• BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier - Lorien Hotel & Spa

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Reserve at BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier - Lorien Hotel & Spa

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BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier - Lorien Hotel & Spa
BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier - Lorien Hotel & Spa

BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier - Lorien Hotel & Spa Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.braborestaurant.com
  • Email: matty.fanning@braborestaurant.com
  • Phone: (703) 894-3440
  • Hours of Operation: Dinner: Monday -Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm,
    Dinner: Friday - Saturday 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm,
    Sunday Brunch: 11:00am - 2:30pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: European, French, Belgian
  • Executive Chef: Robert Wiedmaier
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Harvard St
  • Public Transit: Metro one block, free trolley
  • Parking: Valet
  • Parking Details: Complimentary Valet and street parking available.

    The valet area is located in front of the restaurant and the Lorien Hotel. If a valet is parking other cars, inquire in the restaurant and we will see to it that you will be accommodated.
A word from BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier - Lorien Hotel & Spa
We offer our guests a relaxed, yet formal dining experience, with a focus on Belgian cuisine with American inspiration. Choose from our Seven Course Tasting menu to fully realize Chef's vision, or enjoy selections from our a la carte menu. You’ll know you’re in a chef’s restaurant as the servers… speak confidently about the menu. Many ingredients are sourced from local farmers, highlighting the bounty of the region. We feature an extensive list of small production, approachable wines from around the world, curated by Sommelier Matthew Carroll.

We accept Opentable reservations for up to 8 guests, Sunday through Thursday, and up to 7 guests on Friday and Saturday. If you would like to book a larger group than we offer on Opentable, please call Erinne O'Brien at 703.894.3440 to discuss options for up to 14 guests. We'll be happy to work with you to provide a special menu and experience for your larger gathering!Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies
  • Diners' Choice WinnerMost Booked 1000-Point Tables
Diner Reviews
  • "After some convincing, my husband finally got me to agree to the Chef's Tasting Menu and I am glad that he did! It was a really fantastic meal. The salted butter with the bread to start was so good and it set the tone. The highlights for me were the Oyster Veloute, the Shrimp Risotto served under the Rockfish (I also loved the crispy skin on the Rockfish) and the duck! My husband would also add the Steak to this list. For me it was okay, but only because I am not a steak person- I would've preferred a second plate of duck or even just a big bowl of the shrimp risotto-yum! Dessert was really good as well and did not disappoint. Overall, what I was very pleased with was that everything was cooked perfectly and was the proper temperature!"
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "We tried the chef's tasting menu and wine pairing. It was excellent and the service was wonderful. Both the food and wines were adventurous and neither disappointed. We can't wait to get back to Alexandria to try it again."
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "A comfortable setting with great service and refined and well thought out plates. The tasting menu and wine pairings was top notch."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "A very nice evening-attentive service, some excellent entrees and interesting choices, in a very pleasant setting. My duck was sliced thinly, a little rarer than I'd have preferred, but very flavorful. My wife's short ribs were delish, and my daughter raved about her swordfish. The chocolate ice desert was one of the most unique I've had, and we all enjoyed it. Pacing was good-we were never rushed nor did we have to wait for anything. A bit pricey, but the quality is high on all areas."
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "Don't get me wrong - I like quieter restaurants, so when I said boring, I meant the food. Went for brunch last Sunday...and ordered the fish and chips. I am fan of Robert W. but this rockfish left something to be desired. Eammons makes far better fish and chips. The fries were good...I think I prefer his Mussel Bar in Ballston by far. The restaurant itself is very pretty, service was prompt and polite...."
    Dined on 2/23/2014
  • "It's hard to beat the comfy banquettes, flattering lighting and delicious food at Brabo. We love its great happy hour, elegant dining room and terrific little bar. I recently hosted a group for Sunday brunch and we were delighted with the tasty brunch drink specials and interesting brunch menu. Our table was perfect for 6 and all went fairly well only 5 of the 6 entrees were delivered and we waited more than 20 minutes for the 6th item. From then on the service was sporadic, odd for a half full restaurant and more odd that there was a manager/ maitre in the dining room who never once glanced at our table. Coordination between the kitchen and dining room needs work and the manager on duty needs to be more attentive to the dining room pulse."
