaty yet tender texture and brightened with the spring veggies. The fennel dish had our favorite incorporation of spices, yielding a comforting yet novel Mediterranean set of flavors that was definitely worth a detour away from the meats. For dessert, the chocolate phyllo-ricotta mousse Napoleon was brightened by the appollonia-infused cream. Recently, we were racking our minds over where to go for my birthday dinner, but remembering the exciting Spice Dinner, my DC suggested 2941. We looked over their current menu, and it read like 2941's golden era. Fortunately, they tasted even better than described, and we went through 7 courses of euphoria thanks to masterful preparation! Guided by our energetic server Julio, who happily obliged us in taking photos and coaxed us to try the tuna (one of the best tartares in recent memory) as well as finding the best dessert, we had an absolute blast! While all dishes were great, the Ivory King Salmon, Summer Melon, and Peanut Butter Baked Alaska were on another level! The best of the best was the Ivory King Salmon, a thin carpaccio of pristine fish served with EVOO, lemon basil from their garden, yellow peaches, watermelon, and sesame seeds. The fish's inherent flavors gradually unfolded pleasantly alongside the citrusy herb, sweet fruits, and nutty black+white sesame to yield a most ethereal composition. It reminded me of Yukhwe, except with the rare fish and local fruits in place of beef and Korean Shingo Pear. Perhaps the best composed raw fish dish we've had, and together with Fiola's Spiny Lobster and Fiola Mare's Nantucket Scallop Crudo, the troika of best near-raw seafood dishes. Also a refreshingly yet more fragrantly sweet appetizer was the Summer Melons, thin rolled petals of cantaloupe and honeydew pollinated with salt in a semi-gelatinous watermelon coulis lightly peppered with chili heat and topped with sun gold tomatoes and herbs. The quintessential melon salad free from the ubiquitous application of cheese, 2941's rendition made our taste buds go ga-ga over the tiny explosions of lemon verbena and lemon basil that maximized one of 2941's most precious attributes and punctuated complementing layers to the vivacious fruits. Armed with one of our very favorite pastry chefs, 2941 makes us order 2-3 desserts per visit. Thanks to Julio, we had the joy of enjoying one of the best peanut-based desserts ever. The Baked Alaska was a Twinkie-sized loaf of lightly torched soft meringue covering creamy peanut butter ice cream, rich caramel ganache, and crisp chocolate biscuit--like a frozen homemade Snicker bar that dove through soft meringue then got a caramelized finish. In short, 2941 is officially back! Even a dish that had a fault (a very gamey Australian Wagyu Bavette) had an equally superlative component (Lobster "Bourguignon" with Pan-Fried Gnocchi, mini-root veggies, and Shiso) that left a very delicious impression in our minds. Although we ordered three of the best dishes, there are others (Scallop Ceviche and huge Soft Shell Crabs entree) that caught our attention for a future visit. With drop-dead gorgeous ambiance, pro service, and superlative pastry chef, 2941 has come full circle with top-level fine savories indicative of its true potential. Way to go, Chef Chemel!
(5)Hitomi G.
This place was my favorite restaurant in Northern VA. But when I visited here last week, maybe my 5th time in past 2 years, I saw little changes in quality here and there. Wait staff was great, but busboys did not care how to present plates. They would drop them off backwards... No explanation of the dish. And most of the food was brought to a table if we were in diner. Food was still good but lost top quality that had perfect notch on every single detail. So Sad but will try to go again to see what happens next.
(3)Katie S.
I finally had the opportunity to go to 2941 for dinner last night and was not disappointed. It's in an office building we have driven by many times and driving up to the valet area kind of feels like you are driving on a sidewalk; but other than that, it's pretty easy to find and is quite pretty. The interior is large and airy, upon walking in the front door you have the option of going to the hostess stand to be seated or going to the huge bar to wait for your table. We were taken to our table right away, and although there seemed to be some confusion of who would be our server at first, we were very well taken care of the rest of the evening. Our drinks came out quickly and the bread basket was lovely. Side-note: Olive bread is apparently my new favorite thing. Being here for restaurant week I feel like I only got a tiny glimpse of what the restaurant has to offer. I am actually a little surprised they didn't offer a smaller a la carte menu to accompany the prix fixe menu like I experienced at several similar restaurants in the area. But overall I enjoyed our evening, so I would probably come back again. I opted for the salmon tartare as my starter, risotto as my main and the peach melba for dessert. The salmon was phenomenal, it sounded like there was going to be too much going on with the crispies, peppers and salmon, but it all worked together really well. This was the star of the night for me. The risotto was OK. The shrimp were delicious but the texture of the rice (not the usual arborio) was a bit off putting to me. The peach melba was OK also. The cookie was a little dry for my liking, but after having a bite of my girlfriend's, I realized I should have gone black forest cake. Again, all in all, we had a nice evening. Our server even noticed the present we brought for my friend's birthday, asked us about it when he was in the restroom to confirm, and then brought out his desert with a candle in it; which I thought was super sweet. 3.5 stars.
(3)Cyndy K.
Cyndy's Bottom Line: A restaurant that has been around and in need of an uplift. My first visit to 2941 years ago was quite different from the setting today which Is much more casual. We started with drinks at the bar which offers happy hour drink specials and bar snacks. Monday-Friday, 4pm-7pm. Great place to have an after work drink. This is what we ate: 1. Tomato Gazpacho, poached shrimp, cucumber, lemon thyme. The shrimp poached perfectly. 2. Salmon Tartare with fried shallots, avocado, spicy aioli, and crispy potato. Enjoyed the combination of items layered and each flavor profile. Topped off with the tasty fried shallots, delicious. 3. Rockfish served with a quinoa, zucchini, and lemon émulsion. Rockfish cooked and seasoned well. The quinoa was a nice compliment to the fish. 4. Grilled Pork Loin with an apricot glaze, Pomme lyonnaise, and radicchio salad. The pork loin was delicious with robust flavor but it was rather tough and chewy. 5. Peach Melba with brown sugar cookie, toasted oat ice cream, peach marmalade, raspberry granite, almond streusel. Delicious morsel! 6. Lemon Fritters with fresh berries, ricotta sorbet, crème anglaise, candied lemon zest. Good little fritters with the delectable ricotta. Sweet, savory and creamy. Dinner was good especially for restaurant week. However, I would return for happy hour instead of a dinner.
(3)Christa F.
Another lovely luncheon at 2941... Started with a delectable gazpacho. Perfectly delicioso, but I should really just stop ordering gazpacho from anywhere other than Jackson 20 because I'm always a little disappointed. Salmon entree was perfection. The salmon itself was like butter, and there was a mussel and chorizo broth that drenched the tiny fingerling potatoes with savory goodness. The peach melba finished the meal, and it was truly memorable. From the snickerdoodle tasting shortbread, crumbly brownie textured base to the warm spiced peaches, every bite was a fresh walk down an old memory lane. Again, why not five stars? The chardonnay that was listed on the restaurant week menu was horrible. I left most of it in the glass because it was that bad. Nevermind the wine not being a decent pairing for the food, it was simply atrocious. Not sure who picked that one out, but it was a bad call! I could have picked up something a thousand times better at Trader Joes.... It was disappointing mar on an otherwise outstanding meal.
(4)Donovan T.
2941 used to be one of our favorite restaurants. The menu was great, and the service was fantastic. Since then, their pastry chef left, they remodeled (got rid of the awesome looking chandelier) and got some tacky/trippy neon fractal art that clashes with the otherwise warm decor, and changed their menu up from "fine dining to upscale casual dining." We gave it a try right after the remodel, and was underwhelmed. Well, it's been 2.5 years, and they were back in the Washingtonian Top 100 (2014... fell off in the 2015 issue) again, so we thought we'd give it another try. We decided to do their Christmas Eve Prix-Fixe dinner. But before we get to the dinner part, let's talk about the wait. The restaurant was only serving the prix fixe menu tonight, so no a la carte. We had a reservation for 7:30, and had to wait until 7:50 to get seated, which is kind of surprising. That sort of sets the mood for the rest of the dinner. On to the food! For the appetizer, I had the Foie Gras Terrine, with luxardo maraschino cherry brioche, eiswein jam, and mache salad. This was pretty good, but it's hard to mess up a terrine. The cherries along with the brioche paired nicely with the terrine. Sadly, the meal just goes downhill from there. There were no choices for the mid course. It was a Robiola Fresco Raviolini with Brussel sprout chips, and Parmesan cheese. This wasn't bad, but it was unmemorable. The raviolini was bland. The saving grace of the dish was the flavorful Brussel sprout chips. Without it, it would've been like boiled cheese ravioli that wasn't even boiled in salted water. For the main course, I chose the Pheasant Breast with celery root, savoy cabbage, chestnut, cipollini onion, and natural jus. The flavor was clean, and I enjoyed the celery. However, the pheasant was a little over cooked. It was a tad dry and a little chewy. For dessert, I had the Bûche de Noël, with hazelnut dacquoise, milk chocolate chantilly, roasted pear sorbet, and brown sugar meringue. This was actually the best dish of the night for me. Everything harmonized, and the plating was wonderful. The brown sugar meringue in the shape of mushrooms was a delight. The pear sorbet cut the sweetness of the Bûche de Noël just enough to make this dessert not overly sweet. Now to the service. There was a 20% TAXABLE gratuity added on to all the bills. I don't think I've ever seen gratuity taxed before, so I was a little surprised by that. The service was blah. The server took our food and drink order. Being at a higher end restaurant, one would think since no one was drinking wine, the wine glasses would be taken away as the server left the table. Nope, they sat there until right before the first course came out. So for a 2 seater table, we had our utensils, bread plates, bread basket, candle, water glasses and empty wine glasses. So pretty crowded table. Anyway, the only thing fast about the service was them taking away our finished plates. They were like vultures. Right after we set our utensils down, they swoop in to take the plates away. Then we would sit there for about 15 minute before the next course came out. However, they left the napkin used to clean up a mess the server made on the table the whole time. Let's just say the service was not worth the 20% tip plus tax. Overall, fairly unimpressed by the forgettable dinner. May not return anytime soon, if at all.
(2)Louella M.
Big fan of this place. Made a reservation via Open Table with a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Brian's service was top notch and his recommendations were a big hit. I had the halibut which was divine - basically licked my plate clean and my husband had the duck which he enjoyed as well. We shared the poached pear for dessert - really interesting flavor profiles working together in that dessert (red wine poached pear, ginger ice cream, hazelnut -- all together worked well), Brian also brought a small flourless chocolate cake that had Happy Anniversary written on the plate - very thoughtful service! To end our wonderful meal, we got two little fried dough balls compliments of the pastry chef which were scrumptious. Overall wonderful dining experience. We'll be back for sure!
(5)Annamaria K.
Everyone talks about the food. Yes, it is an above average dining experience. NoVa is lucky to have this restaurant. BUT the not that well publicized fact is they have the coolest arts on display on the restaurant and on the patio. The restaurant features a Salvador Dali sculpture, a Pissaro painting, several artworks from Jose Alvarez and an enormous geode from Uruguay. Loved looking around while I was enjoying the service and the meal.
(4)James S.
