Pastry Xpo

Location: Strawberry Lane, Falls Church (Merrifield Town Center, just off Gallows Road)

Pleasant surpises await at Pastry Xpo, a new confectionary in the Merrifield Town Center. A smart layout makes each patron walk past countless, sugary goodies on the way to the coffee bar in the back. We resisted goodies on our first visit so I could focus more on the espresso.

I was pleasantly surprised with my cappuccino. First, they offer ceramic cups. Second, the coffee and machine is Illy. The coffee was a fine quality: nutty with cocoa-like qualities, though not mind-blowing. (Certainly exceeded the average paper-cup-only establishment coffee.) The milk foam was dense and creamy. The "to stay" cappuccino is $2.85 and about 8 oz.

Pastry Xpo also offers lunch items, including salads, sandwiches, and Lebanese specialties. Lunch items appeared to be expensive for what you get, in terms of volume (example: small portion of lentils and rice with side salad for $9.99).

The inside of the cafe is modern and inviting, though very quiet. Feels more like a casual restaurant than coffee or desert bar.

Vib Level: Essentially none
Parking: Easy -- free covered parking, or park in lot in front of the cafe