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    ala - Bethesda

    4.2 (188 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    ala - Bethesda Photos

    ALA - BETHESDA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Classy
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - ala - Bethesda

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    Kunafa
    Uyen N.

    This carrot dish is way too good. Lots of different flavors from tamarind, chermoula, feta. The spreads are normal. I don't really like the duck prosciutto. Falafel is not that great imo, the outside is too crunchy but in a hard way because of the seeds. Chicken is moist but I'm not a fan of the sauce. The flat bread is okay with a sweet and sour sauce. The cauliflower is good too. The kunafa is great, though I don't like how they put too many rose petals on it. I think it would be better to put some for decoration and infuse the syrup with rose petal.

    Short rib pide
    Meg P.

    What went well? Everything. We adored this fusion of Mediterranean flavors & the vibrant menu. It was two of us; we ordered 4 items & it was perfect! The fattoush al bir salad was incredible: the infused pears were phenomenal. The manti beef dumplings were delicious w delicious harissa & mint.... Still yum the next day. And of course the short rib pide - so satisfying! The service was amazing. We felt so welcomed on a wintry night. And it looks great for families as well.

    BATATA HARA
    Mike A.

    This was my first time trying Ala. I really enjoyed their menu. It is well indicated for allergies. I found lots of gluten free options. The waitress was also very helpful and was able to accommodate some dishes by keeping allergens on the side (bread, muts, etc) The restaurant is beautifully decorated, their setup provides a very enjoyable atmosphere. Everything we ordered was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the qouzi with lamb shoulder. They flip the pot in front of you, empty the content and add toppings and sauce on top while service. I'm adding it to my list of restaurants to visit when I'm in town

    KARANAB
    Taylor M.

    Delicious food, it's hard not to overeat! We loved the mujadara (lentil rice) and karanab (brussels) the most. The zaatar flatbread is so incredible! And the pida with labneh was up there too. The falafels were mostly crisp exterior - I wish they were a little more substantial on the inside. Overall a flavorful and satisfying meal, including for vegetarians. Salim made our experience great. He was so friendly, checked in right when we wanted more pida, adapted for allergies, and answered questions. The decor is a little different than the DC location. Still the same soft lighting but some of the tables felt like they had been packed in for space rather than comfort. We heard one couple ask to move to a more central table. Luckily we arrived early and were able to get a table location we liked.

    Cocktails / Drinks Menu
    Iva N.

    Visited Ala for the first time and the food definitely worth the hype. They are on the pricier side honestly for the portion haha.. but otherwise all delicious and flavorful. Beautiful decor giving calming vibes. We are only a party of 2 and asked for a bigger table but was told there are plenty of reservations coming up, though a bit empty for a while, so that was a little bit of the downside. We ended up having to move around dishes and such to make sure we don't tip over anything. We had Manti (apparently homemade daily) , Dolma Bi Lahm - basically rice ground beef wrapped in grape leaves, Garides Kebab (shrimp skewer) and a latte. At first I got the Turkish coffee but given the turkey delights was out I decided on a latte, which def satisfying. Would come back and try happy hour in the future! :)

    Dining room
    Mimi W.

    Originally wanted to reserve for dinner, but groups 7+ require reservations through email and a credit card authorization form, so I grabbed a friend for lunch instead. The space is stylish but relaxed, cozy, and intimate. Wasn't busy, which made it a nice, calm spot to eat and some were actually reading books while eating. I ordered the mezze lunch, while my friend went for the tarkhun lavraki (branzino whole fish). Didn't realize the mezze lunch is meant for the whole table to order, but they allowed me to order. I haven't had a lot of Levantine or Mediterranean cuisine, so I'm not sure how it compares. From the mezze lunch menu, I ordered the tuna tartare dolmades and the garides kebab (shrimp), as well as added the short ribs pide (flatbread). The tuna tartare dolmades wasn't what I was expecting - very little tuna tartare and the taste of the dolmades in your mouth drowns the flavor of the tuna. The garides kebab I've actually tried the exact same dish next door at Beth's - it felt overcooked again and a little tough. The pieces of short ribs on the pide were a bit scant and also overcooked and dry, but the flavor combination from all of the ingredients was nice. Also tried the branzino fish my friend ordered and while it was perfectly cooked and nicely presented, it lacked any special spices or seasoning to make it stand out. Food came out quickly, and both the server and hosts were friendly and checked in throughout the meal. Prices are a bit on the higher side for what the food was, but with the great service, food presentation, and vibe, it may be worth it. We weren't rushed or bothered and were able to enjoy a nice long lunch.

    Olga G.

