We went with the simple aim of trying something new and arrived at True Food Kitchen with tempered expectations: a casual, health-minded franchise promising balance, freshness, and ease. The experience, however, felt oddly disconnected from that promise.
The seasonal market salad set the tone—wilted greens, muted flavors, and little sense of intention. The butternut squash came in a surprisingly tiny portion and leaned watery, though not unpleasant. French fries ordered for two arrived cold and meager, accompanied by condiments that didn’t resemble mayo or ranch in either taste or texture. The tuna poke disappointed most: a small bowl with flat seasoning and rice so undercooked it crunched. Entrées held the line without distinction—the chicken parmesan and Thai panang curry bowl were serviceable, nothing more.
Service was friendly but hesitant, with a forgotten item and uneven pacing. The dining room, especially for dinner, felt stale and distant rather than lively or welcoming. At nearly $160 for three people, the value equation collapsed. Health-forward food need not sacrifice warmth or execution—but here it did. Two out of five stars.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Jonathan Taylor
Great healthy food, a little expensive but so is everywhere these days.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Maureen
These seasonal vegetables were delicious. Unfortunately, the protein turkey burger left much to be desired. My friend felt the same way.
Cigar Snobs
Didn’t know my neighbor had coffee on their menu, but they do & make it so good. Got the lavender one, loving it.
Thanks to kind staff & Justin 🫡
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rebah Elci
At this visit we had great time, good food and nice service. Grass fed steak and burgers are tasty and the cauliflower appetizer is 👍 👌.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bill Riberdy Jr
Great variety of food. Everything we had was fantastic. Service amd vibe was top shelf. Will visit again next time I am in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dorry
Always love coming here for lunch or special dinners! Food is always excellent! Staff is very attentive! Look forward to the next time!
Bob Sanders
The lasagna is excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
carrie KIM
The appetizer was mediocre but the main stake was very chewy. I left half of the stake. Terrible food I ever had.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Anthony Walker
I’ve been to this Reston location before, so I was very disappointed to hear the disgusting news about the behavior and language/profanity of chef jose. I am hearing that reports have been and will be filed, and this isn’t the first time! I personally will not be returning to a restaurant where a chef can talk to employees any kind of way, and every time there is a report filed, the management just sweeps it under the rug. Chef jose is clearly abusing his authority and cannot handle nor deserves the title he has been given. This is 100% unjust and unprofessional.
I was very disappointed to hear the chef, Jose, yelling and mistreating his employees. I hope he will be held accountable for his behavior
Service: 5
Blanca Avilez
Ive been to this location a few times & wanted to highlight the head chef Jose yelling at the employees & mistreating them for food service, i was baffled to have heard it across the restaurant, i feel bad for the employees here in Reston.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
Bella
We were greeted warmly and while service was attentive? We were also NOT rushed. Very casual, relaxed atmosphere. Sooo many healthy options and everything was tasty!
Gregory Klassen
Met an out of town guest here.. quiet
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ravinder
Really a bad overall experience top to bottom when compared with other locations. Server was friendly but absent.
True Food Kitchen Misses the Mark in Reston
We went with the simple aim of trying something new and arrived at True Food Kitchen with tempered expectations: a casual, health-minded franchise promising balance, freshness, and ease. The experience, however, felt oddly disconnected from that promise.
The seasonal market salad set the tone—wilted greens, muted flavors, and little sense of intention. The butternut squash came in a surprisingly tiny portion and leaned watery, though not unpleasant. French fries ordered for two arrived cold and meager, accompanied by condiments that didn’t resemble mayo or ranch in either taste or texture. The tuna poke disappointed most: a small bowl with flat seasoning and rice so undercooked it crunched. Entrées held the line without distinction—the chicken parmesan and Thai panang curry bowl were serviceable, nothing more.
Service was friendly but hesitant, with a forgotten item and uneven pacing. The dining room, especially for dinner, felt stale and distant rather than lively or welcoming. At nearly $160 for three people, the value equation collapsed. Health-forward food need not sacrifice warmth or execution—but here it did. Two out of five stars.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Great healthy food, a little expensive but so is everywhere these days.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
These seasonal vegetables were delicious. Unfortunately, the protein turkey burger left much to be desired. My friend felt the same way.
Didn’t know my neighbor had coffee on their menu, but they do & make it so good. Got the lavender one, loving it.
Thanks to kind staff & Justin 🫡
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
At this visit we had great time, good food and nice service. Grass fed steak and burgers are tasty and the cauliflower appetizer is 👍 👌.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great variety of food. Everything we had was fantastic. Service amd vibe was top shelf. Will visit again next time I am in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always love coming here for lunch or special dinners! Food is always excellent! Staff is very attentive! Look forward to the next time!
The lasagna is excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The appetizer was mediocre but the main stake was very chewy. I left half of the stake. Terrible food I ever had.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
I’ve been to this Reston location before, so I was very disappointed to hear the disgusting news about the behavior and language/profanity of chef jose. I am hearing that reports have been and will be filed, and this isn’t the first time! I personally will not be returning to a restaurant where a chef can talk to employees any kind of way, and every time there is a report filed, the management just sweeps it under the rug. Chef jose is clearly abusing his authority and cannot handle nor deserves the title he has been given. This is 100% unjust and unprofessional.
Restaurantji Recommends
I was very disappointed to hear the chef, Jose, yelling and mistreating his employees. I hope he will be held accountable for his behavior
Service: 5
Ive been to this location a few times & wanted to highlight the head chef Jose yelling at the employees & mistreating them for food service, i was baffled to have heard it across the restaurant, i feel bad for the employees here in Reston.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
We were greeted warmly and while service was attentive? We were also NOT rushed. Very casual, relaxed atmosphere. Sooo many healthy options and everything was tasty!
Met an out of town guest here.. quiet
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really a bad overall experience top to bottom when compared with other locations. Server was friendly but absent.
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