Clarity
442 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA, 22180
Clarity Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Vienna for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Vienna for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Vienna for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
442 Maple Ave E
Vienna, VA, 22180 - Phone (703) 539-8400
- Website https://www.clarityvienna.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Randee W.
Last night, we had a fantastic dinner in the private dining room with our best friends. From the beginning (walking through the kitchen) to the end (glorious desserts and drinks), everything was excellent. Nico selected perfect wines for us and our server, Mary, was incredibly helpful with menu selections. The private dining room is absolutely perfect for intimate gatherings. We are already planning and looking forward to our next visit!
(5)Grant G.
Great service; great food. Frankly if they didn't have foie gras on the menu it would be 5 stars. There are only a few things I won't morally eat (e.g dolphin, shark fin soup) and foie gras is one. But that aside, this place is fantastic. I got there at 6pm on a Sunday. Service was top notch. We had salmon with barley and a brisket. The brisket was some of the best I've ever had. So yeah, subtract the foie gras and it is awesome - ahead of Maple Ave Cafe these days (which has gone downhill since it opened.)
(4)Robert Z.
My wife and I went went with another couple and we all agreed that the food was superb. However, we were seated at the table directly behind the hostess stand and felt that it was some what intrusive. A screen between the Hostess stand and the table would greatly improve the ambiance. Additionally, the noise level was quite high and there did not appear to be much in the way of decoration to absorb any of the noise. When we mentioned it to our waiter he told us that the restaurant had engaged an engineer to determine what could be done to reduce the noise levels. If the noise levels can be improved, then I think this will become a 5-star restaurant.
(4)Inigo M.
Oh my !! We have been here twice since its recent opening. Top notch. Most recently had the hanger steak and veal meatball and pasta. Both were delicious. Cocktails done right. On par with Bazin's on Church and Maple Ave Grill.
(5)Petra E.
Really 4.5 stars as there were some glitches in our meal but the way they took care of those was totally five stars! We made a reservation for two about a week in advance and I was a little disappointed to be seated near the door and next to a family with kids but really no problem. It was very cold with air conditioning blowing right on me. I have a medical condition that gets aggravated by cold so I asked about being seated somewhere a little warmer. The server, Tim, immediately said they would turn down the air which made it a lot more comfortable. The food was for the most part excellent. I was just a little confused about having a freekeh, fennel and arugola salad be an appetizer when it was a full blown salad. The mix up came when my tuna salad looked like an appetizer (I like to order multiple small dishes instead of a main course). After some confusion it did turn out to be the appetizer instead of the salad. No problem, all tasted wonderful (nitpicking, the fries were almost undercooked but the ketchup with them super!). But they didn't like that everything wasn't perfect. Not only did I get an extra glass of wine, we also got a dessert to take home. We're impressed, not the least with Tim's constant attention to our well being. Oh, and we just got called at home by one of the managers to make sure our experience was good. They're going to go far! Welcome to Vienna!
(5)Mary Ann M.
High quality food, reasonable prices, very nice atmosphere, good service. Hangar steak was excellent; tuna starter was perfect. Another nice touch: Mary, our server, took the time to give us a tour of the restaurant after our meal. The private dining room looks great. Will definitely go back soon.
(5)Heather A.
Looking for a restaurant in Vienna, Virginia that offers a great menu? Look no further-- Clarity has come to town! The menu is great and they have some really fun cocktails! It's hard for me to eat out since I am gluten, dairy, soy and corn-free. Not a problem at Clarity. I found several things on the menu that I could eat, as-is. That is really great for a person like me! The bartender even checked with the chef, so I knew I was in the clear. Both my friend and I were very pleased with our experience. We plan on going back very soon.
(5)L L.
We dined here on opening weekend and I would give the restaurant a solid 2.5 stars. In short, it was fine. The vibe inside of the restaurant is hip and there was a bustling crowd inside. Every table was occupied. The hostess was friendly and welcoming. My main complaint was the food. The menu is small and limited. My husband and I split an appetizer (the octopus) and shared two different entrees ( the scallops and the hangar steak) and desserts ( the pound cake and the pistachio crepes). The food wasn't bad, but there was not a single dish that I would recommend or care to have again. Every single dish was fairly bland and underwhelming. The food was moderately priced, but there is no shortage of good restaurants in the Tysons area and I would not make a return visit here unless there was substantive change of some kind.
(2)Shadi B.
Great food! Great atmosphere! Great staff! Creative dishes & drinks!
(5)joel s.
A fine dining experience in the burbs! Our sous-vide beef ribs were superb as were our main courses, lamb shoulder and snapper. The lamb was almost like pastrami or venison in consistency-fairly lean-and the crusted marinade of the meat became a crunchy counterpoint to the meat itself. Unusual and tasty. The snapper was delicious and was quite fresh with a ratatouille-like vegetable accompaniment. We shared an unbelievable pinapple cake accompanied by coconut sorbet. At home the desert plate would probably have been licked clean... Portions are slightly small but you are in the hands of a very refined palate and by the end you're actually glad that the portions are not too large. It all adds up, as they say, and we will return to sample this very nice menu. Other observations: the staff is friendly and you are greeted at the door in a warm and gracious manner. The room can get a touch noisy but who cares when you can get such interesting food. No doubt about it, there's a really good restaurant out in quiet Vienna...
(5)Tina L.
Jon Krinn & Jason Maddens definitely have clarity on how to provide a wonderful experience. Great atmosphere- delightful color scheme of yellow and blue; friendly staff; and oh my the food!! I had the Brussels Sprout app, Red Snapper, and Chocolate Mousse- all terrific.
(5)Elise S.
We have been walking by regularly in anticipation of the opening and we were so pleased on 4/7. Two of us shared 3 appetizers, 1 main and a bottle of wine. Short rib, tuna and octopus appetizers were terrific, all cooked perfectly with layers of texture and flavor. Veal meatball main course was very flavorful (a touch salty) and could use a little more sauce on the delicious noodles. Didn't have room for dessert but we are going back this week and hope to try one. The room is open and bright; very good, knowledge service. Great addition to Vienna!
(5)E B.
Clarity was very good. Like the creative bar drinks. Food was very, very good. Service was quite attentive. Great addition to Vienna! Definitely will go back. Only negative, not a fan of their risotto.. sort of bland.
(4)Sharon J.
You never know what you are going to get during a restaurant's opening week; but, Clarity delivered. It's great to have a upscale yet casual restaurant in the Town of Vienna that serves interesting and flavorful dishes at a decent price point. All of the food was wonderful and the veal meatballs were incredible! However, the best part of the experience was when the GM went out of his way to accomodate us on a busy night when we made our reservation for the wrong night...including a wonderful experience in the private dining room! Looking forward to going back again!
(4)Debra P.
The service was unusually slow, with the server forgetting to bring things like an ordered drink, water, etc.. Also, the sides were supposed to be unlimited, but they initially brought a very small container, and then did not return with the requested additional one. While I hope this restaurant makes it, it has a lot of kinks to work out to make it successful. The food was just ok.
(3)Adrienne G.
We all need a little Clarity in our life and I think Jon Krinn and staff nailed it! It's exactly what this great town of Vienna needed. The main entrance is actually on East Ave off of Maple Ave. Despite it's lovely modern look, it's friendly and professional staff in their classy uniforms (vest and shirt) also gives it a bit of old neighborhood charm. And knowing it's a family affair making it happen makes it even more special. The bar and open Kitchen area offer a unique social opportunity for dining and the beautifully designed back room with it's own wine cellar and large screen TV offer the perfect place for any private meeting or dining experience. It should be a big hit for the local Tysons business crowd who want a break from the usual hotel banquet or office conference rooms. The food, wine and cocktails are amazing! Looking forward to enjoying lunch on the outdoor patio soon.
(5)Rongze L.
Food is ok. I don't know if other people notice that they charge 20% fixed tip. Actually I was going to tip 20%, but I felt uncomfortable to be forced to tip and without any notice. I got the notification from my credit card.
(3)Matthew T.
I've never heard of Clarity until my friends mentioned we should try it out (check out Christiane V's Yelp review). A real winner and a great addition to the Vienna dining scene. It's sort of hidden beneath an older office building. But once you find it, you'll never forget where it is. The service was exceptional. Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, which is small and changes depending on the season. Even with the small menu I still had a difficult time deciding on what I wanted. Everything sounded delicious. I finally decided on the Mussels with Lamb Sausage to start followed by the Dry-Aged Hamburger. The mussels and lamb were flavorful in the lobster broth with the tomatoes and goat cheese. It was hard to share because I wanted it all to myself, it was that GOOD! The hamburger had two thin dry-aged patties with confit tomato, white cheddar, and garlic mayo on a house-made roll. The meat was moist, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The fries were fresh and crispy and had a prefect snap to them when you bit into one. The salad that came with the meal was refreshing and complemented the burger and fries well. The only negative about this entrée was when it was gone, it was gone. To my surprise it was packed on a Wednesday night. In reality should not have surprised me because of how amazing Clarity is. It's listed as an American bar, but I felt under dressed and the crowd seemed to be made up of mostly older people. That won't deter me from returning to Clarity to try out their other menu options. In addition, this would be a great place to take a date, any takers out there? haha. I can't wait to come back and sit out on the beautiful patio while sipping a drink and eating a fabulous entrée.
(5)Christiane V.
a true hidden gem in vienna! my parents and a foodie friend of mine recently dined at clarity and recommended it. clarity is on 123 in vienna near westwood country club, kind of tucked beneath an older building. it has contemporary decor and a nice outside patio. it was a lot nicer than i expected (it is listed online as an american bar). i almost felt under dressed! the crowd is mixed with mostly older folk. the service was top notch. exactly what you would expect from a 5 star restaurant in a city. the menu is small/limited (i prefer it that way) and it changes daily depending on what is in season. there is still a good variety though as we were told the main proteins are always on the menu. i had the compressed watermelon salad with feta to start followed by the fettuccine. the watermelon salad was so refreshing and light. the honey on it...SO GOOD! the fettuccine pasta was made fresh (you could definitely tell) and even though it was vegetarian, it was so flavorful! i went with a group and tried bites of some other dishes and the food was solid. we also tried one of each dessert and they were really delicious. the prices were reasonable, with drinks our total came out to approximately $50/pp. i was lucky enough to get a reservation the day i called (the reservation system was a little confusing but just follow the directions and someone will call/text you back quickly!) but i would highly suggest calling as soon in advance as possible. it was really full for a wednesday night! i can only imagine how crowded it is on the weekend... i am excited to come back to 1) sit on the patio on a nice night and 2) try something else because the menu changes!
(5)Saba S.
This restaurant is 6 out 5 in my book. Nothing like a pleasant and helpful waiter and staff making sure your dining experience is a good one. Even the head chef came by and thanked us for coming. Food: Mussels with lamb is a must try - the sauce is finger licking good. Especially with the goat cheese topping. Spice crusted tuna is delicious the mushrooms are DELICIOUS in the dish and the tomatoes have a nice spice to it. Citrus coffee dessert (THE HIGHLIGHT) can't get better than this. Mouthwatering desert with a coffee aftertaste. This restaurant is a hidden gem in the town of Vienna and will be your next favorite place to dine. The inside decor is very classy and trendy so you feel like you're in the city and the outdoor area is calm with nice jazz/classical upbeat music in the background.