I've been to 2941 a number of times over the years and it generally impresses in all areas. The location is stunning and on our most recent visit there was a wedding underway on the back patio (which features an unsurpassed view of the river). Having recently purchased a Google "Coupon" we were looking forward to a nice dinner at a slightly lower price than the usual 2941 bill. We arrived early for our 5:30p reservation and needed to pass the time until the dining room opened so we headed to the bar. The drink menu is whimsical with riffs on literature, movies, technology, and tv shows in the drink names. My girlfriend opted for a sparkling "Gilded Lily" with champagne, perruchi apertivo, verjus, and a sugar cube soaked in burlesque bitters - it was light and refreshing. I tried a "Gun Slinger" with buffalo trace bourbon, house made sour, agave nectar, and habanero bitters - this drink is not for the bourbon uninitiated and I enjoyed it quite a bit. We were promptly seated at 5:30p. Our waiter quickly greeted us and reviewed the menus and options. There was the usual ala carte menu as well as a 5 course tasting menu (not available with coupon and everyone at the table must order the tasting menu). We opted for: small bite - Crispy Calamari, appetizer - frisee salad, entrees - smoked duck breast and beef rib eye. We also selected a nice bottle of Tempranillo to accompany our meal. The Calamari and Frisee salad arrived at the same time, which was a bit disappointing as we would have preferred to separate these courses but as we were hungry we dove right in. The calamari comes with a choice of dipping sauces on the side, a delicious and bright citrus aioli and a slightly smoky and sweet tomato sauce. The calamari was perfectly cooked and exceptionally tender. The frisee salad was next up, a beautifully presented dish composed of smoked pioppini mushrooms, a poached egg, roasted asparagus, and parmesan. The egg was perfectly poached and added a wonderful distinct creaminess to the salad. The asparagus spears were huge! I was a bit worried that, due to the size, they might be woody and tough, however they were perfectly cooked and tender. The mushrooms added a nice rich smoky meatiness to the dish and it was quickly devoured. The Smoked Duck Breast was certainly the star of the night. The breast was perfectly cooked with an extra crispy skin and a deep smoky flavor almost reminiscent of bacon. Accompanied by zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, and a charred scallion vinaigrette the dish was wonderfully composed and elegantly presented. The Beef Rib Eye was the only disappointment. The first portion arrived with a slab of fat hanging off of the side the size of a deck of cards. Given, rib eyes are a fatty cut, however as this was hanging off the side of the steak it should have been trimmed off (or down) prior to grilling. It was also cooked closer to medium vs my requested medium-rare most likely because it was a rather thin cut. I pointed this out to the waiter and he apologized and then disappeared. About 10 minutes later (and halfway through my steak) he reappeared with a new rib eye. I hadn't asked for a new dish but was pleasantly surprised that he had made the effort. However, I would have preferred that the waiter had asked for my preference (replacement dish or something different) prior to coordinating - as I would have likely changed my entree to the duck! Unfortunately, though the second steak was better butchered it was still slightly overdone, another thin cut, and rather grainy and uninspired. The Bearnaise sauce on the side was nice (and very rich) but the beef and wine jus tasted a bit scorched and the "frites" were also rather boring. For $44 I had high expectations for the rib eye and would have expected a thicker cut and a bit more pizzazz in presentation. However, my guess is that this is the "safe" dish on a menu that tends to be a bit more eclectic. A final note/warning, if you are sitting facing the front of the restaurant when the sun is going down you will be blinded by the sun. Unfortunately, while the big open windows with no shades/coverings look wonderful and give you a great view of the wonderful landscaping they do nothing to shade you from the sunset which comes in directly through the front of the building. I ended up having to put on my sunglasses during dinner just so I could continue to look at my girlfriend. Service was great throughout our meal (with the minor quibble noted above) and the manager did stop by at the end to inquire about our meal. I mentioned the troubles with the steak but did stress that everything else was awesome. Bottom line - this place is well worth the visit for a nice romantic dinner or a special occasion. If you can get one of the online coupons it also allows you a half price meal experience (if you stay away from bar drinks and wine ;)
(4)Brad A.
It is rare that I feel that a resturant's food is better than what I can prepare at home. Went to 2941 last night and we were wowed! Everything we had was amazing--a simple ceasar salad small bite was beautifully well executed with paresean crips. The mushroom tartine was delicous. Our waiter, Alex, took the extra care to make sure we had just the right wine. He new the menu inside and out. My girlfriend had the duck breast and it was perfectly prepared but the hit of the meal was my ravioli with duck sausage and escarole--it knocked us out--it was simply prepared but the flavors just worked.
(5)Ethan B.
What a hidden gem! The food was amazing and our service was great. There are floor to ceiling windows (at least 30 feet high) with the view of a beautiful lake (man-made I'm sure). You feel like you are in a secluded woodland, not like you came off Rt. 50. The food was great and the tuna tartar was some of the best I've had in the NoVA area. They handled all requests very well and the price was very reasonable for the quality of the food. They also had a tasting menu which was required for the whole table and we almost went for it but wanted to try everything on the menu so we split many things. Don't think twice about venturing here...
(4)Nan K.
Oh my lord. Can I eat here every night? I had the crispy pork belly for my appetizer and it melted in my mouth. I've never had such good pork in my life. I had the lobster and veal for my main dish...I devoured everything without saying a word. It was just that good. I had the chocolate pain perdu for dessert which wasn't up to par with my other dishes, but I think I was too full to fully enjoy it, my pants were getting dangerously tight. I tasted some other desserts and they were all delicious...apparently the famous pastry chef Anthony Chavez doesn't work there anymore, but the new chef is just as good (but I'm no expert, I just like to eat). A friend came here for lunch and said it was mediocre, so I think the dinner menu is better. This is my favorite restaurant in northern Virginia. I've only been here a couple times, but I have never been disappointed.
(5)Laura D.
I've been here several times but after tonight's experience I will NOT be returning. We sat in the main dining room (which was completely empty at 7pm on a Friday night) and noticed the burger which we had at the bar earlier in the week wasn't on the main menu. My boyfriend asked if he could order the burger and was told a stern no, that was only allowed at the bar (which was less than 10 feet away and not at all separate from the main dining room) because they offer "a different experience here". A different experience? It is in the exact same room and the atmosphere exactly the same. Who are you kidding? Our waiter was incredibly condescending, rolled his eyes, and said absolutely not, so we requested to speak with the manager. The manager Jonathan was also extremely rude and condescending and refused to bring a burger to the table and walked away while we were still talking to him. Unbelievably bad customer service - the four of us were in shock. The rest of us were absolutely willing to get the more expensive entrées offered in the dining room but after that we were so turned off and could not stand the snotty waiters (which were just standing around with no tables to wait on). One would think they would have wanted our tip but I guess not. They were just trying to upsell us which is unbelievably tacky. So turned off by the attitude and poor customer service, we decided to just sit at the bar where the service was amazing and the staff incredibly nice. The real kicker was, is that they offered us the full menu at the bar!!! There is absolutely no need to sit in the main dining room - you can get the whole menu at the bar and the staff there is so much nicer. I am disgusted by Jonathan and the other waiters and won't be returning because of them.
(1)Kimberly T.
I had really high hopes for 2941, even ones which I was willing to temper slightly knowing that it was Restaurant Week. Everything started off well - we arrived early, utilized the complimentary valet and enjoyed several excellent cocktails from the bar while taking in the views. Then we sat down to eat. Everything was just meh to just disappointing. The melon soup just tasted like someone threw a cantaloupe in the blender; there was no other flavor, seasoning, or texture. My pork entree had two medallions - one of which was essentially raw. Everything else was just fine enough, but certainly not memorable. The server came by frequently, but somehow never at the right time. Hopefully I'll take some time to recover and be willing to come back when it isn't RW for the full experience I've heard so many good things about...
(3)Adrienne A.
Lovely setting, nicely done chow, but at those prices, I need to be able to say more about it, than, gosh, it sure was expensive. For someplace in the middle of Fairview Park, I mean goodness . . .it needs to be extraordinary or a tad less pricey. I mean, you know, location, location, location costs extra, we all understand, but without location on your side, you need to work it, girl! So, that's a meh from me. You are not going to Hollywood.
(2)Jee C.
It amazes me to see people still go here. Their foods are medicore. It's a pretty restaurant, but that's about it. If you never been, try it just for the atmosphere. Foods are bleh. I've been to this place for birthday dinners, wedding receptions... and they were a bit above the average, but the price tag brings this place down to 2 star from 3 lol.
(2)Kathleen N.
Food ====== $59 Travelzoor Voucher for small bite (~$9), appetizer (~18), two entrees (~$39) $10 Kir Royale (cocktail) $21 Automatic 18% gratuity $20 Overage Mushroom Tartine 6 Crispy Lobster 20 Crescent Duck Breast 32 Crusted Venison Loin 39 The mushroom tartine was very nice; tasty, especially if you like mushrooms and cheese, which I do, and oddly affordable at that. The crispy lobster was unfortunately a bomb. The texture of the lobster was rubbery, very fake-crab like sometimes as well. As for the entrees, the venison loin was a complete disappointment. That may be in part that I may not have read very carefully and did not realize beets were part of the arrangement and I honestly would've preferred a potato or carrot, but it was very prettily formed apples. The meat itself was ok; much like eating a steak. Unfortunately, not the best venison or the best steak I've ever had, so three stars. The potato puree (?) it was placed on was creamy, but otherwise not worth noting. I waffled greatly over choosing the duck breast or the venison. I charged forward thinking deer! and antlers! and luckily, my dinner date chose the duck, and my god, yes, that duck is excellllent. It was my first time hearing the question, how would you like your duck breast cooked. Medium? Med Rare? Ver-rah cool. And de-lish. The winning dish of the night. Okay, the heading of their dessert menu? Adorable. Alas, no tiramisu so i ignored their offerings. Lastly, the Kir Royale. A favorite name of mine; unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of citrus or champagne, and it was both! Haha; well, overpriced, but I hear there's $5 sangria during happy hour, so it pays to be smarter Decor ======= High ceilings, thematic paintings, unique lighting fixtures. I could imagine many a party walking in here and saying, this is where I want to hold a party: engagement, showers, business networking, just something! It is beau-tiful. Good job, interior decorator and architect! Service ====== Waiter was friendly, walked by and checked in, and generally had his wits about him. Extra! ====== - There is a parking lot opening to the left before the curve into automatic valet parking, although the valet parking is complimentary and nice, considering the next extra - Windy as all get out. Seriously, it's like some feng shui madness decided that the entrance to 2941 would be perpetually windy and colder than the rest of Falls Church. Be prepared for some swell gusts. Now, it's not always like this, but more often than not.
(3)James F.
Went with my wife for wedding anniversary. She had heard nice things about it; had been there for lunch perhaps five years earlier and enjoyed it. For me, first visit, from time of arrival until departure, location seemed strange--in an office park off highway in woods with no street lights. Main dining room was size of airline terminal. Just seemed like I was there for business dinner. Cold; no intimacy; a wasteland. We decided on tasting menu. Overall decent but not for $95 per person. Good news was that it was not built around ridiculously esoteric ingredients--that kind of precociousness. Flights of wine were good but waiter presenting wine assumed we had never heard of wine before--less the narrative than mannerisms. Our main waiter was okay, but lacked all flare and style, seemed like having a neighbor next door serving you. (Expected at any moment to talk about lawns.) Some folks were dressed nicely: a few gents looked like they were just back from a Little League game. If this place at one time had superb food and class, it's long gone. Sum: we made the most of it; the food was solid "B" grade (dessert was "D" fruit and sorbet thing); I have sufficient financial means to not be bothered by the price, otherwise would have felt taken. Sound taps on this place.
(2)Glenn W.
This is a tough one but I'm going to suck it up and award the 4 stars. Here is why. This was my first time back in about a year and a half. I WANT this place to be great because it's close to my house :) And a do like this place because the food is [mostly] great, and has remained so even after the departure of Krinn. Last year they announced a "retooling" focused on "Mediterranean fare" and "a more casual atmosphere" and "a more affordable experience" or some such thing, and most regulars immediately declared a shark-jumping. The updated decor is an improvement. The food is still awesome. (With one exception: the kitchen now sports a new Pasta station and a dedicated pasta section on the menu. The one pasta dish I tried -- lobster fettucini -- was awful and seemed completely out of place among the otherwise amazing food.) But... (there is always a but) service was horrible. Maybe I just got stuck with a bad waiter this time, that might be it. It's tough because that can single-handedly put a big damper on the evening for me and it did. Because I don't mind paying "fine dining" prices as long as I get commensurate service. And let there be no mistake, this place is pretty spendy even for what it is. Nevertheless. I'm going to be gracious (like always right) and give them the 4 stars. Just don't let it happen again 2941!
(4)Melissa M.
This place is wonderful! We always take advantage of restaurant week and as always we had an excellent dinner. I had the steak tartare, salmon dinner and a coconut cake for dessert. Hubby had the calamari (asked for tomato sauce and they obliged) which was light and airy...will get this again!, veal taglietelle and chocolate panacotta. Their kettleone dry martini's are awesome too. Services is always spot on. When restaurant week comes along take advantage...great deal!
