TLDR: it's like a 3.5/5 personally. The entrees were good but nothing worth going out of the way for. The fries were very floppy and left something to be desired. My wife and I stopped here on our way to NYC since we had some time until the train arrived. The restaurant has a cafe feel to it throughout with an actual cafe to the right as you walk in. We started with the fries to munch on, but they were floppy and a bit oily. Left something to be desired. I ordered the lamb tagine for my entree. I would say that the tagine had good flavor but there was only a little lamb in the sauce from what I could tell. And some of the couscous was very hard as well. My wife got the beef kabob and it was better overall in terms of flavor and completeness. The service was fine and what you expect from a sit down restaurant. Nothing blew us away about the interior either but it's very cafe themed throughout. It's newer feeling a modern inside. It's right down the street from Union Station so not that far if you decide to take the train. read more

Cafe Fili - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I expected more because the prices were a bit high. I'm someone that appreciates value in portions and pricing. If one doesn't match up then it's not the place for me. I felt the prices were high and the food quality wasn't great. It felt very Americanized and wasn't bursting with flavor. The food took some time to come out so it was definitely a sit down kinda restaurant. The ambiance was nice. It felt like a place you'd have a business luncheon. Options were clean, not greasy (except the fries) or things that would have you feeling gross. They have a full bar with mocktails. Located fairly close to the train station it was around a 10 min or less walk. Beef Kabob platter 6/10 Za'tar fries 4/10 greasy, not crispy, no flavor Tandoori chicken shawarma 6/10 Overall I probably wouldn't get this again. read more

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Dinner at Cafe Fili was very good. My wife and I shared the mixed appetizer sampler with four types of hummus! All were delicious with the beer root hummus being moist unique. Two of us had the Toureg Lamb Tagine - lamb chunks and mixed vegetables in a delicious sauce on top of rice. One individual had the Tomato-Basil Pasta which she enjoyed. Service was efficient and helpful. The restaurant has a cafe feel. Pro-tip: Try the 961 Porter. It is malty but dry. read more

Cafe Fili - Fili appetizer Sampler - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Cafe Fili is always tasty and fresh. Whether you have a salad, platter, or bowl, you will enjoy. The room is lovely and full of sun. It's fun for a coffee or an after work glass of wine. I especially love the fresh and healthy salads. They are a filling lunch or dinner. They also have a nice big table to gather a group. read more

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Went here recently and got the Lamb wrap and the fries. Fantastic food and will be back again . The wrap also reheated pretty well the next day! read more

The manager is a sweetie pie. The black guy who is a bartender...he's awesome! Therefore the drinks are great. The flight shots are always a hit when I bring people there. HOWEVER....the new food menu is not good. That is the only reason I'm giving less than 5 stars. The menu changed without notice and I was looking forward to certain items that are no longer there. I think this is more of a bar because the food is not a focus or management. read more

Cafe Fili - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The "breakfast sandwich" is out of this world good. The combination of the soujouk sausage, bacon, and cheese is magic. The sesame bread adds yet another layer of complexity. The hummus trio is fantastic as well. The pita bread was decent, but the pita chips were truly stellar! Staff was cheerful and friendly, would definitely return! read more

Cafe Fili - Breakfast sandwich - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Visited this restaurant on a couple occasions and it's hit both times. I would call it a hidden gem because both times it wasn't too many people there. It is kind of off the beaten path. The customer service is always nice. I've eaten at the bar both times and the bartender is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Highly recommend. read more

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Had a lovely lunch today at Cafe Fili. So close to Union Station and yet so far away from the hubbub. We had seats outside in the shade (that eventually became full sun - and then our server kindly moved us inside with the a/c which was very nice of her!) Service was amazing - hostess was very kind and accommodating as I arrived half an hour early and she let me sit at my table while I waited. Server was also very kind and friendly. Food was great! I want to try more items when I'm more hungry: - za'atar lemon pepper fries - 5*/5, delicious with the spices, would go back just for the fries - greek salad with falafal - 5/5, fresh chopped greek salad with tomatoes, feta, crispy chickpeas, red onion, kalamata olives. the dressing was very light and i'm not sure if I remember any cucumbers but appreciated the small dice on the olives as I'm not a huge fan of eating whole olives in my salad. Three sizable falafel balls were crispy and light. Very refreshing! Next time I need to meet someone near Union Station I'll definitely recommend Cafe Fili! read more

Highly recommended! Fresh, colorful entrees at a reasonable price point. Love the lamb shawarma bowl. An easy walk from the Capitol and the Hart building. read more

Cafe Fili - Lamb shawarma bowl - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The service was fine and friendlt, everything was. Cocktail menu is a bit limited. Overall if I lived in the neighborhood I'd come back

Food has gone downhill since it opened - and the waitstaff remains lackadaisical. I more often than not have to flag down my server for a refill of water or the check. They will forget about you for 15 minutes or more. The food also used to be more fresh. Now the chicken in the sandwiches is thin and tough. read more

