Del Ray Café

French restaurant · Del Ray

Del Ray Café

French restaurant · Del Ray

1

205 E Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Photos

Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null
Del Ray Café by null

Highlights

Farm-to-table French-American cuisine served from morning to night in a quaint, converted house.  

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205 E Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 Get directions

delraycafe.com
@delraycafe

$$ · Menu

Information

Static Map

205 E Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 Get directions

+1 703 717 9151
delraycafe.com
@delraycafe
𝕏
@DelRayCafe

$$ · Menu

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dine in
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payment credit card
reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 27, 2025

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@eater

"Located in a cute converted house with an expansive front porch, this hangout (particularly popular for brunch) has a bit of French influence to it, seen in dishes like Burgundy snails and bouillabaisse. Patrons can start the morning — they serve brunch every day — with croissant sandwiches, croques, omelets, and quiches." - Rebecca Cooper

Best Dining Bets in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood
View Postcard for Del Ray Café

TC

Google
This is a cute relaxing our new to go breakfast place. Everyone was so kind and super quick with their service and always smiled at us! I am happy to see such a local great restaurant. I had veggie omelette and slices of french baguette. Everything was tasty and great. I also had pancakes but was excited to try them and forgot to take pic:) i strongly recommend this place. Such a home vibe, warm, welcoming and friendly. For sure i will be coming back. I hope this place stays this good we need such restorants like this one.

Sharon Gadbois

Google
Cute house. Great location. Right off Mt Vernon and a 20 minute walk from Braddock Metro. The front porch inside rotates pretty quick. You can sit outside and upstairs ... if which many people in line wanted to wait for an upstairs table. I've never been up there considering this was my first visit, so I imagine it must be nice. Elvin was my server, polite and checks on you often. Feedback for him. Instead of offering just sparkling water or filtered, offer latte or coffee as well. Again it was my first time here so I'm not familiar with the menu or how things roll. Give me the scoop. I had the buckwheat pancakes and Elvin was kind enough to remind me they are gluten free so they're on the dryer side; however, if you did the whipped butter/cream over the pancakes and sprinkle with pure maple syrup, is going to be delicious no matter what. I also had the 2 eggs my way omelet with salad and fruit cup. Even though I was starving and gobbled everything up, I can tell you it was a lot. So definitely come hungry.

Rodney Colson

Google
While I was in VA visiting my family I wanted to find a nice Brunch place and I came across this gem 💎 and I am glad I did. As soon as I got there I had a great feeling that I would not be disappointed and I was right. I was able to be seated as soon as I walked in (Note I was by myself. So there might be a wait of more than 2) I was also helped as soon as I was seated which to me is great Service. The Atmosphere of the place was one to remember as everyone worked together to make sure you were taken care of. Now I had to save the best for last the Food and if I had to pick one word or would be AMAZING and lucky for me I can pick more that one 😁 so the second would be DELICIOUS 😋. If you get an opportunity you have to go and give Del Ray Cafe a try and I am positive that you will enjoy it as well. Also you can thank me later😁

Anthony Choi

Google
Just discovered Del Ray Cafe. French inspired café and menu. Came for lunch with my Dad. Ordered the SOs Chopped Beef in Gravy, open faced Chicken salad On country bread and a slice of French toast. The stand out was the chicken salad. Perfectly toasted country bread with a nice crunch. And the gravy in the SOS Chopped Beef is to die for. A perfect meal if you're hungry and want some comfort food. Nadir was our server. Very professional and knowledgeable. I'm often disappointed with breakfast food but this meal was so satisfying. Excited to take my girlfriend here. Nadir mentioned a dinner menu that's French inspired that's also worth a try. Come check out this hidden (not so hidden) gem in Del Ray

Randy L

Google
Great breakfast! Nice staff. Street parking could be tricky but we got a spot less than a block away. Lobster Benedict and Croque Madame in pics.

Lashae Snider

Google
If you have not eaten here your palate is missing a treat! This is indeed our new favorite spot. There was nothing I didn’t eat that was completely enjoyable!

Gregory Lipscomb

Google
‘Very FIRST visit will most certainly not be our last! Great menu. Wonderful food. Fantastic service. Cozy atmosphere. Next time, we’re bringing guests!