(5)Mina C.
YUM! Amazing. I never heard of this restaurant, until my friends suggested we go. The only downside is that even though this place is new, it is PACKED. We couldn't get a reservation until 845, but we knew we didn't want to wait that long to eat, so we waited/fought for some seats in the back. The back area is nice because it is bar style seating, but you get to watch the chefs. The only downside, it gets HOT (duh). We tried the octopus app, and the mussels with lamb meatballs. It was delish! I loved the flavors for the octopus app and the eggplant was a nice touch. The mussels had a more tangy sauce, and strays from the typical wine sauce. I thought it was quite delicious. The bread basket is also great, because they actually have a variety of bread, including an olive bread, which had pieces of olive throughout the bread. That was my fave. For my meal I had the rockfish. I thought it was awesome. Perfectly flaky and tender. The tomato veggie thing was pretty great. So delish. My bf had the steak dish which was cooked PERFECTLY to rare/medium rare. SO GOOD, melts in your mouth good. My friends had the special that was some wagyu beef? special. Not exactly sure, but again really tender and flavored nicely. Some parts were a bit too salty though. The only comment that my bf had was the touching and tasting of all the food in the kitchen. He noticed that chefs would taste the sauce and put the spoon back in the larger jar. He also noticed that when his own dish was prepared, along with several others, the plater did not wear gloves. Honestly, much worse probably happens in most kitchens, but to see it is different. I wish we had room for some dessert, but next time. That crepe cake looked like what dreams are made of. Must have it.
(5)Laurie W.
I love Clarity. Been to Clarity at least 5 times now since it opened. I sat in the dining room once when I was with a group of 4 - all other times it has been my husband and I at the bar. I love sitting at the bar there for 2 reasons - one, it's smaller, so it's more intimate; two, they have a really nice curve TV which is great for watching Nats games on; three, you have a great view of the kitchen and the pass; and four, Erin and Mary are a blast to talk to and are always offering something new and unique off their well-crafted cocktail list. On to the food. Clarity doesn't have a huge menu, but I've tried about 75% of their dishes (their menu changes frequently) and I really don't have anything negative to say about any of them, except maybe the ceviche, which was a tad watery. I love the way they prepare octopus - slightly charred, not chewy at all. The soft shells were amazing - a great crisp, not greasy at all. The burger is fantastic, although a touch on the greasy side and a mess to eat but the flavors are phenomenal. I loved the risotto and shrimp, and my husband has raved about the hanger steak and the roasted chicken, two dishes he had there recently. Clarity has a great bar menu. A small (well, smaller when compared with other restaurants) selection of wines by the bottle/glass - but they are REASONABLE. I love that they don't jack up the price of the wines they sell. The cocktail list is always changing and is very creative, and I love that all of their beers on draft are local. Service is sometimes on the slower side when getting your food, but I can tell that's just the kitchen just getting its rhythm. After watching Jason/Jon at the pass several times, you can tell they take great pride in their food and inspect it thoroughly before it goes out to the dining room. One particular evening, our food took a while and they ended up comping us wine, which was extremely generous. I'm happy that they added this gem to the neighborhood - Vienna needs new restaurants!
(4)Sarah G.
Vienna's got a culinary wonder in town! After reading so much about this hidden spot and it's awesome chef, I decided to make a reservation on a recent trip home. And man, I'm glad I did. To start, they've got a great beer/wine list filled with local and other smart options. I ended up with a Pilsner, while my pal had some wine. From there we had the octopus appetizer (incredible) with the brussel sprout dish (fine, but we didn't finish it). From there we feasted on some roasted chicken, which was cooked to perfection, and the lamb special. Both dishes were superb, and I can't remember the last time I had a meal so simple, yet so succulent. We closed down the house with the pistachio crepe (A MUST) and rolled out of there happy campers. Loved the service, the sweet purse-hanger gift, and the ambience. You absolutely must visit!
(5)Suzanne W.
Our food was excellent, the service was friendly and efficient, and the price was surprisingly reasonable. Overall, a complete breath of fresh air for Vienna's restaurant scene.
(5)Jordon L.
We've been to Clarity almost every week since it opened and on occasion we take clients and a group of friends. One member has the hamburgers every time, regardless of what else he eats. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG! One word of caution. Don't eat the desserts. They are so GOOD, that I know one day I'll just have ALL desserts. The Burnt Sugar Custard with glazed cherries is the best custard I have had any where and that includes France. Clarity NEVER misses.
(5)Joni H.
this is a great restaurant for a first date! Get two seats at the kitchen bar and watch the deliciously plated food go by. There will be no lull in the conversation as there is always something to ooh and ahh over. Their burger is one of my favorite things on the menu which is new every day.
(4)Colin J.
Vienna has needed a "second Bazin's" or a place of similar gravitas for some time. With time, I think Clarity will become that place. The menu is a bit small - hopefully it will grow, but the presentation on a sideways-folded sheet of card stock implies the menu might remain limited for the time being. There is space for an outdoor patio, thankfully shaded from the street noise by waist to chest high walls, but there was no outdoor seating when I went. That said, the food was quite good (though it was only my first visit) and of appropriate portion for the price. I believe that one of the best items to judge a restaurant by is in fact its hamburger, because it is both "easy to make" and quite difficult to master. I felt Clarity was closer to mastery - the bun was brushed and sprinkled with a light peppery garnish, which actually made the bun feel part of the burger as opposed to that which just holds the meat. The fries were uneven - some were of the right crispiness, some were undercooked - but the salting was just right. Sriracha ketchup was fine, but is becoming a bit too common at places as a "differentiating" ketchup, so hopefully they will come up with another combination (or alternate condiments) to pair. I'll probably return (considering I used to live a walk away), and will hopefully see more menu choices in the future. Decor/seating seemed to be great, and though I didn't get a glimpse, the chef's room in the kitchen looks pretty cool for a special occasion. Service was great as well. Not sold on the price of the cocktails, though.
(4)Rosario C.
Had a great meal her last Saturday night! We arrived and they couldn't find our reservation. It turns out our friends had made it for the following weekend. We were panicked, Saturday night-packed. They we very accommodating and had us seating in 10 mins. Jonathan is an excellent chef. It's incredible the food that he puts out of this tiny kitchen!! This is a great addition to the neighborhood!!
(4)Edie A.
a great meal and service this was our second trip to Clarity can't wait to go ack. They menu is superior and interesting Edie & Jonathan
(4)Jason H.
Really enjoyed this place. Great service from the start. Lots of staff eager to help. The decor is fun and bright. Bread was fantastic. Brussel Sprout salad with dried blueberries was a great starter. We also had the mussels which were very good. I had the Rock fish and my wife had the potato pasta......both were fantastic. We will be going back here for sure.
(5)Stan G.
Another gem in Vienna Virginia. From the appetizers, cocktails through the main course to the dessert, outstanding. The interior is on the casual side but there is plenty of room between the tables. Tommy was an excellent waiter. Don't wait, make a reservation and enjoy.
(5)Jane P.
Clarity is a much-needed, hip and modern addition to te Vienna dining scene! The craft cocktails are tasty and on the unusual side, just enough to make them more interesting. The food was great - especially loved the pork shank appetizer. The Panna Cotta dessert was incredible. A must-try!
(5)Judy R.
Let's be clear: Clarity is worth it! My husband and I went for our second time. I enjoyed it even more than the first time in May. In May, we went with other couples and really enjoyed the octopus appetizer, scallops and bronzino. The octopus was so tender; some of the best we've ever had. And the seafood was great as well. I thought the octopus was their top appetizer until we tried the duck fois gras. This was a superb dish! It was served over toast with a strawberry syrup and roasted strawberries! Hats off to the chefs because this has been the best starter I've had in a very long time. The flavor was sweet, tart and utterly delicious! I highly recommend it! My husband ordered the scallops which again were nicely flavored. My only comment was I think they should give you atleast four scallops instead of three; or if they can't do that, increase the vegetable pasta they serve with it so there is more substance to the entrée. I ordered the roast chicken, which was tender and juicy. The potato fingers were delicious and I felt like I had a hearty entrée since it also included the broccoli rabe. Unfortunately I did not care for the rabe: it had too bitter of a taste for me. I mentioned this to the waiter and he not only apologized but offered me a free dessert for my honesty! I was pleasantly surprised at this! The waiting staff and service were excellent as a whole and they even gave me a free purse hanger (another pleasant surprise). I would have rated Clarity four stars because of the rabe- but based on how the staff handled the situation I believe they deserve the 5 stars! It was a great dining experience with wonderful food; we'll be back!
(5)Michele C.
We used to go to 2941 and enjoy Jon's fantastic culinary talent. We are so happy to have him back at Clarity. The octopus and salmon appetizers were wonderful. The halibut cooked to perfection and ricotta gnudi with morels as well as the hangar steak were delicious. We highly recommend this restaurant. The place is noisy though and that makes conversation difficult, otherwise, Great staff, great service, very pleasant decor!
(4)Morgan C.
Highly recommend! This place is FANTASTIC. I am local and have been hearing about Clarity since it opened, so finally was able to give it a shot, and it exceeded the hype. As soon as we walked in (without reservations), the hostess greeted us with a big smile and found us some great seats at the bar. She was warm and welcoming, and it was a nice start. When we were seated at the bar, Erin helped us. He was very nice as well. The drink list is pretty good and there is a wide range of wines by the glass/bottle, and beer selection. We ordered some appetizers; both were fantastic. We had the brussels and pork shank, which was bursting with flavor. Others have raved about them here. Main courses include the pork chop, and the burger. The burger is VERY tasty and comes with a side. The charred greens were perfectly spicy. Erin went out of his way to check on us, but not interrupt the conversation. Also, it was super busy, but everyone there seemed happy to go above and beyond to make us feel like invited guests. Thank you for the fantastic night out! We'll be back!
(5)maip m.
Clarity is an exciting addition to the Vienna dining experience. The team has created an elegant atmosphere with an urban vibe that brings another dimension to the neighborhood. I've been here three times and have sat at the chef's table, the dining room, and the bar. The service has been top notch... as expected from an experienced team, and commensurate with the atmosphere they've created. We showed up with a family of four with no reservation and the hostess was very friendly and accommodating. I really enjoyed the blending of the western and eastern ingredients in the dishes we've tried. The eggplant works really well with the braised octopus. This is a must try and fun to share. The braised short ribs is delicious with the tamarind horseradish sauce. The horseradish was not too strong so it went well with my Rhone wine. The pork shank the tagliatelle was a hit with the kids so congrats to the chef! We enjoyed the chicken, the strip loin, and the snapper as well. The chocolate mousse was an absolute perfection. I think the team is trying really hard and it shows. It's not perfect. I gave the team some feedback on the brussels sprouts and the lamb shoulder. They were not defensive and really appreciated my responses. Adapting is a mark of success and I think this team has the right traits. We'll definitely be coming back!
(5)Daniel S.
