The new CiCi's at the Mount Vernon Plaza in Hybla Valley is a straight-up pizza place that is low on pretense and easy on the wallet.

The buffet, which includes a salad bar, soup of the day, pasta dish, assorted pizzas, and desserts, is a mere $4.99 for adults. It's quite the spread and is ideal for kids. The quality of the pizza isn't why you're coming. It's that the place is clean, family-friendly and reasonable.

CiCi's is chain restaurant that's formed in Plano, Tex. in 1985 and now boasts more than 600 restaurants in the East and Midwest. It certainly has healthier options than other fast food joints, and the staff is helpful and enthusiastic.

But don't expect this to be a top stop for pizza aficionados. Toppings include Mac and Cheese, Mexican-style Ole, Alfredo and Spinach Alfredo. And for dessert, they serve apple pizza and brownies.

The layout of the restaurant makes sense, and everything is self-serve. Booths line the left side of the restaurant, and the back of the facility includes a game room.

Bottom line: CiCi's is a plus for families, but a negative for pizza aficionados.

CiCi's Pizza
7666 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22308
www.cicispizza.com
703-718-8880
Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.