    Dined on 2/23/2014
  • "We had an exceptional meal at Brabo. The food was delicious and the service delightful. Be sure to try the truffled polenta as a side dish. It is incredibly decadent and not to be missed!"
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "The chestnut/foie gras soup was the most exciting part of the meal. The sweetbreads were excellent, but there was an excessively briny quality to the dish. Our waiter, a Hungarian, was terrific and very knowledgeable."
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "Going out on Valentines Day is taking a gamble. This year we won big with a great dinner at Brabo. The fix price menu with wine pairings was expensive but worth every dollar. The ambience was great and the food was superb. The pace of service was unrushed. We always had time to finish the glass of wine from the last course before the next was served. The preparations were unique but all really worked. They enhanced, not covering up the taste of the quality ingredients."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Sometimes fancy places have mediocre food. Not here. Better than I expected. The tables were a little too close to other patrons but that seems to be par for the course nowadays. We'll be back."
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "It was Sunday at noon I took my daughter there for lunch. The menu was small but everything looked tasty. I got the mussels and she got the poached eggs. Everything was wonderful. The server was awesome there when you needed her and gone when you wanted privacy."
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "My wife and I went to Brabo for our Valentine's dinner and we couldn't have been happier with our selection. We both had the 5-course tasting menu and had our server, Greg, recommend a cocktail and a few choice wines to go with our meal. Lobster, scallop, duck, venison, steak, and dessert courses later, we were delightfully surprised as to how delicate each course was prepared. Outstanding plating, novel concepts without being over the top, and top notch service made for a lovely experience that is sure to bring us back soon."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "I went to Barbo with my girlfriend to celebrate Valentine's Day. The food was exceptional and the restaurant had a very romantic atmosphere. We were seated near a window that overlooked King Street, which was an added bonus. The food had a Belgian flare and the Octopus starter was amazing. I would definitely eat here again."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "A complete experience was very positive - from hostess getting us at the door, to a very attentive service, to a superb food. The menu, while not very long, had something for every taste and everything was prepared to excellence."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "We dined at Brabo on Valentine's evening and had no great expectation that the dinner would live up to our past good experiences because it was a busy evening and a pre-fixed menu... But we were so wrong! The food and service exceeded our expectations. Every morsel of food was expertly prepared and the wine recommendation was fabulous! Brabo is our new favorite restaurant in Old Town!"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "We had a fantastic anniversary dinner at BRABO - beautiful restaurant with phenomenal food, wine, and impeccable service. We'll definitely be back!"
    Dined on 2/9/2014
  • "Very pricey but I always believe you get what you pay for. Food is fantastic and you must have dessert. Great wine selection."
    Dined on 11/13/2013
  • "Came here for dinner on a Saturday night. Made same day reservations. Greeted and seated at a four top even though there was only 2 of us. It was nice because we didn't have anyone sitting near us unlike some of the other tables along the banquette. Our server Ryan was really great. Accommodated us when we said we were going to share all our food. We like to taste as much of the menu so we usually share dishes whenever we go out. The sommelier was extremely helpful and made appropriately priced suggestions. The mussels were perfect, so clean. The short ribs were great. I love truffled anything and the polenta hit the spot. Only disappointment were the frites, they reminded us of McD's. It was a good thing they were free."
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "For my money, you're still the best restaurant in Old Town. Keep up the good work."
    Dined on 2/6/2014
  • "We had a nice dinner but my husbands short rib entree was not so special. We always have a pleasant time."
    Dined on 2/9/2014
  • "Penn Cove muscles are the absolute best...we know them from Seattle... There are no better muscles!!! (Please don't tell anyone!)"
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "We invited several professional colleagues for a dining experience in Old Town Alexandria and we were not disappointed. The preparation of the food was Top Chef quality and the service matched. I had the octopus for starters and normally it is chewy at other restaurants but not here. It melted in my mouth. The braised beef shortrib was delicious and was so tender that I didn't need a knife. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their dining experience and we have place Brabo on the top of our list for go to restaurants in the Washington DC area."