Miriam Chaponniere

Google
The girls & I came here for brunch & the food was excellent. We were able to get a table outside, and enjoyed the Croque Madame with organic egg, potatoes and refreshing mimosas. The service was super prompt & attentive.

Tom P.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious place for brunch! First, they have the only authentic croissant in the DC area. Perfectly laminated, fresh, and soft with a slightly crunchy exterior. I've only had a better croissant in Paris (and probably only better because I was eating it under the Eiffel Tower). Don't sleep on the croissant as a side. I got the crab meat eggs Benedict and it was quite possibly the best Benedict I've ever had. Plenty of crab meat, perfectly poached eggs, but the differentiator was the bread that they served it on. I don't know if it was a challah, or brioche, or what... but it was a game changer. The wait staff here is incredibly pleasant and accommodating. We arrived without reservations and they found us a spot immediately. I like that they are all wearing kit from their favorite football teams. But for the first time diner, everyone working here is a joy to talk to. The Del Rey is tucked away on a side street but has plenty of seating. You have a choice of eating inside or in their back garden area. Definitely make this a must-dine spot if you are in the area.

Vidhika B.

Yelp
Been meaning to check out this place for a while and glad to have finally done so! My friend and I came here for brunch and everyone was so friendly and welcoming when we entered. That was super refreshing -- made us feel like we made a good choice off the bat. The café is in a charming little house and has such cozy vibes! We sat upstairs and I loved the checkered napkins, the skylights up above, the cabin-like simplicity. The noise level was perfection too: not too quiet, not too loud. Just the perfect amount of buzzy conversation all around us, with some light music in the background. The ambiance gets five stars from me. (I also love that it's located in the middle of a neighborhood, feels unassuming and local.) As for food, I ordered the vegetarian eggs Benedict and my friend got the dish that had spinach and goat cheese and smoked salmon with eggs. We were both happy with our selections! The veggies included as part of my Benedict felt fresh and well-selected, and the eggs were perfectly poached. Would get again. We also got a side of sweet potato fries, and they were probably the most disappointing part of the meal. They arrived cold and were incredibly dry and over-salted. It felt like they'd been sitting out for ages before they were served to us. Not a fan. We ended our meal by being a bit gluttonous and ordering two desserts: the chocolate mousse and the chouquettes. I didn't really like the mousse; it felt too sweet for my taste. But we were impressed with the chouquettes -- they were soft and fluffy and the serving size was huge, definitely a shareable item. Overall great experience and I'd love to go back. Glad this non-pretentious little eatery (with its impressively (read: scarily) large menu) exists just outside of Old Town. P.S. This is really more of a 4.5-star review; I'm hoping to try eating here again and have a 5-star experience next time (it feels like that's totally within the realm of possibility)!

Abbey S.

Yelp
lovely little local cafe! not a very big place -- maybe 20 tables max. party of 5 on a saturday at 2pm and didn't need to wait for a table. limited street parking. our service was good, nothing exceptional. the menu is very interesting. it's not your classic american brunch spot with loads of options for all dietary needs -- it's a bit more limited and has a french flair. not a ton of options for vegetarians and certainly not many for vegans. half of the brunch options are some variation of eggs. that being said - everyone did enjoy their food! it was hot and fresh and tasty. i would come back if i was in the area but wouldn't necessarily seek it out.

Suzie Z.

Yelp
Attempted to make a reservation at this quaint cafe but to no avail. We decided to try our luck by doing a walk in and gave our contact and went to saunter around the town center. 35 mins later, they contacted us and told us a table is available. We were seated at the porch which was heated so that's nice amidst the cold wintery weather but since I was seated near the dishes, it smells a little foul. Everyone there is really nice but the wait time for the food is longer than expected, approx 30 mins. The portion is a bit small but maybe just right for some people.

Brittany L.

Yelp
Del Ray Cafe once was THE SPOT. Now it's desolate and I can see why. While the service was good, the food was subpar leaving us frustrated and disappointed. The price point and decor hasn't changed in 6+ years but the food has certainly gone down hill.

Heide D.

Yelp
Very first thing to notice about this establishment is that it is inside a house, super cute location! I love that its setting really sets it apart from other restaurants. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, parking appears to be plentiful albeit street parking. We were immediately greeted once going inside, and also promptly served by our waiter. They have an extensive brunch and lunch menu alike. Average prices for a restaurant in this area. Portion sizes were not massive which I really appreciated, but perhaps others might want multiple items from the menu if extra hungry. I couldn't decide what I wanted, so I requested my server surprise me with his favorite sandwich. He chose the croque monsieur and I was very happy with this option. Thanks for a great lunch today, Del Ray Cafe!