We came here last night for a birthday dinner. Inside is large and the bar area is surprisingly nice. The food was fantastic (hanger steak and octopus were off the charts), but the service was even better. Our server was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and attentive. This next part may start bad, but stick with me. I asked for my steak rare, and it came out more medium. I'm not one to complain, and the steak still tasted delicious. However, 2 minutes later (and unprovoked), the chef dropped by with a rare hanger steak. That's beyond service, that's great customer care. Recognizing an issue and fixing it, even if the customer didn't raise a flag. And the rare steak was just as delicious. We'll be back, great food and great service are a formula to get us to stick around!
(5)Julie W.
I thought this place was meh considering who opened it. There wasn't anything on the menu that really jumped out at me and I thought it was pretty standard fare, and I've eaten at 2941, Komi, etc. It didn't seem like they had a lot of selection. They had a 14-ounce pork chop, a white fish, pasta w/veal meatballs, a hamburger, and one other selection. My friend and I ended up getting the pasta w/veal meatballs because none of the other dishes appealed to us. It was okay. The meatballs were overcooked so they were hard and not moist at all. And the marinara sauce was bland. We also ordered the salmon crudo (which was amazing) and the hot sticky short ribs. They were definitely HOT but the flavor wasn't something out of this world. We also got the 'bottomless sides' of charred greens and duck fat fingerling potatoes. The charred greens I could pass on and the fingerling potatoes were great. I say 'bottomless sides' because while they say it's bottomless, I feel that they should really be 'bottomless' meaning they always have a batch ready. I understand the 'made-to-order' part of it, but it's not really bottomless if you have to ask for another portion and wait 10-15 minutes for it. By the time we got our 2nd dish of potatoes, we were already full and only ate half of it. I really wanted to like this new place but maybe it's just opening jitters and the menu will be more expansive once the warmer weather rolls around. I'm not sure I'd come back, unfortunately. I've had better.
(2)E. O.
We were lucky to get in on a Saturday night without reservations because Clarity is already a hit in Vienna. They sat us at the chef's counter. It was a lot of fun! Everyone was really super friendly. We were able to chat with the chef and sous chef over the course of our meal. The chef was wearing a GoPro and broadcasting it on the TV above the bar. Pretty cool idea. The food was great. We tried the spicy pork shank appetizer - don't miss it! The Yuzu 75 cocktail was very tasty. They have several appealing salads and entrees and it's hard to decide on one. I might add that the desserts looked amazing too but we were already stuffed. I think I would have chosen the donut holes. (definitely next time) Overall, an excellent experience.
(5)Viraj M.
It seems to be the hot new spot - it was fine but nothing exceptional, and the service outside was very very slow. Seemed to be a problem for several of the tables around us as well. The food was good, but not amazing. After being told by our waitress how amazing the fingerling potatoes are since they are cooked with bacon, I ordered them but they came out with no bacon! And we couldn't get waitresses attention until I was mostly done with my meal. To her credit, she brought us a side of them (with bacon) at the end of the meal, but we just had her box them up at that point. The bread was good, but they seem to bake one small roll at a time - we kept being told it was baking, even as other tables were getting bread, and eventually got one small roll. Again, it was tasty, but nothing extraordinary. Same with our main courses.
(3)Alanna M.
Had dinner to celebrate a birthday and it was great. The scallops were delicious, as was the brisket. Ian was our server and did a fantastic job taking care of us, brought out cake pops and champagne to celebrate. Will definitely be back!
(4)William T.
Wow! Tried 3 first courses, 3 main, wine, and 2 deserts. What a great experience. Every bite was both tasty and distinctive from other restaurants. A true tour de force already within days of opening!
(5)Brian M.
Clarity is new, refreshing, awesome, and fantastic! This is the type of restaurant needed in northern Virginia! The portions were amazing as were the staff! I have never had snapper so delicious in my life! The fingerling potatoes! To die for! If you want a great waiting experience without breaking the bank and a great atmosphere! Clarity is the place to go!
(5)Mali A.
What an awesome addition to Vienna! My party was there for opening night. To start, the staff was exteremly friendly, accomodating and welcoming. The food was so delicious, every dish that we orderd was full of falavor and to top it off, the prices were fair. The ambiance is chic, warm and comfortable. I especially recommend the slow cooked short ribs, salmon appetizer and the pork shank, they just melt in your mouth. Additionally, we tried three of their desserts, and they were all fabulous. I highly recommend this resturant and cannot wait to take my friends and family there again.
(4)Ray D.
Brilliant, bright design with welcoming staff. Octopus appetizer included melt in your mouth eggplant. Our Pennsylvania Chicken was tasty even for our 8 year old. The Grilled Tuna Salad was the best I've ever had. Fantastic food. They had three beers on tap, all worth trying, and a good bottle selection. We will definitely return, often.
(5)Chris R.
Hard to believe this place has only been open for two months, as they definitely seem to have hit a comfortable stride. Table of 4, with reservations. Quickly seated, and then up pops the waitress (seriously, no idea where she came from) armed with ipad & menus. The first to take orders on (yay, no more relying on the waitrons to remember everything), and the second nice and simple. Appetizers: Carpaccio, pork shanks, and brussel sprouts. Carpaccio was good, and the house pickles on top were the definite star. Pork shanks were wonderfully prepared, and while my dinner companions cut theirs off the bone, I figured why not use the built in handle. Crispy skin, great flavor, a real winner. The star appetizer, however, was the Brussel sprouts. I had expected something grilled or roasted, but instead got a lovely Brussel sprout salad. And it was YUMMY. Seriously, a great dish. Main course, we went seafood and white meat. Red Snapper, Scallops, shrimp risotto, and the roasted chicken. All were excellent, although I think the risotto was probably the star (I say probably because it went so quickly, I never got a taste, always a good sign). The chicken was excellent, and the duck fat fingerling potatoes are just as decadent as the name implies. Broccoli was meh, but I'm not a big fan in general. Dessert, a short & sweet menu. 5 items. 4 people at the table...so 1 of each. And then we found the star of the evening...the tarte with rosemary ice cream. Chocolate, strawberries, lemon curd...but the rosemary ice cream was amazing. One diner was definitely not a sweet tooth, and he was almost licking the dish after eating his share. So big winner, definitely will return. Nice place, good service, great food. More importantly, they're comfortable with their style, and the food showed it.
(5)Niki H.
My husband and I went to Clarity for the first time last week. Our experience was amazing! I had the scallops and my husband had the lamb. All the food was so fresh and you could tell they took the time to cook to perfection! I highly recommend Clarity!!!
(5)Jennifer M.
Second visit was just as much fun as the first! Jon, Jason, Tommy, Nico, and Team are off to a great start! Love the fingerlings, risotto, short ribs, octopus, scallops, and pork chop. Hubby preferred the earlier butterflied pork presentation, but was told Jason will gladly do it medium rare next time (which is great because most chefs still think pink pork is dangerous....dopes.) Wine list rocks and Nico is a joy to talk wine with! Service - Mary is a star...ask for her! Best seat in the house is at the Pass. Right now it is first come, so watch out if we are there the same night you are!
(5)James C.
Great ambience, excellent service and very inventive menu. Flavor combinations in all dishes from salads to main courses to desserts are wonderful. This was our second visit and we'll be back many more times.
(5)beth e.
Went with a group of girls to try out Clarity and could not have been more impressed. From walking in and getting a very cool vibe from the decor and ambiance to enjoying fantastic food, excellent & attentive service- this is my new Vienna favorite! Owner Jonathan was warm and welcoming as was the rest of the staff. Cocktails were original and satisfying. Pork shank and octopus apps were great and the flat iron steak, chicken (largest portion) and scallops entrees were delicious.Chocolate mousse was scrumptious and I'm not even a sweets person. Looking forward to my next visit!
(5)John O.
Outstanding! Fine dining at a bistro price. Great layout, Interesting, constantly changing menu. I have eaten there 4 times now and each experience was perfect. They go out of their way to be friendly and deliver high quality service. Lots of great standing and sitting options. I have eaten with others in the dining room, sat at the bar by myself and sat by the exposed kitchen area. There is also a standing area in the bar with a high top table suitable for eating while talking and watching TV.
(5)Nancy S.
Excellent service but my dinner was just OK -- definitely not as good as my first meal there a month ago. They change the menu often and last night's didn't appeal to me as much. I was really looking forward to the pork shank I had last time... unfortunately, it wasn't on the menu. However, the watermelon salad was excellent!
(3)Scott B.
Had dinner here Saturday evening. The only thing that comes to mind is been there done that. Great looking space. Octopus app was very good. Wife said scallops were good although only 3 on the plate. My pork chop was over cooked. The Fingerling potatoes were a side of fingerling potatoes. My wife ordered a glass of Chardonnay. The " house pour" was 12 dollars a glass for a chard that sells for under 20 dollars a bottle. So like I said been there done that.
(2)Ashley Z.
Here's the thing, this restaurant has a lot going for it. The ambiance is really nice and cheerful. The wait staff is amazing and not pushy. The prices are very desirable. However, the food is just okay. I got the burger and it was fresh, but flavorless. Two thin patties and barely any cheese with a little tomato. The best part was the siracha ketchup and the fries were thin like I like them. My mom had a salad that was under-dressed. This place is good, but I wouldnt go back for the food.
(4)Mary L.
Great spot! Ate there last night with 2 friends. I had the pork chop which was the best I have ever eaten. Another friend had the shrimp risotto which she did not share because it was so good. And the third had a salad. All of us loved our food and can not wait to return. Make a reservation because at 8 pm on a Thursday it was full.
(5)Robert D.
I was there last night. First the temperature in the dining room was about 65 -- required us to wear our coats. The table setting was missing a napkin. They have butter knives but serve the bread with olive oil. My pork appetizer was fine. My strip steak was sent away because it was grissly and fatty and not flavored(though the waitress said it was). The fries were excellent. My guest had octopus appetizer which he liked and a pistachio dessert that he also liked. If i go back i'll walk out if it is that cold and if i stay i'll stick to "firsts" only. The wait staff is exceptionally untrained.
(2)Melanie L.
Our second visit to Clarity in four weeks. It didn't disappoint! From the moment we entered during a huge downpour, we were warmly greeted. Our friends were already at the bar and we joined them with 15 minutes until our reservation time. When the hostess came to ask us if we were ready to be seated at our table, she was very gracious about giving us a few more minutes. The food was delicious (grilled octopus, risotto, rock fish, scallops) and our server, Tim, was excellent. Looking forward to a return visit!
(5)Shea L.
