If it's 4am, this will be your best bet for food around here. Countless long nights in D.C. have ended here and the same great food and service has been there to greet me. The menu is packed with classic diner fare and they serve breakfast all day. In addition, there are some Greek dishes hidden on the menu. Of what I've tried here, the Eggs Halifax, Sunset Burger, Fried Zucchini, and Souvlaki have really shined. If it's late and you want to sit down, this is a much better choice than IHOP or whatever else may be open around here. It's not too bad during the day either. read more

This is the second year in a row I'm in the area for an event, so I decided to try the diner closest to the hotel. This diner seems to be rather popular at breakfast time. The interior is done in the classic diner style, comfortable with many booths. I thought Amphora's food pricing was on the high side for diners (although probably not too out of line for the DC area) but portions are big and the Tex Mex Scramble I tried was pretty good. Service was very sweet and attentive. read more

Amphora Diner - Tex Mex Scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Herndon, Virginia

Our first visit will not be our last. Only slightly overwhelmed with the size of the menu. So many choices! None of us were disappointed. Irina was our lovely, attentive server. Coffee and soda glasses refilled with a smile. The plates, 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch arrived promptly and were as full as the menu. As we were leaving my fiancé commented to Steve the owner, that the home fries were delicious. Steve was so gracious! When he learned that my daughter is moving to town, he kindly offered that they feel free to ask him for recommendations for local services. 5 stars for service, cleanliness, variety and yumminess! read more

This place has gone down over the years,....last time i was there we saw a cockroach crawl across the wall,...and i shouldn't have returned,...but we did on xmas day, and had this experience, that we had to let the management know about, read this email: Hello, I'm writing to lodge a complaint about a situation that happened Christmas evening. My family and I have had a long year and therefore chose not to do the normal christmas routine this year, and chose to stay home and order in or dine out. We came in to Amphora's for breakfast Christmas day, and were very happy with a wonderful server who took great care of us. We also noticed that you all were serving Christmas dinner so we were ecstatic, because we had no idea what we were going to do for dinner. Around 545pm, we started looking over the menu online, and deciding which of the Christmas specials we wanted. We were delighted to see that we would be covered from appetizer to dessert, as the website stated. (see attached) We called in with over $150 in orders pending. A gentleman picked up to take our order, and we gave him our choices and verified with him the salad, soup and dessert options. When we asked about the pumpkin pie, he told us, "it doesn't come with any pie", very rudely. I politely asked him, why that is, since the website states it, and he said, "nope, no pie", very curtly. My fiance told me to ask for a manager, and he huffed and puffed and said hold on,....i imagine he meant to put the phone on mute, but he didn't...and I heard the following: "She wants to talk to you, she said something about some pie, that it says it on the website, but i told her that we aren't doing any dessert and she asked to speak to you. [inaudible manager reply]. yeah i told her that, she won't listen. ok. ok. yeah i know, she's a pain. [inaudible]" He comes back on the phone, without a manager, and tells me "like i said, no pie". So at this point, I gave the phone to my fiance, and he politely told the gentleman, to cancel our order and have a merry christmas. We hung up and spent our $150 with the Asian Garden chinese restaurant, who were more than willing to be kind to us on Christmas. We are extremely dissapointed that he was so rude to us, and that the manager was so rude as well and dismissive, given that he never got on the phone, even though we asked for him. This is all in addition to the fact that your website clearly stated it (see attached). The man had the nerve to call me back to "complete my order" and left me a message! (attached as well) You all have got to be kidding me. In NOVA we have plenty of options and there is absolutely no reason to continue frequenting a restaurant with this kind of service, ON XMAS DAY. I will also be posting this to your yelp pages for other customers to see. you all have a happy new year! read more

