BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier - Lorien Hotel & SpaFood truly in the DC Top 100Food was fabulous. Grilled octopus appetizer was amazing, slightly smoky and fork tender garnished with piquillo peppers, red onion, and paprika; veal chop perfectly cooked on a bed of creamy potatoes with a light garnish of mushrooms greens and au jus. Dining room management needs work. We arrived early for an 830 reservation but could not be seated, although there were empty tables that remained empty until well after we were seated. Service was uneven...sometimes rushed, sometimes ridiculously slow, perhaps caused by block seatings. Waiter's wine recommendations did not work all that well, we should have gone with our instincts. Folks eating at the bar got great food, service, and wine recommendations. Will consider that for next time.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMMoroccan MagicThe location not far from King Street Metro was convenient. The food was excellent . Wine list impressive. BUT IT WAS THE SERVICE THAT WAS AMONG THE VERY BEST WE'VE SEEN. Too unusual in Washington area. The young Moroccan waiter made out day. . . Ask for him! JWD5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBRABOA bit procey, but Brabo offers the best food in DC area.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was awesome asEverything was awesome as usual. Our favorites were the foie gras with strawberry rhubarb compote, and the lamb cannelloni.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMBrabo is consistently good!That says it all...the food is really good, as well as the service. And what makes all if that even better is that it is consistent!5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMMy daughter took me for Mother'sMy daughter took me for Mother's Day dinner, I was we'll treated and enjoyed. I will recommend my friend. Thx!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding!!We have frequented Brabo's a few times and as always the food, service and ambience was outstanding. We look forward to our next visit.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent choice!BRABO is a beautiful and elegant restaurant, but not stuffy at all. It's a formal yet comfortable. All four of us decided on the tasting menu (must be ordered by everyone at the table), which was a superb tasting of all Robert Wiedmaier's best dishes. However the service was not commensurate with the meal ... timing is key for a tasting menu with the wine pairings. Our server and his assistants seem to be one step behind the pace. The server's course and wine announcements for what was being served lacked some energy and information. Overall, we had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a special occasion or a quiet dinner restaurant.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had the rockfish over ratatouillWe had the rockfish over ratatouille and NY strip with spinach. Both were excellent but it was a bit pricey (especially the wine by the glass) for what the meal was.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMTop Notch"The food at Brabo is top quality, well prepared and well presented. My wife loved the Asparagus and Spring Onion Risotto and her ribeye was perfectly seasoned and cooked. I had the Steak Frites and that was also exceptional. The cocktail menu was new with catchy names and the two drinks I had (one bourbon and one vodka) were great. We both had the Foie Gras special as a second course and it was buttery and deep in flavor. The service was excellent and the hostess was friendly and very attentive.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary DinnerWife and I went here for our Anniversary, glad I chose the tasting menu, it was pricey at $65, but well worth it. Service very good overall an excellent experience. My only suggestion would be in the dining room get better (more upright) chairs that one does not sink back into.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMRobert Widemaier's Old TownRobert Widemaier's Old Town outpost is always reliable for a wonderful evening. Dined with friends who had never been to Brabo and eveyone enjoyed the experience. All of the dishes from fish to steaks were perfectly cooked. Duck was a little fatty, but I'll give them a pass on that one! Wine steward is most helpful.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMSunday brunch was excellent.Sunday brunch was excellent. Corn beef hash was a treat. Our server, Ivan, made the meal most enjoyable.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMTasty but priceyThe food was good. I had the tasting menu and my girlfriend ordered off of the dinner menu (salad and Artic Char). The portions on the tasting menu were small but all tasted wonderful. The wine pairing was only "ok". I also would have liked to have received more information about each wine. The char was a healthy portion and tasted great. The ambiance is not great but it is "okay" as we were seated in close proximity to others, even though the restaurant was only about 1/2 full. So, two cocktails before dinner ($32!! plus $8 tip), dinner ($182.00) plus tip ($45.00) for two. I would do it again, but maybe only once or twice per year. The staff (including all staff) was very attentive and always helpful. They would get six stars if I could!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place!We had a great time at Brabo for our anniversary. They have a very extensive wine list and an interesting selection of food. I had the arctic char and my husband had the duck special, and both dishes were delicious. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive, as was all of the staff. We were pleasantly surprised when we received our dessert and one of the staff had written "Happy Anniversary" in chocolate sauce on the plate. A very special ending to a nice evening. We would definitely go back! Our only gripe is that you have to walk through the bar (and through the people congregating at the bar) to get into the restaurant and find the hostess table. And the bar gets a little noisy and there is no seperation between it and the restaurant.