What a nice little cafe! It's a great spot to get your Mediterranean fix, whether you want to eat light or enjoy some heavier options. I've been twice so far. The first time, I got the hummus trio and was a fan -- I wasn't too hungry, so it was perfect. The second time, I got the lamb tagine -- definitely a more filling option, especially with that couscous. Loved the little salad and hummus that came with it, too. Both times, it was never too crowded... and they happen to have a full bar. You can grab cocktails, mocktails, and flights to taste. Staff were super friendly and attentive on both occasions too, always willing to spark conversation if it didn't keep them from other tasks. It's a great spot for anyone traveling... and easily a recommendation I'd give to those at or near Union Station. read more

A great alternative for those looking for a good meal outside of Union Station. Service can be a bit slow but the food is pretty good, the lattes are even better, and the staff is friendly. They have very generous portion sizes and the french fries are delicious! read more

Cute spot located very close to union station. Came in for dinner on a week night and the place was decently busy. The server was kind and attentive. For food, I had the lamb shawarma which was very tasty and actually the perfect amount of food, although the pita bread that came with was pretty dry. My friend got the lamb sliders which also looked pretty good! read more

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Such great service! We got seated at 5p and was done by 5:50. Right by Union Station so super convenient while waiting for our train. The food is so good - great flavor! We got the Chicken Shawarma & Lamb Kofta, and hummus trio with a side of spicy lamb. The cocktails were different but still very enjoyable. Love it and can't wait to come back! read more

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Cafe Fili graciously hosted our team for dinner. We sat at their largest table past the bar and next to the wall of wine. Throughout the meal, they took care of us very well with drinks and water! We shared a bunch of different appetizer dishes and then ordered from the mains, bowls, and salads. I had the Lamb Shawarma and there was plenty to take home for another meal. As a team, we rarely go out and eat together. Weekday dinner was not too loud and busy inside the restaurant, so it was perfect for us to talk and hear each other. There's a lot of choices for Mediterranean cuisine in DC and this one feels a step above the much of the fast casual out there. read more

Cafe Fili - Lamb Shawarma - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a favorite restaurant of mine. I loved when it was on Wisconsin Ave known as Cafe Olé! Loved the personable staff and the food was incredible! Here-- the food is wonderful too! Tried the hummus with lamb- yum, but I wish it would come out warm on top on the hummus. We loved the grilled pita chips that come with it! Mom had the chicken kabob platter-- good, however mentioned the chicken was a bit dry. I had the Lebanese Celebration which was amazing! I brought home leftovers because the dish is pretty large. Would definitely come back :) I'd love to try another dish or two and dessert! read more

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Cafe Fili was a really nice spot with an elegant, modern interior. The food was aesthetically presented and very flavorful. We tried the hummus trio which came with harissa, beet, and classic hummus. The crispy chickpeas in it and seasoned pita elevated the flavors to new heights. The falafel bowl was plentiful with a mix of 4 balls drizzled with tahini, harissa hummus, fattoush, couscous and grilled cauliflower. Service was prompt and servers were very nice. Had a great experience here and will be back! read more

Cafe Fili - Falafel bowl - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Perhaps I ordered the wrong thing here? While the service was attentive, I can't shake that I would not want to order here again. I hosted a work lunch here and the space was perfect for that. Super empty around 11:30 on a Monday. We had our pick of the two-person tables. No one entered in the hour we were there. I appreciated not having to talk over the din of other diners. I ordered the gazpacho, unsweetened iced tea, and Fatoosh. The gazpacho was too acidic for my tastes and the Fatoosh lacked any of the bright taste I usually associate with the minty dish. Just disappointing on the whole. Given how perfect this was to host my work lunch, I will probably host another one here, but I will absolutely be ordering something different. read more

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I used to live within a two minute walk of Cafe Fili and the conclusion I've always come to when I've eaten here is that the food is average at best. The value of the service and ambiance definitely outweigh that imparted by the food, especially at that price point. I came in for a quick lunch this past weekend and ordered the chicken pomodoro panini with fries. When I asked if I could make an adjustment, the waiter said no and that the sandwiches were all premade; if I'm going to pay $19 for a sandwich and fries, it's somewhat shocking to me that I'm not allowed to customize it to some degree. The sandwich and fries came within 15 minutes of me ordering them and I began my meal. The fries were a highlight of the meal as the zaatar was able to come through really nicely and there was a mix between crunchy and soft fries. The sandwich was decent, but nothing more than that. The best part of the sandwich is the bread, which is almost a flat bread covered with sesame seeds that toasts up really nicely. The inside of the sandwich was good but nothing major. The staff was nice so I didn't mind paying as much as I did but I don't think I'll be back here anytime soon. read more

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From the Falafel bowl to the yellow lentil soup to the French Fries, we had a lunch for the taste buds! Attentive staff to top off a wonderful meal. A short walk from Union Station. read more

My friend & I came for happy hour on the patio & the weather & ambiance was so pleasant we stayed for 3hours! The service was nice & non-intrusive & the food was delicious. Love the hummus with the crispy pita & the salad that goes with the wraps. read more

