Went here with my husband for our anniversary, and had a gift card. We chose outdoor seating…read morewithout seeing it, I had previously seen pictures of the inside and assumed the outdoor vibes would be just as fun and vibey. I was very wrong. It was literally in the alley, and was giving Covid setup. Definitely would not recommend the outdoor area to anyone. There was no music, the decor was fine but again, looked very subpar and you could tell everyone else that arrived and sat outside after us had the same thoughts. Now to the food. I will say all of it was good, but for the price? I could find another Middle Eastern adjacent restaurant in DC for less money. It was a little outrageous in my opinion. We did choose the tawle experience. The dips with good, and came with endless flatbread. But it was interesting how some of the portions were huge and then others felt like they were skimping. We got huge portions of pickled vegetables and a giant salad, but then when it came to the shrimp kabobs we ordered, we got 5 pieces of shrimp. I will say the steak portion we chose we large, but then again for dessert, it was just a half mason jar size of a chocolate mousse to split...It was just interesting. Several of the staff knew it was our anniversary and they could've given maybe an additional dessert or a glass of champagne but nothing. Again for a restaurant of this caliber, you would just expect more. I say all of this to say, we did have a gift card that covered most of our $300+ meal. But if I were going without that, I would've been even more disappointed. I know people have raved about this place for years, but the original chefs have changed, and I'm understanding more why they've lost their Michelin star. It was good/fine but was far from exceptional.

There's still technically 2 months left before 2026 ends, but I think this may be the best meal…read moreI've had this year. What an incredible spontaneous hangout and surprise by my friend that lead to this memorable meal! Thank you, again Not only was the beet borani beautiful, the sweetness of the beet mixed with the garlic and rosemary paired very well with the warm and fluffy bread. The fire kissed asparagus are the best asparagus I've ever had in my life. The char was perfect and allowed the asparagus to be the best version of itself. The bed of both cream and herb sauce it laid on top of gave it other dimensions of flavored when paired. It was good on its own or eaten with the other protein dishes we ordered. The chicken shish taouk was juicy, well seasoned and very good with the toum! The seared scallops were the biggest, sweetest and my favorite dish of the night (though I 100% would say everything we got was so so good). The natural sweetness of the scallops paired with the various sauces were delightful. The serpent drink had a sour but creamy foam texture that was fun to sip on throughout the meal. Shout out to Nari, our server sharing her love of garlic and giving us a sample of the carrot havuc which did not taste like carrots at all but more of this light almost sweet potato-like dip with a fun crunch from the crispy onions & for compting our turkish coffee gelato, which was strong and creamy and best way to end the meal.

this had to be one of my most disappointing meals in DC all year. and its a shame b/c i love to…read moreuplift Palestinian cuisine and celebrate the culture (and the cause), but i think a love for the cause has given this place such loving reviews. the disappointment began before we even ordered, i was excited to eat here for the Kafta bel Tahina and was told they dont serve it anymore. ok fine. how about Kousa Mashi. nope out of that at 6pm on a sunday, ok ok... the grilled fish, they didnt have it today.. fine fine, we can pivot.. I used to live in Gaza and love damsat addas (another item that rarely makes its way to levantine menus stateside).. we ended up ordering the ghmous sampler so that all the major mezze (hummus, labne, baba ghanoush, and damsat addas) would all be available to us. Let's just say, i was so disappointed i ended up making damsat addas myself the next day just to fix the bad taste left in my mouth from the one i had there. in a word, everything we had from the Palestinian side of the menu was underwhelming (including the muskkhan i had been so excited for and then deeply disappointed when something looking like a small hot pocket arrived). the only bright spot: toum, that was great.

Heard good things about this Palestinian restaurant and had to try it! The interior is really nice…read moreand inviting. Loved that they had the World Cup on for everyone without it feeling like a sports bar. For appetizers you MUST get the labneh w olives it's SO GOOD!! I've never been one for dips but wow, the hummus was delicious as well. I believe it must be their olive oil that gives it that something extra. The Chicken Freekah Maqlouba was so flavorful, the spices were unique but not overpowering. I enjoyed the sauce and thin potato slice additions in the Kafta Bel Tahini. Nextdoor is a Peruvian restaurant, El Secreto de Rosita, and patrons can order from either restaurant when dining. The Lomo Saltado, rib eye stir fry was great. The meat was well prepared and sauce was delicious, definitely more than just a soy sauce. The presentation of all the dishes was beautiful, but take note that the portion sizes are on the smaller side. The staff were kind and offered helpful recommendations! The only hiccup during our visit was one of the dishes we ordered was no longer available after we had spent quite awhile waiting for it, then the dish we ordered to replace it was delayed so long that they comped it for us, which was appreciated. If you're the area this spot is worth a visit.