Maryanne G.

Yelp
Love the friendly energy of the super-attentive staff -- and the food is spectacular! This was our first visit and we cannot wait to go back! Hits at the table included the cheese plate, the mussels (LOVE the kick of the chorizo), the duck and the pork chop with squash purée. EVERYTHING was so fresh and flavorful! The chouquettes were a perfect end to the meal -- the raspberry sauce was to die for! Only one tiny suggestion-- the pork chop would have benefitted from a little more sauce.

Ria D.

Yelp
A really cute brunch spot in Alexandria! I stopped by at about 11:30am on a Saturday and had no trouble getting a table. It's a small but cozy place and the decor makes it feel very homey. My friend and I ordered coffee and the eggs benedict. It was good, but it came out to about $30 and I wouldn't say it was worth the price. Id probably come back to try the lunch as well.

Dawn B.

Yelp
Missed this place... I had enjoyed many breakfasts at Del Ray Cafe when I lived in the DC area and was excited to return. It still lived up to the hype I had remembered it for. I got the veggie hash with two eggs. It was such a great dish from the numerous well cooked vegetables and nicely cooked eggs. The potatoes were also nicely roasted and paired well with the other portions of the dish too. The staff were super friendly and continued the vibe I remembered it for. I love when you return to a place and it's just as great as you remember it.

Angela E.

Yelp
Came back to Alexandria for a group meetup. I lived in Fairfax County Alexandria for many years so I never mind coming back to the area. I arrived by 12:30pm for 12.45pm reservation. We were seated on the heated, enclosed porch. I get cold real easy so I was skeptical about this. But when I tell you we had to ask them to turn off one of the overhead heaters because some of us got hot-it was nice, cozy and warm out there. I ordered with the French toast Challah dipped in Grand Marnier with mixed berry compote with scscrambled eggs and scrapple with a Mimosa(actually 2 but who's counting). Ba-be if you don't know about scrapple, where have you been? But, I digress. The food was good even my scrapple(which if you do not make it crispy, TAKE IT BACK!). I would like to have had it a little hotter but even that is okay. The heated and enclosed porch was the perfect spot for our group meetup! We laughed and talked and had an amazing time. Our servers came out frequently to check on us. It was an all around good experience. Definitely will bring my family back.

Charlie S.

Yelp
Ambiance is an interesting hole in the wall. We begin with the fluffy warm bread. Soft and fresh and distracting from eating. Then the octopus salad. The octopus is just right; a good sear with a bit of smoky taste, cooked through and just right. Mussels: served with a few pieces of chorizo. Not too many to blot out the flavor of the mussels, mind you. The mussels were a bit dry, this one wasn't swimming in liquid like other places so it. Always fall for the liquid, ordering extra bread to dip into it like a weirdo. Grand marnier soufflés were good. Ask about the dog biscuits!

Christine D.

Yelp
I am torn between 3 and 4 stars for Del Ray Cafe, so this is a 3.5 star review. I went on a Saturday, and my friend and I waited around 30 minutes for a table. We were seated in a small upstairs room that was filled with large parties with children - it was rather deafening. The service was friendly and prompt, however. I ordered the two eggs your way, which was just okay. The scrambled eggs were somewhat lukewarm and the accompanying fruit salad was rather uninspired. However, I also ordered a gluten free Nutella crepe, which was delicious and redeemed the meal for me. If I returned, I would definitely stick to the crepes. My friend had the special Benedict of the day, which has fried oysters, and she enjoyed it.

Omara R.

Yelp
We took my mother-in-law (MIL) to celebrate her 84th birthday we loved the coziness/family vibes of the place. The staffs were very friendly, knowledgeable, and quick, MIL and I ordered the lobster bisque which we always do when offered. The bisque was briney, earthy, a bit of bitter after taste but the white/foam coolie gave it a hint of sweetness. My MIL said her Salmon cake sandwich was the best she ever had, thank goodness because my Pancakes were a bit dense and I like my Pancakes light and fluffy. The eggs and sausages were just okay, same with my husband's egg Benedict but we will go back for the Salmon cake and the Waygu burger, which we didn't ordered.