(5)Sunny C.
Service (apart from the hostesses) is outstanding. They changed plates, silverware, poured more water quickly without being intrusive and were extremely quiet. Half the time, I didn't notice they were there. We never had to ask for anything. The hostesses were dismissive/unfriendly. We waited for a good 5+ minutes for a hostess to show up. And when they both showed up, they didn't acknowledge our presence or asked if we needed help even though we were standing right in front of them. We had to tell them we had a reservation. I also found it very rude that one of us pointed at us to get our attention. I expected more from a $$$$ restaurant. Food is delicious. Recommend ordering an appetizer, entree, and dessert so that you are full. Short rib ravioli was good but the short rib was a little bit salty. Mont Blanc dessert was yummy and had great texture. The butternut squash soup was light. I liked how they didn't react negatively to us requesting tap water. Ambiance and atmosphere was wonderful. Sitting by the fire was very nice. The nice thing about this restaurant is that you don't have to dress formally (suit/tie/cocktail dress).
(5)Kristopher B.
We went here for a post-Valentine's Day dinner. The GPS lead us to the wrong place, but once we found the place I was very impressed with the exterior. There is complimentary valet service, and a nice pond with a waterfall outside the entrance. Inside the decor was done in kind of a surrealist style. It was a little weird, but approachable. The menu is 1 page. We ordered 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, and 2 cocktails. Appetizers: Calamari -- Fantastic. If you go here and don't get this you are cheating yourself out of something special. In fact, get 2 plates. Mushroom Tartine -- Very good and with simple ingredients. My wife really liked this a lot. I didn't like the tartness so much, but who am I to yell at a square for being a square. Entrees: Mushroom Risotto: Very good, very creamy risotto. My wife had this. She loved it. The dinner portion was more than enough. Lobster Fettuccini: This was very good, I thought it was priced a little high at $34, but the lobster and sauce tasted wonderful. The sauce was very light. The pasta was cooked alright. Cocktails: Powder Monkey -- Disaster. I don't recommend getting any cocktails from the bar. Cosmopolitan -- Very average. My wife got this, again don't get anything but the simplest of drinks from this bar. Dessert: Chocolate Pain Perdu -- This was amazing. Very well done. I was impressed most by the quality of this dessert. My wife and I enjoyed every bite. Summary: If you go here definitely try the calamari. The entrees are good, but I would say a bit over-priced and there aren't many options on the menu. Whatever you do, don't get the cocktails. Keep your drinks simple. Service: 7/10 Food: 6/10 (calamari and chocolate pain perdu 9/10) atmosphere: 5/10
(3)Jennifer S.
I visited during the winter 2013 Restaurant Week and was completely underwhelmed. I started with the Duck Ballotine which tasted fine but a bit salty. I selected the rockfish with quinoa for my entrée it tasted fine but was a little bland. The Creamsicle Vacherine was also fine. It tasted like vanilla ice cream with a little orange juice on it. Perhaps you are noticing a trend. Everything tasted fine. The best part of the meal was the caramel corn that came to the table during dessert. The restaurant itself is located in a strange location. Although, I'm sure the view is lovely in the day light because it overlooks a lake. The décor is nice, clean, modern...it looks very corporate but it's nice. I was a little annoyed that my only parking option was valet. Overall I was disappointed by the mediocrity of the experience. There was absolutely nothing special about this place. To sum it up: nice atmosphere, good service, average food, strange location.
(2)Laurie W.
Let me caveat this review by saying two things. 1) I had been to 2941 before the restaurant re-do, and I really liked it and wanted to continue to like it (and find it to be more affordable), and 2) I had a "Google offers" coupon. This meal had a lot of potential, but there were certain things that just made it miss the mark for me. Food: the bread basket came out (love restaurants that still serve bread) and my husband attacked the olive bread while I enjoyed the wheat bread. The baguette was good, too. Started with the calamari "small bite". It had nice flavor, great crunch, and wasn't greasy at all - but all of the sauce was at the bottom of the dish, which was odd and resulted in a bunch of calamari all over the table as my husband and I attempted to move the pile of calamari around to get at the sauce. Then had the tuna tartare for an appetizer - this was absolutely delicious - no complaints. For my main dish, I had the lobster ravioli (full portion). Pasta was cooked well and there was a good amount of lobster, but there was a LOT of watery broth sitting at the bottom of the dish once I was done, which was odd. My husband had the veal and lobster - the veal was delicious and was prepared perfectly, as was the risotto on the side. The lobster claw, however, was rather mushy. For dessert, we split the "creamsicle." This dessert was absolutely delicious, but what ruined it for us was the fact that it was literally sitting in pieces of ice - which looked really pretty but was a pain to try to avoid eating. I didn't find chewing the ice appealing, but the presentation of the dish made it nearly impossible to avoid. Service: Service was fine, no issues there. Some might have said it was a little slow (we did wait a while to order after our wine came) but to be honest, I enjoyed not being rushed. Atmosphere: The restaurant is very beautiful and nicely decorated. The crowd tends to skew a bit older, with most patrons in business-casual attire although there were a few people in dressy jeans. It was not overly loud but at the same time still had a nice "buzz." Overall, even after the restaurant re-do, I still find a lot of the food to be overpriced (the lobster and veal dish was small for $42). I felt that the meal was good but not great, and had I not had the Google offer I would have felt ripped off. I would be willing to try it again, but would probably stick to the bar and order a burger.
(2)Kilani W.
Great place ! pricey but its worth it.
(4)Rick G.
As occasional regulars at 2941 we're consistently happy with their offerings. This time around, our appetizer consisted of: the Warm Crispy Crab with ginger beurre blac, petite salad which was fantastic. The Summer Bouquet of Bibb lettuce, cherry tomato, asparagus, avocado, white balsamic vinaigrette - fresh and mouthwatering! Our main courses were the: Pan Seared Chilean Bass with tomato compote, asparagus, shaved baby zucchini for my wife, and I had the Lobster: lobster sauce, baby turnips, sugar snap peas, heirloom potato, croustillant of which I could not have words to describe how delicious it was; Friends had the 10 oz Beef Filet with smoked pearl onion, herb pomme puree, oyster mushroom, fricassee of peas... and for dessert we shared: the Blueberry Cheesecake with lavender whipped cream, shredded phyllo, lemon cream; the Coconut Mousse with raspberry jam, coconut macaroon, rosemary; and last but not least, the Peach & Strawberry-Lemonade Sorbet with fresh fruit, Madeleine. Where the ideas come from for Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel and his team is impossible to fathom, but his culinary artistry is incredible and thoroughly enjoyable. There are few restaurants in our area that can boast the elegance, taste and utmost eye for detail to wow the palate - not to mention the atmosphere that makes all your senses enjoy the complete experience! And, one cannot forget Caitlin Dysart, 2941's incredible Pastry Chef. I, for one, don't fancy myself one with a sweet tooth, but I can never pass up her incredible offerings - simply put... delish! With various visits including my recent birthday and friends 40th Anniversary, the 2941 Team has our kudos and continued patronage. We're proud to have such an incredible culinary experience and masters of the art in our backyard.
(5)Tu-van L.
One of the better Restaurant Week experiences I've been to. Located in the same office building as General Dynamics in the Falls Church/Merrifield area, the restaurant is an elegant, corporate expense appropriate vibe. Beautiful space with the tall ceilings with 2/4 walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. Both made for a spacious space with great views of the lake and the torrential downpour at the time we were there. Beautiful view one way and another. Service was inconsistent, almost on the ditsy side, but when they're focused you have their full attention. There were times it took a while for a waiter to serve us, but that wasn't throughout our dining experience and they were otherwise very attentive. RW appetizer was a throwaway, meh at best. My husband's coconut and carrot gazpacho (I think?) appetizer was a weird combination of flavors and my pate appetizer didn't taste my different from the pate I can pull out of a Vietnamese banh mi. Fortunately for us, the entrees turned around our expectations for our dinner. My beef three ways was perfectly portioned with perfectly cooked meats. The desserts were also excellent. Some points can be done better, but overall my husband and I were very impressed with this restaurant. Meh appetizer aside, we'd really consider coming back here for a proper meal or one of their tastings menu.
(4)The S.
Went here for restaurant week. Did not live up to its reputation. Pork was dry and tough (but good taste). Gazpacho was good but not special. Lemon fritters were good. Calamari was good. Almost everything was too salty (except for dessert ). Atmosphere was nice. If restaurant week is to encourage diners to come back for another occasion, 2941 did not meet its objective. It was good but not as good as its reputation implies.
(3)Tatyana K.
Were I writing this review prior to the weekend of 9/29/13, 2941 restaurant would have received a solid 4+ star review. However, after attending their "Fall Harvest Brunch" this past weekend, I find myself hardpressed to award this place anything above a 2 star rating (the 3 stars given above are an average of sorts). Tickets to brunch (which is considered a special event, as 2941 does not normally hold brunch service on the weekends) were sold in advance at the cost of $65 +taxes and fees per head. My friends and I were greatly looking forward to this brunch, having eaten at 2941 on separate occasions in the past and had great experiences. I will make a long story short: The brunch was hugely oversold, set up was standing room only (this was intentional as they had only a few tables set up), food was being served in plastic small plates and the line to each food station was about 30 people long (translates to 20 minutes or so of wait for each food item). Same goes for the line for alcohol. Having dined at 2941 previously, we were all shocked the chef would allow his food to be presented in this manner. And no, it isn't that we felt "too good" to eat out of plastic plates, it was just that eating out of those plastic plates, after waiting for 20 minutes at a time for a small morsel of food, in a room that looked like a refugee camp seems nothing less than disrespectful to the chef and his food. And yes, refugees: The room was overly crowded, food and plates were left everywhere by the guests and the staff there had a hard time keeping up with cleaning/maintaining a presentable space. This resulted in a crowded, filthy, and disorganized environment - not exactly the type of space you would want to have brunch at. In hind sight, I believe the restaurant should have either 1) sold many fewer tickets than they did, or 2) sold tickets in batches where each ticket is for a specific time window, thereby allowing for better service and more manageable atmosphere. I place no blame with the staff - they were understandably overwhelmed. The blame in this case goes to the (greedy) event manager of the restaurant, who was clearly more concerned about quantity than quality. What happened in the end ? We, asked to be refunded and left to go have brunch elsewhere, and the line of people trying to do the same was about as long as the food line so clearly we were not the only ones sharing this sentiment. Will I go back to 2941? Yes, because the food is delicious. However, I will be hard pressed to partake in any more of their "special events".
(3)Sandra K.
I have had dinner here about 10 times total. I will caveat this review by saying that I do know the chef but I do not get special treatment. This is FINE DINING...where they pour your wine seamlessly, your water glass stays full, your napkin is folded when your return to your seat...Elegant without the nonsense fine dining. The food matches up with the atmosphere which will make your feel like a prince or princess. You are never rushed and given anything you want/need during the meal. The food is ambitious, lovely and inventive.
(5)Tim H.
I've been here twice for year-end company parties. The space is beautiful, especially the outside, which has a nice pond and beautiful landscaping. In the winter, the waterfall freezes, which is just gorgeous. The inside is great too, with huge ceilings and a warm atmosphere. The food has always been good, start to finish. Thoughtful and well prepared choices from vegetarian things to main meat dishes to seafood. Often the appetizers have been the highlight, so at least look them over. The service has also been excellent, though we've never been in the main dining room. [I will add that the lobster may have been too raw last time. A couple people reported it seeming that way and feeling a little ill afterwards. I'm going to give 2941 the benefit of the doubt on this one but it may have been an issue.] The bar is a bit of a weak point. It's priced on par with the great cocktail places in the DC area, but it's not really at that level--our cocktails were good, but not great, and you know it's a bad sign when they hesitate after you say "sidecar, please." Kudos for using Dolin vermouth, though. They also seem to close up rather early, but it's not exactly a frat party now is it? Overall, I've been very impressed with this place, especially its physical setting. It's easy for everyone to find, being right off the beltway / 50, so it's perfect for events. Then again, I've never had to pick up the check, and from the sounds of it that's the way to go. Overall, recommended.
