Restaurants near Sterling Park Shopping Center

This was my first visit to North Italia and I went with my wife and some friends, picking North Italia because all five of us like Italian food and Reston was central to all of us. I made a reservation for 6:15 and received a text message at 5:50 saying my table was ready and we could be seated whenever we were ready. I hadn't yet arrived, but I was happy to know that my table was ready. The restaurant is nice, the chairs comfortable and the atmosphere is elegant and quiet. The hostess greeted us as soon as we walked in the door and showed us to our table quickly. Brandon was our server and he is one of the best parts of our visit- friendly, with a good sense of humor, a full knowledge of the menu, and very attentive. We ordered a variety of dishes, starting with salads and I have to say the Caesar salad is one of the best in the area, it was fantastic and a great start to our meal. I ordered the house specialty, the Bolognese and it was delicious. It wasn't over sauced as many Italian places do in our area, so I was able to taste more than just the sauce. Others at my table had the chicken parm and they all said it was wonderful. I tasted some of my wife's and it was really delicious. My friend ordered a pizza and she said it was very good and we all know good pizza is very hard to find in Virginia. We ordered some desserts- I cant' remember the names exactly, but the butter cake, the dark chocolate something or other, and the Bombolini (sp?), which is Italian doughnuts. All the desserts were excellent. Brandon was quick to fill our drinks, offer suggestions, and was very helpful all evening and we appreciated him very much. We shall return!

Make sure you find Kelly. Very knowledgeable server. Knows the drink and food list back and forth. Went for birthday celebration and she made it special. That’s all you can ask.

Fantastic dinner! Service by Jared was impeccable. He anticipated our every need and exceeded our expectations. Manager/Sommelier Samuel also very experienced and helpful. We enjoyed every part of the meal. The tuna carpaccio was amazing, a must try! We also enjoyed the short ribs. We will not hesitate to come back. Don’t forget dessert - the sticky toffee date pudding was to die for!!

Outanding food and experience. Higher level bourbon oils use some work but overall a very good meal and experience.

A Night to Remember at Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano From the moment the breadbasket arrived, brimming with an assortment of warm, crusty loaves and creamy butter, it was clear that Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano understands the art of a proper welcome. Though fresh-squeezed lemonade wasn’t on the menu, they didn’t hesitate to make it happen—an early sign of the exceptional service to come. And let me tell you, it was refreshingly perfect. The Feast Lasagna de La Casa – Delicate layers of house-made pasta enveloping two rich cheeses, ground veal, and a light tomato sauce. Every bite was a masterclass in balance—comforting yet refined. Petto di Pollo Marsala – A beautifully sautéed chicken breast paired with shiitake and portobello mushrooms, all bathed in a velvety Marsala wine sauce. Earthy, deep, and utterly satisfying. And then, the grand finale: House-made Tiramisu. Light, creamy, and perfectly soaked—this wasn’t just dessert; it was an experience. Possibly the best tiramisu to ever grace my spoon. Naturally, no meal is complete without a cappuccino, and mine was as rich and foamy as I’d hoped. Service & Atmosphere As impeccable as the food was, our evening truly shined thanks to our server—affectionately dubbed “Elizabeth Taylor.” With her effortless charm, sharp humor, and flawless recommendations, she elevated our night from simply enjoyable to truly memorable. The setting only added to the experience. Housed in a historic building dating back over a century, Zeffirelli has been a staple of Herndon’s dining scene since 1991. The interior exudes timeless elegance, from its leafy green carpet to its classic, intimate ambiance. Final Thoughts Zeffirelli isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary institution where both food and hospitality take center stage. If you appreciate masterfully executed Italian cuisine in a warm, historic setting, this is a must-visit. And if you’re lucky, you just might find yourself in the capable hands of Elizabeth Taylor