Early Word on New Restaurant Openings at Vienna Shopping Center

VIENNA, VA -- Another week, another restaurant opening in Vienna. Well, maybe there haven't been that many, but there have been quite a few opening lately especially at Vienna Shopping Center. Here's a look at the early reviews from Yelp reviewers of some of the center's new restaurants:

Cava Grill: Cava Grill opened Monday, Aug. 29 at Vienna Shopping Center, at 176 Maple Ave., serving up free lunch on its opening day. So far, the fast-casual eatery has earned 4.5 stars from four reviews posted to Yelp. Here's a sampling (for the Yelpers' full reviews, just click on their names):

Annie Z.: "I fear for my waistline and wallet, considering that the newest addition to the "Vienna food court", as some are calling it, is only a mile from my house... What a time to be alive!"

Sakellarios V.: "I am SO happy a Cava opened in Vienna. It's one of my favorites for a lunchtime salad. Ingredients are always fresh and tasty!" (Sakellarios mentioned he would like to see outdoor seating.)

Taco Bamba: Taco Bamba opened Thursday, Sept. 8, also at Vienna Shopping Center (or as Annie Z. points out, "the food court"). The cult-like status of the eatery has already attracted 44 Yelp reviews, earning it 3.5 stars. Here's a sampling:

Ry M. says: "I love this place!!! They have amazing unique taco combinations!!! My favorite is the the carnitas! They are quick to prepare your meal. The tacos taste better if you eat it in the restaurant." Ry mentions to come early due to parking getting crowded.

Laurie W. says: "Tip - if you sit at the bar, you don't have to wait in line - you can order right there and they will bring your food to you, just like a restaurant, so that's a major bonus!"

Mod Pizza: Mod Pizza recently opened at 168 Maple Ave. also at Vienna Shopping Center. The popular pizza spot has earned four stars from 47 reviews on Yelp.

Amy H.: "Can't go wrong eating pizza here! Great sauces and toppings, amazing price. Beers, sodas, milkshakes, so much variety." Amy also mentions to beware of the parking situation, she saw two cars backing up into each other.

Rebecca M. "My only complaint with the restaurant is that they do not have silverware. Since my pizza was dripping hot (buffalo) sauce, We had to saw off bites with flimsy plastic forks and knives. But since most people eat with their hands, that's a pretty minor thing."

Chop't: After a lengthy wait, this popular go-to spot for everything salad finally opened a few months ago at 160 Maple Ave. W at Vienna Shopping Center. The fast-casual eatery has earned three stars from 17 reviews on Yelp. Here's what they have to say:

Annie Z.: "I definitely want to like this location in its entirety, however the ordering process has been a bit confusing thus far - where to stand and who to address regarding the next steps for one's salad (the dressing station and then the customer is handed a slip to take to the checkout.. And usually there is a bit of bouncing around involved, especially if there are customers in front of you in line).That being said, I LOVE the Kale Caesar (so delicious! So fresh), and the portions can take me through a meal, while still providing a snack later: they are quite substantial! "

Leslie H.: "One girl here, who I am sure is very nice, has ZERO sense of urgency. Oh - you want to take the worlds slowest steps and look totally uninterested? Cool. I am also super irritated that they are ALWAYS out of bread when I come in for dinner. I really want to like it - but staffing has to change."

Tell us, what's been your experience at these new restaurants? Tell other readers in the Comments box below.