(4)Trang N.
Attended my best friend's wedding reception here. They did an amazing job decorating the private room (with her decor details of course!) Food was really great, loved the beet salad. My fish entree was good too, but I couldn't help but eye the succulent looking beef many others were having. I hope to return & order that!
(4)Justin L.
We dug it. It's a little annoying to find from the road at night and extremely isolated, which is part of the charm. I would suggest going during the day though so you can appreciate the view and the interior itself is not what i would call intimate, it efels very much like a corporate lunch space. We were here for restaurant week. We were consistently happy across all of our six different dishes; nothing disappointed. The desserts were particularly outstanding. The service was excellent. It was quick, friendly, and the waiter acted like a normal person, not like some shrill wannabe snob that you often get at "fancy" DC restaurants. There is a full bar with a nice wine list and cocktails, too. I'm not sure how often I'll come back but if I Worked or lived around the area this would be a nice choice for fine dining, if you don't mind the unusual and decidedly non-intimate surroundings.
(4)Jason S.
Went for a business dinner with a group and we all went with the tasting menu though I opted out of the wine pairings. Gorgeous scenery, hidden among corporations right off of 495 (and more importantly, .2 miles from the hotel where we were staying). Everyone raved about their dishes which all featured great flavors; the halibut with toasted garlic was amazing, as was the friend gnocchi. Would recommend the tasting menu but want to also try a la carte next time I'm in town. DO go if you're entertaining for work or if you want a nice romantic night out.
(5)Alan V.
I went there for restaurant week and all they had was the restaurant week menu, so you had to spend a minimum of $35 ( also the entree portion is smaller than their regular menu portion). The main entrees available were pasta, pork loin, salmon, roast chicken, and sea bass. I got the beet salad appetizer, pork loin, and chocolate coconut layer cake. The salad came out in two seconds without any wait. I sat at the bar. The bartender/server forgot our entree which took at least 30min later to arrive after the appetizer. The pork loin was dry, too salty and flavorless. The chocolate coconut cake was a bit sour. All the entrees were pre-made in the kitchen so it was a bit warm but not hot like it just came out of the grill. A terrible food and service experience for a four dollar sign restaurant.
(1)Joann B.
Favorite: The filet mignon (served med-rare) and foie gras was soooo good! They were both tender, juicy - a great pairing. Also, the 2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the best. Our dinner here was very nice, relaxed - a great way to ring in the New Year. The service was near perfect. The prix fixed dinner offered a decent variety, but really, I was there for the foie gras and it didn't disappoint. My husband enjoyed all of it, to include tuna appetizer and veal chop. The butterscotch pot de creme was tasty too - I liked it a lot better than the chocolate trio.
(4)Dana Z.
Food snobs man! Food snobs! I read some of the other reviews about "wah wah what a waste I'd rather go to Minibar or Cityzen wah" Please, the fact that you're comparing it to those places (and I've been to both) it can't be THAT bad. Maybe just take it for what it's worth. It's not Cityzen and it's not Komi or Minibar... it's 2941. I'll show you snob. I went here for dinner on a Monday. Yes, a Monday. Not Valentines, not a birthday or an anniversary or restaurant week. Just a Monday. And I wore $800 shoes. It was good. I'd go back.
(5)Brian C.
Want to have your WEDDING here? You must be out of your mind. There's nothing good to be said about this establishment, especially with the lack of professionalism and courtesy from management, and the lack of experience from the employees. I was filming a wedding at this venue and there was an incident in which a server dropped an entire tray of drinks on my assistant and our equipment. Yes, an ENTIRE TRAY of drinks, and they did NOTHING to help remedy the situation, causing my shoot of the bride and groom to be compromised. WAKE UP, 2941: It's a couple's WEDDING DAY and they paid top-dollar to have their ONCE IN A LIFETIME moments captured. When this happens, YOU fix YOUR mistakes or everyone suffers consequences. The management saw this happen and saw us scrambling to get our equipment back up and running to get our shots, but they just turned around to set up tables for dinner that weren't even related to the wedding. After this incident, I paid more attention to the staff, and I watched them constantly trip over each other with many bumps and near-misses which could've resulted in more dropped glasses and plates (full glasses and plates of food, that is). I filed a report with management, and, not surprisingly, they were apathetic about the situation, won't be covering their damages, and didn't even have it in them to issue me an apology. I'll take this in stride as a lesson learned, but my lesson for you is to pass on this venue as a host for any events. They don't care about you -- they're only looking out for themselves. 2941 is a dishonest business that I would avoid at all costs.
(1)Mary N.
Definitely my favorite restaurant in the DC metro area. They offer complimentary valet parking, have a nice bar area (in case you are meeting friends that are running late) and the food is superb. My friends tried the steak tartare and could not stop raving about it. I tried a shrimp appetizer and some calamari which was cooked perfectly. Since it was my birthday, we had champagne and wine, both suggested by the sommelier and they were wonderful. Entrees included the ribeye steak, duck and chicken which everyone loved. The portions are not too big and not too small. Save room for the amazing desserts. This is a great place for a business dinner, special celebration or when you are in the mood for a fabulous meal. They also have private rooms available for groups overlooking their koi pond. Definitely 5 stars - would give it 10 if I could.
(5)kat c.
Live minutes away and are foodies, but have only been once. While external landscape is gorgeous, internal decor is slightly strained. Service was snooty to a degree by no means merited by the mediocre and over-priced cocktails, wine, and food.
(2)Bryony B.
I love 2941 - its upscale and beautiful. The tasting menu is the best so that you can try more (its like $75 a person but worth it if you can afford it) things. I don't think I've tried something there I didn't like - including their drinks. The bar area is even nice. They also have weddings there and for good reason - there is an outside area where they usually have the ceremony - its against a backdrop of waterfalls with colorful koi and nature. The inside is classy too - if you get the chance check out the waterfall room in the back of the restaurant used for receptions and stuff.
(5)Heather J.
This place is very impressive. We went here last night for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was worried about finding the restaurant, as it's tucked away on a side street, in an office building. But there are signs along the road as you get close, guiding you to the location, and I was able to find it without any trouble. Valet parking is free and the valets are friendly and courteous. Despite being in an office building, the actual restaurant is very pretty. There's a koi pond alongside the walkway into the restaurant, and the space features huge windows overlooking a lake. It's really a great space. I have very few complaints about 2941, but here's one. I had made a 7:15 reservation. I arrived right on time, but they didn't have a table available, so I had to wait for a while. I'm being a little nitpicky here, but at a restaurant of this quality, I expect the best in every way. When we were seated, our water glasses were filled right away and our waiter came over to introduce himself. Soon after that, a bread basket arrived with soft, sweet butter. A huge pet peeve of mine is when restaurants serve cold butter that tears the bread apart when you try to spread it, so I was happy to be served nice, soft butter here. It's the little things! For our appetizers, we got the bocconcini mozzarella and the frisee salad. The mozzarella was served over a pomegranate-tomato coulis and grilled asparagus, and topped with a crostini. It was tasty and I enjoyed it, but I don't think the flavor was particularly unique or special. The salad was excellent. It was served with smoked mushrooms, roasted asparagus, and a poached egg. The combination of ingredients was great, and I loved the smoked mushrooms. For our entrees we got the ribeye and the salmon. The salmon was delicious - cooked perfectly and not at all fishy. The skin was crispy and the seasoning was subtle but still added depth of flavor to the fish. The ribeye was tender and had great flavor. It was served with delicious, creamy mashed fingerling potatoes and a little pot of french fries. The fries were good, but again, not special. The dish would have benefited from something green on the plate, such as green beans or Brussels sprouts. It was also served with bearnaise sauce and a beef jus. Both sauces were great, but I liked the beef jus the best. For dessert we got the chocolate pain perdu. It was good, but not outstanding. The edges were a little dry, but the flavor was good. As we were finishing the pain perdu, we were surprised with a complimentary plate of two little beignets. Now, those were outstanding. I wish we could have ordered those for our dessert! The service at 2941 is fantastic. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and helpful. He explained all the dishes very well and came to the table after each dish was delivered to make sure everything was ok. I would definitely return to 2941 for a special occasion.
(4)Darren N.
Restaurant Week 2013 Review ... Lobster Paella Soup: In my opinion, this shouldn't have qualified as a paella, it was more of a lobster bisque. It was good though, just wasn't paella. Be sure to have some spare bread to get all the soup in the bowl. Duck Trio: The leg confit was very tender and fell off the bone. The sausage was tasty but could have been mistaken for some other meat than duck. The breast meat was just alright, the skin and fat above the meat was a bit too chewy. Additionally, the beans that were served in the dish were so overpowering in flavor I couldn't really taste that it was prepared Perigourdine. I eat a lot of duck, and I would have to say I much rather prefer it prepared as Peking Duck because they make the skin so crispy you won't have a chewy texture issue from the skin and fat. Creamsicle Vacherin: My favorite dish of the night, it was light, refreshing, and had excellent complementing flavors and textures. There was the firm Grand Marnier ice cream, crisp meringue sticks, somewhat frozen sorbet found within the ice cream, and creme fraiche topping it all off. Restaurant Week 2012 Review ... Beef Tartare: The best of all the dishes I have tried here. Raw beef should be of excellent quality, and prepared very carefully, this dish had both. Grilled Pork Loin: The peach marmalade that accompanied the pork was different, not to say I didn't enjoy it, it was just something my palate wasn't used to. The polenta that accompanied it on the other hand was something I was more used to. Chocolate Napoleon: A bit too rich to end my meal, I would have probably enjoyed just a couple scoops of the blueberry sorbet that came with it. The service was good aside from the bartender who took 10 minutes to acknowledge us and then scoffed when I asked for a drink that wasn't on the current drink menu but was on there before. The restaurant itself is very open with high ceilings, they just have an unusual selection of bright color paintings which I don't really get.
(4)Camey S.
Delicious Modern French cuisine that's approachable and memorable. Chef Bertrand Chemel created a wonderful meal for my friend and I having a girls night. The atmosphere is beautiful with y'all ceilings, huge glass windows showing expansive views and eye-catching decor. With complimentary valet, coat check, and a lovely staff. Our waiter Julio was attentive and friendly. We knew we wanted a sweet wine, and he picked out a gorgeous Rose Moscato called "Bigaro" from Italy and we absolutely loved it. We sat down for a meal, and I expected good food, but with each bite I knew this food was so much more. They brought out breads and butter to start. We added on the crispy calamari, a small bites plate and were pleased to devour these lightly breaded treats. Both dipping sauces were yummy, an aioli and a classic tomato. For entrees we ordered crescent duck breast and the crusted venison loin with a side of fricassee of mushrooms. Both were spot on. Succulent meats and flavorful glazes. The best is saved for last. This is a restaurant with a French chef after all, and for dessert they have a special menu they refer to as "never say never." For this, I recommend the Caramelia Entremet. This decadence is truly the sweet treat to end the meal. Salted caramel brownie bottom, with a thick milk chocolate caramel mousse layer on top, with orange zest and dark chocolate spots. Split this and enjoy!
(5)Celina C.
2941 has always been on my list of bougie restaurants to try, & bougie it was! I came here for dinner with my two best friends the night before New Year's Eve and our dinner was impeccable. The service was excellent as our waiter was very attentive and although I couldn't understand his European sounding name, nor could I figure out where he was from (Ukraine & Turkey were our main guesses), he was very good to us. We ordered the Calamari as an appetizer & I've never seen them cut in strips like that. They were crunchy, cripsy, zesty, and just all around delicious. Whenever I see calamari as an appetizer on a menu, I usually order it 90% of the time. That's the only way I'll eat squid, and coming from a Filipino that's shameful but oh well. We like things fried too, so it makes up for it haha. My entree was the Lamb Orecchiette. I love pasta and these noodles were perfect. I'm kissing my fingers & inwardly saying Belisimo in my best Chef Boyardee voice. The lamb itself was so tender accompanied by the creaminess of the ricotta sauce. It's a definite must have. I paired my lamb with a glass of Malbec, which was a good classy choice on my part if I do say so myself. For dessert we ordered the Hazelnut Pana Cotta & the Caramelia Entremet. We had no idea what Entremet meant, we just saw "salted caramel brownie" and we were sold. Also, my friend knew one of the waiters and she was kind enough to throw in a glass of a dessert wine for the 3 of us that was apparently best with chocolate desserts - great gesture but it sort of tasted like Robitussin..She also gave us a plate of the donuts which had a nice lemon zest to it. I also love how the desserts are listed under "Never Say Never" and I would never say never to dessert ever. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and despite it being a fancy shmancy place (I thought I saw London Fletcher at a nearby table & almost freaked out), the atmosphere is totally relaxed. It's great for a family gathering, an awesome date spot, or just catching up with your two best friends over loud obnoxious conversation. I suggest you check it out since Restaurant Week is quickly approaching!
