Restaurant Review: First Watch (Chantilly, riding plz, VA) Rating: \bigstar\bigstar\bigstar (3/5 Stars) The Vibe & Atmosphere Visiting on a rainy Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM left the dining room nearly empty, providing a quiet, subdued environment that made it difficult to gauge the restaurant's typical energetic buzz. The Culinary Experience The Floridian French Toast: A study in farm-fresh integrity, the accompanying fruit topping (strawberries, bananas, and kiwi) tasted genuinely unadulterated and free of artificial preservatives. However, this clean profile resulted in a more subdued natural sweetness than anticipated. The French toast itself served as a decent, approachable baseline--pleasantly structured, though leaning slightly understated in flavor. While a sauce was provided, a personal blueberry allergy left it unreviewed, and the omission of standard maple syrup left the dish missing a vital flavor bridge. At its current price point, the meal feels accessibly priced--almost a bit underpriced for what you get, making it a fair option for diners seeking an unfussy breakfast. Beverages: The drink experience was a mixed bag. The table water was served in a charmingly vintage milk-bottle style with separate, high-quality heavy glassware. However, the weight of the large bottle made pouring cumbersome, resulting in an accidental spill. Additionally, an order of the Morning Meditation juice (featuring beets, carrots, and tomatoes) served as a stark reminder to check ingredients; its vegetable-forward profile proved an ill-advised pairing with sweet French toast and ultimately missed the mark. Service & Professionalism Front-of-house hospitality suffered from notable friction points. The initial greeting felt rushed; the server approached before the menu could even be reviewed, forcing a default choice of water. More concerningly, a major lapse in staff professionalism occurred when a waiter from afar engaged in repeated, flirtatious winking, creating an intensely uncomfortable environment that ultimately cut the visit short. The Verdict First Watch in Chantilly offers a clean, reasonably priced breakfast baseline with genuine ingredients, but inconsistencies in service pacing, beverage alignment, and--most crucially--guest comfort prevent it from achieving a higher mark. A 3-star experience defined by mixed culinary highs and lows, overshadowed by a severe breakdown in front-of-house professionalism. read more

First Watch - Floridian French Toast® - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

First Watch at South Riding Market Square is a popular brunch destination known for its friendly staff and lively, bustling morning atmosphere. It offers a seasonal fall menu, including breakfast bowls, wellness juices, cocktails, drinks, all-day lunch options, and classics like omelets, benedicts, and frittatas. Favorites such as the Million-Dollar Bacon, Braised Short Rib Benedict, and seasonal quinoa bowls are also available. Our dining experience was excellent, and I highly recommend their tasty, healthy juices from the juice bar. The maple bacon croissant sandwich with million-dollar bacon was a sweet-and-savory, decadent dish that was delicious and satisfying, with house-pickled jalapeños to balance the sweetness. Their new menu item, barbacoa breakfast tacos, was also excellent--flavorful, fresh, and filling, featuring warm wheat-corn tortillas filled with savory, seasoned braised beef barbacoa and fluffy scrambled eggs. read more

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My sweet friend planted roots in the boondocks of VA because the Commanders practice field is there and that is all he's known while being in the DMV. The only reason I've ever come down this far into VA is for him. Well, twenty five years later, here I am again, in VA with my sidekick. His fine self is super athletic and doesn't eat bad but he indulges me when it's time to eat breakfast. So off to breakfast we go! I'm a lover of First Watch. I think he's now convinced that he can eat healthy off this menu. Service in VA is great! It's actually better than Maryland to be honest. Ambiance is that of any First Watch. We always get lucky and either come early enough to get a table or simply sit at the bar. This will be in heavy rotation for us because he let's me pick our food spots. Let's get into it! Tri-Fecta® - always over and over! Waffle and over medium eggs with bacon! Coffee always! read more

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Love the atmosphere at First Watch. It is always soo lively and busy. Had the Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl and loved how light and delicious it tasted. Will definitely be trying more items from the menu that I haven't tried before in the future. read more

