Top 12 Dishes in Tysons

“Salute!” When I'm in the mood for a Mediterranean delight, I head over to see Sergio at Bonaroti’s in the heart of Vienna. Dive into a plate of linguine with mussels, clams, garlic, olive oil and fresh diced tomatoes. Oh, and say “hi” to Nancy and Jenny in the wine bar.

Like the diners I grew up with in New York, Metro 29 Diner prides itself on the fresh selections of bakery items, made right on the premises. Everything is terrific, but the cheesecake is to die for.

It’s just one of the many authentic dishes you’ll find in this Middle Eastern Cafe. Raouche Cafe is named after the natural offshore rock arches of Pigeon Rocks—the most famous natural features of Beirut. They serve their genuine, Lebanese-style grape leaves with lemon wedges and slices of tomatoes. If you love grape leaves, this is a must.

Thin green beans, roasted mushrooms and brown gravy on angel hair pasta...heaven! Find it at Coastal Flats.

Nobody does it better than Maplewood Grill! Chef Paul takes shrimp and lump crab meat, rolls it in a specially prepared shredded phyllo dough pastry, pan fries them and adds his special corn salsa and spicy remoulade. An office favorite.

When I'm in a New York state of mind, I take a short hop to Potomac to see Guy Brandt at Brooklyn’s Deli. They start with USDA Choice briskets cured and pampered by the Saval family, the brand that made corned beef row in Baltimore the corned beef destination for over 80 years. Then, the team at Brooklyn’s cooks and slices them to perfection and serves it with those genuine New York-Style salt pickles.

When I’m in the mood for baby lamb chops, I head over to Skorpios Maggio’s in Vienna. Tender, marinated chops grilled to perfection and served with Maggio's famous potatoes, a side of broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and I’m all set.

Nobody makes this dish like Chef Patrick Bazin at Bazin’s on Church. Tender, flavorful sea bass, brushed with maple-miso sauce and served on a bed of wasabi mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach on the side and topped with a tamarind ginger sauce!

I love the honey roasted duck at Sisters Thai! It’s always moist and delicious. I get a half boneless duck, roasted and glazed with honey, and drizzled with a sauce made of soy, ginger, and garlic. So simple, yet so delicious. Served with steamed broccoli and crispy noodles.

“tI kAnis?” (How are you?) When I’m dreaming of the Greek Isles, I find myself at Nostos in Vienna. The braised lamb (braised for 4-5 hours) is served in wine tomato sauce over Greek style orzo and topped with graviera. Heaven!