Lee Hwa Modern Chinese Tapas & Bar

Welcome to Lee Hwa Modern Chinese Tapas & Bar, a distinctive establishment in Chantilly, Virginia, located at 13934 Metrotech Dr. Categorized as a Chinese Restaurant, Lee Hwa offers a modern twist by specializing in Korean-Chinese cuisine, presenting a unique fusion of flavors and culinary traditions. Based on recent customer reviews, Lee Hwa is garnering attention for its high-quality food and promising service, positioning itself as a potential standout in the Northern Virginia dining scene.

The environment of Lee Hwa is described by a customer as "very clean," suggesting a well-maintained and pleasant atmosphere for diners. The name itself, "Modern Chinese Tapas & Bar," hints at a contemporary setting that might offer both small plates for sharing and a selection of beverages, potentially catering to a diverse clientele looking for a unique dining experience. While further details about the décor and ambiance are not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, the emphasis on "modern" suggests a departure from traditional Chinese restaurant aesthetics.

In terms of services, the staff at Lee Hwa have been described as "nice," contributing to a pleasant dining experience. The primary service appears to be dine-in, allowing customers to enjoy the freshly prepared Korean-Chinese dishes in the restaurant setting. While the reviews do not explicitly mention takeout or delivery options, it is common for restaurants to offer these services, especially in the current climate. It would be advisable to contact Lee Hwa directly to inquire about their availability for takeout or delivery.

The standout feature of Lee Hwa Modern Chinese Tapas & Bar is undoubtedly its unique menu, focusing on Korean-style Chinese cuisine. Customers have raved about the authenticity and quality of several dishes. Notably, the 유린기 (Yuringi - chili garlic fried chicken), 탕수육 (Tangsuyuk - sweet and sour pork), 쟁반짜장 (Jaengban-jjajang - black bean noodles with seafood), and 울면 (Ulmyeon - seafood noodle soup) have all been mentioned as delicious. Among these, the Tangsuyuk, Jaengban-jjajang, and Yuringi were highlighted as favorites by one reviewer.

The quality of the food at Lee Hwa has been consistently praised in recent reviews, especially after a change in chefs. One long-time customer who had previously noticed a decline in quality expressed delight at the significant improvement, stating that they would "gladly pay" the prices for the current "quality of authentic Korean style chinese food." Another reviewer went further, asserting that the Yurin chicken at Lee Hwa is "by far, miles ahead of other Korean-Chinese restaurants in the area." The tenderness and freshness of the noodles in their dishes were also commended, reinforcing the perception of superior quality compared to similar establishments.

However, some caveats were mentioned in the reviews. One recurring issue was the time it takes for food to be served. Customers reported waiting "roughly 25 minutes before our first dish came out," and overhearing complaints from other tables about the wait times. This suggests that the kitchen might be experiencing some delays, particularly during busy periods. Additionally, the pricing was noted as being "pricey" and "noticeably more expensive," especially considering the portion sizes of some dishes like the Jajangmyeon. While customers seemed more willing to accept the higher prices for main dishes like the Yurin chicken and Tangsuyuk due to their exceptional quality, the value proposition for noodle dishes was questioned.

Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment towards Lee Hwa is positive, with reviewers expressing excitement about the potential of the restaurant and a willingness to return. The exceptional taste and quality of the Korean-Chinese dishes appear to be the primary draw, outweighing concerns about the service speed and price for many customers. The restaurant is acknowledged as being relatively new, and there is an expectation that some of the initial operational challenges, such as the food wait times, will improve over time.

Currently, the provided reviews do not contain any specific promotional information or special offers for Lee Hwa Modern Chinese Tapas & Bar. To learn about any current promotions, happy hour specials, or new menu additions, it is recommended to contact the restaurant directly or check their online presence if available. Given the "bar" aspect of their name, they might offer specials on drinks or tapas during certain hours.

In conclusion, Lee Hwa Modern Chinese Tapas & Bar offers a refreshing and high-quality take on Korean-Chinese cuisine in Chantilly, VA. With a clean and modern environment, friendly service, and exceptional dishes like the Yuringi, Tangsuyuk, and Jaengban-jjajang, it stands out for its authentic flavors and superior quality. While some customers have noted longer wait times for food and higher prices compared to other establishments, the overall positive feedback, particularly regarding the taste and quality of the main dishes, suggests a promising future for this restaurant. Local users looking for a unique and flavorful dining experience in the Korean-Chinese culinary tradition should consider visiting Lee Hwa. For the most up-to-date information on their menu, hours, and any potential promotions, contacting the restaurant directly is advised.