This is my review for Amphora between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 am - literally the only time I can imagine going to this place. It may be better during the day, but it would have to be four times as good to justify going there at a time when any other restaurant is open. It looks like a diner, but instead of a typical diner menu, it has an enormous menu that the cooks on duty have no ability whatosever to master, and the service staff has been made up of the exact same rude people for years (long enough that the way in which they are rude has almost become charming to me). The burgers are bland and they cook them medium-well no matter what you ask for. The breakfast portions are extremely small for the price. The couple of pasta dishes I've tried were so bad they were practically inedible. I've even had them screw up onion rings - several onion rings had flour inside of the batter, and several others had wet, doughy flour inside (even worse). There are four things I'll order here (aside from coffee). If I'm insanely poor, I'll get the nachos. They're pretty much impossible to screw up and the portion, unlike everything else on the menu, actually suits the price. The gyro is actually pretty good, but spending 14 dollars on a gyro is pretty crazy stuff if you ask me. Recently they raised the price of the gyro and also removed the fried zucchini that came with it. The calamari, when prepared correctly and served hot, is the best thing on the menu, but there's a significant risk that it'll show up lukewarm and soggy. I've also never had them screw up the fries, but, of course, a small portion is over 3 bucks. It's frustrating that this place is called a diner, because I really wish there was a real diner in the area, where I could get a fried-egg sandwich for a couple bucks, throw some hot sauce on it, and then have the waitresses ask if I can help out a homeless guy in a wheelchair by pushing him to his spot across the street. I'd even much rather go to Waffle House or Denny's. Amphora will always have a spot in my heart as somewhere I loved going to in high school, but, seriously, high school sucked. read more

For the 15 years that I have been around Northern Virginia I have never been here. Luckily we got there around 8:45 and we were seated right away. The waiter was a little bit older and didn't seem to be completely knowledgeable about some items on the menu. Coffee was good. For a diner, it was clean. I got the Ranch Omelette, which consisted of black beans and Monterey Jack cheese but I added avocado. Comes with potatoes and toast. The wheat toast was thickly sliced not the cheap wheat wonder bread. It was a good amount of food. When we left around 9:30 there was a huge line with people waiting outside. So if you want to enjoy get there early - especially on the weekends. read more

Came in for a late dinner around 9:30. Practically no one in the place. Some people at our table ordered breakfast and one ordered a burger. After 30 mins of waiting after ordering, we flagged down our server. When we asked how long our food would be we were just told it was the burger. Burgers should not take that long especially when there are only 3 other tables. Table next to us was seated after, ordered after, and were practically done before our food arrived. We waited at least 10 more minutes after asking about food with no visit from the server. Finally when our food is brought out, it isn't hot. It had been clearly sitting under a lamp or something for 10 min or more. The plates were hot. But the eggs were cold and rubbery on the outside, waffle and French toast barely still warm. If you have a table with breakfast food and a burger you start cooking the waffle and eggs later so they won't sit. It takes only a few mins to cook an egg. Server assured us the food was hot. Insisted. And then the table next to us yelled at us for complaining to the server saying it's not the server's fault but the kitchen. Yes that's partly true, but the server should have been by our table to acknowledge us once when there was clearly an issue. Or gotten the manager! I should have the right to complain to my server when I have issues with my food! The server is the intermediary since I can't talk to the cooks. Had to leave after that without eating or paying. We were so upset and starving. Worst restaurant experience I've had. read more

I'm going to start this review by saying the outside of the diner looks great. Having been to the Amphora in Vienna numerous times, we kind of knew what we were getting... that's what we thought anyway. The inside is much nicer than Vienna and has a larger capacity for seating. That's really where the positive ends. I had hoped to order the Country Fried Steak and Eggs with an Arnold Palmer and a Spanakopita appetizer. Unfortunately, I didn't get that far. I can't even review their water, and here's why: We were seated at 10:55 pm. There was a group seated ahead of us and a group seated after us. The group that was seated after us were immediately greeted and asked for beverages etc. 11:05pm. Still no greeting for our table. 11:10pm. Another group walked in and was seated two tables behind us. They were greeted immediately. 11:17pm. We had enough and walked out. No greeting, no beverages, no water, just silence. Wouldn't recommend unless you want to fill up on frustration. read more

Besides the unique diner look from the outside, I didn't think much of the food my sister and I had at our first, and last, visit. In fact, I can't seem to recall what we ate! A waffle, perhaps? I do remember complaining about one meal and management replacing it with another. Again, I can't tell you what was the offending item and what replaced it. This is a rare event when I cannot recall what I ate at a venue. Frustrating, this. This really irks me, not being able to give a good review, so I'll have to get my sis to take me here again in the future. She, on the other hand, liked her visit. Something new, she said. read more