Julia A.

Yelp
I leave public reviews maybe once every 3-4 years. This made the cut. Received the exact opposite of what I expected--coffee was water, watery vegetable hash consisted of what I can only imagine were steamed vegetables from a bag poured in a bowl, some crispy potatoes, and unseasoned eggs. Omelette was lazy--none of the fillings were sautéed which led to a weirdly textured and flavorless omelette. Also, $2 for all toppings, including cheese, is overpriced. Tl;dr lazy cooking, incredibly overpriced for what you're getting.

Scott R.

Yelp
Very odd experience since the moment stepping in the door. Walked in and asked if we had a reservation, and no we didn't. One of the hosts went upstairs to find a table and then the other one asked if we want to go sit out. We decided to sit outside, sat and then 3 minutes later, they asked us to move to another table, a party had walked in and they needed our table. The service was good, nothing amazing. Food was good, the soup was very very yummy!! My lunch was okay, very interesting, small veggie portion for a meal that's $20 something. Outside patio was tight and stuffy. Unsure if we would come back.

Michael B.

Yelp
Del Ray Cafe is truly a hidden gem in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, VA. This quaint brunch spot not only offers delicious food but also goes above and beyond to accommodate its guests, including furry ones! My spouse and I recently visited Del Ray Cafe with our two dogs in tow, and we were delighted to find out that they offer specific accommodations for canine companions. While their patio was initially closed, the staff graciously opened it up for us to dine with our dogs, which was a lovely gesture considering the highly dog-friendly nature of the neighborhood. Now, onto the food - it was simply stellar. I opted for the 8 oz. Black Angus Burger with Brie Cheese, Onion Confit, Hand-cut Fries, and Organic Egg with Avocado Aioli. The burger was cooked to perfection - juicy, flavorful, and served in a generous portion size. My spouse tried the Eggs Benedict Croissant with Canadian Bacon, Poached Eggs, and Hollandaise Sauce, and he couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was. While the food was top-notch, I must mention that the service was a bit slow during our visit. However, the friendly and accommodating staff more than made up for it with their warm hospitality and attention to detail. Overall, Del Ray Cafe is a charming brunch spot that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a delicious meal in a cozy setting. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or even your four-legged companions, Del Ray Cafe is sure to impress with its delectable menu and welcoming atmosphere.

Patricia S.

Yelp
We can hear for lunch one day and the inside is super cute! The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Overall though the food was just okay. The banana bread could've been more moist and the omelette could've been softer. Could just be my own preferences!

Yvette 'Divie' E.

Yelp
A very solid and pleasant find! Food/drinks: For Sunday brunch, I kept it simple with (gluten free) buckwheat blueberry pancakes and a side of bacon! Everything was delicious, fresh, and generously portioned. And the menu was labeled with allergens to be aware of, which is always helpful. Service: Very efficient! We were luckily seated quickly, attended to quickly, and the food came out quickly. If you're willing to sit outside in the heat, they had more availability. Ambiance: Cute! Simple, clean, wooden decor inside. Nice open outdoor patio. Tables were close but not on top of each other. I'd be back for their pancakes and bacon!

Bella J.

Yelp
Very cozy eatery in Del Ray with the best service located in a little house. Unless you intend to come here, very unlikely to find this place. 1. Reservation: not necessary if you coming for brunch. 2. Service: super attentive, polite and knowledgeable 3. Food: Great! - escargot: a must try, amazing! - burger: very good, the best FRIES! - mussels: I normally love mussels, but did not like it here, too strong fish smell - lamb: is just okay. 4. Drinks: excellent - Bloody Mary was delicious, very pepper forward - Irish coffee was great. By far the best in Alexandria All in all, I will for sure be coming here again. Not everything is perfect to my taste, but enough is so I will just order what I liked here next time

Spencer L.

Yelp
Vibe: Cosy neighbourhood spot for meals that feel like they are homemade. Small and intimate dining session, guests were quiet and respectful during our visit. Shorts and tshirts are fine. Food: Delicious. My friends and I were extremely happy with all dishes served. The savoury salmon crepe was excellent. Service: Our waiter was enthusiastic and seemed happy to be serving us. Bathroom: One at a time for all genders. Clean and easy to access.

Eric W.

