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ala

4.2 (1.2k reviews)
Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

ala Photos

Business Info

ALA ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - ala

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Reviews With Photos

Tim T.

This place is AMAZING and specializes in Levantine (historical geographical term referring to the eastern Mediterranean coastal region, encompassing modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Jordan from Google AI) and Mediterranean cuisine. They also have a $58 tasting menu option where you can order any three dishes from the cold and hot mezze menu. Very cool interior decor and service is very attentive (I believe our server was named Joseph or Jacob). Highly recommended if you are in DC!

Bradley L.

Great food with a nice atmosphere. Ala has a great location. Metroing in is super easy as the station is just across the street, and parking is available (although sparingly) on the streets nearby. They have an excellent patio area as well, as well as very beautiful interior design. My friend and I did the choose 3 option with dessert. The price we calculated I believe ended up showing that if we wanted dessert, then the option was worth it. The food was very good. The flatbread was our favorite and I'd come back just for that honestly.

Table setting
Katelyn W.

Came on my 31st birthday for dinner and it was amazing! I would make a reservation as it can get busy, but it's because it's so good! My boyfriend and I did the tasting experience because we wanted to try a few dishes and we're so glad we did! Everything on the menu sounds amazing and the items we got were so yummy! The drinks were also very good! Our waiter explained the menu and a little history and overall service was amazing. The whole vibe there is wonderful and we will totally be back!

Branzino
Isaac W.

Restaurant Week 2025 Tried 8 different items. My favorite was probably the Brussel Sprouts. Baklava was amazing. No items were bad. I'm not an expert on West Asian cuisine, so much of this tasted very new to me. I think the owner and several of the waiters are Turkish, but I wasn't sure what to classify this cuisine as. "Modern Mediterranean"? Service and ambiance are great! But it was delicious. Portions are generous. Food has great color. Go!

Samantha T.

Ala is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in DC and Bethesda. I visited the DC location for the brunch buffet and really enjoyed it. They have a wide variety of options and everything was very fresh and flavorful. The service was great and the staff were very attentive. They also have all day HH at the bar M-F.

GOLDEN CAULIFLOWER
Latifa H.

Place has a very nice ambience and is tapas/mezze style. We ordered a few mezze dishes, a mix of hot and cold, and one large dish to share. We got the Adana kebab dish to share which was one large skewer of the kebab served with harissa on the side which was delicious. We also got duck prosciutto which was interesting and the roasted/fried cauliflower which was delicious. We wanted to try the tahini crème brûlée but they ran out, so we tried the layali lubnan ( a semolina flour Mediterranean dish) and was great. Our server was very sweet and brought us complimentary champagne since we were celebrating an occasion.

Za'atar Pide
Ian C.

We came here on a Monday night so the place wasn't too busy. The menu options all sounded so good we had a lot of trouble picking what to get, but we ultimately decided on a mix of spreads, vegetables, and two protein dishes--a good variety and meal size for three people. The waiter was very helpful in guiding us towards some of his favorite / more popular options. The first item we received was the Mixed Spreads sampler. While a lot of Mediterranean restaurants in DC have great spreads, what Ala really impressed me with was how fresh and amazing the pita was! Absolutely delicious. The chicken skewers (Tawook Shish) were perfectly cooked with a little bit of char on the outside and tender juicy chicken on the inside. I also really enkiyed the Golden Cauliflower and the Hazelnut Halva Semifreddo. Lastly, I really appreciate Ala being a member of the Inkind network so dining out here is a little more wallet friendly.

Dania J.

I'm a fan of Ala Bethesda, so I had high hopes for Ala DC and it definitely delivered! Brunch here is a full experience, very similarly to the Bethesda location. The value is hard to beat when you factor in the bottomless drinks...you really do get your money's worth! Food-wise, the Adana slider was still one of my favorites. The lahm bi ajeen was another favorite.. I had quite a few of them lol. Overall, the atmosphere was lively, but not chaotic. I also appreciated how warm and attentive our server was. For these reasons, Ala DC is definitely a place where I'd come to again!

MIXED SPREADS
Kimaya C.

We have been to Ala twice now and loved it both times! Our first visit we tried the dip sampler (we loved all four dips though my personal favorites were the baba ganoush and labneh), chicken tawook shish (very juicy chicken paired with a tasty sauce) and the crispy Brussel sprouts (these were perfectly crispy with sweetest from the pomegranate and raisins and converted my bf from a brussel sprouts hater). Our second visit we had to redo everything we tried the first time but added the carrots which became my new favorite dish here and the shrimp which were also well cooked and flavorful! Overall can't go wrong with the food, especially the mezze! We also felt well taken care of during our meal. Our waiter was wonderful, he joked around with us, recommended new dishes and checked in often. Another member of the staff also checked in towards the end of our meal and offered us some Turkish tea/ coffee to end with. Lastly, the location and ambience were great, with the outside patio being perfect for the summer evening weather. Will definitely be back!