(5)Peter P.
The family and friends had a lovely Thanksgiving meal at 2941. Their special menu features turkey, filet mignon, sea bass, lobster, and a vegetarian dish. Appetizers included a taste of wild boar, a really tasty crab salad, various salads, and a butternut squash soup. The soup and crab salad were special treats. The entrées were equally tasty. The filet was especially well received; good restaurants know medium rare and 2941 certainly knows how to cook beef. The turkey was generous and well sauced (this is Thanksgiving after all). Finally, dessert. It will surprise no one that an award winning pastry chef would produce some tasty pastries. The apple pie was scrumptious, flaky crust and all the things that make pie right. Chocolate torte, pumpkin s'mores and a ricotta cheesecake rounded out the choices. My personal favorite was the cheesecake. Ricotta is not my first thought for cheesecake but it was wonderfully creamy. 2941 certainly made a special day special. Thank you.
(5)Natasha G.
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch get together or a fancy dinner, 2941 can suit your needs. I've been here numerous times for happy hour, and the deals are always great! $5 sangria is nice, and the beer options are good too. The complimentary truffle popcorn is always sinfully delicious. I came here for lunch this week. The man who seated us took our coats and always had a smile on his face. Our waiter was personable too; we had easy conversations with him throughout our meal. At the end of the meal though, he was talking to other patrons which delayed our meal's end. Mushroom tartine - always delicious! There are three slices, so you can share this one. The ricotta cheese is so good with the mushrooms, and the bread is tasty. Fall salad - very interesting combination of greens and caramel popcorn and apples. I liked it! As long as each bite had every ingredient, you were in for a treat. The crunch and sweetness of the popcorn added dimension to this otherwise bland salad. Butternut squash soup - I would order this again in a heartbeat! The flavors were so tasty together. You could taste the lemongrass, but it wasn't overpowering. This was a hit. Chicken Scallopini - the portion was very large for lunch - three flattened chicken slabs covered in a citrus-caper topping with creamy and buttery polenta and a small side of spinach. The citrus-caper topping was very good because it added tang (grapefruit). This was a good lunch option. Veggie ravioli - I really liked this one because it wasn't overpowered by cheese. You could actually taste the herbs inside the ravioli! And it didn't taste frozen. Rockfish - they ran out of sea bass, so the rockfish was used instead. It was a thick white fish, and it was prepared well. It was just slightly bland. Citrus doughnuts - always delicious! Bottom line: I like this restaurant for happy hour. The food items can get unnecessarily pricey (burgers), but some items have great innovation. I'll be back!
(4)B J.
We recently went to celebrate my wife's birthday. I could go either way with 2941. I would have given it 3.5 stars if that were possible. Location: The decor and atmosphere are pretty cool. The ceilings are high and the view of the adjacent lake is nice. There is a koi pond with a waterfall. Strange art on the wall. The artist was definitely inspired by the video for "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." Food: Great plating, ok taste. My wife loved her lemon cavatelli and my tiger shrimp was ok. The salads were so-so. I think the meals looked a lot better than they tasted. I just don't think it's worth the price tag. I've had better meals for less at other fine dining establishments in the area. All that said, the food was decent. Just expect to pay more than it's worth. Service: Our service was pretty good. However, it took them almost an hour to receive our main course after ordering. The waiter told us there was a problem with one of the courses, and that it was taking a bit longer than usual. To his credit, he offered me a half-beer (apparently those exist) to compensate. And, they brought my wife a cool complementary dessert for her birthday, which was nice. Overall, I'd recommend at least one trip there for the overall experience.
(3)Jehan E.
I'm not sure why this place get such great reviews the food is super salty (I got the crab risotto and my friend got the chicken) and the table bread does not taste fresh. The beef tarte was decent. The desserts were amazing so that's whythis place gets 3 stars.The ambiance is nice and service was good but not worth the price tag. Definitely not a do over.
(2)Roberta G.
I was at the restaurant which is one of my favorite last night for a dinner meeting. As always the venue and the artwork are lovely and the service is excellent. The bread and appetizers we had overall very good they consisted of a ceviche, stuffed peppers and tuna tartare. My biggest disappointment in the reason for the three stars is that there was a fillet mignon on the menu that I ordered medium rare but the restaurant stated that they would only bring it out medium which was a disservice to that cut of meat. It was tasty but came out dry. This is the first time I have gone to a restaurant be it for dinner or a business meeting where that cut of meat could not be served medium rare. Also given the fact that we were a small group the request for medium rare could've been honored easily. Despite my trying to really like this restaurant the same way o had on the past the change in the couple of years to the menu have been disappointing at times.
(3)Roger W.
Great atmosphere and amazing food. Beautiful interior with tall glass windows provide a great setting. You can tell the quality of the chefs by the intricate touches on each and every plate. Great place for a special occasion and will be a repeat visitor.
(4)Toni B.
Went for thanksgiving dinner. First timers. The place was very busy. Seated next to the window. Very drafty. Hubby had to eat with his coat on. Food was good. We ordered different items so we could share.food was good. Service was ok. Nothing out of the ordinary. Unsure if we will return.
(3)Ningxi X.
Came here yesterday for my friend's wedding. The outside area is great (when the weather's nice). There are fountains in the lake (?). They're only open for private events on Sundays. Finding the place may be a bit confusing as it's in the same complex as General Dynamics. And no way to get there without a car, of course. We had lobster salad to start off. Very generous portions of lobster. Didn't like the parsnip puree as it was too sweet and didn't go well with the lobster. Steamed sea bass for entree. One chunk of bass on top of a piece of sticky rice with mushrooms. Bass was too mushy. Red velvet cake for dessert -- decent. The hors d'oeuvres seemed to be more impressive than our actual meal. The shrimp kabob was excellent, and so were the tuna tartares, though I wish they were warm and maybe bigger. Mac and cheese sticks -- interesting to say the least. Apparently there's a garage which I didn't know about, so I had a valet park my car. Overall a nice location for special occasions; the only thing is that perennial dilemma you have to deal with when going to suburbia -- have to hold the drinks because you have to drive back.
(4)Abbey J.
Came here for RW lunch and had a great experience! Great service, great food, great space!
(5)Kim L.
We were excited to try a fine dining experience closer to home. We were very disappointed. Our cocktails before dinner were very good. However, the success stopped there. Our server was very nice, but not particularly attentive. The food was not prepared well. The calamari was tasty, but was heavy after a few bites. The octopus app was not good. Octopus was cooked well, but the flavors of the dish were off putting. The pastas were uninspired and the lobster was overcooked. We had the beef and duck entrees. The duck was overcooked and the dish was lacking overall. The beef was marginal. We decided to skip dessert since the whole meal left much to be desired. We opted for ice cream at home. And the music was distracting. It was like being at a wedding reception playing all the funk dance classics. Needless to say, we will not be going back.
(2)First C.
We went here Friday before Valentine's Day. They had a prefixe menu only for the whole weekend and the regular a la carte menu was not available. This was our first time dining here and decided to try it since it was on Washingtonian's top rated restaurants. I had the tuna tartare and chilean sea bass. My husband had the lobster ravioli and filet mignon, and we got the chocolate lover dessert for 2. The tuna tartare was decent. It had the tuna, mayo, avocado, very thin slice (or 2) of jalapeno with garnish on top. It was overall bland with spice, but I'm a fan of sushi and raw fish so it was good on my list. The lobster ravioli was chunks of lobster wrapped in pasta with bland coral sauce. The sea bass was also bland with beans and garnish with some froth. There was just no flavor at all. I'm not a fan of over salting or anything and usually find most foods on the salty side, but the dishes are pretty much tasteless. What I got out of dining here was the nice textures of the food as everything was cooked pretty well, but with zero flavor inspiration. I can't judge the filet because I don't eat red meat, but my husband seemed to like it. The dessert was just 2 different tear drop shape pieces put together to make a heart shape. The chocolate portion was very rich in chocolate which for chocolate lovers like my husband would love. The white portion was a fluffy vanilla cream with a small portion of what tasted like praline on the bottom. I'm certainly not impressed with the restaurant. I don't know if it's because of the restricted menu with it being Valentine's Day weekend or they are just bland in general. We decided we will give this place another shot and hopefully it will be delicious and flavorful the second time around. Once we do I will give an updated review!
(2)Cathy B.
We went for restaurant week and were limited to that menu. I wanted to get the restaurant week courses AND do add ons from the regular menu, but was told I couldn't because they're only serving the RW menu till the end of the month. All I wanted was fancy french fries, so no big deal but it was still a bit of a surprise to hear "no". I got the salmon tartare--AMAZING. Grilled pork loin--tough, chewy, not good. Peaches and cream--changed my life. SO GOOD! I wanted a sweet cocktail so I got the Misfit Toy--vodka, oj, rose moscato. Sweet and strong. The service is great. Our waiter was really fun and silly, and the guy who bussed our table was really attentive. We could only get a 8/21, 8:45pm reservation so it was too dark to see the water gardens clearly, but from what I could see--huge koi. It was great listening to the water. Very calming. Can't wait to go back! Complimentary valet.
(3)James P.
This is the my first review and I felt the need to join Yelp specifically to rate this restaurant. I was part of a wedding party that had their rehearsal dinner at 2941 Restaurant two weeks ago and I must say that this was the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. Our party rented out the private dining area in the back for this occasion and the night started out well. We were with a jovial group of ~20 people. During the first half of our dinner, things went as usual and the food was decent (not spectacular). The server did a good job and did his best to accommodate a 20+ person party by himself. The disaster started when we were served our main course. The majority of us had ordered the steaks, two of which, including mine, were very overcooked. We ordered medium rare, we received well-done. We brought this to the attention of our server who promptly said that he would "talk to his manager". We agreed and waited. And waited. We waited twenty-five minutes (or more, no kidding) before a new plate was brought out for us. The worst part is that nobody came to talk us at all. They never came to see what the issue was or anything... If we had known that we had to wait that long for new food, we would have just eaten the overcooked steak because we didn't want to cause any hiccups at the dinner rehearsal. We even asked our server where our manager was and he told us that he was busy and they had also run out of steaks because they specifically purchased enough steaks for this party (but three people didn't show up and we had a choice of steak, fish, or vegan). It was an obvious lie. Even then, which was about 12-15 minutes into waiting, the manager never showed up to speak to us and the server was visibly awkward by this time. After twenty-five minutes or so, everyone had finished their main course and was served their desserts. Shortly after, our two new steaks arrived which made the whole situation uncomfortable. Myself (the best man) and another groomsmen were biting into our first taste of steak while everyone else was finishing their dessert. It went downhill from here. After a few minutes, the manager FINALLY shows up and acts as if nothing happened or was wrong at ALL. He gave us this generic and regurgitated response of, "How is everything? Is everything great? etc." We kindly asked what took him so long to talk to us? He had NO answer. You could tell that he was making things up as he went along and went for a response that ultimately blamed the cooks for the long wait. The worst part is that he wasn't owning up to the problem and he wouldn't answer the question we asked him - "what took you so long to come and talk to us?". It was complete BS and completely unprofessional. He literally looked dumbfounded by my simple question. I honestly cannot believe 2941 had hired this person as a manager. He was horrible... hands down the worst service I've ever received and this includes every McDonalds and hole-in-the-wall restaurant that I've ever been to. I'm really sorry that this was my experience at this restaurant as I was looking forward to this event. I would not recommend this restaurant for any formal venues accommodating 6 or more people. Side note for anyone wondering: At the end of the day, they charged us in full and our party ended up paying ~$2,800 for the evening.