As a manager of a business, I understand the complications and difficulties of the service industry. But tonight, exceptional service/product has met inferior management. I went to clarity tonight, to have some drinks, and maybe some food. I didn't have any food. I arrived to a beautiful restaurant full of beautiful polite hostesses, very kind waiters and waitress saying, "excuse me" as I walked past. The bartenders attended to us immediately, and offered the best service around. But the issue derives straight from the management and owner. As soon as we got the bill, I noticed that all the drinks came to be $1-3 more than me menu had said (which had been picked up before the bill). I asked the bartender, and he frantically checked every bill, which to be always showed a face of disapproval (this bartender I found to be the most honest and kind of the people I dealt with). He quickly threw all of the menus on the table and shouted something to someone nearby, and changed our bills to reflect the price agreed upon among the menu. Now a couple of dollars to me is not a concern, but when I looked around to notice how busy the place was, and that it was 9:45 by the time I noticed, I realized how much money this small error had amounted to, hundreds of dollars easily. After clearing out our [correct] tab, I looked for and spoke to the most senior member of the establishment. He addressed himself quickly as the owner, and upon me mentioning that I was concerned with not only my bill, but more importantly the overall results of a couple dollars per beer, per patron (Vienna, VA is a very wealthy area where I know people are not good at double checking their bill), he responded that he appreciates me bringing to his attention the concern, and asked me how many drinks I had before my visit. I had 0 beers before my visit, and my concerns were unrelated to my situation. He then got in my face and ushered my out by pushing in my chair. After that he followed us out, and told my friend that we shouldn't come back. We stood outside and looked back and even took a picture of him in the front window waving his arms aggressively in front of his staff. What outstanding leadership. I'm thankful my first experience is my last, who knows how much I would pay over time if nobody ever noticed he charged more than he advertised. And my fiends family was about to advertise his restaurant, what a joke.
(1)Barbara P.
A great addition to the Vienna dining scene. We ate at the bar (which we like doing) and had a wonderful meal. We chatted with other diners also at the bar and all agreed that the food is excellent. I had shrimp and my husband had Rockfish--both superb. We will be back!
(5)Nishi K.
Highly recommend! Went to celebrate my husband's birthday and had a reservation for 8 at 8:30pm, but when we got there - no seating. They quickly set us up in a private cellar room. Beautiful ambiance. The Chef/Owner was super gracious. Brought in soft shell crabs on the house. All our appetizers and entrees were simply delicious!! A lovely evening where the food/drinks were fantastic and the service excellent!! Can't believe this place is so close to us in Vienna.
(5)David W.
This restaurant was a bit disappointing, not super disappointing but just missing the boat, unnecessarily. I ordered a salad as a starter course. I was pleased that the salad was well dressed but someone was heavy handed with the salt shaker. Two of our guests ordered Hamburgers, which were ordered medium and medium rare since most restaurants either over cook or leave them under the heat lamp too long. As expected they came medium well. It was still tasty. The fries were nicely crisped. Three of our guests ordered the Brisket Special. Someone in the kitchen made the decision to place all three orders on a wood plank and the waiter informed us that they were serving this "family-style tonight". This was an inappropriate decision from the so called chef. Instead of making such grandiose decisions, perhaps there should have been some further attention given to over-salting and over-cooking. Once again, if this restaurant is going to shine, it is all about consistency of cuisine. The decor was in good taste. I liked the show kitchen and the overall interesting use of colors, texture and space. The service was friendly and accommodating but also missing the mark on refilling water glasses or replenishing iced tea. If this is a chef-owner restaurant, it is rare to find a chef that has sufficient front of the house dining experience. If there is a dining room manager, I strongly suggest continual staff training with an emphasis on anticipating guest needs before they need to ask for anything and also some suggestive selling of menu items to create a food environment where the guest has a heightened culinary experience. In conclusion, this restaurant could be a nice local find if they work on details and hitting the mark with food and service in unison. Their weaknesses are apparent but quite fixable. The prices are in line and could actually be a slight bit higher given the ambiance but they must first address their deficiencies.
(3)Marc M.
Sunday night, past 8 and we are just being seated for our earlier reservation. But we are excited because Chef Jon Krinn past cooking, at 2941 and Inox, is known to and loved by us. The couple sat at the adjoining can't help but tell us how good their meal was. "How about the bread" I ask. "It was amazing" but how did you know to ask that they reply. I knew to ask because it begins with and in a sense ends with the bread at all Krinn restaurants. His father bakes the most amazing bread that, eaten plain, resonates goodness, exquisite taste, comfort and an uncompromising attention to detail. It also exemplifies that attention to detail at Clarity in every dish. Mini Pork Shank appetizers are like the greatest form of high-end barbecue and the vinegary slaw cuts wonderfully against the slightly sweet and hot shank. A seafood ceviche starter didn't end when the seafood was gone as I kept running my fork through the remainder cure and peppers as the tongs picked up bits of ocean and spiced flavor. The wagyu beef is not redolent of fat so much as silkiness and slight sea salt taste and is not outrageously priced for 8 oz. The steak was ordered medium rare and it came perfectly prepared and accompanied by broccoli rabe and fingerling potatoes. I don't like the bitterness of this vegetable, at least I have never liked it before. On this occasion it was smoky and I couldn't stop eating it and the fingerling potatoes had been cooked with the smallest cubes of bacon and translucent onions. Like the bread, everything on every plate is attended to as the main ingredient. The is haute cuisine without the pretentiousness and as a result heartening. We booked our next reservation at the end of the meal. Next time I will wait again to be seated, if necessary, but no longer than 3 hours. You can't rush genius.
(5)Cindy Z.
We swung by here on a whim Saturday night after my friend had suggested it from a colleague. We were lucky and got a table at the bar, which wasn't ideal, but it worked for us on the fly w/o reservations. We ordered our drinks and they brought a basket of bread which was very flavorful and delicious. We ordered the mussels appetizer which was FANTASTIC (highly recommend). We then ordered the burger, one for me and my friend and my husband ordered the scallops. The burger came w/ a side, I got the salad and my friend got the fries. The burger was SO, SO good. It was better than CENTRAL's burger, in my opinion, very flavorful. (side note: I did not know at the time that one of the chef's came from Central, after I complimented him on the burger, I was told that). Salad was delish, simple, light and well dressed, not sloppy with dressing. Fries we cooked very nicely. My friend LOVED her burger as well, we both thought fondly of them the next day. My husband really enjoyed his scallops with homemade creamed corn and bacon. For him to say to say this is a huge compliment as he is very picky. The Owner/Chef came and also checked on us during our meal, nice touch! My friend and I then ordered the peaches w/ champagne cream (I think), It was so delicious (although seasonal as w/ some of their food) I highly recommend you all RUN to get this yummy dessert while peaches are in season. Do not share it, it's only two peach halves you must get your own. My only complaint is the wait staff was a little confusing and it took a little while to get our drink order and such, but it's a newer place and that can be worked through, we weren't in a hurry it worked out fine for us. It was a great night - Enjoy!
(5)Thierry J.
Nice addition to the Vienna dining scene. A few glitches happened here and there, however they are very new and need time to shake off the bugs. They have a tremendous potential. I will keep going back and actually experience the changes. I would like my next review to update to a 5 stars.
(4)N S.
We tried Clarity after reading the positive review in The Washington Post. Went there for my birthday and it will be on my list of favorites. Although we had a reservation, there was a 20 minute wait for our table but the manager took care of that with free drinks from the bar. The "Chip off the Block" lamb shanks were excellent and I'm not a lamb fan. It will be a treat when the patio is ready for seating as well. Jon Krinn continues his run of great food and restaurants.
(4)Vince W.
We stopped in for opening night. I had the octopus appatizer and lamb. Th octopus was marinaded in spices and it's own juices. It was succulent and had a excellent smokey taste. The lamb was very unique and good. It reminded me of corned beef. We tried several of the by-the-glass wines and they were all good selections. Others in my party had the burger and chicken both of which were reported as flavorful and good. We had the chocolate mousse concocted by the chief for his daughter. It was very nice but rich as you would expect. The lighting was a bit bright and diner-like. It reminded me of Central in several ways including the lighting.
(4)Linda P.
Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall, this place would be hard to spot if you were you just driving by. However, once you pass through the outdoor patio (nice touch for the summer) and enter the restaurant, it's a long and open space with a huge flat screen tv in the middle of the restaurant which seems off set considering the ambiance of the place. Not sure what they were aiming for but I guess it's a nice addition to have if you are sitting at the small bar area and you get bored watching food get prepared in the open kitchen. This place is very popular so reservations are highly recommended but that leads to my annoyance with this place--their reservation system. You can either book online but if you try to call to either modify your existing reservation or just want to speak to somebody about time availability you will only face an answering machine that will instruct you to leave your name/time you want/your phone number for a call back. I mean...why? Where is the efficiency to this system? On to the food. I ordered the pork chops with tomato jam on a bed of greens and my friend ordered the summer special of smoked wagyu beef brisket. I've always felt indifferent towards pork chops until I took my first bite with this dish. It was juicy, tender, and perfectly paired with the tomato jam. There was a perfect balance of a slight sweetness and acidic touch from the tomato jam that paired really well with the meat. Even their bed of greens with a light creamy dressing was delicious right down to the last bite. My friend and I both agreed that my dish was the winner of the night (his beef brisket was unfortunately subpar). I'd be willing to come back if I have a hankering for pork chops.
(3)Richard P.
Spectacular food and presentation every time we eat there. Very accommodating as they can practically as some diners enjoy it so much they linger. We have eaten there 7-8 times so far and love the chef station best to see Jon and Jason work their magic. We ate at tables, the bar and new patio but this is my preferred seat. The house drinks are healthy sized and delicious every time so pace yourself at first or you may not be up to the exciting desserts. The dishes and menu change frequently - daily I believe - and wait captain Ivan makes sure the staff stay on their toes with super service Ala crowding at times such as the entire cast and crew from the opera at Wolftrap walks in at one time and thirsty. I am really fond of the Zinfandel but all the wines are quality and pleasing. You want a steak cooked well done or funky? Then go to Outback that is what they can do. Jon makes the meats and Seafood right - just as no further seasoning is needed for the perfection they consistently put out. Quality cuisine and a pleasant relief from traffic and parking hassles at Tysons. Finicky customers need not appear - DC has lots of places for you -- don't disturb those of us who savor life and fine cuisine and service. WE LOVE LITTLE OLE VIENNA AND " BURBS"
(5)Sharon P.
My partner and I found Clarity to be very good! We got there early enough to sit and have a drink at the bar in the back which was quite lovely and when time to eat we sat outside at their lovely patio! The food was wonderful . . . . we share a mussel/lamb sausage dish which was great and then the lamb shoulder dish which was tender & off the charts great. Clarity is going through some growing pains being a new place which has gotten great reviews and therefore many people are trying it out. Some of the wait staff appears to be newbies and are a bit awkward at their job but trying very hard. We would definitely go back!
(4)Tony P.