The food was delicious. Good service. Clean restaurant. Not very noisy if you sit on the right-hand side it is very noisy on the left-hand side because that's where most of the kids are. Great that's open 24/7. $30 for the whole meal! read more

Amphora Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Herndon, Virginia

I haven't been to Amphora for at least 2 years, and unfortunately its quality has gone down dramatically. Service wasn't the fastest, and the food was awful. I had 'Cajun Chicken Pasta' and it was virtually inedible; the chicken and pasta were swimming (literally) in this so called Cajun sauce, that was hot spicy but without much flavor. My friend had spaghetti Bolognese and it was also a pool of Ragu sauce. Neither of us could finish our dishes. I may go back and see if the breakfast options have also gone downhill. read more

Although I don't frequent the Amphora's' very often, or as often as I would like, I have been going to all their establishments for well over thirty years, and there is one thing I can vouch for with them - consistency. Whether the diner, restaurant or bakery, you can pretty much count on their quality, service, cleanliness and taste to be right up there with the best of diners... maybe even a notch or two better than most! Over the years I have tried just about everything on their menus. But I must say, I was surprised when I first heard that they had a Cuban Sandwich on the menu! This Cuban Sandwich Aficionado is picky (see my Cuban Sandwich List). Although not the traditional Cuban Sandwich (Panini is not Cuban), they're seasoning and cooking of the meats and important ingredients gives the namesake a good run for the money - especially in an area where the famous sammich is found few and far between. I most definitely would return for another! While there, we also had their Caesar Salad and Chicken Avocado Salad, both of which were outstanding. As I said, if you want consistent quality and taste - this is the place. Keep it up guys! read more

See all

What a horrible experience. I ordered Kapama - which is my favorite thing to eat at this place. When it arrived, the lamb was lukewarm, the vegetables were cold, with fries (cold too)? What happened to my rice pilaf? When I gently asked the waiter about the rice, he said "oh I didn't know that you wanted that", and 5 minutes later, he came back and dropped a plate of rice on my table. I swear this must be the world most distracted waiter, cause not only he spilled my (and my husband's coffee) but we had to ask him for coffee refill, twice, for someone else to bring coffee to us. I used to love this place and the "left alone but attentive" attitude. At some point in the past, my coffee was always hot, my meal properly served, and I didn't have to remind the waiter, twice, about my check. read more

My friend and I were meeting up to discuss how much of a whipped loser he is for getting dragged to a 1 year old's birthday party. We were in Herndon and too lazy to drive out to the nearest IHOP. Amphora has breakfast foods. Problem solved. I got the ham steak and eggs. It was a pretty good portion of ham. The hash browns that came with them were very plain, no onion or any spices. The toast came with whipped butter which was a nice touch. My friend got a 4 cheese omelet which he thought was decent. All in all, we were looking for breakfast and this place got the job done. Nothing more, nothing less. The menu looked pretty extensive, with a pretty big drink menu (alcohol). However, the prices were on the high side. After spending time in Detroit, I got used to complete breakfasts for 4 dollars. The place was pretty packed especially for being barely visible from Elden St. The bakery counter looked like it had a decent selection and they had a bunch of Easter displays up. The service was pretty good. We got our food pretty quickly and drink refills were handled in a timely manner. Note: If you spill any food item on yourself, make sure that it isn't egg yolk. Explaining a big yellow stain on your crotch is not fun. read more

Great service and the variety of food is endless. Desserts were to die for. We went at the perfect time 7:00 on a Wednesday night. While visiting with friends, the staff checked on us from time to time. Never felt rushed. Really nice place, will go back again. read more

When it comes to diners, this is as good as it gets. Don't expect much from the service. That way, when you get one of the few great servers you may be surprised. The breakfast is great, Greek selections taste delightful, and the random-other-unexplainable stuff is wonderful too. My favorite Greek selection is the Triple Mediterranean Delight-hummus, baba gannoush, and taramosalata. The taramosalata is so garlicky and delicious that it may keep you up all night, but you're already at the diner, so maybe just have another cup of coffee and relax. Their desserts are good, but I mostly just admire them through the case as I'm paying the bill. A bonus: they serve Lavazza coffee, a rich, Italian coffee, so it isn't the usual weak, bean-in-a-cup-of-hot-water. read more

