The Washington Post Magazine
Capital Cuisine
An advertising supplement for the Washington Post Magazine October 20, 2002

Behind a deceptively plain storefront in a nondescript shopping strip, Cafe Renaissance is one of the Northern Virginia's classiest and most appealing restaurants. This Vienna favorite engenders fierce loyalty by cooking and presenting French and Northern Italian cuisine in a traditional manner. Which is not to say its white tablecloth fine-dining experience is stuffy. On the other contrary, expect to be catered to; a few long time customers often just leave themselves in owner's Saeed Abtahi's hands, expressing their preference for simply meat or seafood and letting him and the kitchen fashion a meal. 

A special of fresh Maine lobster is extremely popular. It is shelled, steamed and served in a champagne cream sauce or beurreblance; this is lobster as it should be - firm, not chewy, and deliciously sweet. Wonderful things lost to the tide of recent cooking trends can be found here such as creamy, cold vichyssoise or capriccio of beef tenderloin served with grated parmesan and fresh lemon juice. For those who like the old times and like to be pampered, as Abtahi says, ask for Crepes Suzette for dessert, although the tiramisu with fresh raspberries is equally fine.

Irish Coffee here is the best in town. The wine list also deserves mention, with excellent values particularly in the Italian whites as well as high-end selections for special occasions.