Leese H.

Based on the reviews of excellent brunch recommendations, Ala was one that came up multiple times. My friend and I were surprised by the incredible and endless spread of delicious and healthy options presented to us by Ala's brunch menu. We didn't feel rushed and service was great in terms of attentiveness. As for the ambiance, I loved the intimacy and colors in different parts of the restaurant. Would love to come back again as this will be a top brunch option in the city for me!

Coffee and mimosa service
Jasmine B.

I want to like this place more than I do. The food is good, the service is fine. The atmosphere inside is nice - but for some reason it is missing something for me. I have been here a few times and I am always satisfied with my meal, but never impressed or blown away by anything. I want to be, which is why I keep coming back. I'll keep trying.

Christina N.

We came here for the bottomless brunch on a Saturday afternoon and it wasn't the best experience. The food is pretty good and the buffet selection is solid. The bad part was the lack of transparency. We were told that bottomless drinks were automatically added to our brunch because we're a party of 6, but that's not stated anywhere. We had people in our party who don't drink alcohol and tried to ask our server questions and explain, but he made it seem like the drinks were included no matter what, due to our size. It's frustrating that we didn't get a choice because we would've gladly had none of us drink.

Lamb kofta
Sonya H.

Wonderful spot for some of the best Mediterranean food in DC! I visited ala for a casual Friday dinner with a few friends, and we absolutely fell in love with this place -- the space is super cozy and beautifully decorated, the service was friendly, and the food is amazing. We initially snagged a spot on the patio because there weren't any open seats inside; while the patio was spacious and gorgeous, it was sweltering outside (shoutout to DC summers). The staff was really thoughtful and offered to move us inside the second a table opened up. The interior was just as gorgeous as the patio, and I loved the comfy circular booths all around the restaurant -- it's a cozier dining experience compared to the standard rectangular ones, and it makes sharing food so much easier. Speaking of food -- we got a bunch of items to share. We started off with the dip combo, tabbouleh, and grilled halloumi, then transitioned to the grilled shrimp and roasted cauliflower for our mains. Everything was absolutely incredible. I loved each of the dips, but you can never go wrong with a rich and creamy classic hummus. It went wonderfully with the soft, pillowy, and warm pita, but also with the crispiness of the fresh veggies. The tabbouleh was great on its own, but topped with an extra bit of creaminess and punch of flavor from either the hummus or baba ghanoush? Life-changing. The grilled halloumi was, well, grilled halloumi -- how can you NOT love a chunk of cheese that's been grilled and slathered with honey, herbs, and nuts? The grill brought out more of the natural flavor of the cheese, and it was rich and slightly melty; the savory cheese went perfectly with the sweet honey, and I loved the extra bit of crunch from the nuts. The shrimp was super flavorful and tender, with a great hit of spice and savoriness from the Urfa peppers and garlic. It typically comes with Turkish sausage, but you can ask for them to omit it if you don't eat red meat (although everything in their restaurant is halal, including the cheese). Last but not least, the golden cauliflower was outstanding! It was beautifully roasted on the outside, with the char adding the perfect hit of smokiness to complement the rich, nutty tahini sauce. To lighten up the dish and add a bit of brightness, they also topped the whole head with pineapple amba and a lovely herby, lemony chermoula. Unfortunately, the center of the cauliflower was a little bit undercooked so it wasn't quite as tender as I was hoping, but it was still a phenomenal dish.

SMASHED ADANA BURGER

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ala Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - ala

Is the 3-course brunch the only option during the day on the weekend? Can we order off the regular dinner menu instead?

Unfortunately during the brunch hours it’s the only option.

Is Ala the same establishment as Ankara? Same owners / chefs?

Pretty much but there have been some changes to the menu.

Does bottomless dinner include drinks?

Yes!

Hello, any heating options on your patio?

Starting from September 25 yes we’ll have patio heaters.

Is it halal?

All of our dairy and meats are Halal certified!

Do you guys have a new year eve special menu or something like that?

Hello, Thank you for asking! We will be offering both our New Year's Eve specials and our all-day… Read more

Any gluten free options?

Hi Ale, We have plenty of different gluten free options. Please check our menu www.ankaradc.net/menu

Is the bottomless brunch every weekend?

