Raouche Cafe — Restaurant in Merrifield

Came in for dinner at about 7:30 the other night based on word of mouth accounts and positive reviews, plus a craving for Lebanese fare.

It was my first visit, but somehow I had concocted hopes & expectations of something somewhat different from the experience we had. I want to emphatically stress that the food was wonderful and everything I hoped for & expected!

I was the setting, mood & ambiance that surprised me a bit. I'm not sure if those things may have changed over the last 2-3 years. But I was anticipating something not quite so casual, or perhaps a bit less generic/impersonal. I guess I was hoping it to have a bit more unique personality, and a more cozy, home-like ambiance.

The style & standards of service was a bit different from what I am generally accustomed to dining in the "DMV".

My feeling was that the service staff lacked high quality training in the fundamental steps, standards & skills of being not just a proficient & professional server of food & beverages; but also of being the (warm & gracious) host & coordinator of their guests meal/experience; being able to tactfully & accurately assess, anticipate and meet the needs & expectations of their guests.

But my misinformed/mismatched preconceived ideas are my own and not the fault of Raouche!

And in any case, whatever I had hoped for before my arrival was easily overlooked, and nearly forgotten with the first bites of the food itself! Truly!

We ordered a sampler platter of side dishes/appetizers, all of which were vegetarian and thoroughly delicious. We also ordered one or two additional sides a la carte, and then we shared the signature kabob platter. All of the food met or exceeded my expectations, and it was all made in an authentic, traditional, homemade style. It was just delightful!

The tabouli was especially delicious for early December, and the baba ghanouj was some of the best ever! I will absolutely be back again soon!

For one thing, my dinner companion consumes his sugar in liquid form, whereas I go for sweets and pastries and I can't wait to indulge in any of the delectable Lebanese desserts featured on their menu to conclude my next visit.

While there is room for improvement in certain areas (which would be fairly easy to implement), do NOT let that keep you from visiting & enjoying this fantastic cafe!

I strongly encourage anyone with a liking for, or curiosity about real "down-home" Lebanese food to treat themselves to a meal at Raouche.

Raouche is an excellent place to go for outstanding Lebanese cuisine and it should not be missed...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this fantastic shawarma place, and it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I walked in, the inviting aroma of perfectly seasoned meats filled the air, instantly making my mouth water. Here's why I am giving it a glowing five-star review:

Mouthwatering Flavors: The shawarmas here are a taste explosion! The tender, succulent meat, whether it's chicken, beef, or lamb, is marinated to perfection and cooked on an open flame, resulting in an incredible smoky flavor. The harmonious blend of spices and herbs creates a symphony of taste that will leave you craving more. Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: This place truly prioritizes quality. The ingredients used are fresh and carefully selected. The vegetables are crisp, the sauces are flavorful, and the bread is soft and warm. You can tell that they take great pride in serving the best of the best. Excellent Service: The staff here is friendly, attentive, and always ready to assist. They genuinely care about their customers' experience and are knowledgeable about the menu. From taking orders to suggesting the perfect combinations, their service is top-notch. Generous Portions: Prepare to be amazed by the portion sizes! The shawarmas are generously stuffed with delicious fillings, ensuring that you leave feeling satisfied. Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. Cozy Ambiance: The restaurant itself has a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you choose to dine in or grab a takeout, the cozy seating area and welcoming decor make for a pleasant dining experience. In conclusion, this shawarma place is a hidden gem that deserves five stars without a doubt. From the incredible flavors to the outstanding service, everything about it is simply exceptional. If you're a fan of shawarmas or looking to try them for the first time, this is the place to go. Don't miss out on this...

How we found this awesome restaurant with vegan options! I am writing to tell you of the incredible experience we had at Raouche Cafe last Monday. We live in Florida and were on a marathon trip to pick up a vintage boat we purchased in Pennsylvania. When we reached Falls Church we realized our trailer lights were burned out. Google sent us to the auto parts store in the same plaza and what a blessing!

The store did not have what we needed; however, with a little aluminum foil we could make the lights work. When I walked into the restaurant a smiling young man listened to my story and offered a sheet of tin foil and, seeing how hot it was, and that we'd been out there struggling for a while, he compassionately told us we could have water too if we needed it. How wonderful! We took the foil and my boyfriend fixed the lights.

When I went back to say thanks and to ask if there were any vegan options, another young man told me about the spinach pies. Oh, my goodness! They were so good we came back for 10 more for our long trip home. Although we tried to savor every pie, I don't think they made it out of North Carolina.

We will be visiting the area again this year and we will make it a point to stop back by to get more wonderful food. I see from their menu that there are more vegan options! We will make it a point to stop on the way up AND back!

As awesome as the pies were, we are even more grateful for such kind and compassionate employees. Traveling out of your comfort zone with problems arising can be stressful, but thanks to these great people, we were put at ease. Yay for burned out...