Mona’s Lebanese Cafe was cultivatedย from a longtime friendship. Mona Aboul-Hosn met Jackie Anderson, the property owner of theย quaintย Lebaneseย restaurant, over a container of eggplant salad. “I thought it was the best eggplant salad I’dย ever had” Jackie gushed during anย interview with WUSA 9 about the restaurant. A few years later, the idea was born for Jackieย to purchaseย a home in Sterling, which was also an antique shop that Jackie and Bill Ewingย named Guilford Station Antiques. They wanted their antique store to be more than just a stand alone shop and their now friend, Mona, was looking for a place to set up her catering business.
Vienna T
9 months agoWe absolutely adored this charming family-owned restaurant! My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting for lunch today, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like we were welcomed into a Lebanese familyโs home. The food was incredibly authentic, and the owner, Mona, was exceptionally friendly, as were all the staff. What truly enchanted us was the exotic atmosphere. Upstairs, thereโs a fascinating antique store with a delightful collection, all curated by Mona herself. Itโs definitely worth a visit if you have the time. I wholeheartedly recommend this place! If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to make the exterior sign more inviting. At first glance, it resembled an ordinary house, and we almost hesitated to go in. But once inside, it was a delightful experience!
Roda A
4 months agoAs a Lebanese American , I'm thrilled to stumble upon a genuine , locally-owned small restaurant that serves authentic lebanese menu. While it may be a bit on the pricier side, the quality is evident in the taste. I usually enjoy cooking at home, but this place makes me feel like Iโm home away from home!
Lindsy Asman
a month agoThis place is AMAZING! The best hummus, tabouli, dolmas, falafel, and Lebanese food Iโve ever had. The food was spectacular across the board. Rice pudding was just the right amount of sweet, with rose water: it was amazing. Great service. Mona does an excellent job of making you feel welcome and feeding you delicious food. The house is an 1860โs house with antiques for sale. The atmosphere is awesome! Very comfortable and cool dining experience. Authentic Lebanese food with music playing in the background. Highly recommend it! Great prices too. Do it! You wonโt regret it!
Patrice Prevost
a week agoDelicious and healthy menu in a lovely homestyle dining setting. Don't let the unassuming facade of this two-story home fool you. The food is fantastic. The restaurant is located in the former Guilford Station Arts Club. There's still an antiques shop upstairs, but in the main dining area, you are treated to mouth-watering, authentic, made from scratch Lebanese cuisine. Notes of soft Middle Eastern music fill the air as scents of cooked spices and herbs in classic dishes tease your senses. Reasonably priced and tucked away in Sterling. There is seating for small and larger groups. Mona also caters. My party ate so quickly we forgot to take photos. Try it. You won't be disappointed.
Christine Keatley
a month agoFresh made food!! I have done take out and sit down here. It is honestly one of my favorite restaurants in Northern Virginia. The business is in a quaint old house with amazing antiques and Lebanese music playing in the background. The owner is a lovely person who obviously takes great pride in her product.