First Watch - BLT with a sub of chicken sausage & Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Amazing breakfast here. My wife ordered the Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast and I had the Salmon Benedict. Both were excellent!! I also had the Bloody Mary which they make from scratch and included a nice piece of delicious crispy bacon. Service was also excellent!! I will be back for sur read more

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My friend and I came here on a Saturday for brunch and to celebrate my birthday! The food was absolutely delicious!! The service was very quick and fast! The restaurant was very clean as well! My friend ordered the traditional breakfast, which he always does, and he devoured his entire meal! I ordered a tomato basil soup and a half sandwich along with a cocktail, and it was all so amazing! They also surprised me with a birthday muffin. We will definitely return!! read more

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Good place to eat with large variety of brunch and dinner items. Recent visit for weekend brunch was not a great experience. Roast beef and Havarti sandwich with tomato basil soup was good. However French Toast plate didn't turn out good. Bottom was burnt. Waitress apologized and returned to kitchen. It took over 20-30 minutes to get a replacement plate. Hopefully others have had a better experience. read more

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You know you can always rely on First Watch for a great brunch spread! The South Riding location is newer and less busy than most other locations, so we're fortunate that we're not far. Service can be a little slow at times but we haven't had to complain since they're very attentive and understandably busier on weekends. The place is very clean, and we've had no issues bringing our toddler in on several occasions. Parking is also never an issue, which is a big bonus! read more

Great food, nice clean atmosphere, great employees. Very busy but that's because food is great.

Nothing that outstanding but still pretty for a regular weekend brunch with friends. Reasonably priced and quick services are nice. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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I have been coming here at least three times a week since it opened 5 years ago. While the food is good the service is very poor. A majority of the staff left this location 1.5 years ago for a new store and the service has left as well. Although there are several servers who are excellent, unfortunately there are more who are not. Management is probably worse because she doesn't take definitive action, she'd rather be everyone's best friend. I have sent food back countless times: waffles weren't cooked through, waffles were served cold, and oatmeal looked like mush. Likewise, I have also waited over 1.5 hours for the kitchen to get my food correct. After two screw ups, one with a wrong order and the second served cold, I ate little of what was brought because at that point I wanted to leave. My takeaway is have patience and come early. read more

Nothing spectacular, it's decent for what it is. Very mid but there's not too many breakfast options in the ashburn/south riding area. The staff is always friendly and they don't make a fuss when you order from the wrong location. It's also regularly packed, but there's usually not too long of a wait. Don't expect anything from the food, it's pretty mid. read more

I like the location is convenient for us, the ambient is nice, they have more space now. Our server was friendly and noticed the flag from our country in our Apple Watches and congratulates us for the last game, we classified for the World Cup next round!!! so we are thrilled the server notice this. The food was really tasty, love the Strawberry tres leches french toast, my son enjoyed the chipotle steak and queso hash plus the purple haze and my husband loves the chile chorizo omelet. I forgot to tell the server we were there for son's birthday, I'm sure they'll make a little gesture but I forgot to mention. Of course the coffee was delicious, we'll definitely be back soon!! Thank you. read more

Everything was great food was wonderful and the service was wonderful. I was seated quickly and my special order was made with now problem.

Looking for a quick and easy place with great food and service. Check out this place. Came here for lunch, but come here often breakfast as well and I love this place. The drinks are amazing. This time I got the Pineapple Express (non alcoholic drink) and it was so refreshing. The Baco omelette was also amazing. Nothing too fancy, , it's an open seating area with a hostess. Must try. read more

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Visited First Watch for breakfast one morning - the place was very busy. I ordered the Chorizo Skillet Hash, with an extra toasted English muffin, a side of candied bacon (4 strips), and coffee and water. The food came out within 10 minutes or so. Everything was absolutely scrumptious. I was stuffed! I could eat that Chorizo hash every day! The bacon was succulent and amazing! Service was good. I paid using the QR code on the receipt, and then paid with Apple Pay. #FirstWatch read more

