Nancy R.
Yelp
Location: 501 Maple Ave. Vienna, VA
Website: https://carnegiediner.com/vienna-virginia
Menu: see website
Hours: see website
Price: $$ ($20-$30 per person)
Parking: a little tricky, don't let that stop you
All the things you've heard about 'Carnegie Deli' are here in VA.
A full page of pastrami-featured entrees as well as plant-based choices round out the upscale diner menu. Waffles? Yep. Pancakes? Absolutely. Omelette? Yaaas. Sandwiches? For sure.
The service here is incredibly good. From the front desk, manager, and our server - very thoughtful and gracious attention.
We had reservations for a large-ish group (9) so we had a bit of a wait to secure space. We did not mind one bit. Honestly, if you have the luxury of waiting inside for a table, consider yourself indulged.
Between the baked goods case (cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cookie... you get the idea) and watching the plates pass you by toward their tables, your head will spin a bit in a combination of confusion and envy, influencing your own choice(s).
Our table chose very wisely.
5/9 chose omelettes. Served with shredded hash browns, salads, and the best sourdough toast.
2/9 chose sandwiches, served with crispy fries, hats off to the one who chose the Truffle Parmesan topping.
1/9 chose the avocado toast topped with poached eggs and our final 1/9 chose Eggs Benedict which came with an impressive pile of hash browns.
The food was somehow delivered very quickly after we ordered, particularly impressive considering how busy this restaurant is and how large our group was today.
The quality is superb, and the portions enormous.
Since I seem to be in an odd fractions mode, 6/9 or 2/3 of us had a leftover box.
We are traveling to attend a family event and sharing a home - brilliant move to accommodate these delicious leftovers.
(The thought of only having a hotel mini fridge and no room for these impeccable leftovers might have reduced me to pouting. Crisis averted.)
I can always tell when my dining partners are hungry and enjoying their meal. It got very quiet. When I could tear my own gaze from my own plate, I looked around the table and everyone had that content, satisfied, relaxed look on their face as they focused on their own plate, also.
We did some minor sharing (kudos to my partner who always lets me snag a fry so I could also experience the Truffle Parmesan delight) - everyone loved their meal.
I will also confess despite fully believing we would each choose a dessert 'to go' for 'later' (or in the car on our way home?) I had no interest after my delicious meal.
However, I was delighted to commit my ability to divide a dessert into 12 equalish portions when our hosts insisted on bringing us a slice of their 24-layer chocolate cake.
All 9 of us ate our hack-job of my portioning and we added a 7th takeout box for the remaining 3 hunks of bliss.
This is likely the real influence on fractions for this review as well.
This restaurant is a delight.
Decorated in an upscale 70's modern style, with warm blond wood tones and toned down earth tones blended with modern brass fixtures.
The food is incredible and the quality and portions make the prices a fair value.
Parking is a little tricky, and there is likely going to be a wait - but honestly, it's well-worth both minor inconveniences.
I would plan on 1 entree for 2 people if you do not have ability to refrigerate your leftovers. However, the food is so darn good, if you have the means get your own entree, share bites, and unapologetically take home your leftovers.