Photo by M Enriquez courtesy of Visit Alexandria
Bon Vivant Cafe
Bon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market, located in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood, has closed its doors, citing "the difficulties of running a restaurant these days," the owners announced late Tuesday.
It was in business in the neighborhood for six years.
"After a lot of thought we have decided to close Bon Vivant," the eatery wrote on its social media pages. The restaurant closed its doors for good Tuesday.
"We have enjoyed being a part of Del Ray and its community and we have loved and appreciated all of the support we have received," the statement said. "However, due to the increasing difficulties of running a restaurant these days we found it necessary to close."
The restaurant, located at 2016 Mount Vernon Ave., was known as Seva Cafe when it first opened; it has prided itself in offering its menu of grass-fed meat and dairy, as well as catering to those who maintain vegan, Keto, paleo and gluten-free diets. Its menu included vegan chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free almond butter brownies and grass-fed beef bone broth.
The cafe was also a gathering place for families with young children who could play with books and toys while parents relaxed nearby.
Bon Vivant Cafe earned 3 1/2 stars from 225 Yelp reviews. Alexandrian Laura P. gave it five stars during her visit in 2018, writing:
"I love Bon Vivant! I go here weekly for a matcha latte and good conversation. When you walk in they have a room where you can order your drink and/or food and browse their selection of jams, pastas, soups etc for purchase. Once your order is ready they have a separate room full of couches and tables that provide many different options for solo work or meeting with a group. Off of the main seating area they have a closed off playroom for children, which is great for parents who want to get out of the house! There is a free parking lot directly behind the building for customers. This place is a cozy little gem in Del Ray."
Del Ray saw the closing of another restaurant last month, Charlie's on the Avenue.