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAn outstanding dining experience.An outstanding dining experience. Restaurant has been through a lot of change over last year or so but all seems to have settled down and it was as good as we remember it being a couple of years ago. Every thing was as close to perfection as we would want and appreciate it being.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe duck breast with kaleThe duck breast with kale and lentils and wine reduction was fabulous. Service very attentive. Staff called prior to our visit to ask about food allergies. We sat at a table near the bar on a Friday and the bar area was vibrant. It is expensive, but probably in keeping with the neighborhood. The food quality was on par with restaurants in Europe. Cheerful, friendly staff. Great experience.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMMy server was absolutely topMy server was absolutely top notch. Very expensive dinner for 2 people ($200), but gave my server 25% because he was so very good.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat eveningThis was a birthday event and usually I'm not great in picking restaurants. Something always goes wrong or falls flat. This time I was spot on! Everyone in our party was so pleased ... and the birthday girl couldn't stop raving about the experience. The next day she said we should go back soon to try the tasting menu. The food was amazing and the service was among the best we've ever had. We are foodies and have been to some nice restaurants. This was among our favorite places, We will be back.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was one of the best restaurantThis was one of the best restaurants we all have eaten at in a very long time. The food was absolutely superb, along with the personal attention to every detail, including giving us the table we wanted. Everyone was very nice and attentive. We will return whenever we are in town.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was a lovely, upscaleThis was a lovely, upscale dining experience and the food was absolutely amazing. From the asparagus and spring onion risotto which was so light and just melted In one's mouth to the ever so tender veal chop with its perfect au jus blend of flavors along with a dish of silky tender pepperdale pasta, the food was perfect. This is not our first visit and it surely will not be our last.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWould have to give it a second try!We were not able to get a reservation until 9 and put in a request that if earlier seating opened to call. We were called in the late afternoon advising that there was not an earlier reservation. However when we arrived there were several empty tables, don't know if several parties had "just" left. The service was very good and at the recommendation of the waiter between 2 selections I ordered the beef. It was cooked to my request, but had no flavor. Disappointing. The salad selections were excellent & other diner thought the Atlantic Char excellent. The restaurant was also very loud due to the bar & a larger party seated across from us. I would recommend, but with caveats.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMTook a friend out for dinnerTook a friend out for dinner - only last minute res we could secure was at 6pm. Was totally worth it! I eat gluten free and many excellent recommendations were made. We shared the mussels appetizer - the mussels were large, firm but tender and the broth delectable. Cocktails were very good, as was the wine recommendation to go with her Haddock and my veal. Not an easy combo to pair. The free-range veal is provided from humane ranchers and takes the guilt out of ordering this exquisite rosey beef. Dessert was a happy revelation with gooseberries and dark chocolate. Yum!!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThe service was impeccable,The service was impeccable, the food was outstanding and beautifully presented, and the ambiance was just right, not too loud, not too quiet.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe enjoyed our meal very much.We enjoyed our meal very much. The only complaints we could possibly have would be that our sparkling and still water got mixed at some point in the evening, and the fingerling potatoes with truffle oil did not actually have truflle oil. Beyond that, we were delighted.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AM90th Birthday CelebrationWe went to Brabo's for a special occasion--to celebrate a 90th birthday. We were given a prime table and special attention the entire evening. We ordered the tasting menu, of which every course was superb, surprisingly not too much food so that no one felt overly stuffed, very fresh and original without being "weird." Cocktails are fantastic. Brabo's understands the customer, and made it a very special celebration for us.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMOUTSTANDINGCant say enough about this place. It was our second time there (one of our favorite places when visiting Alexandria). The waiter was excellent. The food was outstanding. Great evening4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMI had an excellent diningI had an excellent dining experience and I highly recommend Brabo.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went there for my birthdayWe went there for my birthday to celebrate. Our waiter was so sweet and had helped us with his recommendations. There was a plethora of choices, but he helped up narrow them down to a delicious meal! We especially enjoyed the steamed mussels and rockfish.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMOrdered the tasting menu withOrdered the tasting menu with wine pairings and had a lovely birthday celebration.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently very good. AConsistently very good. A difficult task for most restaurants these days. Our captain Greg made it special.