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La Sandia Reviews List
La Sandia
Internationally acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, recognized as the Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine, is expanding his culinary reach with La Sandia Mexican Kitchen & Bar. At La Sandia, Chef Sandoval combines authentic Mexican ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques to create light dishes with vibrant, contrasting flavors.
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98 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 98 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(55)
3 stars
(17)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(36)
- fit for foodies(29)
- great for lunch(25)
- kid-friendly(20)
- vibrant bar scene(19)
- special occasion(16)
La Sandia Reviews List
Review 1 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Amazing Brunch!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have gone to Sandia for mother's day 3 years in a row now and the only problem we have had was that we always order too much food!! Everything is good and it is hard to choose what to get. The guacamole is made to order right at the table and alone is worth the trip. The only downside this year was that there was no flan on the dessert menu. An otherwise perfect visit!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome taste
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"La Sandia serves high-quality Mexican food from multiple regions. The flavors are unique and pleasing, and the guacamole rocks!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always good !'
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"La Sandia is always consistent when I dine there and usually it's a group of us that come. The staff is always helpful and attentive. My server this who's name I didn't get was awesome he was on top of everything. Food always consistent. Only area I see they need improvement would be in the consistency of their mixed drinks they always seem different every time I go there. Overall great experience!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best Guacamole in the area!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My wife and I often dine at La Sandia and the service and food are outstanding. The only thing that my wife noticed was that the menu had changed:( She loves seafood:)"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: romantic, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
the food was not good at all
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"there were not Mexican flavor at all, tasted like can food"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 6 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a fiesta
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"La Sandia's food never disappoints. Besides the always great 'made at the table' fresh guacamole they are always wiling and able to create our requested dishes, even if they are off the menu .
Love the ambiance, never had bad service"
Love the ambiance, never had bad service"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 7 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicioso!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband had the tamales and I had chicken mole poblano. Both were delicious and, thankfully, not hidden under a layer of cilantro (which we don't like.) The sangria rojo was delicious - if a little weak - but fine for a weeknight dinner with a drive home afterwards!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
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Review 8 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A Cut Above Your Ordinary Mexican
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"La Sandia is a cut above your ordinary run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurant. Along with the normal Mexican dishes, the chef has created some great Latin American specialties such as his chorizo empanadas, which are to die for. This is not your normal TexMex restaurant and the food tends to be quite a bit more authentic. It could be a bit more spicy, however, but then I imagine that it has been toned down for the 'gringo' crowd. Service is fantastic."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 9 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The dinner itself was great,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The dinner itself was great, and we had a very pleasant and accommodating server. However, we sat at the bar for a bit after dinner (around 9 pm), and were very surprised to see the bar staff cleaning the bar and basically shutting things down right in front of the patrons, during operating hours. This seemed odd to the both of us, with us both thinking that these activities should take place after hours. Hardly a way to encourage your guests to enjoy the bar area (and keep people around). The management really needs to rethink this..."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2001
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Review 10 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Hostess seated us immediately.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Hostess seated us immediately. We were a group of 7 and arrived at 9PM. This was my 1st time at the restaurant however a couple of people in our group had come before.
No waiters came to us until I went back to the hostess after being seated for over 15 min.
Finally got our Chips/Salsa, took our beverage order and again disappeared for over 10 min.
Upon his return he stated that the entire crew is exhausted as they had a busy night.
Bad service, cold food. Did not even refill our water.
The best part of the evening at La Sandia were the mints that I picked up when leaving this restaurant."
No waiters came to us until I went back to the hostess after being seated for over 15 min.
Finally got our Chips/Salsa, took our beverage order and again disappeared for over 10 min.
Upon his return he stated that the entire crew is exhausted as they had a busy night.
Bad service, cold food. Did not even refill our water.
The best part of the evening at La Sandia were the mints that I picked up when leaving this restaurant."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
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Review 11 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was pretty good Mexican.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was pretty good Mexican. The tortilla soup was way too salty - had to send it back. Chips and salsa are outstanding. Corn soup was very good, though almost too sweet. Traditional margarita was much better than the top end margarita. I thought the Carnes Asada was very good, and wife thought the Chicken dish was outstanding.
Decor is upscale mall - thought it would be a little nicer ambiance. Waiter was very knowledgable, if a a little talkative.
