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  • Vermilion - Alexandria

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Vermilion - Alexandria
Vermilion - Alexandria

Vermilion - Alexandria Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.vermilionrestaurant.com
  • Phone: (703) 684-9669
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday, Wednesday - Friday: 11:30am - 3:00pm (closed for lunch on Tuesdays);
    Dinner: Monday- Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm; Sunday 5:30pm-9:00pm;
    Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am - 2:30pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Contemporary American, American
  • Executive Chef: William Morris
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Affiliations: Dine Originals - Member Restaurants
  • Private Party Facilities: Please call for details.
  • Entertainment: Live music every Tuesday and Wednesday night starting around 10:00pm in the Lounge at Vermilion.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Fayette St.
  • Public Transit: King St. Metro Station
    Using the King Street Trolley, get off at the Fayette St. Stop coming in either direction.
  • Parking: Street Parking
A word from Vermilion - Alexandria
Vermilion features Chef William Morris' menu of Contemporary American cuisine. Complimenting Chef Morris' menu is Vermilion's wine list, named one of the top wine lists in the country by Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. Combining a charming location in Old town Alexandria with stylized design and… atmosphere, Vermilion represents a bit of downtown sophistication: from the exposed brick in the upstairs dining room to the overstuffed pillows in the lounge downstairs, Vermilion holds something for all tastes.Continued
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Diner Reviews
  • "This was a special occasion dinner. It was very good food and they took great care of us. The tasting menu with wine paring was fantastic."
    Dined on 7/26/2014
  • "Two friends took me to celebrate my birthday at Vermilion. We agreed it was a perfect choice. Our waiter was superb and enhanced our lovely time with his warm hospitality and good food suggestions as well as prompt attention. We all ordered the hangar steak entree - each steak was cooked to our individual requests. Desserts were just the right portion-size. The staff even wrote out a lovely birthday card for an extra nice touch! Everything was wonderful and we can't wait to go back there -- we won't even wait for another celebratory occasion. You will enjoy the Vermilion dining experience."
    Dined on 7/24/2014
  • "The special treat from the chef at the beginning of our dining experience is always tasty, and a really nice touch. Food is ALWAYS TOP NOTCH! Best of all, this spectacular restaurant is just west of route 1 and east of King St. Metro."
    Dined on 7/21/2014
  • "On a previous special occasion I had fallen in love with Vermilion. The ambiance is elegantly rustic without being pretentious. The server had been so helpful, warm, and accommodating to a guest with a long list of questions. And the zingy cocktails, inventive salad, delectable spring pea soup, and lamb, pasta, and fish dishes were remarkable. The wine list offered many delights. This time around I was looking forward to impressing some out of town guests. The spring pea risotto and mushroom appetizer was magical, but the cocktails and fish entrees weren't particularly noteworthy. Most disappointing, this time around the server was brusque, and that distracted from the warmth of the experience."
    Dined on 7/21/2014
  • "This place is just perfect for Sunday brunch. Terrific menu items. Sounds silly but the scrambled eggs are absolutely the best ever. I always get them when we go as they are remarkable. My wife got the cheese grits and baked eggs dish w/ chirizo (sp?) and mushrooms and it was delicious as well. Service is terrific! Ask for a window seat because otherwise the place is kind of dark especially down stairs."
    Dined on 7/20/2014
  • "Vermilion is a nice place to have a special dinner. But it's become too expensive to consider for just getting dinner with no other objective other than to eat. It must be an event dinner now for us. Regardless, the menu is very nice. Several dishes in every category, lots of local(ish) ingredients, and it's always changing. The cocktails are magnificent. Lots of flavor and lots of alcohol. If I were insanely rich, I would eat there more often. But for the special occasion, it's worth it."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "Went there Sat evening for a birthday celebration, and the food and service were exceptional. I had a risotto appetizer and grouper as an entree, and both were delicious! Vermilion is always our go to place for special occasions."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "My son and I ate here for my wife's birthday. All three meals were great. The service was attentive but unobtrusive. Appetizers were outstanding -- especially pork cheeks recommended by waiter and beet salad. We had three different entrees: grouper lamb and steak, all very good. And the desserts were among best I have had in DC. A deconstructed lemon meringue pie and a Nutella cheesecake. Finally they accommodated our gluten free preferences easily and smoothly."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "My wife and I decided to visit Vermillion for dinner in celebration of our 4th wedding anniversary. What a tremendous surprise! The wait staff were very friendly and accommodating. We were seated at a romantic table for two near a window overlooking the liveliness of King Street. The dim lighting and rustic but modern decor added to the ambiance. They served us with champagne, delicious potato salad hors d'oeuvres, and a wonderful dessert spread, all of which were complimentary. I really don't recall ever having been attended to in such a special way. Vermillion made us feel that our occasion was just as meaningful and important to them. The service and food were both A plus. We'll be back!"
