Village Bistro, Arlington, Virginia Restaurant Details

Food:

Wow, this was one of the best dinners I have had in a really long time. As a European with a group of Italian friends whose dinners I have enjoyed for years, I believe I can really recognize good Italian food. The ingredients were fresh, very carefully chosen, the flavours were mixed beautifully and everything was well balanced. Very reasonably priced so overall an excellent value for money. I strongly recommend this restaurant to everyone who is in Arlington!

Food:

Pleasantly surprised. Food was delicious, we had the shrimp scampi and veal piccata. Owner was very knowledgable and wait staff were friendly. Will definitely be going back!

Food:

Hidden gem for sure. Really good quality tasty stuff here. Recommend scallop appetizer, salads, ravioli & bread :). They have small plates and regular size plates. Regular size plates def on the pricey side.

I wish I good rate more highly!

Food:

Mele Bistro has my heart, but for what they are trying to be, they need to step it up a notch or two, to capture my stomach. The cocktails are excellent. Some of the appetizers, like the mushroom dish are really, off-the-charts fantastic. We had other dishes on our first visit which were awesome, but apparently not memorable. The decor is fresh and innovative. The atmosphere is one where you want to be.

But then come the misfires. The sea bass is almost $40 and for that, I expect a thick, generous portion of flaky, white fish. Instead it seemed they took that portion I described and cut it in half horizontally, leaving a thin, unappealing portion of sea bass.

The Prince Edward Island mussels and fettuccine, held great promise of plump, earthy, green delicious mussels from one of the best sources on Earth and fresh, homemade pasta. Instead what you got were shriveled, teeny tiny, unappealing mussels and flaccid pasta.

The service is inconsistent like the rest of the experience. If it's like our experience, you can probably expect your server to disappear for a large part of your dining experience. Others may fill-in, but you're always wondering what happened to your server.

The owner is effervescent, friendly, welcoming and super receptive to feedback, making changes when you suggest them. But customers cannot figure out all of their challenges for them, they need to do that to a larger extent, for themselves.

I'm always excited for a great experience when I go there and it has never quite lived-up to expectations. While they hold really great promise, since this was our third try, I'm not sure if we'll l go back, but I really am rooting for them.

Food:

The service is outstanding. The owner makes sides you have a great dinner. He has brought out a free appetizer for the table to try. The food is fantastic. I have enjoyed the salmon and ravioli. It's possible to get half portions of food. The dish wear and silverware is fantastic. The restaurant is clean and a great place to eat in the Arlington area.