(1)Christine K.
Tried their fixed menu lunch twice during Restaurant Week. The food was very good & portions were perfect. Looks like it'd be a beautiful place in the summer with the outdoor lake/falls & scenery. Will have to come back then.
(4)Veggie L.
It's a restaurant sitting in an office building away from busy streets. The moment I was in I felt like in a hotel restaurant. We went in for father's day dinner. Everything we ordered were delicious, from appetizers to main courses. then adding wines and cocktails, our bill easily added up to almost $200 for only 2 adults and one kid. This is quite pricy, even though I love the food a lot, we will come back but only for special occasions. Their waiters/waitresses do not seem "well" (or "overly", depend on how you look at it) trained, they are quite relaxed and polite. They did not frequent our table unnecessarily, which I liked. In addition, I saw several kids, none is small kid. Overall it is very quiet. I'm sure they welcome kids. Just perhaps when kids make big noise some may raise eyebrows.
(5)Rey C.
We had our High School reunion Dinner here and I was very impressed with the location and the taste of the food. It is ok to pay for an expensive price as long as it comes with an excellent quality of service and good food. It was a gastronomic experience with our group from appetizer to dessert. I was pretty suprised with the taste of the beef and tuna tartare, it was pretty tasty and adveturous, with the hint of white truffle oil . Main course, I had the duck's breast, cooked medium rare and it was served beatifully and was very tasty. Overall, I had a pleasant experience and definitely I should be coming back to this restaurant when I visit Virginia.
(4)Han V.
This is one of my favorite modern French restaurants. Their brunch was amazing and dinner here was fantastic. Lunch, however, was only so-so. ---Brunch--- So they no longer offer brunch here which is a HUGE bummer. They used to offer a prix fixe menu for brunch and I really loved coming during this time because the restaurant was more serene. Even though the service is great at all times, it was fantastic during brunch since the servers only had a few tables to tend to. Their food was also well executed. They also have to bring back their olive bread which was a personal favorite of mine. I really hope they bring brunch back in the near future. ---Lunch--- I brought a friend here for lunch after raving about their food but we were both so disappointed with the meal and I was so embarrassed! I thought that the food was pretty generic and nothing really impressed, especially for the price you are paying. Service was great as always and I just couldn't bring myself to complain about the food. If lunch wasn't so blase, 2941 would have gotten a better overall rating from me. Food: 2.5 Value: 2 Service: 5 ---Dinner--- I think going dinner here is appropriate for any special occasion. There aren't many other restaurants in the area that can even compare to their waitstaff and the quality and presentation of their food. Service is impeccable during dinner time and it just really makes the whole experience special. The only downside to eating dinner here is that you won't be able to enjoy the scenic views. Food: 5 Value: 5 Service: 5 Overall: 4
(4)Mirela T.
This place is certainly top of the line. I've been here several times for dinner that were for different special occasions, and have not been disappointed. The ambiance of this place is perfect. Modern and very classy. Large windows for lots of light, and it overlooks a small pond. I personally think that it is stunningly decorated. I think this place is perfect for special occasions as it is a bit pricey. Whether it is a birthday or anniversary it is worth the price. The food was also delicious, it is typical to get a 3-course meal, with an appetizer, entree and dessert. The dishes i had were always perfectly cooked and the plate display was nicely done. I'd recommend you check this place out. Slightly hidden, but worth getting lost for ;)
(5)Christian B.
"Gorgeous views, amazing interior, matched by amazing food" Food: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Parking: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 2941 is truly a treat, from the professional French chef-inspired menu to the beautiful interior, unique cocktails, and fish ponds outside, this is a perfect restaurant for a nice occasion, date, or event. Food here is definitely fine dining so expect small portions packed with amazing flavors brought out by fresh herbs and oils as opposed to corporate pre-mixed "seasonings" or mixes. This is certainly not the place to go if you're looking for fried chicken and French fries, you come here for beef tare tare or smoked duck breast. The cocktails are all completely unique and amazing - from herbal cocktails like lavender-based or basil-based beverages, all the way to the "official" recipe for 007's shaken but not stirred martini which is quite powerful but tasty nonetheless. Service here is alright. If the same service were given at a casual restaurant, it'd be considered great but this is fine dining and I haven't seen that extra bit of luxury shine through with the server's presentations yet. To run a restaurant of this caliber, the staff will need to really take it up a notch but that's ok for now as the food is spectacular and the ambiance of both the interior and exterior is unparalleled by anything else around. Parking is great because its 100% valet so there's nothing to worry about when arriving except perhaps falling into the coy ponds or waterfalls outside, enjoy!
(5)Jacob T.
Every time is an experience! The setting is wonderful on a man made lake. The place feels open and the food is just superb. The date night tasting menu is great. My favorite has been duck or steak. Everybody just wants to help and make the experience more pleasant. Great place for special occasions or just a treat to yourself. Had one of my birthday dinners there. They even went out of their way to get a large Birthday balloon.
(5)Sandi M.
I have such great memorise at this restaurant , my partner decided to pop the "will you marry me ?" At this restaurant .Very classy and elegantly designed , the water front was amazing as they had Khoi fish swimming in them instead if just normal fishes...I must admit he chose a great restaurant. Staff was nice and recommended dishes for us to try and it turned out great , both my partner and I loved what we ordered . Food was cooked perfectly ..!! Would definitely come back to dine again...
(4)Lily H.
My sister spoke highly of 2941 so my fiance and I decided to give it a try. Maybe it was a mistake to go during RR but I did not enjoy my food. For the appetizer, I got the tomato gazpacho with poached shrimp which was super chunky - I felt like I was eating salsa without the chips. For my entree, I had the rockfish atop overcooked quinoa with an excess amount of lemony sauce that turned my quinoa nearly into porridge. Lastly, for dessert I had the lemon fritters, which was good, but not good enough to make up for the rest of my meal. I did enjoy my glass of wine though. I admit the restaurant is beautiful with large glass windows and gorgeous views, but that didn't cut it for me. Despite the good service, I don't think the food was worth it, even for RR week.
(2)Jason C.
Before anyone cries foul at my ratings please realize that the head chef passed away last august. articles.washingtonpost.… As great as things may have been in the past, it does not apply anymore. The menu items have changed to simpler dishes. Dishes are no longer visually appealing and do not taste anything remotely similar to what many reviewers have written about in the past. This is what I ordered: Small Bite: American Wagyu Steak Tartare basil-mint aioli, Parmesan cheese, arugula Appetizer: Tuna Tartare Grand Marnier dressing, avocado, fried shallot Entrees: Smoked Duck Breast zucchini, artichoke, asparagus, charred scallion vinaigrette Spiced Skuna Bay Salmon orange-carrot glaze, shaved fennel, dried gooseberry, turmeric sauce Overall problem: Bland and boring. The food was not seasoned at all (or minimally to a point where I couldn't taste it). This must have been the first time in about 400 restaurant visits that I asked for salt and pepper. At most restaurants I visit, I would usually complain that the food is salty but not vice versa. If I were to buy the raw ingredients and slap them together to create a dish without looking at a receipe, that would be an equivalent of what I would find here. Considering that these dishes are expensive ($18 for tuna tartare, $30 somethingish for the duck, and $44 for a rib eye) I find the food at a terrible price point. Despite the great view and the great service, I cannot justify the price of the food here. Even after using a google offer to knock the bill down by about 1/2, I still wouldn't come here again if offered the same discount. This place has probably become a shell of what it was in the past. For those who want an accurate assessment of how the restaurant has transformed, I suggest you look at reviews from 9/2012 and on.
(2)Mark N.
The calamari appetizer was very good, but $80 later, after a very soupy risotto, and a pasta dish that tasted like it came out of a can, we were not too pleased. The service was good, and the scenery was spectacular, but definitely not worth the price if you are there for the food.
(1)Norry H.
9 of us UNITÉ GOURMANDS members had a wonderful dinner here last night. In spite of the past Sunday's WP SUNDAY MAGAZINE article by Tom Sietzema, the place was filled with many patrons. (well, it's a Friday evening, anyway.) As this was my very first time, I was really impressed with the spaciousness of this place as I walked in, especially with the 3 story high ceiling! From the NOSH & NEXT selections, we ordered the following: Black Truffle Mac & Cheese - Excellent! Tuna Tartar - Excellent! (Not too salty at all unlike Tom Sietzema's review.) Crispy Calamari Wagyu Beef Sliders Pear & Endive Salad - Very Good! Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes - No Jumbo. :( Hudson Valley Foie Gras - Very Good! Black Truffle Mac & Cheese was made into bite size croquettes and they were very enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the smell and taste of truffle as I bit the crunchy shell. Tuna Tartar was perfectly prepared. I am glad I did not avoid it just because Tom Sietzema said it was too salty in the WP Sunday Magazine. We enjoyed the complimentary basket of various kinds of bread with the appetizers. It was excellent. Before the Entrée came, we ordered another bottle of Sonoma Zinfandel which was the least priced bottle at $60. Yikes! (Some were drinking other stuff. That's why this was only the second bottle although there were 9 of us.) From NEED selections, we ordered the following: Meat & Potato (Ribeye) Alaskan Halibut Amish Chicken Breast Roasted Duck aL'Orange Grilled Tuna Loin The ribeye was pretty good and the duck with orange was fun but the chicken breast was a little dry, and nothing special about the fish either. I would pair Yuzu marmalade with the roasted duck to enhance the flavor with some sweetness I thought. I think enjoyed the NOSH and NEXT more than NEED. Next time, I will go for the beautiful bar instead of the dining room so I can enjoy the grand view of the lake outside more easily. Overall, very nice interior, grand view of outside with huge windows, good food, good service, lots of parking in the back for self parking lovers like myself.
(4)Amanda M.
This place is overpriced, pretentious and the food is mediocre and bland. I came here for Restaurant Week - February 2013 and had the following: Beef Tartare -Completely overwhelmed with dijon mustard and texture of tartare was too chewy Atlantic Salmon | quinoa, squash, salmoriglio sauce -Salmon was perfectly cooked but lacked any depth of flavor Grilled Pork Loin | blood orange, spicy scallion vinaigrette, spinach -A little overcooked and did not taste any blood orange or spicy scallion vinaigrette Creamsicle -Texture was like soaked styrofoam I really wanted to try to like this restaurant because the decor and presentation of food is so beautiful but the food is just so forgettable.
(2)Saara Z.
Had a good Friday night dinner at 2941. We opted for the Friday "Date Night" Special tasting menu which featured five courses for $68 and supplemented it with a couple other items we also wanted to try. My favorites were the steak tartare, pumpkin soup, and lamb dish. There was a pappardelle dish that I thought was just average and the dessert - a pumpkin ice cream smore - was not worth more than a couple bites. The service for us started out pretty good but then the waitress became really distracted with a larger table she was attending to and kind of forgot about us, which was unfortunate.
(4)He H.
Went there for gal's birthday during restaurant week. The waiters are nice but the food is average and make me wonder why they are so expensive.
(3)Toulaphone C.
This was a very pretty restaurant inside and out! I was instantly drawn to the lake, pond and garden outside. A very nice place to take pictures outside with your buddies/loved ones if you're into that kind of stuff. I came here for DC Restaurant Week and for dinner and was not disappointed for the most part. There was great service and the employees there were very attentive. Onto the food.... For the appetizer I got the crab salad, with watermelon gelée, basil, cherry tomatoes It tasted refreshing and healthy, haha. The watermelon gelée was a bit different and interesting, but I still went with it and ate the whole thing. For my entree I got the Pan Seared Rack Of Lamb with summer squash, herb vinaigrette, spaetzle. Delicious. The lamb was cooked medium rare just how I like it. My dessert was Peaches & Cream, with yogurt mousse, poached peaches, vanilla chiffon, raspberry sorbet. Tasted healthy. But that's a good thing, I guess. My friend's salmon tartare was delish and so was my other friend's grilled salmon. The red blend wine was a nice touch to our meal and went down smoothly, so props to that as well. Overall the food was delicious, just small portions. I wanted a bowl of pho after that, but I know that's the portions we, as America, should be eating. So thank you for the portion control 2941.