Yelp
This is a very nice restaurant that is located in a house in Del Ray. Food - Good, their homemade fries are delicious. I enjoyed their black angus burger. They have a few different varieties of lemonade and their peach lemonade was great. Service - Good Parking - There is not a designated parking lot but there are many spots to be found on the streets nearby for free. Overall, this place is great.

Alicia M.

Yelp
We love to brunch here and especially love the lobster eggs Benedict, which are always excellent! Save room though for the chocolate beignets and a lovely cappuccino to accompany it. Service is always prompt and friendly as well. The ambiance is that of a quaint country inn. They do fill up quickly, so reservations are always a good idea. Parking is limited, but you may park in the nearby streets and wander the stores nearby afterwards.

Judy L.

Yelp
A favorite always. Great service, mouth watering food, and family friendly atmosphere. We absolutely love the new fall menu. Halibut special was extra delicious. Everything is well proportioned which leave room for gorgeous desserts. This restaurant is on our family outing rotation.

Mike C.

Yelp
One of the best quaint French breakfast spots this side of the Mississippi! I have been here twice now, tried the Lobster Benedict my first time, and most recently went back and tried the Burrata and Prosciutto Eggs Benedict. The Prosicutto Eggs Benedict is loaded with Prosicutto and the pairing with the cold Burrata works gloriously. This is a true blue French restaurant that serves escargot, duck, you name it! And yes I did have the escargot on my prior visit and it was delightful. Snails are hard to find but just wasn't in the mood for them on my last stop in. My girlfriend and I love this spot so much we always go out of our way from the D.C area to dine here before making the trek back to our home state. As always people SYOY!!!

Sanchita G.

Yelp
We got the lobster benedict and the chocoloate chip pancakes! both were really good! :) they were super accomodating given how busy it was! the service was great, they came around and asked several times how things were going! the ambiance was kind of cool too it seems like it was a cafe built inside an actual house!

Jonathan C.

Yelp
The place was very cute. The staff was friendly and very kind and attentive. The vibes outside were also, very cute and aesthetic. The food was pretty average. The banana bread was dry. I ordered the wagyu burger, medium, and that was also pretty dry. The latte was all cream, with a hint of coffee. The water with lemon was a 10/10 though.

Melissa T.

Yelp
All was so good and fresh. Delicate pastry at its finest. Parking is hit or miss but the neighborhood is quaint and a nice walk through. The cafe is easy to miss as it is nestled in between the cozy houses of the neighborhood. Small tight spaces in some parts of the cafe but it is perfect for a couple to dine at last moment's notice. I will come again.

Gena W.

Yelp
I had never been to this restaurant, but I picked it because I have some food allergies/sensitivities that it looked like they could accommodate (gluten foremost). I requested to substitute potatoes for polenta as the side in my dish because I have a corn allergy. They charged me extra for the switch even though I explained I had an allergy. I'm trying to be understanding, but I wasn't asking for a switch with fillet mignon. Corn and potatoes are a fair swap, and I don't think people should be charged extra because they have an allergy. Thankfully, there are a lot of other good restaurant options for food sensitivities.

Gloria P.

Yelp
All staff members were attentive and respectful throughout our experience I visit Alexandia frequently and always look forward to visiting this marvelous eatery each time! My omelet was exquisite and favorably seasoned, my companions ordered a variety of items, and we all left sated!

Meleah C.

Yelp
I do not recommend coming here for brunch. The only good thing about this restaurant was the host was very pleasant. I saw her handle a situation where guests wanted a different table, but there was no other seats, and she was very polite in how she handled it. Kudos to Sophie. Now let's get into this one star review. First, we order the soup. The server should have mentioned the soup is cold, because when you think of soup you think of "hot" or at least I do. That was just the tip of the iceberg. We ordered a benedict, a side of pancakes, a side of potatoes, and mimosas. The pancakes were so dry. It's pretty hard to mess up pancakes, yet they found a way. The potatoes were hard and didn't seem to be cooked thoroughly. Not only was the food not tasty, but it wasn't even hot when we got it. My family and I go out for Brunch every Sunday and we regret coming here. :(

Ash S.