We decided we'd probably be back, though it wasn't out of this world."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 12 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Serious Upscale Mexican in a Mall
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The monthly festivals have been wonderful. First teh chili relleno, then the tamales, next the guacamole. Love this place. don't be fooled by the mall location, this is a serious restaurant!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 13 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service was perfect. Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was perfect. Food was amazing! Glad we picked this place, and we'll be back!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food - especially in a mall! Tamales are great"
Dined on 02/24/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 15 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
No More La Sandia for Us!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Considering this is a Richard Sandoval restaurant we expected much more than we got from this establishment. It is inside the Tyson's Corner Center and activity around the restaurant is very hectic. We were seated on the indoor patio which was quite loud. Our waiter seemed overworked and showed up sporadically since he was also waiting on tables inside. I had tamales which were too dry and the filling was very sparse. The watermelon margarita was small (for $9.00), had very little alcohol and was filled with too many chunks of watermelon. Linda's enchiladas were chewy and not warm enough. Guacamole was too chunky and, believe me, I like chunky guac - but it was not mixed together properly. Selection of tequilas was quite good for Va."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
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Review 16 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Customer Service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My parents were celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary and had JUST flown in from CA. They were tired and hungry and Emily and Juan made them welcome by greeting us and wishing them Happy Anniversary! Then Victor, our server, was very attentive and quick with the drinks. The surprise tres leches cake with sparkler at the end of the meal was especially nice and having Juan come over to speak to my Mom in Spanish with a sincere interest was the perfect ending to their long travel day! Love this place, and will always go back - but this night, they were especially spot on!!!"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 17 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Absolutely Mediocre
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The restaurant is in a mall and it is absolutely mediocre and overpriced given the overall ambiance, food, service and overall experience..No water was offered from start to end. Drinks were ok. Mango Mojito was too sweet for my liking or I guess I should have informed about the level of sweetness I prefer. I ordered BBQ chicken chipotle salad which was good. Chicken Mole Poblano looked awful, no presentation at all.. but sauce was mole sauce was good. They did not bother to check if we wanted to eat dessert.
For that price, I would recommend Seasons 52, Brio or Costal Flats. We have always loved the vibrant atmosphere in these restaurants.. Thought La Sandia would be good but not that great.."
For that price, I would recommend Seasons 52, Brio or Costal Flats. We have always loved the vibrant atmosphere in these restaurants.. Thought La Sandia would be good but not that great.."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
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Review 18 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was so good and my wife
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was so good and my wife really enjoyed it."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 19 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I love the feel of this place.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love the feel of this place. The food was super yummy and be sure to order the guacamole."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
good chow, reasonably quick
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"good chow, reasonably quick service"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2012
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 21 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The homemade guacamole is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The homemade guacamole is outstanding, a must if you go."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
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Review 22 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for a ladies nite out.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great for a ladies nite out. Also good for vegetarians."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2009
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Review 23 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great dining experience!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great dining experience! Guacamole was excellent as a starter!
For a lighter dish the fish tacos are an excellent choice suggested by our server as well as the enchiladas!!
Must try the "can't decide" dessert choice. Te tres leche and banana empanada are incredible!! The service was excellent and we would definitely dine again!!"
For a lighter dish the fish tacos are an excellent choice suggested by our server as well as the enchiladas!!
Must try the "can't decide" dessert choice. Te tres leche and banana empanada are incredible!! The service was excellent and we would definitely dine again!!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 24 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food/Drink/Service Trifecta
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first visit to La Sandia - and it certainly won't be our last. From the margaritas (strong and flavorful), to the chips/salsa (warm and authentic), to the food itself (creative and tasty), to the service (attentive without being intrusive) the experience was a total success. The sopas de carnitas appetizer was an amazing combination of flavors - so good I almost ordered another one (it only came with three semi-small portions). The spicy orange margarita was as described (and I liked it) but I switched back to the cadillac tradicional as it was outstanding! Don't let the fact that this restaurant in a mall deter you from going - you'll be glad you did!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 25 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was excellent and so
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent and so was the service. A little on the loud side but then what place isn't where the food and spirits are lovely.....;-)"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 26 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful restaurant that
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful restaurant that my sister and I tried on Valentine's Day - the guacamole appetizer is muy delicioso!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 27 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was terrific, we
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was terrific, we got shrimp and steak fajitas."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 28 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I enjoy the happy hour specials. I've told others about it."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 29 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food at La Sandia was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at La Sandia was amazing. The restaurant was beautiful. The drinks were VERY tasty. My service was not good at all, but I don't think it was a reflection of the overall service. I saw all of the other wait staff performing outstandingly and with ease, I think it was just my waiter. I would definitely eat there again."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was not my first trip
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was not my first trip to this restaurant. The food as usual was good. The noise was too loud, and the service wasn't that great."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 31 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I ordered the chicken tacos.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I ordered the chicken tacos. The chicken was extremely dry and the tortillas were like eating cardboard. The plain rice was the best part. Our server also kept disappearing but did manage to keep our water filled."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2011
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Review 32 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The dinner and service we
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The dinner and service we received was exceptional. The food arrived promptly and the service was cheerful and courteous. It was a lovely evening."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
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Review 33 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Finally, great Mexican food in NoVA
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Mexican food - a broad menu with lots of interesting & well prepared choices. Nice drink and wine list. Good service. The ambiance/decor is pretty bland, but that didn't take away from the dining experience."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 34 for La Sandia
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Recommend going to La Sandia
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first time at La Sandia at Tyson's Corner. We noticed it a while back when leaving Seasons 52 across the way, and wanted to try it. The food was very good, and freshley made. We enjoyed the steak and chicken fajitas. Their chip sauce is also very good. They have a nice selection for kids menu. Their cocktails are also freshly made, and very tasty! We look forward to returning very soon. Thanks."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for La Sandia
Based on the average of (64) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
8 out of 9 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic