Lake Trip: Pack your appetite

By Phantom Foodie

Contributions by Ms. Foodie

Café Anne is one of the options for food at Lake Anne. Photo by TRL

Did you know Lake Anne Plaza is on the National Register of Historic Places? If the crisp fall air has you craving an outdoor food adventure, consider these locally owned foodie options.

Cafe Anne

Cafe Anne serves French-Algerian-inspired baguette sandwiches and platters made with locally sourced meat, along with unique sides such as Okinawan sweet potato and coconut rice. Vegetarians will enjoy the marinated tofu and chickpea sandwiches. Catering is available.

Cafe Montmarte

If your palate leans toward French and Vietnamese fusion, head to this plaza bistro for shrimp summer rolls, pho, salmon or quiche. It has some of the best outdoor umbrella seating on the lake. With friendly service, it's a relaxed spot for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Photo by TRL

CHIBOO Bakery

Have a sweet tooth or need a unique hostess gift? CHIBOO Bakery operates a 100% gluten-free kitchen and also takes custom orders for other allergens. Its macarons are made with almond flour, and seasonal flavors range from classic pistachio to brown sugar cinnamon, along with tea, fruit and floral options. Les macarons sont très bien!

Elden St Tea Shop

This loose-leaf tea shop is the go-to spot for a warm cup of tea, bridal showers or birthday parties. With dozens of hand-curated loose-leaf teas in stock, you can pick up a gift or a favorite blend to take home. Mark your calendar for Nov. 7 and 8 for the annual Northern Virginia Tea Festival at the lake.

Kalypso’s Sports Tavern

A cornerstone of Lake Anne, Kalypso’s offers an extensive menu and even more lakeside seating. Go for the atmosphere and lively entertainment while enjoying traditional tzatziki, gyros or fresh-baked pizzas. It’s a popular spot, so pack your patience, as service is consistently hit or miss.

Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar

From delicious breakfast options to upscale seasonal dinners, Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar is a favorite with local foodies. Both the patio and upstairs dining room have a fireplace, making it an intimate place to sip wine or catch live music. The happy hour specials are excellent, too.

Lake Anne Brew House

This award-winning taproom pours small-batch, Reston-inspired craft beers, including favorites such as Lake Anne Lager. The venue hosts trivia night and Theology on Tap, and the outdoor seating area is ideal for spectating at one of the plaza's many community events. A future expansion is in the works.

Kinship Wine & Wares

In the mood to choose a new favorite bottle of wine? Stop by for an educational tasting with owner and sommelier Jen. Shop the vintage homewares while you sip and support this new small business.

La Migueleña 2 Market & Carniceria Latina

Don’t overlook this hidden Latin gem tucked along the perimeter of the plaza lot. I go for the pupusas and fresh cuts from the butcher counter for my own carne asada creations. It's part market, part casual eatery, with breakfast burritos and tamales also offered.

Photo by TRL

Nordic Knot

This Reston bakery makes soft pretzels, pretzel dogs and pretzel croissants, baking its doughy deliciousness out of a commercial kitchen. As the weather turns cold and the holidays approach, reserve a holiday charcuterie order early before they sell out.

If you’ve been to the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, consider a return to Lake Anne for the wickedly fun SUP Witches Halloween Coven Paddle on Nov. 1, or visit your friends at the Reston Letter at the Farmers Market before it closes on Nov. 21.

Disclaimer: The Reston Letter and its staff do not receive solicitation, compensation or special endorsement from any restaurant or culinary establishment. Our reviewer dines unannounced to make the experience genuine. Our mission is to provide our readers with an accurate representation of our reviewer’s experience so they may make their own informed decisions. Taste, service and culinary preferences vary.