Yelp
There are many facets to a rewarding, delicious dining: amazing food, excellent service, and pleasant ambience. Del Ray Cafe is located in an off-street neighborhood area of the Del Ray neighborhood. It is a higher-priced option from the usual casual fare on the main drag, but perhaps that price comes with a wider selection, finer food, and better service. Let's start with the service and ambience: both excellent. Attentive servers, extremely polite, and very cheerful. Location? Nice unassuming decor that felt as if you were eating at someone's home rather than an impersonal restaurant. The food? There is an eighth deadly sin and it is lukewarm food. We ordered the PEI mussels as well as the veggie burger. Each came with french fries. Everything was just barely warm. Unpardonable. Food should be hot when it reaches the table. This food gave the impression that it had been sitting in the kitchen for some time before service. Or that it simply was served cold. The quality of the food is hard to judge when the food, itself, is served cold when it should be piping hot. Del Ray Cafe did not meet the mark on this occasion.

Chris V.

Yelp
We have never been disappointed in our visits to Del Ray Cafe! We are welcomed as if we are coming for a family gathering and no matter how busy, the wait staff always has time for a brief chat. The restaurant has a great neighborhood vibe and is not pretentious as one finds some French restaurants. We usually do lunch but had dinner last night for a special occasion. Despite it being Restaurant Week, we were able to order off the off the main menu. Both the Bouillabaisse & short ribs were delicious finished off with a soufflé.

Ron H.

Yelp
The atmosphere was very cozy. A good selection on the menu and what we ordered was great. Service was outstanding. Not a typical brunch but we were still very happy. If you are looking for a nice place, nothing fancy but good food, this is the place. Parking can be tough but nothing they can do bout that.

LE S.

Yelp
My new favorite spot! Great service and delicious food. This is the type of food that warms the heart and makes you smile!

Kimberley C.

Yelp
Jeremías R was our server. He was pleasant and attentive. Atmosphere is very cute; little bit of a farmhouse feel with the wood accented ceiling and beams, and then the big wood picnic table and the gingham napkins. Mimosa 9/10 Light on the OJ, heavy on the champagne. Really good though! Unsweetened Iced Tea 10/10 So natural and a great amount of tea taste. Eggs Benedict - traditional 9/10 One of the best bennies I've had! Croissant is homemade! Super buttery and flaky and the perfect amount of "bread" for the dish. I could have used maybe another slice of Canadian bacon. The eggs were poached slightly longer than usual which I enjoyed a lot. I actually don't like super runny eggs on my Benny. The Hollandaise was really good. Light and lemony! I asked for extra, they added onto the sandwich, but it happened to be JUST enough. I personally love Hollandaise and would have liked probably double extra. Pork Belly stuffed with Chorizo Sausage 10/10 Pork belly was cooked so great, very tender and flavorful. Chorizo was salty, tender, and also cooked great. Truffle Polenta was kinda plain to me and not truffley, but Kyle says it was flavorful. Texture is similar to grits. It paired very well with the meat. Rosemary Sauce, just tasted like a thin brown gravy to me.

Jasreen K.

Yelp
I did not get the hype of this place. Yes it's in a cute old house turned restaurant. But food - I wasn't all that impressed. I got lobster Benedict, it was cold. My husband got chicken Milanese and was content with his food. The fries were wayyyyyy too oily and cold. Drinks I felt like we're a bit pricey but then again you're in Alexandria so what do you expect. The staff was very sweet and I think that made things a little better?! I don't have all that will to go back to this place.

Georgia G.

Yelp
Used to love this place. But did not have a good experience last night. Made Mother's Day reservations for the porch. When I made the reservation I specified that my mother only wanted to sit on the porch and if not available we would try for another day or time. Not only made the reservation but confirmed it day of. Then I get a call 6 pm while we were all en route to the restaurant that our table was given to someone else. My mom only wanted to eat on the porch. I asked if we could have a drink and then sit at the table when the other group left. I was told yes. Hostess never came back to us. The management made no effort to fix the situation or even address it. Two entrees come out incorrect. My niece ordered the crab claws and she got shrimp. I ordered duck and got scallops. We ate what we were served because the kids were tired. It was super loud upstairs and impossible to hear. This place used to be a favorite but I can't expect I'll Be going back.

Pany N.

Yelp
Glasses on the table were dirty, like half full, finger prints and all. Bread basket; butter was half full with marks of previous use We should have left, but already opened a bottle of wine. Steak was dry and chewy (medium??, not!!) Fish was not cooked in the middle and the sauce it was sitting in was crusted over!! Who gave the previous ratings??