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMBravo Brabo - A dining experience!Where do I start. One of the best dining experiences ever. We deferred to our waiter's recommendations for the foie gras, and were so satisfied with both presentation and quality, not to mention how savory it was. The duck and antelope were lovely and the sauces reduced to a mouth-watering retreat where you are forced to close your eyes and wallow in your sense of taste. Both my daughter and I were worried that our lingering colds would dampen the potential flavor of Brabo's offerings, but were amazed at how everything tied together and provided for a sumptuous and transcendent meal. But most amazingly, Brabo's seriousness about service is unparalleled. I can't wait to come back with friends to share this venue with them. Bravo Brabo!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMPower Breakfast SpotAn ideal place for a "power" breakfast. Convenient to the King St. Metro. Quiet. Attentive service. Good food.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMOther than the chef not gettingOther than the chef not getting the temperature right on my steak (2 times), my experience at BRABO was wonderful. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly and he handle the issue with the food very quickly and appropriately. My husband and I enjoyed ourselves and would recommend this restaurant to our friends.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMBRABO presented excellentlyBRABO presented excellently prepared food and had an extensive wine list. Wait service was outstanding.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic experience <3Our waitress was wonderful, the food was delicious (lamb & fish), and the drinks were great. Highly recommend this restaurant.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a lovely time for EasterHad a lovely time for Easter brunch. Staff was attentive and the food presentation was perfect, never crowded in the room.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMDelightful and DeliciousThe food was excellent as was the presentation. The wine list is very good and we enjoyed two favorites that evening. The service was outstanding and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an elegant ambience and excellent cuisine.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMI chose Brabo to celebrateI chose Brabo to celebrate easter with my mother and was pleasantly surprised by thr great selection of food. I especially loved the ham and my mother could not stop raving. She said it was better than the Chart House!!! It was sooo good, she wants to return next Easter.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGood but server was disinterestedGood but server was disinterested except in trying to get us to order highest priced items.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMFish was really really dryFish was really really dry (great flavor but really dry - people that we were with really should have sent it back) - veal was wonderful - as was everything else3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant is locatedThis restaurant is located in the Lorien Hotel in Old Town Alexandria. My dinner and that of my guests were delicious and beautifully presented. It is expensive but portions are reasonable. We ordered the Chicken, Duck and Pork Shank. All were wonderful. We shared the plate of cookies all baked on site and a nice end to the meal. I highly recommend.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMHip but not pretentiousMy new favorite restaurant in Old Town; great happy hour too! Also recommend the informal tasting room next door.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst visit to Brabo, hadFirst visit to Brabo, had heard much about it. It surpassed my expectations. We had a wonderful meal, and all courses were outstanding. It starting with the spacious tables and wonderful ambiance which made you feel comfortable and at ease. And continued through with the gracious service throughout.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful evening.We had a wonderful evening. Our server was very attentive & helpful. I don't recall his name but Nico is listed on our receipt. Nico suggested a lovely wine to go with my dinner. At the end of dinner a special plate of cookies was brought out with "Happy Birthday" spelled in chocolate sauce. What a nice gesture & end to our evening.
Restaurant is a nice stroll from Metro.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOk service, yummy foodThe food was good and cooked perfectly, but some of the dishes seemed to skimp on the accompaniments. The steak frites had a very nice portion of fries and salad, but the rockfish, described as being served with gnocchi, mushrooms, and broccoli skimped on everything but the fish. Of all things why skimp on the broccoli? The cocktails were fantastic as was the organic Wine blend that I selected from the extensive wine list. As for the service, it was just ok. The waiter seemed unfamiliar with the wine list (other than the wine by the glass) and had to come back to have me show him on the list which bottle i ordered. When the food came, he was unsure of who ordered what and had to ask us before serving. Otherwise, it was a nice dinner3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMDelightful find!Thoroughly impressed; we will be coming back again very soon. The food was fantastic, the wine list extensive with broad range, the staff was knowledgeable and personable, the noise level was perfect for conversation; neither too loud nor too quiet. Overall a delightful experience.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful restaurant. TheA wonderful restaurant. The food is excellent and the wait staff is very, very good. I walked but they have complimentary parking and it's only a couple of blocks from the King St. Metro3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe LOVE this restaurant.We LOVE this restaurant. The atmosphere is great; it is comfortable, with a touch of elegance. The staff is so friendly and helpful. And, most importantly, the food is ALWAY EXCELLENT! My friend and I said, we have not been here for months, we need to come more often!3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMA pleasant evening at Brabo,A pleasant evening at Brabo, but please avoid the veal scallopini. Otherwise, food and drink were very good.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AM