When the beloved Amphora Restaurant closed its doors in 2021 after 44 years of serving Vienna, locals mourned the loss of a community institution. But from that cherished space emerged something entirely different: The Maple Room Restaurant & Lounge, a sophisticated dining destination that has transformed the former 24-hour diner into an elegant sanctuary of modern American cuisine with Mediterranean flair.
A Vision Rooted in Tradition
The Maple Room is owned by Christos and Effie Sarantis through their MAC ST Hospitality Group, a Sterling-based company that also operates SouvlakiBar in Oakton. The couple’s philosophy draws inspiration from “Philoxenia,” the ancient Greek tradition of making strangers feel like friends—a fitting foundation for a restaurant that aspires to blend warmth with refinement.
Sarantis Properties, affiliated with MAC ST Hospitality, purchased the property from the families who owned Amphora in 2020. Rather than replicating the casual diner atmosphere that preceded it, the Sarantises envisioned an upscale experience that would serve Vienna’s evolving culinary landscape. The restaurant opened its doors on November 26, 2023, occupying the completely renovated 4,882-square-foot building at 377 Maple Avenue West.
The People Behind the Plates
The Maple Room’s success rests on a foundation of exceptional talent. Executive Chef Jeff Surma, a Detroit native, brings years of experience from prestigious establishments including the Ritz Carlton, The Capital Grille, and Goodstone Inn Resort and Restaurant. His culinary artistry shines through a menu that marries robust American flavors with Mediterranean zest.
General Manager Gordon Leigh’s remarkable journey spans multiple continents, from helping open Disneyland Paris in the early 1990s to managing establishments like Brasserie La Coupole, the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, Bistro Bis, and the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas. His expertise in fine dining operations, combined with over a decade at Tysons Corner Capital Grille, positions him perfectly to oversee The Maple Room’s sophisticated service standards.
The restaurant also celebrates its bar team, particularly mixologist David, described on their website as more than just a bartender—a storyteller and confidant who crafts bespoke cocktails while keeping guests entertained with his humor and warmth.
A Menu That Captivates
The Maple Room’s culinary offerings reflect Chef Surma’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and culinary innovation. The menu features an impressive array of starters, from classic French onion soup and salmon tartare to duck leg confit and Oysters Rockefeller. Entree options include grilled whole branzino, cold water salmon, garlic prawns, Lancaster Farms roasted chicken, tagliatelle bolognese, prime filet mignon, prime New York strip, prime boneless rib eye, double cut lamb chops, Green Hill Farm pork chop, and tuna steak.
The ricotta gnocchi has emerged as a signature dish. Described as fluffy cheese pillows served in a creamy truffle emulsion with mushrooms and crunchy Parmesan crisps, the gnocchi has become a standout favorite. Fresh pasta appears throughout the menu, from garlic prawns over squid ink angel hair to a vegetarian seitan bolognese.
The restaurant also offers sides like truffle fries, maple Thumbelina carrots, and Brussels sprouts with lardon. An extensive global wine list and handcrafted cocktails complement the dining experience, served in either the elegant dining room or the moody, sophisticated lounge area.
Design and Atmosphere
The Maple Room creates a two-pronged dining experience reminiscent of New York’s Gramercy Tavern, with a bar-dominated, darkened lounge and a brighter, wood-filled dining room. Caramel-colored woods and green banquettes create a welcoming ambiance, with wood-slatted walls and ceilings providing visual interest while absorbing sound. The renovation transformed the space into an intimate setting where sophisticated design elevates every meal.
The restaurant can seat 170 patrons inside and features a 44-seat outdoor patio, offering flexibility for various dining preferences. Unlike nearby establishments, The Maple Room opted against live entertainment, focusing instead on creating an atmosphere where conversation and cuisine take center stage.
Critical Acclaim and Guest Testimonials
Since opening, The Maple Room has garnered attention from both professional critics and enthusiastic diners. The Washington Post praised the restaurant’s polish, noting excellence on the plate, in service, and throughout the dining room—along with the practical benefit of easy parking.
Guest reviews consistently highlight exceptional experiences. One TripAdvisor reviewer who identified as a professional chef wrote about the restaurant’s quiet elegance and comfortable seating, praising the decision to sample multiple appetizers and noting impeccable service. Another diner shared a memorable story about staff walking them to the parking lot with an umbrella during a rainstorm, leaving the employee soaked but demonstrating genuine hospitality.
A guest with celiac disease praised the restaurant’s knowledge about gluten-free options, noting that nearly everything on the menu can be modified and that orders are reviewed by the chef to confirm safety. They awarded the food a hypothetical six stars.
The gnocchi appetizer receives particular acclaim, with multiple reviewers declaring it extraordinary and worthy of repeat visits. Diners consistently praise the precise cooking of steaks, the quality of fresh pasta, and thoughtful touches like complimentary warm bread with sweet, softened butter.
Community Connection
The Maple Room has become a gathering place for Vienna’s community, hosting private events and serving as a venue for professional networking groups like Northern Virginia SHRM. The restaurant welcomes guests for corporate gatherings, family celebrations, and special occasions in its elegant space.
The establishment maintains close connections with local suppliers, emphasizing its commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Operating hours reflect a balance between accessibility and exclusivity: Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Mondays reserved for rest and preparation.
While the restaurant maintains upscale standards—requesting proper attire and recommending evening dining for children 10 and older—it strives to create an inclusive atmosphere. The website warmly welcomes guests of all ages, and the team’s dedication to accommodation shows in their handling of dietary restrictions and special requests.
Looking Forward
As one reviewer pondered whether The Maple Room would become a Vienna staple on the scale of its predecessor, they concluded that despite some early growing pains, the buzz in the dining room suggested the restaurant could keep locals returning for years to come.
The transformation from all-day diner to sophisticated restaurant represents more than just a change in menu—it reflects Vienna’s evolution as a dining destination. While some residents initially questioned whether the town needed another upscale restaurant, The Maple Room has carved out its own identity through exceptional food, genuine hospitality rooted in Philoxenia, and a team committed to creating memorable experiences.
In a region saturated with dining options, The Maple Room distinguishes itself through its dual-space concept, commitment to fresh ingredients, and the kind of thoughtful service that sends staff into the rain with umbrellas. Whether settling into the moody lounge for cocktails and appetizers or celebrating a milestone in the elegant dining room, guests discover that The Maple Room offers something increasingly rare: a place where culinary excellence and authentic hospitality converge, making every visit feel both special and welcoming.
The Maple Room
377 Maple Ave W
Vienna, VA 22180
info@macsthospitality.com
(703) 223-5534
Sources
This article was written with the assistance of AI