Food was very tasty, fresh, and served hot. We both throughly enjoyed our dishes. Will definitely be back! read more

Nice Mediterranean type of food near to Union Station. Prices are a bit high but consider the location it is comparable. Food is good quality and service friendly. My go to place for a good dinner if I'm working late and unable to prepare. read more

The food was okay the drinks were amazing and the staff was really nice. I like how bright and open the space was and it would be a nice spot for a casual dinner or a happy hour before an event. read more

Cafe Fili - Passionate Ginger with a shot of Khortytsa - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Good overall. Staff seemed friendly, but 1 person out of 3 (my server) seemed impatient about getting my order beyond my wine. They seem to be in a rush always even when there are only 2-6 tables occupied in the restaurant. I got the lamb tagine (a little sweet) and I wish the salad was served as an appetizer instead of on the same plate as the tagine. read more

Cafe Fili - Lamb tagine - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Cafe Fili is a great spot to visit near Union Station. The restaurant is just a few minutes from the station on foot. It's a nice looking place, the servers were attentive, the service was fast and the food was very fresh and flavorful. What more could you want? I recommend the chicken shawarma bowl. The portion is a very generous size! It comes with spiced chicken, roasted seasoned cauliflower, lettuce, chopped salad- cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers, hummus with roasted crunchy chickpeas on top, and pink pickled turnips. It came with pita. The bowl was really massive! And so tasty! I'd definitely visit Cafe Fili and order this again. read more

Cafe Fili - Chicken shawarma bowl - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Absolutely delicious and amazing staff. Very clean and relaxing dinning area. The baklava was the cherry on top. read more

Cafe Fili - Spiced chicken tawook - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fresh, plentiful food. Don't pass this one up. Close to Union Station. My friend, who doesn't care for spicy food, loved the shawarma.

Came here for a quick late lunch with some friends before my train ride. The food was really delicious! I got the falafel bowl, which had great flavor. The service was quick and accommodating for my train departure. The ambiance was perfect for a brunch with friends. I would definitely recommend, especially for a quick bite near Union Station. read more

Cafe Fili - Falafel Bowl - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

No better than Cava and the falafel was hard. Go to Yellow cafe a couple blocks up for a high quality Middle Eastern food.

Delicious spot for lunch! It's in a convenient location near union station. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining but really the star is their food. It included such flavorful combinations and is presented gorgeously. Great spot for vegetarians especially. The staff was prompt and helpful and the vibe is light and airy. They have some fun art on the walls. Highly recommend this spot! read more

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Our first meal upon arriving in Washington DC and it was amazing. Great service. Beautiful outdoor seating and more importantly the food. Everyone enjoyed their meals so much I was only able to snap a photo of mine which was a lamb grain bowl. So delicious but you don't walk away feeling stuffed. Highly recommend. read more

Cafe Fili - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Any place I can get lamb well done is a favorite. Great atmosphere and decor enhances a lovely lunch or dinner experience. Nice non alcoholic drinks fit the bill for me- Passionate Ginger is yummy. Wonderful jazz playing in the background is not overwhelming. Other Mediterranean dishes sound great but I stick to the lamb offerings. They have a lovely outdoor space so go when it's not too hot outside. Enjoy! read more

My toddler and I took a train trip to DC and I stumbled upon this place. So glad I did. The falafel was flavorful and cooked perfectly. The ingredients were so fresh. I tried every type of baklava and it was amazing. The staff was friendly and food was quick (I got it to go). I'll def be visiting my next trip to DC. read more

Cafe Fili - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Super cute place right outside of Union station. The food is colorful and full of healthy ingredients with smart and unique spices. Service here is quick and the staff is very kind and accommodating. Very clean and modern ambiance. read more

A beautiful restaurant with yummmmmy food! I mean from the drinks to the hummus to the shawarma - we loved it al! I came here with my fiancé and toddler and we really enjoyed ourselves. The service was amazing and quick. We ordered the lamb shawarma, the lamb platter, and the hummus and fries. Honestly everything was very tasty, and could easily eat it all again. The lamb shawarma and the hummus had to be my favorite, I mean some of the best hummus I've had! My toddler also loved their rice a lot, and she's probably the pickiest eater. Will definitely be back! read more

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This is a darling restaurant! It has very Mediterranean vibes with lots of natural lighting and blue accent's everywhere. I stopped by for lunch and had their shrimp kabob. The shrimp was tender and smoky. I loved the flavorful rice that accompanied it as well as the creamy hummus and a green sauce that had a great kick to it. Definitely will return to try more dishes! read more

We got takeout last Saturday as we were babysitting for my grandkids who live 2 blocks away. We split one main, a lamb tagine which was terrific and enough for my wife and I. We ordered a side of Tabbouleh- very good and a side of Hummus. Thee was enough Hummus included with the Main that we didn't touch our side. Great Hummus and toasted pita chips. We will definitely return. Terrific place. Great food and very friendly staff. read more