(4)Jenny C.
Heard a lot of good things bout 2941 so was excited to finally try it for summer restaurant week. No doubt the gardens and surroundings are beautiful and it draws you in right away. The service was on point and super fast maybe cause it was restaurant week but everything came out so fast it kind of made me wonder how much of it was actually freshly made. No complaints though since I was so hungry haha. We got the crab salad and salmon tartare for our apps, the rack of lamb and braised chicken pasta for our entree, peaches and cream and chocolate cheesecake for dessert. The best thing was the tartare, soo good. The rest was good but I wasn't blown away like I thought I'd be considering the credentials of this restaurant. Maybe next time will have to try other dishes. Nonetheless good eats and lovely surroundings.
(3)Pegah Y.
I took my fiance to 2941 to celebrate his 28th birthday recently (his third birthday that we are celebrating together, whoo hoo!). EXCELLENT FOOD! But service was pretty disappointing, and we were the ONLY people who were not seated near the window. Since this was a special occasion for my fiance's birthday, I made sure to make reservations well in advance. Despite getting reservations that far in advance, we were not seated near the windows, which have a lovely view of the lake, waterfalls, and outdoor greenery area. We were literally the only ones seated away from the windows... I was quite baffled. And it was a Tuesday night and the restaurant wasn't anywhere near full. When we asked them to seat us closer to the windows, they said they didn't have any tables available near the windows.. but they clearly did. I had initially wanted to give them 4 stars but the more I think about it, the more disappointed I am that the service was that rude and unaccommodating, especially since it was for my fiance's birthday and I made sure to reserve well in advance. Another thing is that we noticed that the waiters were very rude to the people who refilled our waters. That was not classy and was very disconcerting. Despite that, however, we both did enjoy the food! For appetizers, we ordered the crispy calimari (with chorizo aioli) and the tuna tartare (with grand marnier dressing, avocado, fried shallot, and basil oil). My fiance was in love with the calimari, so much so that he ordered another calimari appetizer to enjoy AFTER his entree! The tuna tartare was delicious and perfect with the avocado that accompanied it. For our entrees, my fiance ordered the soft shell crab, which came with summer squash, hon shimeji mushrooms, peardrop tomato, and smoked salmon cream. He really enjoyed his entree. For my entree, I ordered the Grilled Wild Halibut, which came with yellow corn, bacon, spring onion, and sauce choron. I thought it was tasty, though a little on the undercooked side. For dessert, we ordered: vanilla ice cream for me and baked alaska for my fiance. Both were good, but see my comment below: At the very end, they brought out a small marshmallow with a candle in it and a chocolate-drizzled "Happy Birthday" for my fiance. They also brought out 3 orange-flavored beignets. However, for most of the aftermath of our entrees, it did not seem like they were going to bring anything special for his birthday (despite them saying they would when I reserved). They brought everything out AFTER we had ordered dessert. I felt like that was underhanded, as though they wanted us to order dessert despite their free birthday dessert. Bottom line: Excellent food, but rude service. We were disappointed we did not get to enjoy the famous view during our meal. I would think twice about visiting again, only for that reason. I would prefer to go elsewhere where guests are treated with courtesy, in ADDITION to having excellent food. Oh, and random side note - this is my 1600th Yelp Review!
(3)Lydia R.
*4.5 stars* I really enjoyed trying 2941 for lunch because I was working in the area. My colleagues and I were among a handful of the restaurant patrons, and we shared a server who was very nice and responsive. We had a beautiful view surrounding us the whole meal - of the nearby lake, some sculptures, and interesting art. For the food, we started with a basket of bread which was an exciting variety. I asked if I could have olive oil for my bread rather than the butter, and our waiter generously obliged. I ordered the grilled octopus salad for lunch, which was not what I was expecting! To be honest, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I noticed Ursula had landed on my plate, along with some leafy greens tossed with cut up peppers and olives and goat cheese. So I actually really enjoyed this salad, despite the intimidating tentacles on full display. I definitely got what I asked for with this order, and I even had some tentacle to take home with me. All in all, a great experience and I would love to return to try the more formal dinner!
(4)Phi N.
This review is won't be the most accurate for their menu because I came here for a wedding. But I thought it was still worthy of a review. We started with a shrimp risotto-- there was way too much lemon on it. I had the steak main course, but I also tried my friend's seafood main course. The shrimp and scallops were humongous but the dish lacked salt or much taste at all. I'm glad I didn't choose that one, haha. The steak was pretty good and had the right amount of sodium. It came with mashed potatoes and bacon wrapped asparagus; great compliments to the steak! Finished off the wedding with a decent red velvet cake. I hear excellent things about their regular menu so maybe I'll have to return for that and give them a more fair review.
(3)Kimberly K.
Came here awhile back and had a lovely dinning experience. They have complimentary valet, which is very nice. Upon entering the restaurant, I loved walking around and looking at the waterfall and koi fish. The building has high ceilings and it's spacious inside. I also like the big mirrors everywhere. Employees are kind and attentive. The restaurant is very clean and organized. It was so nice to see a wedding going on as we were eating. Complimentary bread is brought to the table. Everything we ordered was delicious and cooked to perfection. The only dish we thought that could have had more flavor is the Brioche Crusted Halibut. The Halibut was delicate and cooked perfectly, it just lacked flavor. Our favorite dish here would be the Crab Risotto. So smooth and creamy, topped off with chunks of fresh crab meat. Their crispy calamari had a light and airy batter. You still get that nice bite of the calamari inside. Delicious! Quality ingredients make me one happy camper.
(4)Jennifer K.
I've been here many times for work events last 5 years, most of the times we are at the conference room on the main floor or downstairs boardroom if it's a bigger party. Service is top notch as expected and venue is great as well. Very well organized, everyone dressed well and clean, staff are friendly and knowledgable of their menu (I mean you think this is given but how many times have you gone to places where someone tells you "oh I'm not sure, let me ask and I'll be right back" like ten thousand times). I haven't tried all entrees but most including appetizers except for seafood items because I am allergic and everything I've tried were pretty good. Steak has been my favorite followed by pasta items.
(4)Le L.
I always heard about this place but never really have the chance to try this place out. I came here on thursday night for a friend's birthday dinner. Parking was a little confusing at first since it was dark so I didn't see any signs said parking garage, but luckily a friend told me there is a complimentary valet parking (we just have to tips them at the end). So we turned left to the restaurant and got the valet parking. The restaurant itself is very nice, well decorated. At first it wasn't many people but later on around 6:30PM, the whole place got filled up, I guess the place is pretty good then. My husband and I ordered calamari and lobster lasagna to share (there are two prices $19 and $34, I believe is small and large portion, since we are sharing so we ordered. Came to our surprise, the portion is pretty small for the large size (i guess this is what they called fine dine). I actually like it a lot, especially the sauce, very creamy and I love it with the breads.
(4)S A.
Food portion is tiny. Salmon, pasta nor lamb didn't have much flavor..i first thought it is just me but 3 of my friends didn't enjoy the food either. Only giving 1 star but nice ambiance of restaurant and artful interior..
(1)Rich B.
This is one handsome space. I'll agree with another review (Lori M.) who described it as "not too stuffy upscale". Yes. You'll bring a fancy first date here. Or your parents. Or your spouse. Or business colleagues. The staff is formal enough but very friendly and warm. They've stuck a really nice balance here. Soaring space. Amazingly landscaped outside. Is it me, or does the menu tend to lean towards a bit hardier fare? Good stuff (I had duck if I recall).
(4)Elina Y.
I am in love with this place! I love the floor to ceiling glass walls, the cute scenic view out of the window, the high ceilings--I just love everything about this place! Service was great and their food was equally as satisfying. Their grilled pork loin was just divine! Slightly salty that blended perfectly with the creamy barley side. Ughhh, it was just delicious! I saw a couple walking in for wedding arrangements. This place would serve to be the perfect romantic spot for photos and events. Highly recommend 2941.
(5)Gina A.
We happened to come during restaurant week, so sometimes it's hard to judge the food during that time...not to say that it was bad in the least. We both cleared our plates completely haha. They had some very interesting dishes on the menu, including this delicious drunken watermelon appetizer with calamari and shrimp. With a few of their dishes I got to experience some new tastes and combinations of things I have never experienced before which was lovely. The grilled pork loin practically melted in my mouth and was over creamy polenta. Very creative desserts as well. If you're into unique combinations of food this is certainly a place to try. Atmosphere is beautiful, outside and in.
(4)Jenny T.
Came here for restaurant week with my coworkers during lunch. I'll dive right into the food: I wasn't a huge fan of the bread. There were several kinds, but they were all kind of bitter. I'm a carb lover and I barely had one slice... Crispy Calamari | roasted peppers, cannellini beans, chorizo aioli - interesting combination of beans and calamari. Wasn't a huge fan of the batter on the calamaris, but it was cooked just right. Salmon à l'Oseille | sorrel sauce, scallion, baby carrot - the salmon was cooked well, but... I've never had sorrel sauce, not sure if it's always like that, but it was frothy and bubbly, which didn't make me feel comfortable... And my first bite was just way too oily for me. I've never had whole cooked scallion I don't think, not sure how I feel about it because it was a little difficult to chew and swallow. But I loved the baby carrots, they were so cute!! Chocolate-Coconut Layer Cake | cocoa-almond dacquoise, dark chocolate ganache, coconut mousse, lime cream - not as chocolaty as my coworkers and I had hoped. But it was good. The coconut mousse was nothing like I've had before, but I think the cake was just too much coconut for me, and the lime didn't gel very well with it in my opinion. Definitely not a chocolate lover's dessert, but it is for coconut lovers! Then we were talking about donuts being better than our dessert, and they randomly brought out complimentary lemon donuts! It was great! But.. They themselves were nothing to brag about. Maybe it's because I'm not a huge fan of citrus flavored desserts (besides sorbets). Overall, I didn't think the food was that great and serving sizes were tiny. Nor was service impeccable--(although granted they were very busy) we got there at 1:10 for a 1:30 reservation, but they still couldn't seat us until 1:23, so we were just standing around waiting for over 10 minutes. They took care to move the tables and chairs so that chairs were alternating in color though haha. Then when the check came, we asked the server if he took a maximum of separate cards, he bitterly responds, "unfortunately no." Well then.... This place is walking distance from my coworkers and I, but... I don't know that we'd come back too often.
(3)J W R.
Took advantage of 2941s extended Restaurant Week and am so glad I did. Wow, what a beautiful place, with phenomenal fresh food, preferred perfectly and served with beauty. It is always an amazing experience to go to 2941 to have a memorable, high quality meal. Of note, the heirloom tomato salad was bursting with summer flavors, and the grilled rack of lamb was tender, moist and succulent. An exceptional wine list with several varieties from around the world. I also appreciate that 2941 is a place I can go and talk to my dinner companions and be heard without a raised voice. So great food, peaceful ambiance, an exceptional wine list and free parking - 2941 is always on my short list of great NoVa restaurants.
(5)Ken L.
You really get what you pay for. It was expensive fine dining but it was also delightful. I personally ordered the filet and braised short ribs. They were SO good! The portion was indeed small but was so worth it. I also heard from my other friends that their food were also good, e.g. lobster ravioli, etc. I'll definitely be back to try other stuff as I understood that they change their menu every now and then.
(5)Mike B.
Great place tucked away back in the woods, or so it seems. They have free valet parking, which you need to use cause there isn't really a lot next to the door. Once inside they have a nice bar with pretty decent drinks. When I was sitting at the bar I was looking at pictures of food on Yelp, but that was a bad idea because they change the menu every few months. So I sat down and was hoping for short ribs and they didn't have them. I did get a filet which was good, but not great. I asked for medium and it came out medium well. I am not really one to send stuff make and make it awkward at the table, so I ate it. It wasn't bad of course, it was still a filet, but for $42 it could have been cooked better. Overall I would have given the place a 5, but the steak was a bit of a disappointment. They did have great sides and desserts, so I will give it another shot in a few months once the menu changes again.