    Excellent middle eastern restaurant bringing the best of Turkish and Lebanese cuisine. I loved everything on their menu. I went for the lunch special, $28. You can't beat that! And if you want a glass of wine, it's extra $6 - it's really unheard of in 2026! Absolutely amazing interior design and I would definitely be back if I'm in the area.

    PITA HUMMUS
    Ayo A.

    Cozy restaurant for eastern mediterranean cuisine. I came for a birthday dinner so to make it easy, we selected the pre fixe menu that was (almost) like unlimited plates of food for the table for a certain price ($65 per person at the time I believe). I tried some new dishes and enjoyed a few (the thick pita was delicious! Went great with the hummus and I'm not a big hummus person. The halloumi wraps were also a pleasantly tasty dessert). A couple dishes were not my favorite but that might be due to my palate not being as familiar with the cuisine. The servers were extremely nice and the whole restaurant had family table feel. I would go back to try items from the a la carte menu.

    HUMMUS BABA GHANOUSH ZA'ATAR LABNEH BORANI SHAMANDAR
    Nila V.

    I've been to the DC location before, but this was my first time at Ala Bethesda and it definitely didn't disappoint. The space has a great ambiance and the service was spot on. Cocktails were on the pricier side, but worth it--they tasted amazing. For appetizers, we tried the hummus, baba ghanoush, za'atar labne, and the fattoush salad (one of my favorites). The adana kebab was delicious, and the short rib pide was packed with flavor. We didn't skip dessert either--the baklava was great, but the real standout for me was the kunafa with pomegranate ice cream. Absolutely loved it. We'll definitely be back!

    Half chicken
    Tola O.

    Stopped in on a Sunday for a birthday dinner. The restaurant ambiance is beautiful and their patio is lovely, though we ate inside. The servers were attentive for our party of 6. We were surprised to hear they had a restaurant week promotion and took part in their 2 cocktails, 2 wines add on and the cocktails were strong and delicious! I had an espresso martini that knocked my socks off literally-I was up ALL NIGHT! We had an appetizer. I had hummus -pretty standard. The goat cheese second course was better with bread, and would be better if it had the fig all over the cheese rather than right in the center. The star of the night was the paper bag bronzino which our server recommended. 10/10 would recommend. And the presentation table side was fun! A good time in Bethesda but a bit spendy. A nice way to be transported to the Mediterranean for a night!

    Toya D.

    My good foodie friend and I decided to have an early dinner before catching an evening show at nearby Strathmore. What we had: RUMAAN NANA (mocktail) -- refreshing FALAFEL -- This was a bird's dream; way too many seeds. A dipping sauce would've been nice. SHORT RIBS PIDE -- Really good shortbread! I'm not a fan of feta, but it wasn't bad. The fresh veggies + tender short ribs + soft bread reigned supreme. CARROT MAHMAS -- I liked them. She didn't. She exchanged them for TAWOOK SHISH, which was an improvement. TAWOOK SHISH -- I didn't taste any, but it smelled amazing. However, she said that the chicken was seasoned to perfection but dry. SERVICE -- Our server (Amanda) was an absolute delight. Very polite, accommodating, and knowledgeable of the menu. ATMOSPHERE -- The décor was remarkable. Everything was so plush and pretty. PARKING -- I got lucky. I was able to score a sweet spot two doors down. I wouldn't mind returning to check out the unlimited brunch with a nice bottomless booze option. __ I eat. @f.hux I thrift. @DCthriftish

    Fatima V.

    BRUNCH HERE IS SO WORTH IT!! love love love all the types of foods they offer and I was super satisfied. It's buffet style for $36 and we also did bottomless drinks for $12! The aesthetics is super pleasing and you can only take the cutest pics outside for content. Our server was great, wish I remembered her name.

    Ha N.

