Nestled in the West End, Tempo Restaurant is one of Alexandria's best-kept secrets. This elegant, but unpretentious, neighborhood restaurant is where the locals dine. Tempo's menu displays a blend of northern Italian and French cuisine, featuring fresh seafood.
"We went here for my husband's birthday. The avocado imperiale was an amazing starter. We both ordered fish (flounder and salmon). The portions are very large and the fish was just perfectly cooked. A wonderful meal."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"We went back after having moved from the Alexandria area 20+ years ago. This used to be our favorite restaurant, and it hasn't changed a bit! (Good thing). Same waiter, and one of the funniest people to enjoy! Mothers Day brunch was exquisite. Love it."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"This restaurant continues to be a sure hit for its food and its service. The veal dishes (several different sauces) were all great. On Mother´s day the salmon dish was spectacular and included at least 8 good size mussels. I had not seen it done this way before. We´ll come back for sure!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Reasonably priced in Alexandria, Tempo serves a good meal. Service was slow for not that busy of a Saturday night and we were there fairly early (6PM)."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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"The food is always excellent at Tempo, but there are often surprises. Growing up in New Orleans, and also living in Pensacola, FL, for 22 years, I have had Crab Soup in many fine restaurants, but Tempo's version is the best I have ever eaten."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"For a 23 year old establishment between a barber shop and laundromat, we were somewhat quizzical about what lay in store during our first visit to Tempo for lunch this week. We three were all surprised and delighted - from the menu to the food and service and price points, we couldn't have asked for more. We all ordered fish - trout, salmon and halibut - and each was impeccable, generously proportioned and delicious. White table cloths and efficient service made this small dining room hum. Too full for the enticing desserts - may have to return just to try them Warmly welcomed and thanked, we are all looking forward to our next visit to this tiny surpise in Alexandria."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We have dined at Tempo Restaurant many times over the years, and it continues to be one of our favorite restaurants. Food preparation has been consistently outstanding, no matter which entrees we chose. The restaurant has a regular menu, but always has a very robust specials selection. I especially recommend any seafood entree."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"At Sunday brunch there was a live singer. It was delightful and unique. We were four people. Each had a different entrée. All said their entrée was excellent. Can't ask for a better experience."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"We love Tempo. Our family went there on a Tuesday evening for a special occasion (going-away dinner) and loved every minute of the experience. The staff are great about treating you like a regular, even if you only visit every couple of months. The drinks are generous and the selection is good. The fried cheese appetizer was made in house and was actually very delicious -- this is no "generic fast casual frozen fried cheese!" The gazpacho was delicious and perfect for the weather. The veal scallopini with shrimp and fontina cheese was fantastic! I ate every morsel on my plate. Others in our party had pasta with broccoli rabe and crab, and filet mignon with crab and bearnaise. Everyone was delighted. We shared desserts, all good!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Wonderful, as always. I've never had a bad meal here, whether it's brunch, lunch or dinner. Selections are great, and the quality of the food is fantastic."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We had a group of 8 meet here for Easter dinner. Using public transportantion made several of us late for our reservation so we were the last group seated for the lunch time hours. Our order was taken very quickly because they were ready to close the kitchen, however, other than that we were not rushed at all. I was relieved that they were so accomodating to our group given that we arrived late. The menu was diverse enough to satisfy everyone in our party and the food was very good. We were all pleased with the decision to try Tempo for our holiday gathering."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
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"I went to Tempo for the first time a couple of days ago with my mom. I wanted a restaurant that had a nice seafood selection since it was Good Friday, and this restaurant fit the bill nicely. I got a trout that was beautifully prepared and served with shiitake mushrooms and a few asparagus spears in a mildly spicy brown sauce -- tasty! My mom had the steak diablo, which was very flavorful and tender. I also had a kahlua chocolate cheesecake for dessert that was fantastic, and I'm not a big chocolate dessert person. The service was great and everyone greeted and treated us warmly. Tempo has a good-sized parking area too. I will definitely be back!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We had a lovely dinner here. The salads were fresh and tasty. We both had seafood and it was well prepared and the dishes were full of flavor. We will be back."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Tempo is a popular restaurant that we picked from Open Table's on-line listing after we arrived at a hotel in downtown Alexandria for a two-night stay. Advertized as a seafood restaurant it turned out to be seafood with an Italian flavor. My appetizer mussels came with a distinctly Italian tomato-based sauce although my wife's salmon gravlax and our entrees (mahi-mahi and corvina) seemed more French than Italian. I enjoyed the mussels but may have preferred a standard wine based broth. The fish entrees were fine although I thought my maha-mahi a bit bland. The gravlax (evidently of Nordic origin) was actually the highpoint of the meal. Pasta, meat and vegetarian dishes are available."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I've been here several times and the food is consistently good. Love the lower level of noise and pleasant surroundings. The one area they could try to improve on is their wine list. Choices are pretty pedestrian."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