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "My waiter was a bit awkward, interrupting at times and not offering great wine or food suggestions. When he couldn't offer a taste from their half bottle collection, he wasn't much help describing what the tastes were like instead. However, the oyster appetizer was AMAZING!! They were fresh, cold, and tender. The NY strip from the steak frites menu item was only ok."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "I started with the pork cheeks on polenta, best dish of the night! The cheeks were braised perfectly and the polenta was creamy and cheesy. I shared the braised beef short ribs which were good but needed more of the pomagranate sauce. We ended with the Tainori Chocolate Palet which was a fancy whoopie pie. Service was great in the dining room; bar was ok. Would go back!"
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "Very attentive. Food very good but not out of this world."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "This was my second time at Brabo. And it was just as I remembered... wonderful. When I next have an occasion, I'll return again. The food was delightful, the presentation clean, and the the experience thoroughly enjoyable. Top 3 restaurants in Alexandria."
    Dined on 1/26/2014
  • "We have now dined at Brabo 4 times over the last six months, and what can I say we can't wait to go back! If you want a relaxing dining experience this is the place to come. If you want excellent and interesting cuisine this is the place to come. The wait staff is attentive without being overbearing. You can have a conversation with those in your party comfortably. If you love mussels you must have them here! The housemade pasta with lamb ragu is to die for. The first time I had it I must have sighed with each bite! All the fish and seafood we've had has been fresh and delicious!"
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "We were a party of six out for Sunday brunch. The venue has a nice ambiance, although it was quite noisy even without every table occupied. The cocktails and food were quite good, although the coffee was tasteless, tepid, and served in single sip cups. Our waiter was clearly inexperienced and showed little interest. It was obvious that all of the wait staff during this visit was male. Coincidence or intentional lack of diversity? I would return if someone else suggests it, but not likely to go back on my own."
    Dined on 1/26/2014
  • "The food is worthy of any special occasion. This place has become my yearly go-to for [my-leave-the-kids-at-home-and-enjoy-myself] birthday. Comfy chairs, romantic setting, good location, great wine selection, and most review worthy... the food is melt in your mouth good. One downside, I always leave stuffed, because the food is so good I can't help myself and clean my plate (on every course). Enjoy."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Brabo was a great experience. Their cocktails were innovative and delicious (try Audrey Hepberns Pearls) and the food was wonderful (especially the pork cheeks appetizer and the scallops). Restaurant Eve is often described to is as the best special occasions restaurant in Alexandria, but having now been to both Eve and Brabo (and both are great) we would recommend Brabo hands down."
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "Seven old friends enjoyed a weekday evening at Brabo. Our seating was perfect; our waiter was friendly and helpful; we enjoyed two wines. And then came our varied dinners, each obviously enjoyed. Cod, mussels, fantastic scallops, and unusual crispy sweetbreads were among our choices. Only three indulged in dessert, but the chocolate treats looked lovely. The ginger waffles were deftly presented, but needed more assertive ginger. Altogether a fine evening."
    Dined on 1/22/2014
  • "We took my son out for dinner for his birthday at this restaurant. From appetizer to desert the food was excellent. My swordfish was delicate and tasty. My son loved his diver scallops entree and thinly sliced duck appetizer. On top of all the great food they have a large assortment of wines as well--my husband and I had a very reasonably priced sauvignon blanc from Marlborough NZ. All in all a very pleasant evening. This restaurant is part of a hotel but can be accessed directly from the street. They also have a tasting room next door where you can pair wines and foods for tastings. Highly recommend."
    Dined on 1/19/2014
  • "My wife and I very much enjoyed the 7 course tasting menu offered for New's Years dining. Courses were vibrant and tasteful. Service was well paced and relaxing. Wine pairing made the meal - good wines that really complimented the food. Generous pours made it worth the extra money."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "We find BRABO to be consistently good. Short ribs were outstanding."