It had been years since I had been here, but I tried it on a recent trip. Wow, has this place gone down hill since I was last there. I got a Turkey dinner with dressing and vegetables. There was no flavor in any of it. I couldn't tell the difference between the turkey, dressing, or gravy. The addition of salt and pepper at the table could not save it either. The dressing was also just lukewarm. I also noted the place was empty at dinner time, which is never a good sign. I don't know what happened here, but I want the Amphora of 10 years ago back. read more

I love this place! I've been coming to Amphora for over 10 years. Yes that long. The perks are it's 24 hours. This is awesome if you live in the burbs and get the munchies and one some decent food that doesn't consist of a McDonald's Drive through at 3:30 AM. My go to meal is usually the Eggs Norwegian. It's like Eggs Benedict but with smoke salmon. It's not everyone's cup of tea,but it's my jam. My other go to meal used to be the Mediterranean Sampler. Which may not even be on the menu anymore since it's been so long. I honestly don't understand all the harsh reviews about this place. All I can say is check it out for yourself and decide. read more

Stopped into the Amphora for breakfast on a Sunday. It was understandably busy, but there were still a few tables and booths open. Standard large diner menu and I believe I read that the diner is 24 hours. Server was very friendly and attentive, but our two breakfast orders took about 45 minutes to get to the table. I blamed it on the Sunday breakfast rush, but I still thought that was a bit long. Food was pretty good. Asked for toast with butter and got it without. Typical diner happenings. Decent portions. Good coffee and prices were average. Parking lot on premises. read more

This is an update to my situation. After writing this review I was contacted by Amphora with the offer of a giftcard for my troubles. I contacted them by the email they provided asking what details they would need in order for me to get the card and GUESS WHAT, it has been a month later and they never responded. I will not go so far as to lower my score more but this shows what type of business they are running!! This place is noisy, dirty and slow. Been here a few times and have not really had a good dining experience yet. I tried to order a sandwich (Cuban Panini) and was told the are pre-made so I could not get a different cheese other than Swiss. This is sad to hear that a sandwich like this is pre-made. The service has been slow the few times I have been here. Last time the server came back about 10 minutes after taking the order and said he got three of the four orders but forgot what one of the orders was, hint - write the orders down!!!!! If you need a place late at night this might fulfil your needs but there are too many other good places in Herndon if you need somewhere during the day or evening. read more

Five star food ruined by hugely uncomfortable booths and mediocre service. Either the management is trying to encourage rapid turnover by making it painful to stay for more than five minutes or management is seriously derelict in letting the place fall apart. As great as the food was, this is not a good destination to meet friends and enjoy the great food. Will not be back. If you're thirsty, ask for a pitcher. Wait staff does not proactively refill coffee or water. In my case, I had to ask four times for a glass of water and three times for coffee refills. Shame! read more

I hit Amphora every time I have to come to NOVA for business. They have an extensive menu and are open 24 hours, two big pluses when you take a late flight in. I like the burgers there a lot, and the meatloaf was good too. I'm also impressed with the desserts and their breakfasts. The service can be a little sketchy, but there's not much else open at 1 AM... read more

Not amazing but not horrible. The Patty Melt was okay but not the best I have had.....I think my favorite part was the blue cheese for my salad and the design of the building. New wait staff would definitely help the situation. ...they were straight to the point but brash and un-personable. read more

Amphora Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Herndon, Virginia

Nice atmosphere, lots to choose from menu, Mediterranean, Greek etc. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Worst experience EVER!! Waited about 15 to be seated. Not bad for a dinner and it's full, so good? Ordered a Mocha Coffee; COLD! Order a goat cheese/spinach omelette and pancakes and French toast for the kids with chocolate milk. They wouldn't even drink the chocolate milk!! The pancakes tasted like deep fried pancakes. The French toast was not tasty at all. My omelette was loaded with cheese, the bacon and toast were fine, and the potatoes I didn't even touch...they looked like a pile of stuff! The waitress talked nice but she would through the stuff on the table and run to the next. The Manager offered cookies and dessert when I complaint. Oh well, nobody ate. read more

See all

Love the food. COVID safety is solid, and I feel comfortable dining here. They space it out well too.