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They make everything so well better than other locations even! Love the sausage, the tangerine dream drink absolutely fantastic meal every time. read more

First Watch - Floridian French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

They accommodated our party of 17 on a busy weekend for graduations and parties. Food is always great and a menu for everyone from grandparents to teens. We were considering other brunch places but this was a great option and 1/3 of the cost. read more

This was our first MVP breakfast at this location. 12 Men of Vision and Purpose had the pleasure of being served by Amber. Her service was excellent. She maintained the beverages and food service to perfection. If you visit, get seated in Amber's section. Also, the shrimp and grits are worth every penny. read more

First Watch - SHRIMP AND GRITS - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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I've eaten at other First Watch locations, and all have declined over the years, in my opinion. While a newer location, the South Riding FW leaves much to be desired. I ate in-restaurant with a friend and although they were busy, service was good. It was quite crowded mid-morning on a Friday, but we were seated in a timely manner. Given the amount of customers, we were still able to chat without it feeling too loud. My go to FW dish is the chorizo omelet, but this time it was very dry with the egg overcooked. I didn't even finish it. Also, the potatoes came half charred. On the plus side, the coffee was good and I like that they leave everything at the table for you refill and flavor as desired. I've had the cobb salad to-go a couple of times and it's quite tasty. The last time I ordered online and added grilled chicken; however, when I got home the salad was missing the standard avocado, and the chicken I paid extra for. Also, the best part of the salad, the buttered bread, was missing. The salad was still good but the bread was definitely missed. I want to try the lemon ricotta pancakes, but may stick to salads; I do plan to try their sandwiches soon. read more

First, and foremost, thank you for accommodating disabled patrons. I asked to be seated in a certain spot due to my medical condition and the host was so respectful. We've been here about 6-7x in the last 6 months. About half these visits we received wonderful service. However, the times the service was terrible it was the same waitress. The first time she served us she neglected to bring one entrée and when it was pointed out she still never brought it, it was a Cobb Salad! FW on their own accord gave us a gift card for the cost of our bill. We came back another time, same waitress. We never got our appetizer until it was time to leave. Most recently, same waitress, she didn't bring out an entrée, and by the time we got it it was cold and the rest of the party was finished eating. I've thought about stopping in because I love the food, but I am afraid I'll get that same waitress. read more

Had a delightful brunch with a friend at First Watch in South Riding. Pro tip: we used the app to get on the waitlist ahead of time, which really cuts down on the wait during morning rush. Plenty of parking in front. Waiting area and vestibule is a little small, so in the winter you'll want to use their app (per tip above) so you're not crammed in like sardines. We were seated at a 2-top in the corner by the windows. Great spot. But word of caution: the din is quite loud during weekend brunch, esp with kids at tables with larger parties nearby. It was hard to hear each other seated directly across from another at times. We started with coffee of course. The bowl of creamers was overrun with vanilla and hazelnut flavored creamers, and just one sad unflavored one. We asked for more unflavored when our server returned. Also asked for more ketchup later in the meal, as our bottle was tapped out and spitting last remnants onto our plates. My friend ordered the Purple Haze juice combo (see pic), which I tried and concurred it was very tasty. I stuck with straight orange juice. Their juices, no matter what you get, are a must try. Haven't had a bad one yet. Ask for a sample if you're wary of the unique combo; they'll bring you a tiny metal tin of it to try! We ordered the smoked salmon frittata (as recommended by our server) and the classic eggs Benedict, both with seasoned potatoes rather than salad. We also ordered a French toast to split like an appetizer because we are total gluttons. We sat for several hours and never felt rushed. Our server was excellent and came back to refill our coffee pot about halfway through our visit. Solid brunch option with plenty of variety on the menu for all diets and dietary restrictions. Excellent meal with just the right amount of "extra". Definitely recommend. read more