Vienna is becoming a culinary big league. There are now, in my estimation, two solidly '5 star' quality restaurants in sleepy Vienna suburb. Tim Ma's Maple Ave is one and I would rate Clarity as the other contender. Chefs Jonathan Krinn and Jason Madden are the dynamic duo behind this eclectic 'new american' menu. The fares take well-known dishes and add their own signature flairs that raise the meal to a new level of culinary tastes. For example, the lamb shoulder was a classic mediterranean/greek style dish with a perfectly tender preparation (which is usually hard since the shoulder cuts have connective tissues). It's paired with a pickled vegetable and mixed greens side that borrows much from the asian flavors of sweet and sour and spicy and complements the salty and savory of the lamb very well. The veal meatballs & hand-rolled tagliatelle is another excellent entree. The meatballs have great savory flavor and the sauce is rich and hardy that the al dente tagliatelle is able to hold firmly. It also has a meaty tomato flavor without the accompanying acidity. Don't skip out on the side dishes. The charred broccoli rabe is crisp and has a great bitter flavor that shakes up the palate. The duckfat fingerling potatoes are also good. The fois gras appetizer is buttery and decadent. Add in the roasted strawberries and sorbet, and you've got a beautifully balanced mix of savory and lightly tart and sweet that dances on the palate. The toasted bread cradling the fois gras and strawberries soaks up the flavors so make sure to eat it all. Just a note, pair this with a 'fruity' wine. A robust red will not go well with the sweetness of the strawberries. The carpaccio appetizer is wonderfully tender and melts in your mouth. The tart marinade brings out the some great flavors of the dish. The best spot to sit is the bar seats overlooking the kitchen. It's a wonderful experience to watch the kitchen staff perform and perhaps strike up an impromptu conversation with the chefs. My experience with the service has been very good. The pacing was excellent. The bar staff is also talented. My 'Hemingway Sour' (Plymouth gin, grapefruit, maraschino topped with egg white foam and sprinkled with black pepper flakes) was very enjoyable. A refreshing drink with a peppery bite from the flakes. I paired my dinner with an Oregon pinot noir, Bergstrom. Peppery bouquet with bright red berries tastes and a structured mouthful tannins. It did not overpower any of the dishes.
(5)Lili K.
This place is just too pretty!! There's outdoor seating as well, fyi. From the moment you enter, you'll be greeted by some friendly hostesses. We made a reservation via Yelp's SeatMe and got seated right away. The food was SO delicious and unique-I really loved everything!! I tried the: fennel salad: SO fresh and tasty...it helped me eat all my greens :P fettuccine: I actually split this with a friend, so they put it into separate bowls for us. Yum!! burger: tasted rich yet also light beignets: I liked how it came with ice cream!! We also ordered about ten of their cocktails haha...all infused with a mix of strong alcohol and juices...exactly what we wanted!! :P We left feeling good versus overly stuffed, which was good. The servers were super friendly as well.
(5)Mei F.
So glad I found this restaurant! We wanted to try a new one today post-shopping, and this was only 8 minutes from Tysons Corner. It's pretty hidden. Maps said it was on the right but if we had just turned onto East St NE it would of been much easier to find. Service is really good. All the staff members here are super nice and helpful. Our waiter, Tommy, was great!! He was attentive but wasn't bothersome. He also made really good suggestions on what to order. I had the Ophelia which was refreshing and light with notes of rosemary. I would probably order this again next time and maybe get a second drink to try. He had the Green with Envy which he liked. I tried it and thought it was too strong. The flavors were good though! (Drinks) The bread is good, and when we were here they had these three kinds: parmesan, french and currant (like a raisin). They gave us more bread after we finished the first basket. Then we were about to get more when we told them we were good on the bread, haha. So nice of them to keep offering though! (Complementary bread) The octopus is flavorful (a little salty to me but still good). It comes with bok choy and eggplant. (Braised Spanish Octopus) I love the scallops. They were cooked perfectly. (Rubbery scallops are the worst, am I right? Happy to say these weren't at all.) The corn and the bacon bits that came with the dish were delicious as well. I definitely recommend this dish. (Caramelized Diver Scallops) The Roasted Pennsylvania Chicken came in a plentiful portion. It was really good and satisfying. The chicken was juicy and I liked the skin. There was a bit of fat around it but it was easy to avoid eating as it came off quickly. (Probably helped keep the chicken from not getting dry?) I was thinking about getting the fingerling potatoes as a side anyways but seeing that the chicken came with some swayed me in ordering this dish. My boyfriend wanted to try the House Charcuterie and he enjoyed the different meats. The brioche that came with it was tasty too. If there was nothing else to eat I could probably just eat a bunch of that and be happy. Their menu comes with a variety of dishes and it changes daily (if I remember correctly). It is a smaller menu, but I don't like to be overwhelmed with pages of options, so it was great! I trust that I'll probably like most of their dishes so I can't wait to come back! I'm excited to try more from the menu! (Check out the pics of the menus below for details on whats in the dishes and specialty drinks.)
(5)T y.
I found my new favorite restaurants in Vienna!! A friend of mine told me about the new hot restaurant opened up and had good experience with it, so we decided to stop by. We sat at the bar, the staff was super attentive, kept checking on our water and food. Their menu changes a lot, I tried their pasta, the pasta was house made, which is already 5 stars in my book before anything, the pasta was really good. My boyfriend tried their burger and it was juicy and flavorful, just a note, if you come during HH, the burger is only $5! The bone marrow was to die for, they didn't have it on the second time we went and it was only 2 weeks apart (I think). Lastly, if you enjoy foie gras, they do have an amazing Foie Gras dish that I will order every time they have it on the menu, because it's that good!! You have to check it out, the place is welcoming and delicious!
(5)John D.
Google Maps shows it on Maple, but it's really more on E St. It reminds me a bit of True Food Kitchen with regard to the open kitchen concept. We got the octopus, hanger steak, snapper, duckfat potatoes, tableside chocolate mousse, and pineapple pound cake. Everything was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. The mousse would have been better at a slightly cooler temperature, but it's great having freshly prepared food like that. Their beer menu was good, with no macrobrews. They have a good bottle selection but only three drafts. They have to work on their timing a bit, but it was opening night so that's fine. They addressed the kinks appropriately. I'm definitely looking forward to returning. Their prices are reasonable, also. Vienna needed a place like this!
(4)Va Beach M.
Again, just wonderful! My daughter said it was the best octopus she has ever eaten. I had a delicious hamburger which came with fries. Not enough space left for my fries, the burger was so huge. We sat at the kitchen bar and saw the staff do a feverish and coordinated ballet to get each plate just right. Our server was the bartender and she was excellent. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Vandad C.
Great restaurant, great food, but service is hampered by logistics or kitchen workflow issues. Very long wait for the entrees. The wait staff generally seemed overwhelmed but they always had a smile and did their best to keep people happy. If my beef brisket wasn't slightly cold I would have given this place a 4 star rating. Make sure you have reservations, it can get crowded.
(3)Jeanette H.
This one is a superb addition to the Vienna-Tysons dining scene. Great bar vibes and high-energy chefs. Tad salty but everything was delish! Desserts were superb. Furniture ... Well, who cares..
(4)Alyssa K.
Just a note that the prices on the web do not reflect actual prices - web is cheaper. By several dollars across the board.
(4)Leanne S.
I love this place. It has a great vibe and the food is amazing and original. This is an awesome addition to Vienna.
(5)t.sa c.
Somehow everything comes together for this restaurant. The unusual double panel automatic entry doors, elongated space with apparently a private room in the back, and ample bar seats with a nice view of the grills. Service was great and food excellent. Pork shank, red snapper, wine, and a nice cake pop to accompany the bill was a thoughtful touch. A place I'd definitely go again and maybe host out of town guests. Can't wait till they start brunch!
(5)Tuanh P.
The newest addition to Vienna's dining scene with American tapas style food. The decor and the servers uniforms didn't make sense and was quite confusing. The uniforms were more casual and seemed more appropriate for Founding farmers. The food was mediocre and lacked originality. Food was salty and I eat pretty salty. So I wouldn't recommend though I am interested to see what changes on the menu.
(2)Louise B.
I'm giving this five stars because the food was superb and the atmosphere lovely. The only downfall was I found our server to be somewhat disengaged and uninterested and not really paying attention. For example, two of our party of four ordered cocktails, one a hot tea, and one a glass of wine. The cocktails came, then the tea, then it was a while before the wine came. Not a great way to start. we ordered a dessert to share and I have an allergy to strawberries which are often used as a garnish so I asked him if he could ensure that they were not on the plate at all. He said he'd see what he could do! Really? Apparently h e misunderstood and thought I wanted to add strawberries. He wasn't paying very good attention. But I'd go again. Food was fabulous and restaurant nice but not pretentious.
(5)Firoozeh E.
What a Gem! Very attentive services. Real good food, need s but twigging, like crisper skin on rock fish or separate sauces, crispy softshell crab, but everything was delish! And the attentions to customer was fantastic. Manager checked on us, also chef came by, what a treat! Thank you guys for this much dedications You are here to stay Welcome to the neighborhood.
(4)Errol W.
Overall, Clarity was quite good. The salad was excellent. The entrees were excellent, with the exception of the fettuccine which wasn't as good - flavor was excellent, but the noodles were overcooked. Two things: the noise level was MUCH higher than we expected based on the reviews and they must only have one sugar container since our server had to search a while to find one on another table to bring for our coffee and after 10 minutes, or so, another server asked to take it to another table!
(3)Scott S.
We were at Wolf Trap on a Saturday night and checked Yelp for nearby restaurants. Saw that Clarity was very close by, and reviews looked good. I called their phone number and it was answered by a machine. The machine was like no other that I have heard. You leave a voice mail and within minutes they text you back. They had a table for two and we drove over. This place is behind an office park strip mall. Once we walked in, we were impressed by the modern and tasteful decor. We were immediately seated and our waiter, Jack took great care of us. The menu is short but full of masterfully creative dishes. There were some really interesting handcrafted cocktails as well. Very tempting, but we went with a bottle of wine. I ordered the yellow tomato gaspacho soup for a starter and it was awesome. My wife ordered Pennsylvania chicken in a basil tomato zucchini relish that was wonderful. I had the Monkfish in a gormet mushroom sauce that was the best i've tasted. For desert we had champagne poached peaches that was "off the hook" good. The owner/chef Jon came by to thank us for coming, and told us they had only been open since April. This place is so good, that I believe once the word spreads, you will need reservations well in advance. I highly recommend that you eat here while it's still easy to get a reservation. It's really THAT GOOD!
(5)Victoria K.
Clarity is new in town but I know it will be a success. They've been open for nine weeks and were pretty busy for a Sunday around 5:00. Sadly this review is for drinks only, as we had already eaten. The bartenders were friendly, knowledgeable and made great suggestions for us. The atmosphere is professional and the restaurant seems to run very smoothly. The open kitchen provides great entertainment and the ambiance is modern and chic. Servers and bartenders are all dressed in cute vests. The drinks were really top notch. I had their version of a Manhattan and a margarita and my husband tried a whiskey and the Montana ( a vodka cocktail). Drinks are exceptionally well-made with strong attention to detail - they blow torched a bay leaf for one of the cocktails. The drinks were all well-balance and delicious. I am eager to return and try food off of their amazing menu. I am a fan!
(4)Ana L.
It was the perfect spot for a special occasion, plus I got a purse hook as a freebie.
(5)Bianque M.
I arrived for my 6pm reservation on Saturday. I had a text confirming it. It was listed for Sunday in their "system". So we sat at the counter around the display kitchen cuz there was no table Available. It's very hot back there. Service was good. Dinner was as well. We had mussels, Rockfish and Scallops. Mussels were generous. Rockfish was a bit bland. The Scallops were served w/sweet corn and was very tasty. Had the beignets for dessert. So so. I wish my server Erik wasn't chewing gum. That I could see. Eww. C'mon on. It is a nice addition to Vienna but I'll go to Bazins on Church over Clarity next time.
(3)J W R.