    Ambiance: the IG REEL video got me into to joint! From the strret, they made you feel like you're not in the DMV anymore!!! Decor is truly gorgeous. Sooooooo exicited for brunch. Service: our reservation was for Sat at 1:30pm. The restaurant was NOT busy. Hostess seated us promptly. Waitress thought we had 3 people and wanted us to go to a smaller table but we actually have 5. The waitress was ok though I had to hand her some plates to clear off the tables after she check up on us for more 'mini' entrees. It was AYCE, so I would recommend more attentiveness to cleaning out the tables when you check in. The people that delivered the food, well... we are not Mediterranean and we don't know the names of the dishes. She seemed a bit annoyed when she as dropping off the 'mini' main entrees when we didn't know what they were. Help us out and just bit give us this attitude for no reason. HUSH HUSH... ok, so we stayed OVER the 2 hrs but we paid for the food and was finishing the last bottle of wine. I didn't hear the comment about "we are now closed." This was at 3:30-4pm. Food: THE IG REEL was why we came for my fiends bday brunch. Now I have a feeling, I need to vet these videos cause I think they were paid. Honestly, the video was so good (they need to be in politics) that I was like -- I will be so stuffed and happy after!!! But that was not the case. Bloody Mary...tried it thinking maybe there's something special because it's 'house' specialty. Same same at every other places. Starters and desserts were buffet style. Smart and makes sense. Nothing stand out just regular starters you would find at any other 100 or so Mediterranean restaurants in the DMV. Mains: let's get to it. I got the salmon shrimp toast - it was a small piece of toast with 1 shrimp halved with a SIILVER of salmon (I have the pic receipt). Next I ordered the gyro with 3 silver of meat cause my bday girl was like "they have skinny tacos?" That's how much meat was on ten GYRO... then I ordered brussel sprouts, it was very salty. *** I really wanted to like this restaurant. The manager even came over when one of the other ladies didn't like her slider. That is a personal preference..." However, overall - I'm not coming back especially when there's so many Mediterranean restaurants in the DMV.

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    Food quality was amazing. Brunch selections were great. Outdoor sitting was also very nice.

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    Great place for brunch! They have a great assortment of food & the drinks are yummy too. I will have to try their dinner menu sometime.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - ala - Bethesda

    Can we bring our wine for the party and pay the cork?

    Hi Igor, yes you can!

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    Have you ever loved a restaurant so much you went back twice in the same day? That was me here…read more This Pike & Rose gem in North Bethesda is everything you hope for in a neighborhood spot -- fresh, imaginative Mediterranean-inspired food, a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere, and the kind of place you immediately start planning to revisit. Everything I tried was fantastic, from the perfectly prepared chicken kebabs to the cod with farro. The blackberry vodka cocktail was beautiful and delicious, and the saffron steamed milk with ginger for dessert was absolute perfection. The entire concept feels current, welcoming, and effortlessly cool without trying too hard. Can't wait to return the next time I'm back in town for meetings!

    I've had this booked marked for over two years and my cutie pie always says, "what is in this book…read moremark of yours", lol. Although he will lead most times, I pick one place every weekend so we can check it off together. This Friday (5/16) I picked Julii! He's a regular so although super packed they made it work and sat us immediately without a reservation. This place is popular and a reservation is needed. While I thought the menu was limited, it does the job. I wanted Branzino and had that in my mind the whole day but was disappointed that it wasn't on the menu. Welp, y'all know I love a burger. Service was fantastic! Ambiance feels like stepping into a French‑Mediterranean boutique café that someone elevated into a luxury dining room. It's warm, intimate, and softly glamorous without trying too hard. Let's get into it! Chicken Kabob - Seasoned perfectly over rice! Really good! Burger - Added bacon and mushrooms- Absolutely delicious! Drinks were delicious! No apps because I wasn't that hungry! I will definitely be back to try more of the menu!

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    Java Nation - Spinach & Artichoke Dip

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    4.1(381 reviews)
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    Pretty good food and pretty large selection for a very in the cut spot! Parking can get a little…read morecrazy back behind the restaurant, and seating can get limited if you come prime time brunch hour. But everyone was nice and cashiers were patient even when I couldn't decide what to eat LOL and the line was getting backed up. I couldn't decide right away cuz I was getting nervous the line was getting long so I got steak and egg. Classic meal, well worth the price! Large portion for potatoes too! I need to come back to try other items on the menu. There is too much to choose from, especially the Latin fusion section which surprised me it was even on the menu when I first saw it!

    I really wanted to love this place. The ambiance was beautiful, the food good. My issue is with the…read morecoffee. The first time I went there I got a latte and was satisfied. The second time I ordered a cafe con leche and it tasted awful. I even had others at my table try it to see if it was just my taste buds, but everyone agreed that it tasted like a bad batch, kind of sour mixed with bitterness. I am from Florida, cafe con leche is a staple at most places down there, so I thought I knew what it should taste like. I was going to throw it away and order a new one but my husband took it to the front and asked them to remake it. The manager said it would taste the same and suggested that maybe i just didn't know what a cafe con leche was (a bit rudely) and suggested they make me a latte instead. My husband agreed, and before hanging him the latte, manager went up to him and told him he had to pay the 30 cent difference since a latte is more expensive. He of course obliged, but I just thought the whole situation was handled poorly. The new latte tasted great. I returned a third time after that and again ordered a latte and a blueberry muffin. The muffin was delicious. The latte again tasted off. I didn't ask for a new one because of how my husband was treated the last time. I don't think I will be returning.

