Sweet Leaf

This review is not based on the restaurant as a whole, as I have had some decent food there in the past, but on the utterly grotesque salad I had there today.
I ordered a Nicoise salad and there was nothing Nicoise about it. A classic Nicoise salad must have the following ingredients to be considered as such:
Hard boiled egg
Green beans
Red skinned potatoes
Tuna (fresh or in some cases, canned)
Nicoise olives
*And preferably, a savory vinaigrette as opposed to sweet
Sweet leaf had one of those five ingredients, hard boiled eggs, and they were chopped which when tossed around in their too sweet vinaigrette, just dissolved into yellow eggy paste that coated everything.
I’ve had many Nicoise salads — some quite good, actually — that did not fall into the classic Nicoise salad category. What made this salad utterly inedible in my mind, was that they added overly sweet and soppy tuna salad to it. And then they tossed the heck out of it so that every piece of anything in that salad had a coating of that heavy, sweet and soppy tuna salad on it rendering it limp and just plain gross. So I couldn’t have picked around the grossness even if I tried.
I would suggest that Sweet Leaf either completely rethink this recipe or take it off the menu.
In the meantime, unless my description of this salad sounds appealing to you, I would highly recommend you avoid this salad.

I frequently drive by the Sweet Leaf in Vienna on my way to work and have always been curious to try it out. Finally an opportunity presented itself the other night to go with a friend and my assumption of it being a salad-​centric establishment with the likes of Sweetgreen had been incorrect. [Quick note: Parking can be difficult because there’s only street parking.] We visited just before closing and were pleasantly greeted. My first impressions were great with the warm décor and cleanliness. Their menu was extensive and consisted of sandwiches, salads, all-​day breakfasts, smoothies, etc. We picked a sandwich and wrap and they had a large topping bar behind the glass if you wish to make your own sandwich or add any additional items. I was particularly impressed by the presentation of the bar because it was clean, organized, and fully stocked and fresh looking (again, we came 20 minutes before closing). After returning home to eat our meals, they were flavorful, filling, and fresh. I would return again.

Just great.
High quality product and great selection. I LOVE the slice of bread. I really enjoy this salad each time I have it and I think all the locations are great.
I think their shirts are witty and people are friendly.

Consistency is what makes a good place great. This place is great. The San Remo Salad Wrap is really, really good. The two others in my party agreed. Looking forward to their other spot, next to Mussel Bar, opening. The three block walk is getting exhausting! =)

I had the Cobb salad with chicken and a sugar cookie. The Cobb salad was amazing. I am unsure of the dressing that was used but it was delicious. The portions were generation enough that I had enough for lunch and dinner. Every bite I had bacon, avocado and chicken. The sugar cookie just melted in my mouth.

I came to this place for the first time today even though I’ve lived 2 blocks aways from it ever since it opened. I wanted to try it because I like healthy eating and farm to table concepts.
The service was really slow and I was the only person in there. Literally the only customer. I ordered the healthy snack sandwich (spinach, egg white, mushroom, on whole wheat). It didn’t excite me, but it wasn’t bad. The latte I ordered was good. It was just a plain latte and they did a good job.
I also got a smoothie here and I don’t like that they don’t have options on the menu for them. I had to pick my own from the random assortment of fruits they had. They didn’t even have strawberries or bananas. So I got kiwi and tangerine slices. They blend it with yogurt I think. It was ok, but it was just a weird blend and I was disappointed in the choices they had.
All in all, this place bores me. I would only go back if I had to. So many better options in this area.

Really excellent soup and salad. I chose the Asian salad and chicken tortilla soup. The bowl of soup is extremely generous in size, and super tasty.
Server helped me pack the remainder for takehome!
Thanks!

Cute café with rustic decorations. Food is delicious and very fresh– I got the Malibu melt (provolone, avocado, bacon); the egg was cooked to order and the avocado was sliced to order too. Workers are fast during the lunch rush. They have coffee and desserts too!

Had the simple morning glory, but cannot wait to return for anything else on the menu. The breakfast sandwich was delicious, and not a bad price for breakfast. The vegetables all looked fresh, the place was clean, and the service was terrific.
$ 5.50

You had me the moment I walked through your doors. I felt like I was entering an adorable farm fresh Pinterest board. You know the board, the one everyone wants and pins.
I loved my experience there. The environment was very warm and friendly, bright and energizing, but also relaxing.
They offer quite a lot of freshly made items. They have all of their fresh ingredients at the very front so you see what you are eating and how it was made.
The employees were super friendly. They also asked if I wanted to join their loyalty program… well, of course I did! But unfortunately, I don’t live here. Although they make a strong case to move here; how about Sweet Leaf move to Charlotte and we call it even? If you’re not familiar with their location, it’s next to Residence Inn.
My food was made quickly leaving me more time to sit and relax… and to write this post.

Continue to love Sweet Leaf, as do so many members of my family that I’ve turned on to this place. My mom and dad (!) love the salads — can’t get over how delicious they are. The bowl of soup is massive and an awesome deal (big enough for three meals). Apparently they’re opening another (?) location in Ballston on Glebe — can’t wait.