Pamela S.

Yelp
The food, service and ambiance is very nice. Please note, this business is in a residential area and parking isn't great. You would need to circle the block to find a space. This is the only negative.

Connie H.

Yelp
Fantastic service and delicious food. The specials are always outstanding. The cottage atmosphere is just right.

Sheila B.

Yelp
One of our favorite spots for breakfast. We almost always walk in without a reservation, as a part of two, and they are extremely accommodating. The environment is very homey and relaxing. The food is amazing as well. The quiche varies in variety and is always tasty!

Virna L.

Yelp
The waiting was terrible considering that we had called in two months for reservation. We were promised a first floor dining place but we still ended up on the second floor 35 minutes past our reservation time. Food was good, nothing exceptional. Maybe on a different circumstance, when the mood is right, sometimes food tastes better. But the company was great. Three stars. Will I return? maybe. But when you make reservations and they can't maneuver the sitting, this needs improvement Parking is terrible. You have to really be local to know where to park.

Christopher B.

Yelp
We had Reasonable expectations for Del Ray but will we return... Del Nay. . . Literally the First to sit last to be served in the entire room we sat in... I need not say why, it was blatantly obvious, which wouldn't have been such a problem... management can't really control all the operations biases, employees will be employees, if the food was up to par we could have overlooked it. There is simply no way to excuse a DEL RAY CAFE call at 1:48pm for our reservation and to be served at 2:48pm. An hour wait for poached eggs and a pancake when the tables around us ordered meat heavy entrees and were served entirely first and we the literal last... last week we went to Flora Flora at the wharf, same prices way different quality way different service... Word of Caution: Save your money & head to Flora Flora for brunch. Sophie the hostess & the Crème Brûlée (fantastic!) earned them the 2 stars. VERDICT: Del Nay. Order lots of champagne for the pain. Head for Fora Flora thank me Later :) Smallest tip I ever left. (See pic)

Scott W.

Yelp
Slightly pricey but good food and service. Parking is very limited (a few spaces in the back; 1 or 2 in front), which tells me this great for the neighborhood locals to walk to. It's very comfortable inside, with most seating upstairs. This was my first time but liked what I got. My wife had the salmon, eggs, salad, and fruit and a croissant; she loved it. I had the open-faced chicken salad sandwich and soup of the day (potato and leek), which was slightly light on salt but that's a good thing.

Jen Z.

Yelp
We've dined here many times and have always enjoyed the food and drink. The service has that human touch that can be hard to find and the ambiance is that of eating at a friend's house. Highly recommend!

Antonia N.

Yelp
Wanted brunch on a Friday and luckily Del Ray Cafe has it! Whoo hoo! Had an amazing lobster Benedict. The food came out piping hot with poached Maine lobster on a toasted croissant with perfectly poached eggs and creamy hollandaise sauce. It's so nice to have a hot plate of delicious food!! The simple salad and fruit on the side also yummy. In the worlds of Arnold... I'll be back!

Elaine G.

Yelp
We stopped by for brunch on a Saturday and I'm so glad this was our place of choice. There was no wait for a table for three at 12pm. Our waiter was courteous and patient with his recommendations and our questions. My SO Decided to get the chipped beef per recommendation, our 2nd aunt got a burger (with Brie which was delicious) and I've always been a sucker for eggs Benedict (which came with croissant toast!) The food came out promptly, it was hot, and the eggs were poached perfectly! We had a great meal and a great time catching up. I did take off 1 star because while the waiter was nice and the service was decent; it was not a phenomenal experience and felt as though it was missing something. Overall, we wouldn't hesitate to come back and give this place another chance for "feels"; since their brunch is such a delicious treat!

Sondra L.

Yelp
Ate brunch/lunch on Sat. Service was very attentive. Food was great quality. The fruit salad that came with my omelette was so small, like a teaspoon of fruit. The 2 egg omlette was delish... but you are charged $1.75 for each ingredient you want in it. My $9.00 listed omlette was almost $20! The mimosas for $10 each were over priced in the skinny champagne flute they were served in. Would definately think twice about what I ordered next time. Cute cafe and nice ambiance though.

Robert P.

Yelp
Best Brunch ever. Food is amazing at dinner also. All Staff there is happy to help A favorite for sure