    Dined on 7/18/2014
  • "We've been to Vermillion many times and as usual the food was fantastic. If you haven't been to here, I would recommend giving it a try. A bit on the pricey side, and the ambience and decor aren't great, but the food is so good it's worth it, especially for a special night. The only down side of the night was when it came time to order our desert our waitress seemed to disappear. If we hadn't wanted the poppyseed fritters so bad, we probably would have just ordered the check and left. Otherwise a great evening."
    Dined on 7/14/2014
  • "The food was matched by excellent service. From the bread to the appetizers, main dish and dessert - everything exceeded expectations. Loved the tasting menu. Tried things that I would not have usually ordered. Loved the beet salad. Desserts were amazing... wine recommendation exceeded expectations. We had fish, beef, lamb and pork. All loved their choices. Will definitely return!"
    Dined on 7/13/2014
  • "We went for Sunday brunch and I had the salmon. It was served with almond foam which was a flavor surprise....quite a good one! Food was well prepared and presented and we would definitely go back again. Waiter was attentive and informative. This had all that I would wish for a find dining experience."
    Dined on 7/13/2014
  • "Food tasted great. Straightforward dishes done extremely well. Two of us had lamb and two pork. It was flat-out one of the tastiest meals imaginable. But I am reminded of the review of many years ago regarding the BMW 2002 which held that BMW had taken the stigma out of overpaying for a small car. The portions are such that one comes for the taste and presentation and not in the expectation of a hearty feast. On the downside, we had to wait 45 minutes for our already-past-prime time reservation to be honored. I've never had that happen before to such a degree, so I am not sure whom to hold accountable. It is a small place and it's rude no doubt to rush seated diners. Cocktail menu was unusual and worth a trip even if not going to dine."
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Each course that we ordered was flavorful and cooked perfectly. The service was subtle yet ever watchful for our needs. We recommend it highly!"
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Good food. Average all around for a top tier restaurant."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "The service we received here was outstanding. I was dining with a friend who has a lot of questions about the food and the server was incredibly patient asking the chef her questions, more than once. The food was so-so. We loved the fresh ingredients and the story but half of our dishes were extremely salty and the other half were just the opposite. However, the desserts were FANTASTIC. And I say this even being a person who doesn't like desserts. By some miracle, we were given three desserts and each of them were absolutely delicious and inventive. Easily my favorite pastry chef in the DC area. Thanks for the great evening!"
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "Fabulous Menu that changes often with fresh local seasonal ingredients. Very accomodating staff (we are vegetarian and staff always points out if there is any meat in prep etc). Nice ambience with gas lights and windows overlooking King Street."
    Dined on 7/1/2014
  • "The staff at Vermilion not only provided great food and drink, they also took great care to address my wife's food allergies and ensure that her meal was prepared in a safe way. Great experience."
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "Had a wonderful experience - so glad we followed recommendations instead of opting for something a little more "fun and casual" down at the waterfront. The service was attentive, food beautifully presented, and we definitely advise you to linger for dessert. A most memorable evening."
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "Vermillion is special both for food and service. It's always on our short list for celebrating special events such as anniversaries and birthdays. Last Friday evening was no exception when we were celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary. We look forward to our next special event including a "non" day."
    Dined on 6/27/2014
  • "Celebrated our 35th anniversary at a new to us restaurant. Lovely but limited menu. A lot of root vegetables on the menu! Enjoyed appetizers, wish we had had time for dessert. Fish prepared perfectly. Pork cheeks appetizer was a hit with my husband. A couple in tee shirts and jeans walked in while we were eating. I was surprised that they were seated as their dress did not match the ambiance of the place. After looking at the menu, they got up and left, so I guess they were not ready for the choices or prices here."
    Dined on 6/27/2014
  • "1) Don't ask diners about the food ten seconds after it's been set down. 2) Don't ask me for my drink order when I'm very obviously mid-bite. 3) If I know more about your restaurant group than you do, there's a problem."
    Dined on 6/26/2014
  • "This restaurant is about food. The grouper was excellent and served with artistic flare. Pork cheeks were superb. The service is first rate without being obtrusive. I plan on returning soon."
    Dined on 6/24/2014
  • "Nice Restaurant. Solid in all aspects. Just found it to be a bit over priced for what you get."
    Dined on 6/22/2014
  • "Vermilion, with its great location on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, never disappoints. The décor is warm and welcoming, and the food is consistently good. There is a very nice bar area for a pre-dinner drink, and both downstairs and upstairs seating."
    Dined on 6/21/2014
  • "Food is excellent, our waiter Bosko is the best! Ambient darkish, better for fall/winter, not so cozy on a beautiful summer night. Tables too close to each other, could be more separated since there is enough space. Uncomfortable at a table for 2, next table so close we were almost together with the other two people there."
