This location is quite large. You are surrounded by the warming scent of fresh baked bread upon entering and quickly directed to find a seat of your choosing. The dining room itself feels a bit barren with its light wood floors, tables, and chairs. The only accent is the white exposed ductwork in the ceiling--otherwise it has a very monocolor feel.
I started with a Raspberry Lemonade. Freshly made, it had a natural flavor to it--not too sweet and well balanced.
For my lunch, I went with a seasonal special--the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Toast. This beautiful, fresh toast was layered with sweet potato cubes, black beans, and arugula and topped with avocado slices and vegan chipotle aioli. Oh my my--it is so good. All those flavors meshed perfectly together. The bread was crispy, the sweet potato soft and the aioli creamy. And it was very filling.
For my second visit, I ordered the Baker's Lunch, which consists of the soup of the day, a salad, and a tartine. The soup was split pea and was excellent. The salad was the quinoa taboule served with arugula--pretty good. The real star of this show though was the avocado toast topped with extra virgin olive oil, citrus cumin salt, and chia seeds. Do not go here without ordering one of their tartines!
My friend got the same thing, but with vegan chili. It looked scrumptious!
And I couldn't leave without my favorite vegan carrot cake cupcake. You must try one of these cupcakes--they are to die for!
All in all, the service on our first visit was pretty good, but the second visit wasn't so great. The prices are definitely high for lunch at $12.95 for the toast and $14.95 for the baker's lunch, but well worth it as the food is fantastic. The atmosphere is pretty laid back there--no reservations needed. So, I'd say it's one of my favorite places to eat in Arlington...and really all of DC. Recommended.
Previous reviews
November 18, 2014
February 17, 2014
January 6, 2014
Le Pain Quotidien
2900 Clarendon Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 465-0970
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