With signature entrees from countries like Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and of course- China, this restaurant actually leaves me feeling satiated and even- interested- in my meal...
If you read my “Anothai” Flying Colors Review, you know that Asian cuisine is my least favorite… I’m a firm believer that cheese and/or potatoes belong in every meal. But because it’s a favorite of The Man's and The Boy's, I’m dragged from one rice & noodle based, cheese-less meal to the next. Most of the time I eat some Egg Rolls or Crab Rangoon, pick at some chicken and vegetables, then sneak to McDonald’s for a burger and fries for guilty, soulless, satisfaction.
Luckily, the Broadlands has been blessed with Cafe Opera, a unique- yes, unique- Asian restaurant that actually satisfies even the most finicky diner. With signature entrees from countries like Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and of course- China, this restaurant actually leaves me feeling satiated and even- interested in my meal! So many different flavors to savor- from Crispy Beef- a Sichuan Specialty: deep-fried shredded beef sautéed with julienne carrot and celery in a special spicy brown sauce. This dish really stands out because of the tenderness of the beef and the indescribably savory spices in the brown sauce. It’s unlike any Asian beef I’ve ever had- simply delicious.
My favorite dish is one that appeals to the senses- colorful, fragrant, piquant spices offsetting milder ingredients: it’s the Singaporean Vermicelli. A delightful combination of Shrimp (I omit the shrimp and double the pork due to shrimp allergies,) roasted pork, egg, shredded vegetables and bean sprouts with angel hair rice noodle stir-fried in light curry paste. If on the off-chance there are leftovers- this one is even better on the second day. For those cold or rainy nights- a cavernous bowl of Japanese Beef Udon Noodle Soup deeply, warmly, hits the spot.
This is my nine year old son’s favorite local restaurant- he eats his weight in Pot Stickers at Cafe Opera, they know him by name, and always put extra cherries in his Shirley Temple. The service here is very personable and extremely efficient. They know how to pace the meal to keep it relaxed, yet prompt. Our main courses never arrive while we’re still eating our soup, and our glasses of ice tea are never more than half empty. The Asian contemporary theme is perfectly balanced, Ashburn style: family friendly with enough ambience (and a diverse drink menu) for date night! The low lights, rich colors and classical music videos projected onto the wall all blend perfectly to make your visit a comfortable one. Without question~
Cafe Opera passes with Flying Colors! 
“Rice is great if you're hungry and want 2000 of something.” ~Mitch Hedberg
http://cafeopera.net/ 42882 Truro Parish Drive Unit 104 Ashburn, VA
703-858-1441
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