Mai Kitchen

Whoever designed the interior of Mai Kitchen in VA Highlands had a love affair with cut-out shelves—they are everywhere and stuffed with bottles, flowers, and other knick knacks. The giant white-domed lighting fixtures make you feel like you might be beamed up at any moment. But it all pulls together to give off laid-back yet trendy vibes that we kinda dig. With only three pho options, it’s easy to feel a little cheated—until you taste the broth. Good things take time, so it’s marinated for a full 24 hours and is so hearty that you might be tempted to drink only the broth. The meat isn’t quite as good as its sister restaurant, Anh’s Kitchen (the brisket is a little tough while the filet mignon is solid), but the broth and perfectly cooked noodles make up for it.