This may very well be the best new restaurant in NoVa this year. Jon Krinn and Jason Maddens the co-chefs have a winner here. The meal starts out with freshly baked breads served warm - I think the baker must be the chef's father who has a long record of making exceptional artisanal bread. I go here for the bread alone. Appetizers are a wonderful tease to what is to come. Whether it is the condensed watermelon with feta or the salads or the grilled octopus, each item is made with care and precision, presented beautifully. Each night there is a special of grilled or smoked meat. I have had the lamb and the brisket - both top notch, tender and flavorful. You should not miss the cocktails - some wonderful concoctions. A good affordable wine list. The only thing I that needs improvement is the noise level. With the open kitchen concept it is fun to watch the chef's and various stations prepare meals, but it makes for a very loud environment. Go early or sit outside if you want to be able to have a conversation with your dinner companions.
(5)A D.
Great place!!! My friend and I had dinner here on my last night visiting. She said the Chef used to own another restaurant in VA years ago. Anyway, we had the Foie Gras, Mussels and Pork selections from their appetizer. Excellent choices!!! (We wanted to try a variety of food so we didn't order any entrees). They were very tasty and flavorful! The only thing was that I felt rushed.... just because my friend and I put our fork down and we were taking our time, they wanted to clear our plates! (they did this 3 times) Not a deal breaker though. Service was still good, overall. Call for reservations. The place was packed.
(4)Sara J.
I asked my husband, "what's happening here?-- are we huge food snobs?" "No--we dine out a lot and know what great food and service should be." So that's my advice--if you're a seasoned, discerning diner, be prepared for an off night at Clarity. I was really looking forward to dining here after the great buzz. Making a reservation seemed tedious--no one answered the phone at Clarity but a voicemail gives instructions on how to text a reservation. So instead, my husband and I decided to just try our luck and swing by since we were in the neighborhood. So I was surprised when a text showed up on my phone from someone at Clarity asking if I needed assistance. I was partly impressed, partly weirded out. It said there may be room at the bar or at the "pass"-- typo perhaps? When we arrived, we were seated outside and it was a beautiful Sunday evening around 8pm so we felt we'd lucked out. We also felt lucky because the WashPost review had just given the restaurant high marks. We weren't lucky. Our server -- once he arrived (we sat for 15 minutes before our drink order was taken) seemed a little too relaxed, but was detail oriented -- at first. He brought my husband a lovely Manhattan and brought my iced tea, but no offer of sugar or lemon. I asked for Splenda, and it took several passes by our table before he brought it. Then my order: 2 starters instead of a starter and a main. The server went out of his way to ask which I'd like first, which I appreciate. So I was confused when he delivered the two huge plates at once -- and he seemed surprised I preferred them one at a time. Didn't we discuss this? Also-- other servers delivered other people's meals to our table not once, but twice-- including a dessert with a candle in it which the couple behind us had ordered. But the timing was such that they served the dessert while one of the diners was in the restroom. What a celebration! Not. Oy. Ok-- so the service was awful. The food: decent at best. My tuna crudo was swimming in (herby delicious spicy) sauce but was room temp/warmish. Raw fish is best served cold, and not swimming in room temp sauce. The tuna was also a rather sloppy sliced messy pile, and vein-y too. The follow up watermelon feta dish was alright--but too fussy with cardamom honey and dollops of gelled something and herbs. Would benefit from being a little simpler. Other news--the table next to ours was told by our server that they were out of bread. Then a manager came by to say the bread was warming. Then another mixed message about it being DIFFERENT bread but better than the usual bread. What? Was my table served worse bread? Clearly a lot of UN-clarity and baffling miscommunication all around the restaurant. Other customers seemed miffed and the staff acted unaware. No apologies anywhere. We waited on our server for 15 minutes to give our dessert order. He would disappear, and then walk the entire patio, but missing our section completely. The ending donuts were fine. My espresso was served in a timely manner, and with sugar this time. Doubling our supply. I give two stars because my husband's steak with chimichurri was delicious. Otherwise... I may try Clarity again, but may need to clear this experience from my mind first.
(2)Chris v.
Fantastic. Superb. Interesting. My wife and I live in Vienna, and I had heard of Clarity from a co-worker. We made a reservation, and went with expectations that this would be fun. We were not disappointed. The location is a little odd, but I think that without the restaurant being free-standing, you have to work with what you have. Clarity has done very well. The inside of the restaurant is modern, open, and interesting. Staff was attentive, but not hovering. Our waiter (younger Asian guy) was very good, personable, and also informative. My wife and I share, so we got the octopus (which was one of the best octopus plates I've ever had!), one of the two scallop dishes (they brought the incorrect one, which was citrus, and smelled wonderful-should we have kept it?), which was fantastic, the wagu beef-wrapped tuna tartare (needed some heat-it was merely very good), and for entrees we had the gnudi (excellent mushroom sauce!) and soft-shell crab (again-this needed something to elevate it from being very good to excellent-maybe some spice/citrus?). For desert we shared a peppermint ice-cream sandwich, and we actually received two small ones-not sure if this is how they're usually served, or if they did this because they knew we were sharing. In any case, they were excellent, and I'm not big on mint at all. So, the only reason this is not a 5-star review is that we felt the wagu/tuna dish and the soft-shell crab dish needed a bit "more," but otherwise the meal was great. We will DEFINITELY come back, and it's great to have a restaurant of this caliber right in town-takes us about 10 minutes door-to-door. ...and we think that they need a bit more advertising, as we wouldn't have known about it if my co-worker hadn't mentioned it. I want them to do well, and keep putting out food like this for a long time!
(4)Alex N.
Great food, great atmosphere. My burger was perf. Our group was large but we were seated right away outside because they put tables together. One person didn't like their chicken and they brought out a whole burger and comp'ed her. Good drinks too. apparently their happy hour is great so I'd come back for that.
(5)Vivi T.
I took my kids to Clarity for a quick snack during the Happy Hours (weekdays 5-7) and I love the Tuna appetizer on the HH menu and my kids enjoyed their burgers. My kids said that they feel very clean eating the burgers unlike many burger joints they have tried! They love how the buns are fully seasoned with herbs and sea salt!
(5)Hailey R.
This restaurant is now HIGH on my list of go to places. First of all, the atmosphere is fabulous. It is a great space that is a fun, vibrant environment. The staff is friendly, polite, and quite knowledgeable on the menu. I received a wine recommendation I loved-which was a great start to my evening. Then the food came. Oh. YUM. At the chef's recommendation, my table ordered the pork shanks and octopus appetizers. These were both gluten free and MOUTH WATERING. I wanted to lick my plate and bury my face in the pork shanks. I could eat those...pretty much any time of day ever. I could totally have turned that in to breakfast, lunch OR dinner and would have been such a happy camper. For dinner, we ordered the pork chop and red snapper. My snapper came out and was deliciously fresh-it literally had to have just hopped out of the ocean on to my plate. The pork chop was magical, and I have spent the last few days trying to figure out a way to re-create the spices on those brussel sprouts I cannot get the delicious lingering taste out of my mouth on. I will DEFINITELY be returning. Often. This place is definitely a go-to for a foodie. You will NOT be disappointed. Return often. ALSO: for the price this place is even more awesome. BEYOND reasonably priced, even on the cheap side, and the food is spectacular.
(5)Lori S.
Visiting my family and they know I love to try a great new place so they booked the private room at Clarity for 10 of us. There was no extra charge and we found out you can request the private room for as little as two people, up to 10 people. It was totally worth it! The glass wall allows you to watch the kitchen without the noise. We even received the nicest little gift of purse hangers for all the women in the group - that you take home with you! We had a wonderful waiter, Samuel, who clearly enjoys working there. He was charming, pleasant and knowledgeable about the menu and restaurant. He offered to get the appropriate people when he didn't know an answer about the wine menu. We will request him next time. While the food did take a little while longer to come out than I would have liked, it was totally worth the wait. The mixologist was spot on with every drink we ordered and I fell in love with the Kir Royale. The mini pork chop appetizer and the Brussel sprout salad were done and dressed perfectly. Main dishes were eaten without a single complaint. The lamb shoulder is served family style and the Moroccan spices were amazing. The hanger steak was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The halibut was crispy outside and done without being over-cooked. The gnudi is a vegetarian dish and wonderfully flavored - you don't even miss the protein. The shrimp and pearl barley was awesome as well. No dish required any other seasoning than what it came out to us with. The desserts topped off this wonderful meal with a wide variety of sweets - fruits, mousse, gelato, chocolate - it had a little bit of everything to satisfy everyone. My favorite has to be the strawberry tart with rosemary ice cream. Sweet, tart, savory all rolled into one. Truly the highlight. The kitchen was even kind enough to write 'Happy Retirement' in chocolate on my aunt's dessert plate. Very sweet of them! My family can't wait to go back and I can't wait to get back into town to try it again too!!
(5)Ariel H.
The closing of Inox was probably the saddest thing that's happened to Nova (in my opinion, anyway). I've been waiting for Jonathan Krinn to open another restaurant in the area ever since. And Clarity does not disappoint. Everything was absolutely delicious, with the yuzu 75, octopus appetizer and lamb shoulder being the highlights for me. Food is overall impeccable. Portion is a little small and the entrees aren't accompanied with much carbs, making things a bit pricey. Most people will be able to eat an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert all by themselves - and prob still eat lots of bread on the side. I hope they incorporate more non-meat items into the menu (at least into a brunch menu) so I can come with vegetarian families and friends.
(5)Corey B.
My wife and I went last night to enjoy a date night. In summary, they have potential, but still have some growing pains to get through. When we arrived, they were very attentive n seating us, talking through the menu, making recommendations, etc. The Manager was kind enough to seat us and answer any questions we had. However, the staff's familiarity with the menu, processes, and who should be doing what was lacking. Bread was dropped off, but without any description of what kind of bread it was. Also, we had a butter knife, but had to request butter. The food was across the board tasty. We had the Octopus and mini-pork shanks for appetizers. Both were very good, especially the pork. The pork chop was also one of the best I've had. I'm not a pork chop guy as they are usually dry and tough, but this was the opposite. Add in Brussels with bacon, and voila, heaven. My wife had the veal meatball and tagliatelle and it was also very good. For dessert, the chocolate mousse was exceptional. They describe it as bittersweet, but this is not accurate in our opinion. It may be technically true, but not from the perspective of a consumer. The most prominent example of growing pains is that our service was great up until the point they restaurant started to fill up. We suddenly would not have anyone come to the table for 10 - 15 min at a time. We were finally able to flag down our waiter for the check after several attempts. We hope they are successful because they have a lot of potential and we live in Vienna and want a selection of quality eating establishments almost within walking distance. We'll go back and hope to have a 4 - 5 star experience to share.
(3)Natalie M.
My husband took me out here for a date. I was impressed with customer service, the quality of food and atmosphere. This restaurant is amazing! And I will rank it at 6 stars because they went above and beyond my expectations (All the ladies got a free Foldable Handbag Purse Hook Hanger!) If you will be ordering dessert order their donut. Its ridiculously good!
(5)K P.
Incredible food! What a delicious treat. Highly recommend!! Food, service, atmosphere, wine...all of it is a breath of fresh air. You will not be disappointed!!