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We absolutely love this little breakfast and lunch spot. Usually we go there for brunch at lunch. The coffee is good, the French toast is tasty as are the eggs and bacon that was with it. They have a neat Tex-Mex type of dish called Chickichanga, which is a pretty neat lunch item. It looks good sitting on another customer's table, next visit I am ordering one. The staff is amazing and I definitely appreciate their attention and work. My tea was never empty and that was a huge plus! read more

Swung by this spot for an early morning breakfast. I had the French Toast, on a whim. Overall, decent spot (nothing great, mind you!) I came by here as I was in the area. I had just finished a workout at a gym nearby, and this was close to there. Hostess was not that kind to me, and seemed kind of out of it, if you'd ask me. I didn't stop to ask questions as it was bit early in the morn to start getting testy, at any rate. Dined in, got a table near the window. On a whim, I decided on fresh Orange Juice (OJ) -- the small size -- and just plain French Toast (FT), hovering at around 600 calories. I know, I know. What was I thinking? I probably gained back the same calories I'd lost as part of the workout. Long story short, OJ was decent but not the greatest OJ in all the history of ever. Go figure. The FT itself was rather bland, not too tasty or flavorful. Came with some raspberry or fruit syrup, went decently with FT but not over the top. Actually, there was a pitcher of Maple Syrup that the waitress brought over, but I promptly forgot about it and never used it on the FT. What a waste. The FT was only decent by itself though. As far as ambiance, lot of blue walls the same color, and over large posters were not engaging to me. I performed the hypothetical yawn. Overall, decent spot for breakfast, nothing like seeing a green man riding a paper-mache cow on the moon. I think that would be pretty cool, yeah? Anyway, dope. I might be back if I'm ever in the area. Gotta watch those calories tho, friend. Those will get ya in the end. read more

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Both times we were there, the service was quick and food was pretty good. I had avocado toast today. I wish though, they added tomatoes, some greens or red onions on the toast. I asked for over easy eggs and they were definitely over cooked. I wish they put the eggs on the toast and not at the side. The portion was a bit small, only one piece of toast and cut in half. My husband had the work omelette which was worth the price, almost the same price as my avocado toast but much bigger portion and more substance. read more

First Watch - Avocado toast and the work omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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My Farmhouse Hash is delicious. First time here. Like the busy vibe here. Services are good as well. Definitely will be back again. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

I stopped by today for a late lunch and thought this place was great! I went around 1:30 pm so the restaurant wasn't so busy. My party and I were seated right away. The restaurant is pretty big and has a casual vibe. There is plenty of parking outside as well. I heard this place gets busy on the weekends and in the mornings but if you go later in the day the restaurant is not as packed. The food was great! I ordered the Market Skillet Hash and loved it! It came with a side of toast and some jelly. The jelly was pretty good too. The people in my party ordered the Trifecta and Frittata Rustica. Both were super good! Their turkey sausage is delicious. The Belgian Waffle is absolutely amazing! It was crispy but light and fluffy. I definitely will be ordering their waffles next time. Our server was super sweet and attentive towards us. I personally will definitely come back again read more

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Stopped by for brunch today for a party of 4. I joined the waitlist but you have to check in when you get there too. I find the whole process chaotic. Not to mention the place is PACKED. We were told our wait would be about 10 minutes. Definitely was closer to 30+ minutes. The food was just ok. Also the water cups always look dirty. Our server was great!! Only nice things to say about her. Unlikely to return to this particular location. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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Service is good and good is great but the dishes specially the glasses and carafe are super dirty. Been there many times and they seem to be dirty. read more

First Watch - Kale lemon tonic - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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We did our son's birthday at the restaurant and the service and food was excellent as always. The Seoul Hash dish was very good. The only reason why it was a 4 star was my son's pancakes was not fluffy, it was very dense. Our server was excellent probably the best we have had the times that we have been there. Will definitely come back again. read more