I was in Washington D.C. for the weekend and tried this amazing Mediterranean place for lunch. My…read morefriend who recommended this place has been obsessed with the food here and I can totally see why. We ordered mushroom kapnista, Halloumi pide, zaatar pide, htipiti and everything was so delicious. I'm not sure if I enjoyed the combination of dates and mushrooms together but really loved the smoky mushroom by itself. I was also very impressed with the Zaatar pide, it was cheesy and delicious. For desert we ordered greek yogurt with apricot and it was probably the best thing we tried here. The ambience is classy and they have ample of seating space. The overall meal didn't cost us as much as I thought it was, the prices were fairly reasonable!

We wanted to try something we don't normally eat. If you love Greek food, I would guess this is…read moresome of the better Greek food. We don't love Greek food, but we're pretty impressed. Lots of flavor with the different sauces and spreads. The meat kebabs were good too. I loved the pickled onions and the tomatoes and couscous that came with it. All in all it's a really yummy flavorful healthy tasting dish. Loved the fried cauliflower and the yummy green sauce it was on. Beet salad was good too. We didn't love the baba ghanoush or the bread they bring to the table. It's pretty bland and lacking in flavor. Would've preferred some naan. But everything else we enjoyed. Chocolate cake was yummy too. I'd recommend giving this place a try. For us it was a 3.8.

Enjoyed the vibe and trying new food! The vegetarian dish we tried tasted like biryani but overall…read moreenjoyed this place.

The food at Mama Ayesha's was delicious, and packed full of flavor! The service was also…read moregreat--very attentive and kind. The restaurant itself is a bit dated, both the patio and dining room. It looks like the decor hasn't been refreshed in a few decades. Mouzat, 5/5, delicious, tender lamb with seasoned rice Maklouba, 5/5, tender chicken that fell off the bone with delicious rice and vegetables Pomtini, 2/5, somehow tasted like Hi-C or some kind of chemical citrus

The place does not disappoint, I would fix that citrus shrimp thou. The staff is really welcoming…read moreand the wait isn't that long for food and drinks. The night time really opens up ... Reggae on the Roof is something to experience on a Sunday

Yalla to Yalla!…read more This place is immaculate! We walked in right when it opened since it opens around 5pm. We were the first people there and honestly felt like we were treated like royalty! We got to decide where we wanted to sit since there was about 7 of us! I didn't think my party was hungry, but the second we saw the menu our mouths began to drool. We ordered - Fries: 5/5 - honestly, you can never go wrong with fries, but these were hot, crispy and seasoned well! Hummus: 4/5 - nothing to rave about here, just your typical hummus Falafel: 3.5/5 - I've definitely had better falafels Halloumi: 10/5 - this was the best item on the menu! So good, we ordered a second plate! It was seasoned and cooked to perfection! They didn't have our usual flavors for hookah so we ended up with Double Apple and Watermelon mint. Not my favorite flavors, but this was probably the smoothest hookah I've ever had in the DMV! I was genuinely so shocked! Besides all the above, the place is super aesthetic and fun cute post brunch vibes. I'll definitely be making myself back here for the halloumi and smooth hookah!!

Stopped by ala on Friday afternoon, September 11, and discovered their All Day Happy Hour as a nice…read moreway to start the weekend. My cocktail of choice was the Khavyar, which featured gin, Portan cucumber, dill, and lemon. Refreshing, crisp, and a great start to the afternoon. For food, I tried the Hummus + Pita, Za'atar Pide, and Tawook Burger. I sat at the bar, where Isabel was gracious, welcoming, and attentive throughout my visit. There was a nice crowd, pleasant music, and a relaxed energy. I tried the Hummus + Pita, Za'atar Pide, and Tawook Burger. The standout for me was definitely the Za'atar Pide. Made with Palestinian za'atar, creamy feta, and labneh, it was flavorful, savory, creamy, and easily my favorite dish of the afternoon. I would order it again without hesitation. The Hummus + Pita was a great start, and the Tawook Burger with two breaded chicken breasts, cheese, onion, mesclun, tomato, and house-made sauce on brioche was hearty and satisfying. Good food. Pleasant atmosphere. Attentive service. And much love for that Za'atar Pide! I'll be back for it.

