Mona's Lebanese Cafe — Restaurant in Virginia

You know how rich people have their own private jet and can travel the world in just one day for each meal? Well we drove to Lebanon today (which is thankfully less than a half hour from our house)! I am not even kidding -- you feel like a foreign exchange student at a host family's house. But not any family -- YOUR family. That's how awesome Mona's customer service is. She is like my Lebanese grandma (if I had one)! During our meal, we would look across the kitchen periodically and see Mona, just like grandma, rolling the dough to make some delectable appetizers.

My husband is lactose intolerant so it's super hard to find places to eat that don't have just vegetable options. He's a meat guy. The beef schwarma was to die for -- perfectly marinated and seasoned, and a whole new adventure in taste with the tahini sauce. The hummus was super light, and our favorite part is that in most of the main dishes on the menu, Mona told us herself that there is no milk, eggs or butter! And it still all tastes fresh and healthy!

We are absolutely inviting our friends here. The quality of the ambience, food and customer service is absolutely worth the reasonable cost! And we thought the portion sizes...

Some of the previous reviews are unhelpful, if not just wrong. For example, one person says the restaurant is in a shack? Maybe that person was expecting a new, industrial style fast-food joint?

Actually, it is a wonderfully-restored 1860 farm house on the historic list... filled with antiques. A trust is trying to ensure that this wonderful old house survives the wave of development in the area and is not shunted aside. At times you can tour the whole house including upstairs.

Diners have their choice of several dining rooms. There is an excellent choice of dishes, each of which is made to order. Bring your friends and family, take your time and enjoy the food and ambiance. We have been to Mona's Cafe three times (so far) with family and friends and have enjoyed each visit.

One last comment, someone else suggested small servings and pricey? I don't know what they ordered, but our schwarma platters were tasty and large. The prices are moderate (and fair considering this is a full-service restaurant.) On our last visit, there were four adults, and we had appetizers and full meals plus dessert. The total bill was just over $100 which was about what one would expect...

Once you step through the door of this charming restaurant, it feels like you've arrived home after a long journey. You can almost hear yourself saying, "Hello, I'm home." It’s a warm embrace that welcomes you, no matter where you're coming from.

Nestled in a quaint villa, transformed into a delightful dining spot, each room surprises you with its unique charm while maintaining a harmonious style throughout. The ambiance is inviting, like visiting a beloved family member, and at the heart of it all is the wonderful owner, Mona. This amazing Lebanese lady makes you feel like family with her kindness and genuine hospitality.

The food? It’s nothing short of a culinary journey that tickles your taste buds and comforts your soul. Every dish tells a story, echoing the flavors of home-cooked meals you’ve loved throughout your life.

However, there is one small downside: the restaurant isn’t open every day. It’s a hidden gem, a place you’ll want to keep visiting.

Fortunately, parking is available, making it easy for you to stop by and soak in the warm, relaxed atmosphere that feels just like home. Trust me, once you experience this place, you’ll understand why I can’t help...