Cafesano: Italian & Mediterranean Bistro is Northern Virginia’s go-to restaurant when it comes to heart-healthy, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that’s carefully crafted and affordable, perfect for a quick lunch break or a family dinner after a long day. 

But don’t take our word for it! See what our customers have to say about Cafesano’s service, hospitality, and most importantly, our menu. 

Delicious Menu with Options for Everyone

Cafesano offers a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. From brick oven pizza to veggie-filled salads to hearty pasta dishes, Cafesano can satisfy any craving! 

Nick N. shared, “I ordered two wrap sandwiches for takeout, the club and the falafel. They were excellent. Fresh and savory ingredients which were quite large. They both filled and satisfied our hunger according to our tastes.”

Greg O. was delightfully satisfied with his lunch, as he shared, “The flatbreads, wraps and pastas have all been consistently fresh and tasty, and they have a good kids menu as well. My favorite is the shawarma wrap, and the zatar chips on the side, especially with a garlic sauce, is a great lunch.”

But it isn’t just the savory and satisfying items customers order for lunch or dinner that make Cafesano’s menu great. It’s that there are also gluten-free and vegetarian options, so every customer, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy a meal at Cafesano! 

Chad H. shared his love for the gluten-free pizza crust, saying, “If you get the gluten-free crust for the pizza, it is crispy, just the way I like it. They have a large number of gluten-free options which is nice.”

Check out our full menu to see if we can satisfy your craving today! 

Super Friendly Staff

When you come to Cafesano, whether it’s for dine-in or takeout, you’re not just a customer, you’re family! 

Our staff is super friendly and has a mission to make every experience a great one. 

Devon M. was satisfied with how helpful Cafesano was, sharing, “The service here is always good. You order at the counter and they bring it out when it’s ready so there’s not much interaction with the staff. But they’re all kind and helpful so that’s a plus.”

Nita H. writes, “Ordering online is easy, the timing is perfect and pick up is a breeze! The staff is pleasant and professional.”

A visit to Cafesano means an inviting smile and a warm welcome. 

Family-Friendly and a Great Ambiance

All are welcome to enjoy a meal at Cafesano, no matter what the occasion. For a quick lunch pick-me-up, a large family dinner, or a happy hour meetup after work, Cafesano’s ambiance is perfect. 

Devon M. also shares, “The ambiance is pretty open and casual. There’s a lot of seating including tables for parties larger than 6. It feels pretty modern as well so it adds to the atmosphere.”

Luanne E. shared, “Everything…….wonderful atmosphere. Love being able to eat fresh foods and visit with friend(s) with no pressure!”

Simmie K. shares, “The ambience is so nice with large windows overlooking the lake and the sunlight hits softly through the windows.”

Plus, our Reston location has patio dining where you can enjoy tranquil lakeside views. 

Quality Ingredients for a Great Price

At Cafesano, we know just how important quality ingredients are. We also know the importance of an affordable meal. That’s why we never compromise on quality and never supercharge our prices. 

One reviewer explains, “I am gluten free and they have really great salads…they use really fresh ingredients.”

At our Reston location, Ellen writes, “The food is good and fresh and the prices are lower which is great.”

Nita H. says, “Cafesano is my go-to spot at least twice a month!! It is consistently fresh and delicious, every single time!”

Kathy B. shares, “I love this place! Great food at reasonable prices! I usually get the house or greek salad with salmon kabob. The dressing is amazing and the salmon is always perfect! Also love the grape leaves and hummus. Falafel awesome too!”

Enjoy Cafesano at Home or in the Office

While Cafesano has tailored a welcoming and cozy environment at our Dulles and Reston locations, our dishes can be enjoyed at home or in the office with our takeout option and catering services. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal on the way home from running around town or hosting a corporate luncheon, Cafesano has you covered! 

Maryann K. shares her experience of Cafesano’s catering services, writing, “We had a party last night for 35 people and I needed help with the food. The catering department was really helpful in answering questions and helping make the right selections for my event. Pricing is very reasonable, they offer delivery and sterno setup for a small fee. Driver was on time and did a great job setting up. Food was fresh, delicious, and a hit with my guests. Cafesano couldn’t have made it any easier. They’ve been a go-to for takeout and dine in for so many years for myself and others living in Reston. You should consider their catering for your next party because they do such a great job!”

Alison S. shares her love of our takeout option, writing, “Love this place, have been coming for years! Best salad (signature) ever. Never had a bad meal. I like that it’s casual and not full service because we rarely do dine in and their take out game is on point. Truly in my top 5 for Reston area food joints.”

No matter where you eat your lunch or dinner, Cafesano can be there! 

Grab Your Next Delicious Mediterranean-Inspired Meal at Cafesano

Your next Mediterranean meal is waiting at Cafesano! 
Visit us at our Dulles or Reston locations and enjoy our cozy atmosphere when you dine in, or order online to pick up and take home.

