I had high expectations for this restaurant mostly because of the reviews I read here and because its on multiple "best restaurant" lists in the NoVA/DC area.

The service is great and the dishes are imaginative and are presented well. The atmosphere of the restaurant itself is very bare bones--nothing fancy here. I took my mother here for her birthday and her first reaction was "that looks like a hole in the wall." I'm not huge on ambiance, but if you're looking for a place with atmosphere this is not it.

I've eaten here twice and have tried three separate main dishes (beef cheek, Moroccan chicken, and a chicken and wasabi sandwich off the brunch menu) . The chef really likes herbs to the point where I'd say the dishes were over-herbed. All three tasted like they had been dunked in fennel. Also the meat wasn't that great--very fatty. On the flip side their chocolate dumplings are literally to die for. I could eat those every day until I die.

The menu is always eclectic and delicious. I have always enjoyed the unique meals and combinations of flavors. Theonly thing lacking here is atmosphere. For the price of the food - $15 - $20 lunch entrees - $25 - $40 dinner entrees you would expect a much nicer atmosphere but this is a old run down shack, Again the food is awesome so if you don't mind this it is fine but I think they would do so much better in a larger more upscale location.

The chefs have gone crazy creating a host of appealing original dishes that I'd characterize as samplers rather than hearty servings. It's a small space that was the original Anita's restaurant in Vienna, across the street from Magruder's. many of the clientele appear to be repeat customers, a vote of confidence.

Maple Ave was the location of a private party for 17 and it was a truly wonderful experience. The food was excellent--so creative and delicious but not intimidating or pompous. Suffice it to say that they knocked our culinary socks off and I heard many at the party talking about how they will be coming back to this great little spot. We had a number of 'foodies' in our group and they were enjoying each course more and more! So fresh, so interesting, so very tasty!

I for one am a big fan and will consider Maple Ave my "go to" spot in the Vienna/Tysons area from now on. And I have to also say how warm and welcoming the staff is here--they handled our large group with grace and a great sense of humor. I cannot say enough good things about the food and menu and the wonderful staff.

Couple of helpful hints--always make a reservation since this is a very small place you don't want to take a chance on missing out by not having a reservation. Also, the parking lot is very very small so best to park on Church Street.