Present Restaurant

I belong to an ethnic restaurant diners group, or I might have missed this gem of a Vietnamese restaurant. It's tucked away in a small group of stores. I've probably driven by often and never noticed it. I also wouldn't have expected the Present Restaurant to be Vietnamese. The member who arranged for our lunch is a frequent customer and she chose the wonderful menu for our lunch. Each dish was amazing, from the crispy spring roll appetizer to the banana fritters with coconut cream sauce for dessert. The seafood fried rice was full of shrimp and lump crab meat. There were ample amounts of everything. Present has a regular prix fix lunch as well as a chef's tasting dinner. The restaurant offers one last surprise. With many customers, the atmosphere was quiet and almost tranquil. Present is now definitely on my must list and I look forward to enjoying the food and atmosphere again.
5 7 years ago (28-03-2018)

This place is kinda hard to get to if your not familiar with the area and the layout of the streets a rhe outside is a bit nondescript, hiding the jewel within. Service was excellent from the time we came in to the time we left. Our waiter, Robert, gave very detailed descriptions and wonderful recommendations. Coming back frequently to check on is and refill pouts drinks. The dishes we ordered were wonderfully presented and with very big. The taste matched the presentation equally, everything was delicious. They were also kind enough to prepare a small dish of chicken fried rice for my youngest. If you're a local then you're really lucky but even if you're not Present is well worth the drive from DC if you want to get out of the city for a bit. My mother said the Cheesecake was the best she ever had and my daughter was equally impressed with the Lava Cake.
5 7 years ago (15-03-2018)

Elegant decor, service and food go hand in hand here. Wonderful date place as well as good for families too. Over my years of enjoying Vietnamese cuisine this is one of the most enjoyable in terms of variety, presentation and quality. It is hard to find as good a VN restaurant these days. Often it is filled with oriental customers really enjoying the food and atmosphere. The thing I really appreciate is how nicely they helped my Latino wife understand the choices and get dishes she really enjoyed and nice portions for a great lunch the next day. It is not near home but a real treat when we eat there. Every time is fabulous food. They also have a great online customer loyalty program with good discounts on their already reasonable prices
5 7 years ago (05-02-2018)

Good food with a lot of varieties. Very nice display. Very attentive service. The atmosphere is quiet and not too busy. Food came out promptly and the quality is consistent. It could have been a 5 stars if the bathroom facility were in better shape.
4 7 years ago (25-11-2017)

Fantastic combinations of food for a party, relaxed atmosphere, great service.
5 6 years ago (20-05-2018)