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  • Vermilion - Alexandria

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Reserve at 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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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies
Diner Reviews
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "Never disappointed. Justin was wonderful as was all the food......pricey but worth every penny."
    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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "The food, drinks and ambiance were all great. Will definitely return for another special occasion."
    Dined on 6/11/2014
  • "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
  • "Brunch on Saturday, my husband raved about his beet an goat cheese sandwich, friend enjoyed fried chicken sandwich, my eggs benedict had a slight twist with herbs in the hollandaise. Eggs tasted wonderful. We will return to try dinner menu."
    Dined on 6/7/2014
  • "My wife and I celebrated a friend's birthday in grand style. The pork, veal, and lamb entrees were outstanding. Two of us enjoyed the fabulous pea soup, and the my wife's scallops were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Heather provided superb, perfectly timed service, and kindly brought us a complimentary birthday dessert tray. Fabulous evening all around!"
    Dined on 6/7/2014
  • "Extraordinary cuisine, reasonably priced, outstanding service, marvelous ambience.............. Simply a great restaurant."
    Dined on 6/2/2014
  • "My husband and I used to come here a few times a year. They always kept the menu fresh with changes featuring what was in season. We recently came had dinner here for the first time in about a year but this time found it a bit underwhelming. We visited the menu site several times and didn't noitce any changes at all. My husband's fish was slightly overcooked, and my pork was overcooked and tough on the outside, and raw in the middle. I didn't send it back, thinking maybe it was just me since I don't eat pork loin very often. But the pork I had before was decidedly easier to chew. On the plus side the service was quick and friendly. Also we went there for lunch a few months ago and the burgers were outstanding. Recommend for lunch only."
    Dined on 5/31/2014
  • "Our waiter must hate his job, he had no enthusiasm about menu or special or anything. Most staff were not this way. The seating is tightly squeezed on the top floor and often you will be distracted from your conversation due to a table next to you. The food was prepared appropriately, but uninspiring. We actually left hungry after almost spending $200 and stopped at Hank's Oyster Bar, got calamari and a beer and should have went there or anywhere else from the start. Has the name, but did not meet expectations."
    Dined on 5/17/2014
  • "Went with my husband & a friend for a special occasion. Enjoyed the ambiance of the upstairs dining. Had the salad and scallops to start, both good. My husband had the Pork (a few on opentable raved about it) but found it unremarkable compared to other restaurants we've dined at. I had the monkfish and loved it. Great sauerkraut to accompany it. Our friend merely picked at her dish...lamb and noodles of some sort. Overall, found this place pretty expensive for what we got (ambiance, quantity, and quality) although we are from San Diego where options are abundant! I would have liked the bar food downstairs, from the look of it. If we were local, might return every few months to check out new menu options..."
    Dined on 5/29/2014
  • "I have been here several times and find the menu to be terrific- I have a hard time choosing because everything sounds great. The sauces and combinations are excellent (I had the lamb loin). Service was good, and the place has a nice buzz to it. Oddly, the food arrived cooked to order (as specified) but was barely warm. As we were dining at a leisurely pace (over 2 hours) I was starving and did not want to send it back. I should have complained and will not hold it against them. Definitely worth a visit."
    Dined on 5/17/2014
  • "I went to Vermillion to have a quick brunch with a friend. I arrived first and asked to be seated because I needed coffee. Not only did they seat me (some places won't without the entire party), but they remembered I wanted coffee and brought it before I even had my menu. It was refreshing to be taken care of!"
    Dined on 5/25/2014
  • "Fantastic Food. Small Portions Were Very Filling, Delicious, And Visually Appealing.We Enjoyed Every Bite. Service Was Great, too"
    Dined on 5/25/2014
  • "I've eaten everywhere there is in Old Town. This is consistently in my top three restaurants."
    Dined on 2/19/2014
  • "Even with the change in chefs, Vermillion continues to be one of the best places in Old Town. We had the tasting menu with matching wines and everything was excellent. The prices are reasonable for the quality. "
    Dined on 5/23/2014
  • "Ummm..what can i say? This place, the food, was, simply, amazing. We were going try the course meal, but opted to order individually since we didn't want salad and wanted different items for our appetizers. The scallop app was awesome, cooked perfectly. We ordered the softshell appetizer on their nightly special, which was good but nothing special. Now on to our entree, I ordered the sirloin, which was very good, but my wife ordered the Berkshire Pork and let me tell you, that dish is $$$$$$$$$$. I thought i would never say this in my lifetime, but this pork dish was better than my steak dish. Their dessert was good too, but highlight was the entree and appetizers!"
    Dined on 5/19/2014
  • "Fantastic - I like my meat and potatoes, but since this was a special occasion and I wanted to surprise my wife for our 5 years anniversary I decided to take a chance. The Vermilion experience was simply delicious though I got my meat (Local Beef Sirloin - spinach & walnut puree, roasted cauliflower, chorizo & red wine sauce), my wife was extremely happy with the food and the service was great. "
    Dined on 5/17/2014
  • "I have been to Vermillion in the past with a group of girlfriends and our experience was great. This time I went with two friends and sat at the table with lots of pillows. So comfortable, great service, delicious food- cant wait to go back. Highly recommend the tasting menu."
    Dined on 5/16/2014
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