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"Used to live in Alexandria and frequented this restaurant - always one of my favorites. Was recently in town from Milwaukee and had lunch there with a friend. Just as good as it ever was."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Great welcome to a french and italian gem with modern vibrant food artwork on the wall. Everyone helped serve the Monday and Tuesday night 3 course meal for 2 special. We had a delicious carrot and ginger soup. My wife had the Tilapia con Capesante with a succulent tilapia filet, just right sea scallops, onions, green peppers with tomato sauce. I supposedly had the Scaloppine di Vitello “Normande” with Veal Scaloppini, julienne apples, mushrooms in a very good brandy-cream sauce. The apples turned out to be potatoes but the meal was wonderful. Desert was a choice from their scrumptious pastry collection. Tried the blueberry torte and key lime pie. A perfect ending of a nice meal out in an elegant converted gas station! Will be back."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We chose Tempo based on the reviews. We were looking for a quiet restaurant with good ambiance and good food. When we arrived at 7 pm, there was a large, very loud party that occupied most of the tables. Our table was in a small back room that was adjoining the larger room and therefore not shielded from the noise. Conversation was difficult. Service was very slow and we waited almost an hour before we received our entree. A couple who came in after us received their meal at least 10 minutes before us. It appeared that we had been forgotten. I was disappointed with the quality of our meal. We will not be going again."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
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"Tempo never fails to impress. No matter what dishes we have selected over the years, they all have been winners. Add to that the friendly service, and you can't help but have a great meal."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Tempo provides it diners with great food choices that are well-prepared and presented very nicely. The wine list is superb and the wait staff is very attentive, knowledgable and friendly. It is intimate yet not too much so. Highly recommended for a special, romantic occasion or an dining event out of the house plus provides the business customer a nice venue for entertaining and dining that's not too expensive."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"WE both had the flounder and it was perfectly cooked with a very nice sauce. Dessert selections were numerous and all look great! We had tiramisu and a fruit tart and they were delicious."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Tempo has been a family favorite for many years but we don't go as frequently as we'd like since we retired. We went for Restaurant Week and had a fabulous meal. My husband and I both enjoyed the crepe appetizer, He had an excellent seafood risotto with mussels, scallops and shrimp and I had a delightful flounder with peppers in a delicious sauce. The desserts were also excellent. The staff is consistently friendly and informed and after all these years, we look forward to catching up with them when we visit. This was an outstanding Restaurant Week experience but we love Tempo any time."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We have been there 3-4 times before, this time for restaurant week with another couple. The other couple said that the last time they were there, the service was very slow. Everything was perfect this time, they even substituted for us without a hesitation. The Restaurant week menu was delicious, we all had different main courses."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"A longtime neighborhood fav - food & staf are outstanding. Reasonable entree prices, including wine-by-ther-glass. Would appreciate some soft jazz-type background music - this is a must!"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Nice ambiance, wonderful servers, who were present but not hovering, quiet, good for conversation, nobody seated next to us. The food was excellent. We visited during Alexandria restaurant week and received 3-course meal for $35 apiece; in addition, a nice bottle of wine was only $18 with this special event meal. The food was delicious, creative and in generous portions."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We were the easily the youngest couple in the restaurant. The whole experience was just clunky - from serving the bread and taking our drink order, to interacting with our server - nothing flowed very well and seemed rushed even though the restaurant was for the most part unoccupied."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Even though we were early, they were able to seat us, which is much appreciated and the reason the service tilted to "Good". The food was very well cooked and they had gluten free options. The drawback was the speed the courses came out. Our entree arrived before we finished the appetizer even though we specifically asked the waitress to hold putting in the order for the mains. Looking around - we weren't the only ones with this problem. Solution - don't order the entree until after you've gotten your appetizer."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Tempo has been a favorite restaurant of my husband and mine for many years. As we have continued to go for years, the service is even better than ever. They have extremely friendly staff and greet us every time we dine. The portions are just perfect- not too large or small. The specials of the day are always a great way to go. The chef chooses very fresh fish and meats with nicely balanced sauces. Recently they have added a new art collection. It is a good conversational item. You will have to check this out next time. It will become a favorite of yours too!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"The three couses prepared for Alexandria Restaurant were well prepared, thought through, interesting and fresh.Our party enjoyed the whole evening.The wine selection was also unexpectedly good."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Had been told for years to check this place out, so when I saw they were doing a menu for Restaurant Week, I couldn't resist! The RW menu had a great selection from their regular menu, and a discounted bottle of house wine with the purchase of two RW meals. We were greeted at the door by a friendly gentleman, and were seated pretty quickly. I was particularly fond of the art on a lot of the walls - pop art flair, which is not something you often see in a family-style Italian place. Everything we had was great, and I will definitely be going back again in the future. Apparently it used to be a Texaco station! Check it out."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2009
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Tempo Restaurant - Alexandria