(5)Eli L.
WOW! This place is a winner and just the type of place that D.C. needs--a not-too expensive restaurant thats super nice with a genuinely interesting menu and great service. I'd say that Rose's luxury is still probably the best place to eat in the D.C. area but this place comes close and, while it's busy, it does take reservations and won't have six hour waits. I've sampled maybe half the menu and, confusing as it is, it's all good. Although I'd yet to have something bad here, the conventional stuff (the hamburger, for example) is sublime. The "chip off the block" lamb is one of the best dishes I've ever eaten anywhere...and I don't even like lamb in general. Cocktails are also great. The only criticism I'd have--if I needed to make one--is that it's somewhat noisy and might not be the best place for business dinners. But this is an awesome, awesome restaurant.
(5)C.Lake L.
The "$$$" rating is misleading--the prices are very reasonable at Clarity. Really good deal for the high quality of food. I've been in a couple times...the scallops with squid ink fettuccine are a favorite, but the beef short ribs are what will keep me coming back over and over (and I rarely eat red meat!). The duck fat potatoes are addictive. The crafty cocktails are fun--the chili margarita is tasty and strong. Service was good and I love the view of the open kitchen.
(5)Jessica L.
I was really looking forward to dining here with a couple girlfriends with all the positive reviews, but unfortunately our experience was quite the disappointment. I gave myself a couple days before writing this review in order not to spew negativity and put the spotlight first on the moments that shone. Our waitresses were beyond accommodating, welcoming, and apologetic after our 45 minute (past reservation) wait to be seated. We really appreciated them taking the time to describe the menu and their favorite dishes to us, and they even ensured that if we ended up not liking their suggestions, there would be no problem in sending the dishes back to the kitchen for another selection more suitable for our palettes. We of course did not think this would be an issue! In efforts to make a very long (about 3 hour) story short, our orders were placed 15 minutes after we were seated and our bone marrow and soft shell crab appetizers took another 20 minutes to come out after placing the order. We were distracted with the delicious in-house bread, our wine, and each others' company that this wasn't too terrible, but when the entrees took an additional 30 minutes to come out, this summed our total waiting time here to nearly 2 hours. Then, more time was added when we discovered our risotto dish was not fully cooked and my friend's lamb came out quite cold. We spoke up and our waitresses apologized, as well as two of the managers. An order for a replacement risotto was sent to the kitchen but unfortunately - still not up to par. We didn't want to be bothersome and speak up about it again but eventually slowed down in our efforts to eat the unevenly cooked dish. Desserts were on the house which we thought was a kind gesture, but when the ice cream came out half melted and the crème brûlées also cold and unappetizing, we were pretty disheartened. Even though management so generously decided to cover our meals that night, I'll have to say clarity was never quite reached here and we'll be doubtful to return.
(2)Jun H.
Despite all the raving reviews about the food, my experience at Clarity was not the same. The service was very slow. Upon being seated, our waiter did not bring us water until after 5 minutes of being seated. Our waiter, Clark, was very friendly, but failed to check up on us often and did not explain the menu too well. From what I can tell, the restaurant is filled with many inexperienced waiters idly standing around. For the first plates, I ordered the bone marrow with beef tartar and the soft shell crab. The consistency of the tartar was off-putting, it tasted like lukewarm liver wurst.The bone marrow was over seasoned and definitely undercooked. The soft shell crab was mediocre, nothing special. For the main course I ordered the Gulf shrimp and pearl barley risotto. The risotto was undercooked and the sauce was way too thin for a risotto. Although, the flavor of saffron permeated throughout every bite. The flavor was there, but the execution of the dish was off. Finally, for desert I ordered the Beignets and the apricot shortcake. The Beignets were overcooked and fried. Beignets are suppose to taste light and airy, but this beignet was like chewing stale, bitter bread. The apricot shortcake was something. I definitely knew that the chefs were going for deconstructed shortcake rather than the traditional layers, but once again, the execution was off. The shortcake was undercooked and doughy, it was like mining for gold, I could not get my spoon through the shortcake. The plate overall had the image of manure. Overall, my experience at Clarity did not reflect the raving reviews. The waiters need better training, along with better chefs that can execute these dishes. All-in-all, Clarity was a huge disappointment. I gave Clarity's a two star since you can choose between sparkling water or plain water.
(2)Lori B.
Kind of a small, cramped atmosphere inside, with a high noise level. But the food definitely made up for it! Clarity has a gourmet menu with unique offerings and a great wine menu, and the presentation is excellent. The server recommendation were great - octopus appetizer was delicious.
(4)Josh S.
Very welcoming atmosphere with amazing food. We sampled several courses. Among our group of 7 people, the appetizers favorites were the tender beef (I think the staff said it was sous-vide for 72 hours!) and the pork-inspired take on chicken wings. Don't overlook the sauces. The sauces on all the appetizer dishes was superb. The Pennsylvania roast Chicken was moist and delicious, with crispy flavorful skin and the right balance of salt and savory flavor. Thankfully we saved room for dessert -- chocolate mousse homemade table side, which was probably the best mousse I've ever tasted. Overall, really amazing food and atmosphere. Ate my food so fast I forgot to take pictures of it.
(5)Mark S.
I've always been a fan of chef Jon Krinn. Loved his cooking as the original chef at 2941 and really dug the short lived Inox. Now he's opened Clarity in Vienna and it's a definite home run. Great atmosphere and decor-check. Great cocktails and a well curated and fairly priced wine list-check. Terrific service-check. Great food- oh yeah! Oh, and his dad the retired ophthalmologist turned baker is responsible for the wickedly good bread basket, just as before. This was my first visit, but there will be many more!
(5)Alice B.
If you live in Vienna and are reading this review, you know exactly this is the kind of restaurant our town needs. My husband and I have been living in Vienna for over two years now and there were times where we wanted to go grab a drink, the only choices were Bazin's and Bazin's Next Door (now only opens for private parties.(. When Clarity opened three weeks ago, we couldn't be happier. One of my good friends and I went to Clarity on the first Friday the restaurant was opened. It was crowded. We couldn't get a table or seats at the bar immediately. We waited for a while before any seats became available. We shared a few small plates, including mini pork shank (heavenly), brussels sprout salad (delicious), and tempura shrimp (I can do without.) We also got a couple bottles of wine. At the end of the night, we got a couple of various desserts to share. They were scrumptious. During this visit, we met the chef and his wife, and the restaurant's friendly staff. The following week, I went to the restaurant again with my husband and another couple on a date night. Let me tell ya, the restaurant was pact again. We saw many of our friends coming through the door! It was insane. We had some of the restaurant's cocktails and they were really good. We got more mini pork shanks and the grilled octopus - both were soon good. Each of us got various entrees and we all loved them. The chef, Jon Krinn, came over to chat at the end of the night. He gave us a tour of the restaurant. We learned of the private room in the back. We can't wait to go back. The patio furniture will be there at the end of May. It will be a blast to hang out there in the patio when real Spring arrives. :-)
(5)Gigi U.
DECOR - modern, contemporary, clean, bright, open. not that many tables. there was a outdoor patio but it wasn't ready for business. there was a big TV at the bar SERVICE - the waiter was attentive and professional. The time between courses wa too long. I'm not sure why since it wasn't packed. Also, since the restaurant wasn't full, I would have preferred to sit more spaced out. We sat next too very cozily next to another table when the other side of the restaurant was empty. The drink menu was confusing, 2 sections of wines. they should have drink specials FOOD - I wasn't sure what type of restaurant this was. there was seafood, italian, not as many meat items. everything seemed to sit in a pool of sauce, maybe try not using as much or drizzle on the side. I loved the grilled octopus but the eggplant had too much balsamic vinegar. The size of the brussels sprouts was too big. They should note that it's not cook. Maybe better as a side than an appetizer. for an appetizer maybe add bacon or figs? The red snapper was good but i thought it was small for the price. The desserts were really weak - please improve. first of all, there was only 3 desserts. The waiter recommended the pineapple cake and was terrible. I think they used canned pineapple - seriously? Try adding interesting flavored gelato or sorbet. easy and delicious. OVERALL - good, not great but room for improvement. In an odd location with limited parking. it's a bit pricey for the portion size and for items that are not so unique. I've had those same dishes at other restaurants. it needs an identify. it's not clear what type restaurant Clarity is. I think there is a need and demand for a small plates, trendy cocktail place with innovative dishes and drinks in a cool environment.
(3)John S.
My wife and I had dinner in mid July during a week day. We were able to get a last minute reservation at 5:45 without any problems. But dinners around 7 were already fully booked. We were seated immediately when we arrived. The restaurant address is on Maple Ave, but it actually faces on East St. which is on the east side of town near the country club. Turn onto East St from Maple Ave and then make a left into the parking lot. They have a nice set of wine choices. I ordered the cardamom Manhattan which was nicely done. This basically a small plates place. Portions are not large, but we were full when we left. I ordered an appetizer of bone marrow and beef tartare. They were a nice pair and were well made. But there wasn't much marrow in the bone. The waiter said had had ever seen anyone scoop out as much bone as I had done. I definitely tried to get every late edible bite. I had the rockfish which was very well prepared with some veggies around the plate. My wife had a softshell crab appetizer and scallops with bacon. She said both were awesome. She makes her own scallops wrapped in bacon, and she said these were much better. We had a small dessert which was not very memorable. Coffee is french press with your own pot and was excellent. The wait staff and front desk people were very young. They were very quick and efficient, but still learning. But being friendly and earnest goes a long way with me. My wife and I both were servers when we started working many years ago, and we appreciate good service when we receive it.
(4)Rodi B.
We went there with my wife and our 4 boys and we were worried that they wouldn't be kids friendly but we were wrong and they greeted us with a big smile and they made us feel welcomed . My wife ordered the shrimp risotto and I ordered the skirt steak and they were amazing very tasty and perfectly cooked also we ordered the burgers for the boys and it tasted amazing and fresh even my picky boy eater loved it . They also have a great selection of wines and everything was priced just right . I highly recommend this place and we will be back .
(5)Steve H.
We checked out this restaurant a few weeks after it opened. We made reservations about a week ahead of time as they seem to book up on the weekends. This is a nice addition to the Vienna/Tysons area. We had the octopus and the beef short ribs for apps. The octopus was the best thing we had all night. It was well seasoned and tasted great. Even better than the octopus dish we had at Kapnos a few weeks back. The short ribs were tender but I thought it was under seasoned. A few taps of the salt shaker and it tasted great. Our entrees included the scallops and the hanger steak. Both were nicely presented and delicious. We also had the duck fat potatoes as a side. Even though the menu said "bottomless sides," we were never offered a 2nd serving by the waitress. The service was okay, it definitely could've been better. We had a cake dessert (don't remember the name of it) and it was nothing special. It was a very small piece of cake with a lot of sauce. I also had the tamarind chili margarita cocktail. This is not your standard sweetened lime margarita. It had an interesting taste with a little spice. I look forward to trying the other specialty cocktails. Overall, i thought the food and experience was very good. The prices are reasonable. I like the open kitchen concept and would try to eat at the pass on my next visit.
