Travel to the north end of Old Town Alexandria to discover a cafe that will surprise you.

Tucked away on what was once a lumberyard, Cafe Marianna offers fine dining presented in a warm and eclectic atmosphere. You will find New Orleans cuisine with a fresh flair. Proprietor and Chef Charles Oppman studied European Cuisine in New Orleans, opened the newly restored Willard Hotel as pastry chef in 1986 and eventually opened Cafe Marianna as a pastry and coffee shop. By 1995, the cafe had taken on a life of it’s own and evolved into a full service restaurant. Today, the menu includes such traditional favorites as crawfish etouffee and shrimp Creole. The rib eye is rolled in cracked pepper and served with brandy and mushroom sauce. Perhaps you’ll have the spinach and cheese ravioli with pesto and a glass of white wine.

Cafe Marianna is named for Charles’ ten-year-old daughter. Marianna is an up and coming artist whose work is displayed on the walls. Her artwork is priced from two to five dollars. The cafe has a warm ambiance and contains remnants of the past that you may not immediately recognize. Pay particular attention to the large woodpanel wall on your right as you enter. This wall was an 18^th century gift to the Smoot family (of Smoot Lumber fame- oldest corporation in Alexandria) from King George II. The tree was cut from virgin Virginia forest and measured 16 feet across.

Pastry is a specialty at Cafe Marianna. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of Charles’ cookbook, he tells his secrets! Catering is the other specialty at Cafe Marianna. Special events, corporate or holiday catering is available. Party space is available on the premises in a unique setting chock full of antiques. Don’t miss their delightful Sunday Brunch!

Charles and his family believe strongly in Animal Rights. He is an active member of the Alexandria community, donating to the local food bank on a weekly basis. He provides jobs for the homeless, helping to get things moving in the right direction.