    Dined on 1/17/2014
  • "The food was very tasty when it did finally arrive. We were amongst the first customers in the restaurant when it opened at 11.00 am on a Sunday. From the time we ordered to the time it arrived it seemed at least 30 minutes and it was breakfast food - not very complicated. My husband had to wait even longer because he had requested no cheese on this omelette and it came out with cheese. Obviously the waiter or kitchen staff were not paying too much attention. No bread or anything was given to keep us satisfied while we waited and that would have been a nice touch. Besides this the food was very good when it did arrive and I would definitely go back again."
    Dined on 1/5/2014
  • "The service was very attentive, but there seemed to be alot of of people involved with our table, especially when the waiter dropped coffee on two of the guests - they tried to make up for it by giving us free desserts - appreciated. My meal was very good, but not exceptional. For Old Town, this restaurant fits in the very good category, but it is expensive for the quality of the food."
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "The food was spectacular.. from the butter and bread, to the entree and even my hot tea, everything was perfection. The service staff have been trained really well and were incredibly attentive including the manager. The atmosphere and everything else in between left nothing to be desired. My only suggestion would be not to lay the tables length wise because the distance then between my friend and I was just long enough that I had to lean in to have a conversation."
    Dined on 1/11/2014
  • "While enjoying the New Year's Eve tasting menu I felt like the chef had invited us into his kitchen to taste the best of the best. Great food, service and wine. The best meal I have had in Old Towne."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "After many years, fireworks have returned on New Year's Eve in Old Town! Thankfully I was able to get into Brabo for dinner, and in booking through Open Table learned there was a special event - and special it was! First, we were seated at 9pm to a 7 course tasting menu, each dish better than the last. The sommellier recommended a gorgeous Italian white and we also had 2 glasses of an '05 bordeaux from a magnum they were using as a pairing. We were then escorted to the elevator and to a suite where they were showing Rockin' Eve, serving cordials, hot chocolate & cider - and out on the deck were heaters and a decent view of the fireworks. A wonderful way to spend New Year's Eve and we can't wait to go back! What a terrific evening!"
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "We chose this restaurant for NYE and were very disappointed. When we made our reservation, there was no prix fixe menu; however, the night of our dinner there was a 7-course prix fixe menu set. We had no way to make other arrangements at that point. After calling 3 times and speaking to 3 different people, we were told we would have our dinner priced at a 5-course price to make up for the lack of communication and poor notice given to diners about the menu. After a 2 1/2 hour dining experience, our bill did not reflect the 5-course price. We had to speak to the general manager again to get our bill corrected. Outside of that horrible experience, the food was just ok. The only positive part about the evening was the wait staff."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
More reviews ›
  • 1/2 Off Bar Menu Items at Brabo's Bar
    Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM›
    House White OR Red Wine $5/glass. Enjoy our Mussel Special; Mussels, Frites & Red or White Happy Hour Wine for $20.00. All other bar menu items are 1/2 off. 5 to 6:30 PM at the bar. Excludes Tax and Tip. Available exclusively at the bar in Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier. Special valid Jan 6, 2014 - Apr 6, 2014 on Mondays - Saturdays from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Offer valid January 6, 2014 - April 6, 2014
  • 1/2 Off Bar Menu Items at Brabo's Bar
    Sunday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM›
    House White OR Red Wine $5/glass. Enjoy our Mussel Special; Mussels, Frites & Red or White Happy Hour Wine for $20.00. All other bar menu items are 1/2 off. Sundays from 5 till 9:00 PM at the bar only!. Excludes Tax and Tip. Available exclusively at the bar in Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier. Special valid Jan 6, 2014 - Apr 6, 2014 on Sundays from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Offer valid January 6, 2014 - April 6, 2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Virginia - DC Suburbs Winners
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Learn more ›
Plan your next party here
Capture the essence of Old Town with a mix of posh indoor space and private outdoor terraces. An unforgettable space for … elegant receptions and dinners. Our private event spaces can accommodate small intimate business dinners for just 14 people or weddings for up to 100 guests. Continued
Great for events up to: 125
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BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier - Lorien Hotel & Spa has partnered with OpenTable to provide free, secure and instantly confirmed online reservations. Learn More.