Was invited to try Ala through a fellow Yelper and grateful for the introduction because this place…read moredelivered-ish. The all day happy hour menu is the move and we took full advantage. The Batata Hara: fried potatoes with garlic were dangerously good. Overpowering with the garlic but in the absolute best way possible. The Karahab fried brussels sprouts and the Tawook chicken breast burger were both delicious and well executed. The only miss for me personally was the ribeye gyro but that's less about Ala and more about me finally confirming that gyros and I are just not meant to be. The food gets a solid 5 stars. The seating situation however deserves a conversation. Yelpers were directed to either the bar or outside with no other options offered. The weather cooperated and it wasn't a bad experience outdoors but when the hostess specifically stated that Yelpers sit at the bar or outside, that landed differently. The restaurant appeared beautiful from what I could see and assuming the inside was as lovely as it looked, that felt like a quiet form of segregation that the restaurant should probably revisit. Guests are guests regardless of how they found you. Our waiter was attentive and never forgot about us which is always appreciated. Overall a great experience with one note worth addressing. I'd return but hopefully at the main table next time.

Delicious and authenic falafel in Adams Morgan. Food service was fast and everything tasted…read moreamazing. Definitely the place to hit if you're having a falafel craving in Adams Morgan. Note they are closed on Saturdays.

It's been in the neighborhood a while now and I finally had an opportunity to give it a try. Must…read moresay I was underwhelmed. I'll say the nice thing first, though, which is that they have a nice water dispenser with little cups between the register (where you order) and the food display (where you pick out your fixings and receive your order). So you can have a sip of water while you're waiting the two or three minutes it takes to get your food. I had the "schnitzel," which turned out to be just chunks of breaded/fried chicken breast. Real schnitzel (which this is NOT) is flattened and tenderized by pounding it thin and flat. These were just big, tough chunks, which of course have to be a little overcooked to be cooked through to the center. So that was, to this schnitzel devotee, a disappointment. I guess if you know you're just getting chicken "tenders," it might seem better. The laffa flatbread it was wrapped in had a leathery texture that I did not enjoy, and did not finish. The various fixings I tried--vegetable salads and dips--were good, though. So it was not a complete fail. But for the price there are a lot of places--even some on the very same block--that make a far better meal, and offer a real dining experience to boot. For the full experience, I ate in. And really, the place is a dump. The tabletop was sticky; I had to put down napkins to keep my elbows clean. The sound of a fan dominated the space. They don't seem to have changed the furniture since the Astor days (the service counter is the same, too), though it seems dirtier and more dilapidated and less decorated than it was then. The self-busing stand sort of makes the point that it's really not trying to be more than a takeout joint. At this price point, I expect more. It really made me miss Astor.

Green Zone has become one of my go-to spots in Adams Morgan, especially when the weather is nice…read more Do I wish they opened before 5 p.m. on weekdays, particularly on a beautiful Friday afternoon? Absolutely. Do they have to rearrange their business hours around my personal desires? Apparently not. The mint lemonade is phenomenal and honestly one of the main reasons I keep coming back. After one particularly terrible day at work, I decided to conduct what I can only describe as a tour of the mint lemonade: vodka, gin, and rum. All three were delicious, but fortunately, or unfortunately, vodka still wins. I'm a vodka girl, so perhaps the competition was rigged from the beginning. I don't drink tequila, so that contestant remains untested. Food-wise, I love the labneh with garlic and cucumbers, and the za'atar fries are SO good. It's the perfect combination of snacks and drinks when I want to settle in for a bit. And the service has consistently been phenomenal every time I've been here. Great drinks, great food, wonderful people, and an all-around easy neighborhood spot that I'm very happy to have nearby. Now, about that Friday afternoon opening time...

- great vibe, live music / dj - DELICIOUS mint lemonade…read more10/10! - loved the art put up - hard to get ahold of waiter for drink since people stay sat at the bar and block - drinks made quickly after ordering

very nice place to eat Afghanistan food, best Kabob in Washington DC area, I recommend chicken…read morekabob platter, very tender and Fresh,

If you're ever in downtown DC, come get the lunch specials at Grill Kabob! It's a great deal and…read morethe amount of food you get makes it a great bang for your buck. I usually go for the half-chicken, comes with rice, a huge flatbread, a salad, and stewed chickpeas. It's a quick-service spot so you pay at the counter or through the kiosk and they'll call out your order number when the food is ready. There's a good amount of seating for such a small space. The people are friendly and they can always make recommendations based on what you're feeling.

Meze Restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I went during off hours, so it was pretty quiet, but the…read morefood was better than I expected. I had the chicken sis kebab, and it was really good. The service was also good, and overall it ended up being a nice experience.

We stopped in here in May while in town for a conference and we enjoyed our visit. We had a late…read morelunch that day, so just wanted a small nosh and a drink and this was perfect. The mojitos were flavorful and tasty and we really enjoyed our katmar dessert (a phyllo pastry filled dessert with pistachios, cream, and honey). I also had some raki, which was delicious and was a nice way to end the meal. Service was pretty good and we'd recommend stopping in here if you're in the area.