(4)Cookie D.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the Vienna/Tysons/Mclean area. We have sat at the front bar, the food bar and at tables. The bar is very small but has a nice happy hour menu, including clarity punch, which is a mixed drink/sangria type thing that changes regularly. I've enjoyed trying the different options. My favorite dishes are the gnudi, with an intensely flavored mushroom sauce - like and yummy, and the burger. I hardly ever order burgers - this is one of the best burgers I have ever had. There is something about the way it is cooked - maybe the way they char the meat? It's simple but so flavorful. At the bar, there is a single patty version and on the main menu, a double patty version. It's one of the two best burgers I've ever had (Palena's burger was the other). We've tried the Waygu brisket - oh, so good...it simply melts in your mouth. For dessert, the lemon tart was outstanding - it had a crisp, almost cookie like tart crust - the last time I had a tart crust like that was in Paris years ago.
(5)dan f.
Jonathan Krinn is an amazing chef and I'm so glad he's back to cooking in the DC area. Mini Pork Shanks - The best pork dish I've ever eaten. It's lightly fried and extremely juicy and falls off the bone. The honey/chili glaze is delicious. Served with a nice slaw which provides a good contrast. Braised Spanish Octopus - I'd order this dish again just for the ginger lime sauce! It was great to use with the bread basket. The octopus is great too, just be sure you like the rubbery texture of octopus before ordering. Crisp Red Snapper - Perfectly cooked piece of fish. I wasn't big on the stew that it came in but can't wait to order the next fish on their menu because of how delicious the fish was. Duckfat Fingerling Potatoes - Good accompaniment to the meal but probably wouldn't order again. Nice touch adding bacon bits though. + Excellent service by the hosts and waiters + Great value. This restaurant is high end but you will not be paying high end prices. Also nice that they provide a $12 burger option. + Next time I would ask to sit at the "Chef's Table". Anyone can sit there, it's just a bar top in front of the kitchen which looked like a great show in addition to a perfect meal.
(5)Bill L.
This place is good, I am lazy to drive far for dinner and I've been to probably every restaurant around tysons/McLean, and I would say clarity will be the one of the only two American restaurants I'd like to repeat......the other being costal flat because it's too convenient to dine at We walked in without reservation and got seated at chef's table, which was a big plus for us since I love to cook and we both enjoyed watching the kitchen. We ordered grilled tuna, octopus, lamb shoulder x2 portion, and I would really recommend the octopus and the lamb shoulder. Grilled tuna is just tuna...not much special about it. I feel both the octopus dish and the lamb shoulder got a lot of chinese cuisine characters in them. The spicy pepper sauce is very much like Szechuan style, the way they cook the eggplant sauce for the octopus is definitely chinese....it resembles the flavor of those eggplant pot from hong kong or Cantonese restaurant in China. And the way they cook the bokchoy is very shanghai style. Then the lamb should taste just like those roasted lamb shoulder you would get from western china.....xi'an, lan'zhou etc. with a lot of cumin on it. Overall, great place for me and I'm looking forward to try something new next time
(5)Krissy C.
Welcome to Clarity! The self-proclaimed "Culinary-Hangout" is the Town of Vienna's newest bistro-style hot spot. Opening just a few short weeks ago, this former Wolf Trap deli eatery is a project of Jonathan Krinn (formerly of 2941 in Falls Church) and Jason Maddens (formerly of Central in NW DC). Currently offering an eclectic dinner menu, the Clarity website indicates Lunch and "In-Between" hours are Coming Soon. Plum Street Partners dined on the second evening in business and were greeted with gifts - a gold purse hanger with Clarity logo which we promptly put to use. We settled on a large circular table right in the middle of the restaurant; a perfect view of the front door, the open kitchen and a zebra wood bar showcasing their passion for hand-crafted and creative cocktails. We were surrounded by honey color upholstered booths, sky-blue suede back dining chairs and oversized orb-like pendant lights. When diners think of a bistro setting, they credit atmosphere. The small plate, light fare, cozy and intimate ambiance is where we get the definition of a bistro table (small top, two chairs - think Paris sidewalk). Clarity's warm and inviting space flows well, permitting groups as large as twenty or thirty people. Starters consisted of brussels sprouts with marcona almonds, medjool dates, bibb lettuce and parsley in a sherry vinaigrette as well as a generous serving of tempura shrimp. Special note should be made regarding Clarity's progressive wine list. Sorted by genres like Flowers & Herbs and Mineral Driven, the wine selections leave little to be desired. The same can be said for their obvious support of local, craft breweries. As the late afternoon faded into the early evening, the crowd that had trickled in was now a steady stream of anxious, local food critics. What is not surprising is the vast reach of demographics represented on this particular Thursday evening; a silver haired couple catching up over pencil friend potatoes, a half dozen ladies decked out in baubles and gossiping with fits of win-induced giggles, and the prominent young professional clearly on their way home but not without a drink with friends to usher in an early weekend. Our vegetarian entree, the crisp red snapper was served in a "fisherman's stew" with saffron potatoes and fennel. The roasted free range chicken with wild mushrooms, caramelized root vegetables and morel sauce was juicy and flavorful; and I for one am grateful that the mushrooms (fleshy and succulent) had ample time and space in a sauté pan of sweet cream butter. "Perfection", says the mushroom lover. With all of our basic food groups having been properly devoured, we felt entitled to experience the highlight of the night; the table side mousse presentation!
(5)Audrey M.
Went for a mid-week dinner based on a recommendation. This restaurant is tucked away so we didn't even know it existed until we went looking for it. The highlights: -I got a neat little hook to hang my bag with the Clarity logo. It wasn't necessary, but it was a welcome gesture. -We shared the brussel sprout salad and the salmon tartare for starters. The salmon was amazing -- simultaneously bright and creamy. The salad was fine. Smartly, the brussel sprouts were probably blanched, so they had none of the bitterness you might expect. But the salad could have used a bit more acidity and fewer dried blueberries. -We shared a chip off the block, which was brisket on Tuesday (this is a special that rotates). It was tender and there was a great spicy sauce on the side, but even though brisket is very fatty, I felt as though I left 30-40% of the volume of meat we were served on the plat because it was just fat. The hush puppies were wonderful. The slaw was not a slaw and was, in any case, forgettable. -The service was friendly and attentive, with a couple of awkward moments (2 options for water that weren't clear to us until we asked questions [still and bubbly], a server who reaching over my husband to retrieve an extra glass, weird banter, a forgotten side), but in light of the overall experience, none of this was an issue.
(4)maura f.
WONDERFUL addition to the NoVa neighborhood! Way to go Jonathan, the food was delicious; Nico's wine list is great, and love the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Can't wait for the patio to open :-)
(4)David W.
After five visits to Clarity we are confident that this restaurant will continue to impress with its remarkable food, excellent service and delightful ambiance. The wine list is impressive both by the glass and bottle. The chef spent years perfecting his craft in France and Monaco in some of the finest restaurants in the world and this is reflected in everything on the table from the breads to the dessert. Although ensconced in an unprepossessing strip mall albeit with more than ample parking, Clarity makes us believe that we are in the south of France enjoying incredibly delicious mussels, compressed watermelon, scallops, monkfish, brisket and desserts. The prices are commensurate with the experience and in our opinion worth every cent! We will be back with friends to this foodie paradise many times more.
(5)Patrice C.
Great fun and perfectly portioned food. We had the tuna appetizer--raw, just the way we like it in a clear spicy broth. My entree was a bowl of 4 perfectly seared scallops on top of a bed of fresh sweet corn kernels. My sister had the Snapper and said it was delightful. We will be back.
(5)Katy R.
Been waiting to try this new Vienna spot ever since it opened and it did not disappoint! Perhaps one of the best meals I've ever had not cooked by my mother. We got the mussels with lamb sausage, octopus, and beef tartare + marrow for appetizers. All were delicious, and reasonable portions. The octopus was unlike any I'd ever had - not chewy or slimy at all. For main courses we got the scallops, rockfish, and pork chop, all cooked to perfection and worth a try . the pork was incredibly tender and generously portioned with greens and a candied orange . my only complaint is that the rockfish portion was a bit on the small end, but definitely big on taste. And since it was my birthday , we stayed for dessert. Beignets, dark chocolate cupcake, and custard with flavored ice cream. the perfect ending to a near perfect meal. service was great . the waiters use mini ipads to put in your food right as you order, so it is sent to the kitchen immediately. in fact, our drinks arrived at our table while we were still ordering food. the wait staff is pleasant, and professional. 10/10 , will definitely be going again.
(5)Yvonne M.
Great new restaurant. The food was amazing, service was impeccable and wine list was outstanding. I encourage Yelp readers to check it out.
(5)C K.
I really wanted to like Clarity. The food was good but a bit unimaginative and pedestrian. I noticed a few popular trends on the menu copied from other hot restaurants. It took 10 minutes for the bartender to even acknowledge my presence, longer to take an order then my Manhattan was slug together without measuring the components. All of the support staff need training and polish - they are way out of sync with what the Chefs are trying to do here, which reflects poorly upon them. There were constant reminders all night that I was in an oddly located restaurant in a suburban strip mall - something I was willing to overlook if I had been wowed. Unfortunately they have a long way to go for that.
(2)Dave S.
Food was really, really good. We had a nice, fresh brussel salad and the salmon tartare to start out - great, summery dishes. Then we shared one of the chef's specials, the beef brisket. The meat was a bit fatty, but so tender. And the BBQ sauce had a wonderful kick to it. Add to that a side of charred broccoli rabe and it is easy to give a rave review of the food. But the service was just weird. It felt like everyone was still rather new and a bit unsure of themselves, other than the kitchen staff. The front of the house had at least three people working and the way they were seating people seemed pretty haphazard. We got stuffed into a corner by the door despite there being a ton of open tables throughout the restaurant. And one of the guys did this very odd thing where, without any hesitation, he just reached right in front and across my chest to remove the extra settings on the table. We'll go back, of course. I trust the service is something they'll improve on and the food was a welcome step up from what is available in Vienna these days.
(4)Lisa P.
Clarity made my birthday dinner really special! As we were seated they handed us menus proclaiming Happy Birthday! Only complaint was that we had to ask twice for a cocktail menu...really important to get that right away for a celebration! Decor is really pretty and modern; fairly loud ambiance. Our waiter seemed very harried and we did not "bond" with him. However, everything we tried was very tasty and fresh. I had an excellent chili-tamarind margarita and my husband had locally brewed ale. We both had salads to start - mine with roast fennel and arugula was too big - would have liked more fennel and less arugula - but tasty. My husband's tomato salad was excellent. For dinner we had the delicious corn, asparagus and tomato fettucinni and the brisket. Both super! They brought out my dessert on a nice plate with happy birthday written on it - coconut cake with lemon ice cream and glazed cherries. My husband had the creme brulee type dessert. One more note - their credit card system was down! We had to leave our credit card info which was a bit of an uncomfortable end to the evening. I give it 4 stars for food; it lost a star for service.
(4)Wayne M.
It was my first time here and I was very impressed. The bloody Mary was excellent. The Yellow fin tuna was a bit bland. The scallop dish was to die for. Absolutely amazing. Nice atmosphere. Fairly priced, I will be coming back many times. You should too.
(4)