Yes!

Will you ever bring labneh back? Yours was the best in town!

Hi Meredith, Thank you so much for interest:) We're planing to bring it back better than ever at the end of August.

Are opening hours different during Ramadan?

No. We open as our regular hours. Weekdays 11 AM to 10:30 PM weekends 10 AM to 10:30 PM

Do you guys have kokoreç?

Hey Wali! Unfortunately we do not have it. But we'd like to have it in our inventory at future!

Is your place serving HALAL meat?

All of our dairy and meat items are Halal certified!

View All 14 Questions

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Villa Yara - Yara's Tabbouleh

Villa Yara

(275 reviews)

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Villa Yara is my family's go to spot when we visit DC. It genuinely never disappoints!! Every…read moresingle thing from the fattoush to the dips to the lam chops is absolutely incredible. The service is lovely and food comes out quickly. I love that everything is made freshly in the restaurant. As someone that is Middle Eastern, this place is incredible and authentic

Villa Yara is an experience, not just a restaurant…read more From the moment you step inside, the ambiance transports you--elegant, intimate, and thoughtfully designed with a balance of modern sophistication and cultural warmth. Every detail feels intentional, creating a space that's perfect for a romantic evening, a celebration, or a refined night out. The food is exceptional. Each dish is beautifully plated and layered with flavor, showcasing high-quality ingredients and a deep respect for culinary craftsmanship. You can taste the care and creativity in every bite, nothing is ordinary, everything is elevated. The cocktail program is just as impressive. Drinks are well-balanced, inventive, and executed with precision, making the bar a destination of its own. Pair that with the music and overall energy, and the vibe is effortlessly upscale without feeling forced. What truly sets Villa Yara apart is the service. The staff is knowledgeable, polished, and genuinely attentive. They anticipate needs without hovering and make every guest feel welcomed and valued. Villa Yara has mastered the art of hospitality--luxury, flavor, and atmosphere coming together seamlessly. It's the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. Highly recommended.

Falafel Inc - Falafel sandwich

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The place was bustling on a Saturday afternoon. I stopped by for a falafel sandwich, falafel bowl,…read moreand fries...and I was blown away. Here's why: - Quality: every item was fresh, and the falafel was not dry! I usually don't opt for falafel bc of how dry it is, but this one really wasn't! It was filling but moist and delicious. Also, the veggies and sauces paired well to give it flavor and texture. Again, usually not a fan of falafel, but I was this time. - Service: Food was pretty quick and the staff were really kind considering how busy the shop was. It took about 10 minutes to get the food. - Ambiance: This is a grab and go place. They have some high tables to quickly scarf down your meal or package your to go bag, but I suggest walking around Georgetown area to eat your food elsewhere. I will absolutely visit again and bring vegetarian friends. Such a bang for your buck!

I arrived just before closing, and the owner was gracious enough to accommodate me, which I…read moreappreciated. I feel bad writing this but I believe Writing Authentic and honest review may inspire the owner to level up his food . That said, the food quality did not meet expectations. The falafel was overly firm and dry. The Greek salad lacked freshness--the lettuce appeared past its prime, and the tomatoes were soft and aging. Overall, it felt like a basic tossed salad with feta rather than a well-composed dish. The hummus had a smooth texture, but the flavor suggested a blended oil rather than a clean extra virgin olive oil profile. The pita was the strongest element of the meal--fresh and well prepared. Additionally, the use of styrofoam containers detracted from the overall experience. In summary, while the service at closing was considerate, the food did not reflect what I would consider high-quality or authentic Greek cuisine. .

Muncheez - Indulge in our Shawarma, made fresh daily--only at Muncheez DC.

Muncheez

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Came for lunch by a friend's recommendation…read more The interior is small and seating limited, but you're greeted once you walk in and the workers are friendly. The menu is largely build-your-own. I ordered a chicken shawarma bowl with the fixings. I thought the price was pretty fair. The bowl was filling and yummy with the diverse flavors from the toppings. If I'm craving shawarma in Georgetown, I'd stop by again.