I am a fan! Have been here twice and had a pleasant experience both times! The service was OK, nothing great, but it definitely was not awful. The food was wonderful!!! I was here for breakfast with a group both times I went (once with a group of seven and the other time a group of four) and both times every single person was extremely satisfied with their food!! Personally, I loved the blueberry pancakes. The price wasn't bad either. Can't wait to go back! Also, you can pick from a variety of flavors to combine to make your own soda, my boyfriend loved his blue raspberry mountain dew concoction! :) read more

The menu really is huge but when I went here I was hoping for a true "diner" experience and it's more like a mid-level restaurant or cheap catering. It's not awful, but it's not overpowering the palate with taste sensations either. The food is all rather on the prciey side... especially for a "diner". Nothing is below $8, in fact, most of the alcoholic drinks are the same price. All the servers are dressed in slacks and white shirts, like I said... it kinda like a restaurant that serves catered meals. They are nice enough but too fancy for my tastes when I am hankering for a late night breakfast. read more

I came here with friends after a late night with friends and was surprised by how much they had on the menu! Unlike iHOP, their menu does not mainly consist only of breakfast food - they had everything from mexican to greek. Now was the mexican and greek food super authentic? No. But, I have to say, it was pretty good. Since we were there late, there weren't many people around so we got seated in a pretty isolated section and had great service. I don't know what this place is like during the day, but I say, if you're driving around feeling like iHOP, skip iHOP and come here instead. Everyone in your party will find something on their ridiculously long menu that they will like. read more

I've eaten here a few times now and it has never met my expectations. For some reason the service has always been pretty poor so now I almost expect it. The food is mediocre and it is different than the food served at the original location. This place also reminds me of a Silver Diner which is not a good thing. If you want the REAL Amphora go to the original in Vienna. The food is better there, deserts seem better, and the service is certainly better. read more

My boyfriend and I visited Amphora for breakfast on a Tuesday morning. Place wasn't busy at all, so we had a very relaxing & quiet breakfast. He opted for an omelette & I got the PB pancakes. We both enjoyed our meals. Will def come back & try other selections from their extensive menu. Cakes & pastries looked really good! read more

Amphora Diner - Omelette & PB pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Herndon, Virginia

My opinion on Amphora has gone down-hill. We got two of the recent Groupons, and decided to give it another shot after a long break. The first time, we were seated in a horrible location (small table, in the middle of foot traffic), our server acted like we were inconveniencing him, but the food was ok. The real kicker was how the manager (owner?) handled the groupon purchase - he was literally *sigh*ing over the work involved to scan the groupon, and gave us, in general, a horrible attitude. The second time, we were seated well, but were ignored almost completely. Our coffee came with a splash (all over the table), and the waiter just apologized without helping us clean it up. Refills only came at the very end, despite multiple requests, and by someone not responsible for helping our table. Our orders were messed up, the bacon was too paper thin, and my wife's food was barely warm. The only positive in the whole experience was that using the groupon was not as big of a deal as the previous time. The manager? there, the guy with the white/grey spikey hair, seems to have a major attitude. You feel like you're intruding on him by eating at his restaurant, so I'm going to stop inconveniencing him. When the food and service is great, it's great. It's just hit or miss. Regarding the groupon, we showed it first on the first visit, but hid it on the second visit. The second waiter wasn't stiffing us due to the groupon (not that it's a good excuse for bad service). read more

