The chef uses lovely fresh ingredients in creative combinations.

The waitstaff is prompt, courteous and helpful, able to answer questions about the menu and make good recommendations both for food and wine.

Plates are cleared away and water glasses are refilled quickly.


This is a wonderful restaurant hidden in a boring stip mall and the prices reflect the suburban location, I have never had food of such high quality at such low prices anywhere.    [31 Dec 2003 17:01:18]

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Recommended Dishes: The specials change frequently, but I have never had anything there that was less than wonderful.

     ­Anonymous   cotongrmr at aol dot com

Best Place in Herndon
SBC is flat out the best restaurant in the Herndon/Reston/Sterling area and among the best in its class you will find. The venue is cozy (read small) and casual, but very friendly. Hana is a wine enthusiast who always has a few gems among their very resonablly priced wine list. Mark is one of the most talented and creative chefs you will find not working in a restaurant that requires reservations weeks in advance. The menu defies obvious classification, mixing American favorites with Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian, French and Cajun flair. You won't find the usual fare on their menu that has been done to death by every chain in suburbia, so be prepared to try some new things and don't be afraid to explore the menu. I've been all over it and have yet to find anything I didn't    [02 Mar 2004 09:43:16]

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Recommended Dishes: Grilled Elk, Cajun Chicken Foccacia, Cajun BBQ shrimp, Cuban Pork Sandwich, Roasted Pepper Soup, Speicals Board

     ­Anonymous   

Another NOVA FRAUD
Listen, this place is "OK." However, when you read the "Wash Post" etc. reviews - you would think that you are getting a real GEM. Not even close. Dined with my father, wife & daughter. After seeing the main courses for dinner, ended-up having CUBAN SANDWICHES. My suggestion to the "chef," try some seasonings in your side salads & read some of your cookbooks. I get the sense that they may have the ability to cook well - perhaps it is just the class-less NOVA patrons that inspire the poor effort on cooking. A lot of effort is placed on plating, etc. That is not what I am looking for when eating in a strip-mall. Also, when make Pot de Creme - try using "real" gourmet chocolate (not Hersheys....although I do like their candybars!). The "Cuban" sandwich was decent    [23 Jul 2004 18:03:35]

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     ­Jonathan Masters   

Rock Steady
I've been coming here for lunch about twice a month since taking a job out here. Yes, I read the Post review awhile back, and wanted to check it out. Well, it's a jewel. In a world of deep fat fried "me-too" chain restaurants, this place is unique and enjoyable on a regular basis. Had the special for lunch today of chicken pot pie and the pumpkin soup and it was excellent. Don't miss it.    [30 Dec 2004 17:18:40]

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     ­Vienna visitor   

Better than Ever
SBC cafe in Herdon is under new ownership. My recent meal there was the best ever! Fish perfectly cooked, and sauces with a kick that don't overpower the food characterized the three dishes that I sampled - scallops, sea bass and grouper. The place is looking better too - new wood flooring, fresh paint and removal of a lot of clutter. If you haven't been in the last couple of months, you should give it a try.    [27 Jan 2005 13:56:20]

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Recommended Dishes: Chilean Sea Bass with Curry Sauce and Coconut Grits

     ­Anonymous   

Ignore all previous reviews
Under new management now for almost a year, SBC is a great find and better than ever. You could pay $100 a person elsewhere or more for imaginative well-prepared food of this high level.

All the stories are true about SBC being between a car wash and laundry - but don't let that stop you. I've become a regular and will keep going back so long as owner-chef So Young is at the helm.    [11 Mar 2005 16:02:09]

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Recommended Dishes: Let your imagination wander.

     ­BRS   

Wow
Finally, an alternative to overrated 2941. Amazing food, restaurant perfect for a special occasion. I don't know what anyone could complain about. Secret must be getting out because our Friday dinner found the place almost full.    [01 Apr 2005 23:39:01]

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Recommended Dishes: Tuna Tartar, Mango Salad, Bread Pudding, Rack of Lamb

     ­Anonymous   

The NEW SBC -- much better than before!!!
Well, as good as everyone thought SBC was when Hanna and Mark owned it, the new owners have completely raised the bar. SBC is now one of the premier restaurants in northern Virginia. There is little to compare it to -- except for the ambience, which is actually part of the charm .. makes one think you have discovered something completely out of place.

The inventiveness of the food pairings is just amazing. We have been there five times in the past seven months, and been more pleased each time. This is a retaurant where the chef must be a wizard at selecting fresh fish, and then knowing how to match each fish with the right flavors. The sauces, the accompaniments on the plate, the presentation are something we might expect downtown in Washington at twice the price. The skill in preparing fish, and knowing how different each type of fish is, may be a dying art. The chef at SBC (2005 version) is a master. Inventive and creative dishes with Rockfish, Sea Bass, Halibut, Sole .. whatever is fresh. It is just amazing. The other entrees are just as expertly paired and prepared, but are not such a surprise.

The wine list is quite wonderful -- at least a dozen selections under $30 (rare in our area) and plenty more as well, and an extremely generous offering of wines by the glass.

The creative spark in soups, appetizers, and desserts is also amazing. Consider the strawberry shortcake (really!).

This is a place on the way up. Everyone dining this weekend was calling the chef out to rave, and it was all well deserved.    [21 Aug 2005 23:37:00]

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Recommended Dishes: Rockfish in tortilla shell, rockfish in 'parcel,' halibut with curry

     ­JJT, McLean, VA