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    Barrel & Crow - Trout sautéed with a Romesco  Sauce

    Barrel & Crow

    4.0(602 reviews)
    0.2 mi
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    Outstanding food, five-star service, and a menu so good you'll want to order everything your server…read morerecommends. I had some mild expectations when arriving at Barrel & Crow which were quickly met and exceeded. Our party of four enjoyed a truly delightful and delicious meal. From the moment we sat down, our server--Dan--delivered five-star service. He was genuinely friendly, attentive without hovering. His knowledge of the menu and thorough description of the dishes was also notable. Some were his favorites, so he really described them (all) with mucho gusto. It was like we were guests in his home. We basically ended up ordering literally everything he recommended and he was absolutely spot-on. We started with the fried green tomatoes and calamari. Our smorgasbord of entrées included the lamb bolognese (my favorite, though sadly not the one I ordered), a beautifully tender lamb shank, spiced shrimp and grits, and a deeply flavorful andouille and seafood gumbo. Each dish was thoughtful and well prepared, though the shrimp and grits were a bit savorier than I'm accustomed to. Dessert didn't disappoint either. We savored the chocolate torte and also their signature sweet beignets. They were the perfect ending to an already stellar meal.We left behind so many other tempting menu items and looking forward to our next visit.

    We had brunch here recently. It was a pleasant experience. The best thing was that we could talk…read moreto each other at normal volume! So often these days places are so loud! The service was so so considering the size of the restaurant. There seemed to be plenty of servers but we had to flag them down to order, get coffee refills and get the check. We liked the food. They had an interesting shukshuka that 2 people got and finished every bit. They also got a side of potato "hash" but they were really just diced roasted potatoes. Not worth the $6 price but worked for soaking up the shukshuka gravy. We had one beet salad that was very nice. We ordered the beignets at the end and they were just fair. We would still go back to try other things!

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    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Rockville - The cookies on display.

    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Rockville

    3.9(92 reviews)
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    I have visited Tatte a few times and have only purchased the lattes. Their seasonal lattes are…read moreoutstanding, and they always have a flavored latte that can be modified vegan with nondairy milk. Tatte has a lot of seating, however, they are so popular it often feels small when waiting in line to order. A few times I have visited I could not find a table and had to take my latte to go. If I visit outside their busier hours or I get lucky I have snagged a table and had the luxury of drinking my latte at a table inside. Despite how crowded it is inside I can always hear my friends and carry on conversation indoors easily. Occasionally it has been hard to hear when your order is ready so I definitely recommend checking in at the pickup area to make sure you get your latte while it is hot. So far my favorite latte is the Black Sesame Latte with nondairy milk. It is not too sweet, a little nutty, and so smooth. I especially love visiting Tatte in the fall for their version of a pumpkin spice latte. The syrup they use is dairy free which is challenging to find. I do wish Tatte had more vegan options, and more clearly labeled on the menu what can be modified to be vegan. Part of the reason I have not tried any of the food is because navigating the menu as a vegan is challenging. I hope they can make some changes so I can have breakfast or lunch with my latte in the future. For now I love visiting Tatte for a treat yo self moment. The lattes are my favorite in Rockville and a wonderful pick me up if I need to brighten my day.

    I'll start on a positive note, because who doesn't like that?…read more Ambiance is 10/10, gorgeous, everything you want in a coffee shop. I love the high ceilings, layout, seating; it's giving French café with a twist. The desserts look phenomenal and their coffee/tea selection covers all the basics with a few extras (like pistachio, black sesame, and halva syrup), MEM tea blends, matcha, as well as a selection of coolers that sound absolutely divine using white peach/mint, strawberry/cardamom, and mango/ginger syrups. Who doesn't love a housemade syrup? I ordered the honey halva latte, raspberry meringue, pistachio cherry tart, and a plain butter tube (comes with 17 butter cookies). The butter cookies were perfect dipped in coffee, but almost everything else fell short. Looked divine, tasted so-so. The raspberry meringue might be one of the prettiest desserts I've seen but the filling left something to be desired. It had an odd aftertaste, while the pistachio tart barely had any kind of flavor. The coffee was, in a word, disappointing. The crumb cheesecake cup was tasty, but it felt like it was missing something. The woman who rang me up also wasn't friendly, which seemed a little odd considering that I'm a paying customer. Like she had an attitude for no reason. A simple "pick your coffee up over there" would suffice, considering that it was my first time and the barista was located on the other side of the establishment. Would I come back? If a friend wanted to go. Would I make it a point to? Probably not. My visit had good points but overall it just felt like something was missing.

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    ala - Bethesda - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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