    Dined on 6/20/2014
  • "I bring my best associates here for lunch and dinner, and I have never been disappointed."
    Dined on 6/20/2014
  • "First reaction- pricey- expectations are high. Food was creative, different, pleasing to the eye;a bit short on portion. We were seated upstairs with only 1 other party, 2 tables over- had to hear their conversation. Explained it was spouse's special dinner/birthday to server. She was nice and (maybe a tad overly) attentive UNTIL we asked for the check- all plates cleared away. Server disappeared for over 12 minutes, way too long to wait for a check, very bad. Spouse had to leave the restaurant. When she came out with a candle in some sort of cake for him it really put a bad taste in my mouth as to the experience; she did not apologize for the delay. BTW: downstairs/bar area looks fun for that type of gathering."
    Dined on 6/19/2014
  • "Beautifully prepared and locally sourced seasonal dishes, presented by a knowledgeable and attentive server. Terrific experience."
    Dined on 6/17/2014
  • "Fabulous!!! Celebrated birthday and anniversary. They made it a memorable evening"
    Dined on 6/16/2014
  • "It was a slow Sunday night when I dined at Vermilion. The experience was nice, but not outstanding. My dining companion and I asked to share the grilled scallops appetizer ($14), which was cooked perfectly and accompanied by a single floret of broccoli. The two quarter-sized scallops made for a small portion at the price. We ordered two different fish entrees, which were also perfectly cooked. The sauce on both was unremarkable. The service was perfunctory. We had to ask for plates to share the appetizer and reuse our knives for the main course. In my opinion, a restaurant of this caliber (or aspiration) should offer things like tablecloths and "extra" cutlery to enhance the experience. Could have been the wrong night to try Vermilion."
    Dined on 6/15/2014
  • "Both entrees and main courses reflect a combination of flavors without being pretentious about it. I had the lamb and the roasted carrot appetizer. In both, vegetables were incredibly fresh, and they are prepared with just enough seasoning to make them interesting. The desserts were just right for a sweet ending -- we had the lemon meringue pie and the nutella cheesecake, neither too large nor too small. The wines I had by the glass were exceptional (zinfandel, cabernet). The restaurant was also very accommodating to my son. They don't have a kid's menu, but they adapted a dish to make it "plain" for him, and served him a side of mashed potatoes. I would definitely eat here again."
    Dined on 6/15/2014
  • "Never disappointed. Justin was wonderful as was all the food......pricey but worth every penny."
    Dined on 6/15/2014
  • "The service was lovely, but the food didn't live up to Vermilion's reputation. Omelet was average, but I could haven't gotten one as tasty at Denny's. Bacon was thin and just ok, I would have anticipated thick and crisp. Pancakes were a little spongy and tasted like a bisquick mix.... with Jam on top."
    Dined on 6/15/2014
  • "We went to Vermilion to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. The thing that impressed me first was the cocktail list (with includes monthly features). The theme for June was strawberries and I saw the strawberries used - they were truly local (and I'm really picky on strawberries). Everyone says they do seasonal/local food - but Vermilion's food truly was. The pea soup was excellent as was the sirloin. My husband said the lamb was some of the best he's had. Our server was fantastic and even let us set some of the pacing of the night. Additionally, Vermilion provided us a few extra touches to celebrate our anniversary beyond what I've seen for special occasions at other places. They didn't seem packed, but they should have been."
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "Maybe my expectations were too high! I wanted to be wowed by the menu but that didn't 't happen. I found the selection pretty ho hum with nothing that stood out . I did get the grouper and it was pretty bland with the fish tasting "pastey". Other people had pasta and it was okay too . Nothing to want again . I guess I'd heard so much about the place that I thought it would be much better. Service was very good."
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "Everything we put in our mouths was delicious. They gave us a free glass of cava for our anniversary. Great service too."
    Dined on 6/12/2014
  • "Although a bit pricey, every bite was worth it! The little mini dinner rolls were a good gnosh while waiting for our food without being overly filling. The beet/radish salad was so fresh and flavorful, my mom got the arugula salad and it was perfectly dressed and big enough for two. She said the English Pea soup was the best she'd had. We split the tagliatelle pasta (minus the sausage), and it was scrumptious. Perfect flavors, lots of vegetables. The service was attentive, not overbearing. Even brought her a complimentary birthday desert with candle. Vermillion is in a beautiful old building right on King street, noise level was lively but not loud. All in all, a fabulous dining experience."
    Dined on 6/11/2014
  • "The food, drinks and ambiance were all great. Will definitely return for another special occasion."
    Dined on 6/11/2014
  • "The pork was incredible. The lamb was the best meat I have ever had in my life. Incredibly delectable. Go for the lamb, carrots and pork cheek. Absolutely. The bar tenders also concoct some great martini's, sidecars and other cocktails."
    Dined on 6/10/2014
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