I love first watch! I love the food and the restaurant is very busy. That's the annoying part, the waiting list and how long it takes to get a table. This is especially hard after church or when you are really hungry. You have to be really prepared before coming to FW. The restaurant ambiance is great so going through the wait can sort if be worth it. read more

We love going to first watch at this location. But today the frittata Rustica came out more quickly than usual and the kale was very undercooked. When they brought me a new one, the eggs were very brown and almost burned on the outside! I explained that if I eat undercooked kale, I will get a stomach ache. Usually this dish comes with kale that is just slightly undercooked, but with perfect eggs. Don't know if the kitchen was mad that it got sent back or what. I'm surprised they sent out burned eggs when food is so expensive these days Our waitress was great They were very busy because it was getting close to their closing time so we had to ask someone to bring us our check and we left I looked on their website first to send in an email or call but there's no email and they are closed. So I had to write this review Our other dishes came out great! read more

Off first impression I was very disappointed, the woman assisting the host was extremely rude! She acted like I didn't exist & wouldn't acknowledge me to put my name on the list, took me speaking to another employee to get any response. After the wait the same disgruntled employee called my name & when I walked up to her again she ignored me & refused to acknowledge me being the person she called.. Once we were seated our server was extremely helpful and attentive to our order. He definitely did a good job changing my opinion of this place. The food was a pretty average brunch selection and they also have fresh juice options to chose from. read more

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Yes! So glad First Watch is closer to home. Online ordering is not available yet. Placed our takeout order with a friendly employee. It took about 20 mins for everything to be ready. There was about a 2 hr wait on a Saturday for dinning in. It's neat and clean inside. Our takeout order was neatly wrapped. I've always enjoyed the fresh quality ingredients used by First Watch. Each dish is seasoned perfectly. If you're looking for some breakfast, brunch, or lunch, this place has you covered. Will definitely be back, again and again. read more

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Before going to the spa in this area my friend and I decided to stop here for breakfast. The place was crowded. It took us 30 minutes to be seated. It took even longer for our food to come. Once seated the waitress came right over and took our drink orders. We both ordered the Morning Meditation Fresh juice with shots of different vitamins. The juice was delectable! For my breakfast, I ordered the caramel crunch cinnamon roll. Delicious! With an order of scrambled eggs with cheese and Turkey sausage. The eggs were scrambled too hard and the sausage was good. My friend ordered the biscuit and gravy breakfast entree. She said it was delicious. read more

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Checked out the newest location of First Watch during their soft opening. This took over what used to be a Ruby Tuesday. The newly renovated restaurant decor gives it a fresh look. Our server was good and the wait time for our food was pretty average. Everything was well prepared and as expected. The portions are a good size but the waffle and French Toast don't come with any sides. You have to add eggs or whatever you want seperately. I think they will do well in south riding. People are always looking for healthier food options. read more

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We love this place! The food and service are always to our satisfaction and always plan our next time here before we leave. Their hash dishes and French toast are to die for! Definitely our favorite spot for breakfast in the area :) read more

Food and service was good but lady at front with glasses seemed to act one way with me(I'm brown) and acted all nice and friendly to others(Caucasian). Being the first person people walk to and greet it sure ruined my experience! read more

Pretty heart warming breakfast joint in northern Virginia. Layback and chill with good food and coffee. Service was good and clean restaurant. One down side is The taste of food is kind a different than other first watch in other area. Need more consistency. read more

Saturday brunch with the hubby. Didn't have reservations and had to wait 10 minutes max, so started off right. Decided to head to the restroom before being seated and ughhhhhh wish I hadn't - it definitely swung mood into the negative. The menu options were not great - no bagel/croissant type options, and very few off-the-menu vegetarian choices. We settled on the ricotta pancakes (5/5), the salmon Benedict (5/5), and the veggie frittata (2/5). Disappointed that the side for our entrees was a boring green salad (!?! who has salad with an omelet?!) so ordered a side of the roasted potatoes (3/5). Service was ok - check in and checkout on same counter makes it unnecessarily chaotic/crowded. read more