We were looking for a place to eat for a quick late night bite in Georgetown and I found Muncheez…read moreon Yelp. We walked in and they have ordering kiosks at the front to punch in your order. There's also a register around the counter, if you want to order in-person. The space was tight, but this is Georgetown and the restaurant is in a rowhouse (Note: you do have to climb a few stairs to get in). They have a self-serve water station and a designated crepe station for their workers in a nook by the front. There's narrow counter seating and some extra seating in the back of the restaurant. I'm always on the hunt for some good falafel, so I ordered the Falafel Sandwich ($10.50). They call it a sandwich but it's more of a wrap. It wasn't busy when we arrived after 10pm on a weeknight. Food was made in less than 10 minutes, but service was a bit taciturn. We ordered two sandwiches: the falafel ($10.50) and beef shawarma ($12.75). I do wish they labeled the items so that we could have easily identified whose was whose. A sticker, a marking, or any kind of indication would've been helpful so that we weren't stuck playing wrap roulette. The falafel was made to order (four pieces). The sandwiches were served nice and hot. I enjoyed the falafel, but the whole sandwich ate dry. You definitely need to get some sauce to top it off with. This was my first time trying Muncheez, so I didn't order any sauces because I didn't know any better. I didn't try the beef shawarma, but just unwrapping it, it was super, off-puttingly greasy. I'll admit that I've been spoiled by Falafel Inc.'s cheap and delicious sandwiches, sauces included. While Muncheez's sandwich is bigger, sturdier, and heartier than Falafel Inc.'s pita sandwich, it is also 2.5x more expensive, and I wouldn't go as far to say 2.5x better. While the menu selection at Muncheez's is more extensive and the late night hours make it convenient to grab a quick bite, Muncheez didn't fully dazzle.

Mejana - Mixed grill

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I have been a long time fan/patron of MeJana b/c of the friendly, welcoming staff, beautiful…read moreambiance, and consistent delicious dishes. I especially appreciate the thoughtful presentation, tableware and glassware. One of my favorite go-tos for lunch is the Chicken Shawarma with salad. Light, healthy and tasty, presented on a board. Now that the weather is pleasant, try dining on the patio like I did today. Enjoy!

9 years later and I am back- I have seen this place very busy on weeknights so I decided, it's time…read moreto go back. They pride themselves as a healthier spot and the food definitely reflected that. We started off with drinks (they only do happy hour at the bar) and got the Mojito and the mediteranean martini. Both were good but the purple mojito was definitely the star of the show. For appetizers we got the "fried" cauliflower and the hot appetizer platter. The cauliflower definitely felt more baked then fried and the portion was quite fair. The hot appetizer platter comes with 2 cheese rolls, 2 falafels, and two kibehs. I will say, for $17, I would love perhaps 3-4 of each item instead of just 2 each. The kibeh were super tasty and so were the cheese rolls, but the falafel were a bit dry. For our mains we got the lamb chops and the steak kabob - both were fantastic. Simple flavors but really well done on both ends, with both cuts of meat cooked to order. I will say, I would love a little bit more side veggies- especially for the $45 dollar lamb chops but I assume they expect you to order more sides like we did. Quick service, Arlington prices, a bit cold inside on a cold day. Will definitely be back to try more!

Agora DC - Cauliflower**

Agora DC

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I've been here twice now and have had a great experience. I recommend getting a spot on the outside…read morepatio if the weather is nice. It is covered and you can watch all the Dupont atmosphere pass by on the street. I'm a big fan of Mediterranean food. And it didn't disappoint. They were also really good with kids as my partner and I have 5 year olds. They not only have kids menus but crayons and unique coloring activities that were perfect for our son and daughter. We ordered the dip sampler, the grilled chicken and manti, which are dumplings stuffed with meat and topped with cream. The kids loved the pita bread, as did their dads. The pita was so delicious and we kept dipping it in the complimentary olive oil with black olive tapenade. The dip sampler was good, but we didn't love all the options as part of that mix like the red pepper dip or the fishy roe. Finally, the wine selection is unique here. It consists of a lot of Greek and Turkish wines. We aren't as familiar with this regions o appreciated our server allowing us to taste the wine before committing. Overall, service was attentive and they did a great job checking in with our family. I'd definitely recommend this spot. It's a higher end place on the strip!

The vibe? Immaculate. Think warm lighting, gorgeous bar seating, and just enough "I'm chic but…read moreeffortless" energy. The kind of place where you accidentally stay way longer than planned. The food? Delicious across the board -- and definitely made for sharing (or pretending to share while guarding your favorites ). Every dish felt thoughtful and flavorful without trying too hard. The spread platter is a must. Shrimp was yummy-- wish more came with the dish. Lamb was succulent. Chicken kabob was grilled to perfection. Manti was yummy. I loved the baklava. And can we talk about the hibiscus spritz?? Beautifully balanced, refreshing, and dangerously easy to keep ordering. She's pretty and she delivers. 10/10 would return for the ambiance, the bites, and a little sip-sip moment

ala - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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