So this place has gone so down hill its not even funny. I have been eating here for a few years, and the food and service, are just sub par now. We arrived at non peak lunch time, were seated and ordered drinks. The server came back and we placed an order, I was immediately told that what I wanted wasn't available, even though its a long standing item on the menu (not a special). So I changed my order, and asked for a small order of fries to go with it. 20 mins later we receive our food, and my Co-workers food has ingredients that she specifically asked to have removed (Mayo on a sandwich). So the sandwich goes back, I meanwhile have my food but no small order of fries. When he returns with attempt #2 of the sandwich it was missing the required bacon. Again we request a missing/incorrect ingredient. Then the fries arrive and its a large plate of what amounted to almost steamed potatoes without any seasoning on it what so ever. After the meal the bill arrives, and what should have been a side of fries, is a $4.75 plate of food almost half of what my entire entree was. Then when we arrive at the checkout counter the person behind the desk seemed almost annoyed to do her job, and then she charged me for part of my Co-workers meal but at this point I just wanted to leave. Additionally the food was virtually flavorless. We ate simply because we were there for lunch there was no enjoyment of the food what-so-ever. Very disappointed. read more

Just never had a decent meal here and I have tried so many times. I ordered fries and they were soggy and greasy. Sandwich was dry and bland. Every time I go here it's gross. They charge so much for really bad food. Go to Silver Diner instead. They also charge too much but the quality is so much better. read more

This is my favorite diner in the area, with probably the best breakfast going. I can't speak for the lunch and dinner menu, though my wife has said they also have good burgers. I just can't NOT have the Smoked Salmon Omelette, or the Peanut Butter Pancakes, etc....there's lot to choose from. Their bread is fresh baked, and is awesome. The decor is worth noting. Really cool art deco really gives it an old-fashioned look and feel. The service is just fine in my book. The manager can come off a bit brusk, and I've had excellent service there from the wait staff as well as so-so service, so I can understand folks thinking it's hit or miss. There can be a line on the weekend, but they actually move it along at a pretty good pace. As far as folks expectations: Expect diner service. You might have to ask to get refills of coffee. Maybe you won't. I would definitely rank this above a place like Silver Diner for food. And I'm stunned when I read somewhere that folks still think Silver Diner and IHOP are the best places for breakfast in the area. read more

Ordered takeout from here from door-dash. It was horrible! I have eaten in the restaurant so many times and it has always been superb. The door-dash delivery was not even the same food. Tiny terrible portions and a huge inexplicable side of ketchup packets but not the sides that came with the meal. Pathetic! read more

We started at the Herndon location and we're greeted with a frustrated man who did not even want to greet anyone. When we mentioned to another employee how rude he was, she agreed! Turned out she mentioned he was also the General Manager! When I commented that I guess it wouldn't do anything to complain, she even agreed. I know it was a busy day with Mother's Day, but I still didn't expect that kind of treatment. We decided to go to the Vienna location and had one of the best restaurant experiences I have had in Northern Virginia! Great service from being greeted at the door to the Manager checking in and making sure everything was to our satisfaction. It was a completely different experience from the Herndon location and it was definitely worth the drive. Had the chicken omelet with salsa and jalapeños and it was great! We will definitely be back again to try the dinner! read more

If I could, I would give the Amphora diner 4.5 stars. I ate at the Amphora diner for lunch during the week and was seated promptly. The service was on the slow side, but not outrageously so. The Amphora has a large selection of food on the menu and I decided to stick to the basics for my first visit. I ordered the BBQ Cheeseburger with bacon cooked medium with no LTO. My order arrived in a moderate amount of time and the burger was served with fries, coleslaw, and a pickle. The burger was cooked perfectly and was topped with cheese bacon and BBQ sauce; three ingredients for an amazing burger. The fact the burger was cooked properly was a big surprise. Medium seems to mean "kill it again; with fire" to most cooks nowadays. The fries were crispy and seasoned with sea salt, the pickle was a pickle, and I never got to the coleslaw as the burger was 1/3rd of a pound and I was full by the time I finished it. Overall the entire meal was delicious and I'm looking forward to coming back to the Amphora to try some of their other dishes. read more

I love the breakfast menu! The atmosphere is laidback, not noisy. The food is tasteful and the proportions are huge! Customer service is great! However, I noticed the manager yelling at one of the old waiter... broke my heart. Please treat hour employees with respect. Thank you. read more

See all

If you're a huge eggs Benedict fan, this is the place to go! There are so many different eggs Benedict variations. Never had the lunch, but the breakfast is great! Don't even get me started on the Red velvet cake! YUM! read more