The post Mediterranean Food in NoVa: What Customers Say About Cafesano appeared first on Cafesano.

Followed for millennia, the traditional Mediterranean diet has a long history and has been linked to numerous health benefits. It’s also a great way to enjoy a wide variety of delicious foods, making it easier to stick to a healthy overall diet.

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a focus on whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

It also includes healthy fats, such as olive oil, and lean protein sources, such as fish and poultry. Red meat is limited, and dairy products are consumed in moderation.

The modern-day Mediterranean diet is also low in highly processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.

In this article, we’ll discuss the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and why it’s been enjoyed for over 5,000 years. 

A Brief History of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet originates in Italy, Croatia, Greece, Spain, and other countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea. It’s been recognized as a healthy way of eating for decades, and more recently, research has continued to support its numerous health benefits.

The Mediterranean diet became widely recognized in the mid-20th century when scientists and nutrition experts started to take notice of the low rates of chronic disease and long life expectancies of people living in the Mediterranean region.

In the late 1990s, the Mediterranean diet was officially recognized as a healthy dietary pattern when it was listed in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Healthiest Diet for Longevity

The science behind the Mediterranean diet is rooted in its focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, and its balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and carbohydrates.

In fact, US News and World Report ranked the Mediterranean diet as the best overall diet for 2023.

Specific Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet 

There are numerous health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, including lowering the risk of heart disease, anti-inflammatory effects, and control of blood sugar. It’s even been shown to improve cognitive function and overall brain health.

Heart Health

The Mediterranean diet is rich in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil. These kinds of healthy fat have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The diet emphasizes plant-based foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, which are high in fiber and antioxidants that help to protect the heart.

Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is a major contributor to many chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.

The Mediterranean diet is high in anti-inflammatory compounds, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and other seafood, and antioxidants, which are found in fruits and vegetables.

Blood Sugar Control

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits, which are low glycemic index foods.

This means they are digested slowly and have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or at risk of developing the condition.

Cognitive Function

The Mediterranean diet has been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline. This may be due to the high intake of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants and the low intake of unhealthy fats and added sugars.

Weight Management

The Mediterranean diet is associated with healthy weight management and a lower risk of obesity. This can be credited to the diet’s focus on whole foods and not including processed foods full of chemicals and fillers.

What Foods Does the Mediterranean Diet Consist Of?

One of the best things about the Mediterranean diet is that it’s incredibly delicious. You don’t have to sacrifice taste to enjoy a healthy diet!

The Mediterranean diet includes a variety of ingredients from several different food groups, all of which are essential for a balanced and healthy diet.

Fruits and Vegetables

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes a high intake of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

These plant-based foods help to protect against chronic health conditions and support overall health.

A popular vegetable dish is baba ganoush, a dip consisting of eggplant, olive oil, lemon juice, and tahini.

Whole Grains

Whole grains, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and quinoa, are an important part of the Mediterranean diet. Take notice that it does not include white bread.

These foods are high in fiber, which assists in regulating digestion and provides complex carbs, which are a long-lasting source of energy.

Legumes

Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are a staple of the Mediterranean diet.

These plant-based protein sources are high in fiber and provide a range of essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Hummus and falafel are some of the most popular legume dishes in the Mediterranean diet.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, and chia seeds, are a key source of healthy fats and protein in the Mediterranean diet.

They are also high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins, which help to support overall health.

You’ll often find nuts and seeds sprinkled over Greek yogurt or salads.

Fish and Seafood

Fish and seafood, such as salmon, mussels, and shrimp, are an important part of the Mediterranean diet.

These lean protein sources are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health, and other essential nutrients, such as vitamins B12 and D.

Poultry

Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is a lean protein source in the Mediterranean diet. It is an important source of essential nutrients, such as iron and zinc.

Dairy

Dairies, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are consumed in moderation in the Mediterranean diet.

These foods are excellent sources of calcium and other essential nutrients, but it is important to choose low-fat options to limit unhealthy fat intake.

Some famous cheeses included in the Mediterranean diet include feta cheese, mozzarella, Havarti, and halloumi.

Enjoy an Authentic Mediterranean Diet Meal from Cafesano

The talented chefs at Cafesano are eagerly waiting for you to come and try one of their delicious and authentic Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Whether you’re committing to the Mediterranean diet for a healthier lifestyle or just craving some seafood, vegetables, and pasta, we’re ready to serve you a meal you’ll never forget.

Affordable, healthy, and delicious – that’s what Cafesano is all about!

Check out our lunch and dinner menu to see if we can satisfy your Mediterranean cuisine craving tonight.

Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro proudly serves Fairfax County and Loudon County in Northern Virginia with locations in Reston, VA, and Dulles, VA. 

The post Want A Healthier Life? Enjoy the Mediterranean Diet appeared first on Cafesano.