(4)Yaka H.
2941 offers a date night tasting menu on Thursday and Friday nights. We opted to give it a go, since it seems like a great way to try a variety of dishes in one meal. Date night tasting menu consisted of: complimentary bread basket of three different kinds of breads, first course of butternut squash velvoute with desert apple compote, second course of chilean sea bass with lobster consomme, third course of wild boar ragu with pappadelle, fourth course of steak with red cabbage and pomme puree, and a dessert course of ricotta cheesecake with oat crumble, creme anglais, chantilly cream, and poached fruit. Afterwards, a complimentary snack of fried doughnut holes. Pretty plating and good flavors to wow your date. The steak course was probably our favorite. Succulent, flavorful steak and the cabbage was just on point. SX almost spit out his drink he was sipping when he saw the size of it (as a result, I forgot to take a picture of this course), but we both appreciated each bite. SX actually declared it as the best steak he has ever had. The sea bass dish definitely a close second favorite. Dessert had the perfect balance sweet and tart with creamy and crunchy textures. SX (notorious for avoiding this kind of dining establishment due to small portion sizes and small protein sizes), surprisingly felt okay after our meal. Though, he was on his phone looking for nearby late night kebab joints (he thought we were in Arlington... sigh). I was stuffed. The interior is really generic and the various artwork they have are confusing. Super bland interior similar to a catering hall, but this restaurant is located inside of a business building. So, if you go during winter dinner time, there's no way to see the outside greenery or little waterfall. I had a refreshing cocktail, recommended by our server that was bubbly and had grapefruit. Driving here was slightly confusing, only if you cannot read signs. We drove past the signs for the parking garage and had to U our way out of the security-gated parking lot at the end of the road.
(4)Rick B.
Location: Near Capital Beltway, but a little difficult to find unless you use SatNav Style: Modern with lots of large windows looking out onto grounds and lake Ambiance: Pleasant Service: Very good, wait staff knowledgeable about menu and wine list Food. Excellent - varied, well presented, tasty Wines: Good selection, with enough variety on the by-the-glass list
(4)Daniel T.
4.5 stars! Finally got to try this place during restaurant week after being on my hit list for quite some time. I love the ambiance. It is a very classy, sexy establishment! The entrance is a short driveway through a wooded area, resembling a driveway to a large house or mansion. There was complimentary valet = awesome. The restaurant is surrounded by a large koi fish pond, the interior has very very high ceilings and unique light fixtures as well as some old fashioned paintings. Great place for a special occasion. The food and service were both superb. I enjoyed the beef tartar and the sea bass risotto. In my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Northern VA - will definitely return.
(4)Danni D.
Came for restaurant week and every dish was amazing! I highly suggest the chicken pappardelle and the salmon tartare. So flavorful and satisfying. Loved the dessert too and then they give complimentary caramel popcorn at the end. I can't wait to go back. Also I love the koi fish all around the restaurant. One of my new favorites. Worth the 30 min drive outside the city.
(5)Karisa D.
*** Restaurant Week Review*** Ever since I read about 2941 in last year's Washingtonian's 100 Best Restaurants, I have wanted to go and try this place. We had tried unsuccessfully to get a weekend reservation at 2941 for the last two restaurant weeks, but it seems like third time's the charm. We were able to make reservation for 6:0pm on Saturday. Highly recommend reservations if you come to 2941 during the weekend. We drove up to an office building where the restaurant is located and used the free valet; lovely perk I think. We walked in, were immediately greeted and seated immediately. We were given the restaurant week menus, water, and fresh bread. We then looked over the menu and gave our orders. I ordered the tuna tartare, pappardelle, and coconut cake for dessert. We also ordered wine pairings to go with our entree. The food was wonderful. I know restaurant week menus can be hit or miss but 2941 was delicious. The tartare was flavorful and surprisingly filling. The pappardelle was well made, but the dessert was my favorite. I have heard their pastry chef is amazing and we were not disappointed. Our waiter also brought out the donut holes which was delicious and a perfect end to our meal. 2941 is beautiful inside. With it's high ceilings and big windows, you can tell they utilize their space well. I would imagine it capitalizes on the natural light they get from the windows during the day. Our service was fantastic too. Everyone worked together seamlessly to give us a wonderful dining experience. I would like to come back on a non restaurant week. I am sure the food would be just as delicious, if not more so.
(4)Philip L.
I just had my birthday dinner here. I went a bit early for my reservation since I had nothing better to do. I sat at the bar and ordered the popcorn and the Sangria for the happy hour specials. I really love the popcorn here. It is only $3 and it is not really a dealbreaker if you don't manage to finish it. I heard the Calamari was delicious so I ordered it ($9 at the bar and $10 at the table), for my date. She loved it! She raved how soft the Calamari was and it was surprisingly not-chewy. The Sangria was heavier alcohol-wise than expected, which is always welcome. I really did enjoy it. In addition, the bartender was awesome. She was playful and treated my date really well. I truly give her my thanks. Now for the main course: I ordered a salad, which was nothing special. We also ordered oysters (3 from Canada and 3 from Florida). Apparently, they do taste differently. I wouldn't know. Either or, we also ordered the Wild Salmon Confit, Asparagus, and Shallots. The texture of the Salmon was incredibly soft. The fork could barely hold the salmon without it slipping out into the sauce. It was a delicious experience. The view was gorgeous, but it was a bit on the rainy side. I would prefer it to be dark at the restaurant to really enjoy the view, but I was tired and wanted to head home and rest. The waiter was prompt and was gracious to bring out a delicious dessert on the house with Happy birthday on the plate. The dessert was not overly-sweet which made it a good light after-dinner choice. I ordered the Top Hat, which was INCREDIBLY strong. I could not finish it because I am the driver so I only had a couple of sips. My date had the Gin and Tonic which was strong as well. One thing is certain is that this place does not skimp on the alcohol content for the price paid like some other establishments. Overall, the food was delicious and it is a date-spot. However, I prefer the bar area for happy hour more than the dining room experience. If I were to come here again, it would be for happy hour and that Sangria.
(4)Preston B.
It's an ecological portrait to look at while dining. Location: The location is quite difficult to find and if you park in the garage, park on the second floor (that's the same floor as the restaurant). It's best to drive to the front of the restaurant and use valet parking. Food: Looks appealing, interesting, eccentric, and alluring. But the taste is plain. I had the Wester Ross Salmon Confit with mushroom risotto and potatoes. And Apple Galette for dessert. Service: Good service and polite. Ambience: Scenic. You are surrounded by windows with a view of the lake and woods. I recommend it for an occasion to impress your guest(s) with something different and luxurious. -"What if we only have tonight? What would you do then?" "That is a good line," she laughed-
(4)Jamie K.
I was invited to my friend's birthday party on Sunday. The server did not offer any drink or bread until we asked for it. They were so rude. I can't believe this place is one of top restaurants in this area... Also their food is not really great and over priced. My friend asked for a lime and the server picked up the lime with his hand and dumped inside her glass.... We couldn't believe our eyes!!!!!!! My friend spent a lot of money for this birthday event and all the guest were not happy with their service.
(1)Jane P.
Loved everything I tried! Everything was so tasty and service was great. Food came out real quick and the servers were attentive to our needs. For the appetizer I got the salmon tartare. This was so scrumptious-lol yes, this word describes this appetizer so perfectly. It had salmon on top of guacamole. It had jalapeños and crispy, thin potatoes on top of it and every bite made me smile! For the entree I tried the shrimp risotto and grilled pork loin. Both so good too! The shrimp risotto tasted slightly citrusy and sweet. The grilled pork loin was filled with flavors! It had a delicious sweet sauce and the crispy pork was topped with a slaw. Every bite was so yummy! The best part-dessert was sooooooo good and worth it! I tried the lemon fritter and peach melba. The lemon fritter were donuts in the shape of a ball and they were coated with sugar. They were really soft and fluffy in the middle. It came with cold ice cream and fruits on top. I really liked the pieces of sweetened orange peel. The peach melba had sweetened peaches on the side and a scoop on ice cream. It was all layered on a chewy cookie. Very good!
(5)Linda P.
2015 DC 3 course restaurant week menu was good. Ordered the sea bass with risotto. Sea bass was cooked nicely and felt like I was almost eating a scallop. Beef tartare was good but wished egg on top was not cooked through so much. Lemon meringue for dessert was very tart - more of a good palate cleanser than a dessert. Had higher expectations though. Wasn't amazed enough to consider coming back again to pay full $$$. Decor was modern. Service was good. Happy I tried it once to see what the hype was.
(4)Iori M.
Great atmosphere. Not too stuffy upscale, not too modern. Waiting staff was pleasure to talk to. Food choices vary, but most of the items we tried were pretty good. A bit pricey, but I think it's a good choice for a date/night out.
(4)art f.
Another restaurant week visit - still a great value. I love the spaciousness and airiness. The art work is fanciful but it doesn't work well for me. Our cocktails were excellent - in particular, try the perhaps unfortunately named "Gunslinger" is a great concoction of bourbon, sour mix, bitters, and heat that blends exceptionally well. We both started with the beef tartare and then went to a black rice (venere) with sea bass and a tagliatelle with chicken. Both were good winter comfort foods but the venere rice dish was superb - dense, creamy rice with a generous portion of simply delicious sea bass. Desserts are very interesting and not overly rich. All in all, a very good restaurant week experience.
(4)Lori A.
Tried this restaurant for restaurant week. Made a reservation, arrived on time and didn't have to wait at all. The venue is really cool, not your traditional restaurant setting when thinking of a fancy shmancy restaurant. The artwork is odd but definitely works with the space. I can imagine this place being really pretty in the spring and fall. Food wise I ordered the winter salad and my other dining mates ordered the calamari. They ate the calamari within seconds it was so delicious! My salad was also very good and refreshing, the popcorn gave it an interesting taste and texture. My boyfriend ordered the pasta and he wasn't really impressed. Something was missing with the sauce, it was pretty bland. I ordered the Atlantic salmon and omg!!! YUM!! The Brussel sprouts and the butternut squash sauce were an excellent combination. My other friends ordered the sea bass with risotto and it was not very aesthetically appealing. The sea bass itself was really good however the risotto was very bland and salty and also resembled retried black beans. The dessert was ok, nothing to write home about. I'd love to come here on a regular night and try their normal menu. Definitely a cool place to dine in!
(4)Jenée P.
I love 2941. My first experience with the restaurant was for my engagement party in November 2012. The private room is beautiful. They give you a lot of room to create a beautiful experience. We had 50 people and a band. The view of the water fall and the pond is quite lovely. Since then I have consistently dined at the restaurant. Their bartenders and servers are knowledgeable. The menu is well put together, plating and consistency is top notch. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion with a large party or just you and your beau.
(5)Merry M.
Great service, nice ambiance and good food. Came here on Christmas Eve and was offered the 4 course prix fixe Christmas Eve menu. For apps, we got the foie gras-not the best I've had, but also not the worst, scallops and lobster in lobster bisque served in a pastry biscuit-so delicious! Then they served a light cheese filled ravioli that was also delicious. For entrees, my bf got the pan seared turbot, which was mediocre and I got the filet mignon which was the highlight of dinner! It was cooked and seasoned perfectly-like butter! For dessert, we got the chocolate biscuit and pineapple upside down cake. Both were good, but not spectacular. I definitely want to come back and try their regular menu. The prix fixe menu didn't wow us but we wanted to order different items to try. It was a miss with the turbot but overall a great dining experience. The table we sat at seemed un-stable and the chairs were a bit wobbly. They did however offer complimentary valet parking and coat check which was nice.
(4)Bryan D.
My wife and I started with the ceviche and the barley risotto. Both were amazing but the ceviche really shined. Perfect taste without any fishyness. Next was the spaghetti Nero and the asparagus ravioli with the onion gratin side. Decent portions prepared perfectly. We were very full afterwards and our bill was under $100. That includes 2 glasses of wine as well. Highly recommend checking this place out.
(5)