New Café, New Energy: Cafe Anne Arrives at Lake Anne Plaza (Reston, VA)
Few places in Northern Virginia blend mid‑century charm with waterfront living quite like Lake Anne Plaza, Robert E. Simon’s first village center and the beating heart of Reston. With a weekend farmers market, seasonal festivals, and a growing roster of small eateries, the plaza is always evolving — and its latest arrival, Cafe Anne, might be the tastiest development yet. Lake Anne
Why a Fresh Restaurant Matters for Reston Real Estate
Food‑forward amenities are a magnet for today’s homebuyers. When a walkable neighborhood keeps adding buzzworthy cafés and craft breweries, property values and buyer interest tend to rise. As more local entrepreneurs invest in Lake Anne, it reinforces Reston’s reputation for live‑work‑play convenience — one of the top reasons clients hunting “best Reston agent” end up calling this waterfront enclave home.
Meet Cafe Anne: A Love Letter to Artisanal Comfort Food
Lake Anne Restaurants Level‑Up
If you already frequent neighborhood favorites like Lake Anne Brew House and Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar, Café Anne slots right into your rotation with its broad, day‑to‑night menu.
Warm Vibes, Waterfront Views
Tucked a few doors down from the Brew House, the café invites you in with caramelized‑waffle aroma and eclectic décor that feels equal parts North African souk and Parisian patisserie. Grab a seat indoors, snag a patio table, or take your order to go and picnic beside the rippling lake.
The Menu: Waffles, Gelato & North‑African Sandwiches
Sweet Starts & Anytime Treats
Cast‑iron waffles dusted with sugar, perfect with a scoop of house‑made gelato or sorbet.
Pastries and croissants baked on site (don’t miss the signature profiterole croissant: flaky shell, vanilla gelato, Belgian‑chocolate drizzle, toasted almonds).
Savory Stars
Artisanal baguette sandwiches rooted in Moroccan and Algerian flavors. Choose lamb‑sausage, ras el hanout‑spiced chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Customize with mixed greens and a rotation of aiolis (chili‑lime, roasted‑garlic, preserved‑lemon).
Every order includes two sides — fluffy couscous, aromatic basmati rice, or garlic‑roasted Brussels sprouts.
Quality Ingredients You Can Taste
All meats come from one of NoVA’s most trusted halal butchers, ensuring freshness and ethical sourcing.
The owner’s hands‑on approach means every swirl of sorbet and every sandwich press carries a personal stamp of care.
Insider Tips from a Local
Pair & Share: Order a lamb‑sausage baguette to go, then walk ten steps to Lake Anne Brew House for a crisp IPA or kölsch — the spice in the sandwich sings with a cold craft pour. Lake Anne Brew House
Beat the Brunch Rush: Weekends after the farmers market can get crowded. Swing by mid‑morning on weekdays for the quickest waffle‑to‑table turnaround.
Dessert for Two (or One!): The croissant profiterole is big enough to split… but no judgment if you dominate it solo.
Follow the Café’s Insta: Get first dibs on seasonal gelato flavors via Cafe Anne’s Instagram feed (think pistachio‑rose in spring, orange‑cardamom in winter). Instagram
Café Anne in the Wider Lake Anne Dining Mix
Lake Anne already boasts international variety — Greek‑inspired Kalypso’s, French comfort at Café Montmartre, and wine‑centric bites at Lake Anne Coffee House. Café Anne doubles down on that diversity, proving that independent concepts still choose the plaza over chain‑filled shopping centers. According to a recent FFX Now article, at least two more eateries are slated to join the plaza this year — evidence that restaurateurs see opportunity in Reston’s revitalizing waterfront core. FFXnow
What Café Anne Means for Buyers & Sellers
For homeowners considering listing in 2025, “walk to Lake Anne restaurants” is now an even stronger bullet point. Condos and townhomes within a half‑mile already trade at a premium compared with similar square footage farther from the lake. If you’re researching Reston real estate or scouting the best realtors in Reston, VA, keep café culture on your checklist. Neighborhood vibrancy is a market indicator every savvy buyer tracks.
Final Bite
Café Anne isn’t just another place to grab coffee; it’s a celebration of global flavors, local sourcing, and the community‑driven spirit that made Reston famous. Next time you’re in the plaza, stroll the mosaic‑tiled paths, say hi to the café’s owner, and savor a profiterole by the water. Then let me know which combo you loved most — the chili‑lime aioli or the Belgian‑chocolate drizzle?
