Jasmine Garden, conveniently located in the Yorktown Shopping Center, offers its share of diverse Asian cuisines. A mere walk from the Dunn Loring Metro Station, this small restaurant is highlighted by its comforting atmosphere, and provides a relaxing ambiance for any Eastern food fanatics.

Jasmine Garden (Photo: News-Press)

This casual dining hot spot comes complete with tables situated outside under the breezy shade and its own mini sushi bar. At a sight, one can notice the simple and modern play on traditional oriental decorations, with the lingering sunshine draping over the mahogany benches. Flowers arranged for visual appeal scatter the dividing sectors of the tables, complemented by the earthy décor of the cushioned linings. The overall feel is amplified by the pleasant staff. Patience, furthermore, is not expected of the restaurant’s customers, as the waiters are quick to attend.

Money-conscious consumers rejoice — the Garden’s title as the 2004 & 2005 Washingtonian Magazine “Best Bargain Restaurant” is sure to relieve. These good-eat deals, however, do not limit the range of the dishes. From appetizers to sushi boats, the menu is packed with a variety of items that stretch across Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Malaysian favorites.

While Jasmine Garden serves as your typical Chinese take-out as well (but don’t dial just yet; deliveries are made only within 3 miles), there’s more to please the taste buds than your common wonton soup, lo mein noodles and spring rolls. Jasmine’s Five Flavored Chicken, priced at a reasonable $10.95, defies the conventional sweet and sour chicken. Fried in five distinctive sauces, this Chef’s Special comes with a side of spicy chili sauce to add a little oomph to the sugary yet salty savory. The size of these items at the Garden also matches up to the hefty tastes; an individual serving platter could just as easily entice the mouths of three.

Here, the fresh vegetables make up as big of a category on the menu as the poultry, beef and pork. Sectioned off under the “Vegetable Garden,” the veggies, cooked in the piquancy of sesame oil, are served often with the familiar tofu. Items such as String Bean Szechuan Style ($6.75) and Eggplant & Tofu w/ Garlic Sauce ($6.75) test your tolerance for a little zesty zing, as they provide an ample amount of spiciness.

If you’re up for a little more novelty in your meal, try your luck with the Weekly Specials. Do not let the bizarre-sounding foods scare you, however. Some plates, such as the wined-pepper fish fillet ($14.95) or the fish fillet in barbeque sauce ($14.95) are more fulfilling for the mouth than your ears. Perhaps follow up with the lesser-known whetting appetizers, like the Tingly-Spicy Wonton ($3.95), and if there’s room to spare in your belly, maybe the edamame ($4.25) as well.

Whether you’re in the mood for some seasonal seafood and sushi or the safer, more traditional Chinese dishes, Jasmine Garden deserves a spot in your plans for an outing. Budget-friendly and inviting, the restaurant guarantees more to your meal than just a satisfied stomach.

Jasmine Garden

8106 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA

703-208-9989 • jasminegarden.biz

Hours:

Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.