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    ilili DC

    4.4 (751 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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    Recommended Reviews - ilili DC

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    Deanie H.

    SUCH a vibe. My date is vegan so this was the perfect spot for us to each get what we wanted in a trip to DC. To be fair, I'm a picky eater so we usually order a bunch of sides to make our own meal. We ordered two nonalcoholic drinks, a salad with pita croutons on the side, falafel served w tahini dip, potatoes served w cilantro dip, and duck sausage. My least favorite was the sausage as it tasted too vinegary. Favorite was the potatoes, so simple yet so perfect - and the cilantro sauce was everythingggg. Service was prompt, friendly and not pushy. There are staff to bring/clear plates so servers are encouraged to focus on other aspects of service.

    Lamb belly
    Keyin L.

    Came for brunch and was pleasantly surprised! The lamb belly was my favorite. baba ghannouj, rosti and grandmas toast were also really good and they gave a ton of pita. It also wasn't too crowded on a Saturday

    Cheers!
    Chiamaka N.

    I've been to illi MULTIPLE times and I always enjoy myself! The decor inside is beautiful, and the food is yummy too! Majority of the menu includes platas (small plates), so my friend and I just ordered a few plates of different things to share amongst us and it was really nice to try the various meals that way. We got: - hummus with jalapeños and crab falafel (and pita) - octopus - Brussels sprouts - Cod - Lamb filled grape leaves We had a nice time, and illi is one of those restaurants that I keep in rotation if I want a nice dinner out by the Warf.

    Hummus
    Lia M.

    I was so excited for ilili. I'd been a few years prior for a private event and everything was fantastic. But I went with a friend for dinner and didn't love it, and given the price, it should have been excellent. I loved the vibe and service was friendly. It's pretty inside. I ordered the Keraz Carciofi Negroni, pointing to the mocktail version. I didn't even realize there was a cocktail version and that's what they gave me. Why you would a have cocktail and mocktail with the same name is beyond me. I got lightheaded and dizzy almost immediately, but I couldn't taste alcohol, so I thought it was because I hadn't eaten, especially as I felt fine once I started eating. So this also tells me that the cocktail version is poorly made. I was definitely charged for the cocktail version. We ordered the Lebanese Journey tasting menu. Nothing really wowed, except for the bread, baba ghanoush, and mouhamara. The mouhamara surprised me because it is usually not my favorite but this version was delicious. Lamb was tasty but not good enough that I'd return for it. For a tasting menu to just have two mezeh standouts, on top of an improperly made mocktail, I'd not return to ilili.

    Lisa G.

    Really enjoyed lunch at ilili last week. The service was honestly one of the best parts of the experience. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome without being too over the top. The food was good across the board. We ordered a mix of dishes to share and really liked the kibbeh, meatballs, and whole fish. The portions were solid, the presentation was beautiful, and everything came out fresh. The restaurant itself is also really pretty and has a nice atmosphere for a lunch date or catching up with friends. Not quite a perfect experience for me personally, but definitely a strong 4 stars and I'd go back again.

    Iftaar assortment
    Jihan N.

    This was the first time I tried this restaurant and I'm glad I did. We opted for the Iftaar set menu even though we were pass the time. They accommodated our group of 4 and we were very happy. There was so much food offered and honestly I can't even remember all the names but I'll try to mention a few that kept me wanting coming back. - The lamb leg with rice - gosh my favorite x Stuffed dates Hummus Eggplant Lentil soup So many more other things I can't remember. The waiter was very attentive and we felt very well taken care of. They did not rush us or anything and our girls evening was just wonderful. The food is fresh , flavorful and amazing. I definitely want to Go back to try more dishes. The ambience is definitely vibe and we enjoyed all the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. Amazing place all around!

    Alison M.

    Ilili was cute! Great location beside The Anthem at The Wharf and service was excellent, attentive and extremely competent with ability to make recommendations and discuss, in-depth, menu choices. We chose to go lighter and eat after our show at nearby Anthem. So, we got the fattoush salad, the lamb and beef meatballs, and rice. Paired with their warm pita bread, this was more than enough of a fill us up and the meatballs were served with delicious, warm cherries that I probably could've eaten by themselves. Our server was elegant and knowledgable about the menu and easily about to answer all questions and make suggestions for us. As we were seeing a show at The Anthem we had a "hard stop" time and we easily met this and were on our way. Would come back again for sure.

    Kelsey R.

    We went to Ilili because our Uber driver recommended to stop by here. We were not disappointed at all. The food was excellent and the presentation of the food was beautiful. We had the lamb, which the meat itself just melted off of the bone, and the duck shawarma with pita. All the flavors hit the spot, the staff was kind and attentive. The place itself was hip and off of the water. The price of the items on the menu was a bit higher than we normally spend, however it was worth it!

    Thank you sorbet
    Candy M.

    I took a good friend last night for an early father's day dinner. Due to the crowds at the Wharf parking took longer than normal. They were very accommodating for that. Upon arriving at the restaurant there was no waiting we were taken to our table. The waiter was very helpful and attentive regarding the menu and specials not on the menu. We ordered a mixture of hot and cold mezza plates to share at the table. I initially ordered a mocktail that was good then we ordered wine. My friend ordered a glass of the red table wine however in my case my palate was off last night because every wine before settling on the chardonnay was clashing with the food. For the meal we ordered the mixed meat plate with suppose to be roasted veggies. The veggies were odd they seemed pickled and not roasted. The meat with the warm bread and dirty rice were good. We didnt order any dessert. I gave 4 because of the veggies and wine selections.

    Duck Shawarma
    Ying X.

    Dining with my friend on Lebanese cuisine was a delightful culinary adventure filled with surprises and delights. Moussaka: A classic Lebanese dish. Eggplant and hummus were simmered until soft and flavorful, with a subtle smoky aroma. The addition of mint leaves enhanced the flavor. Bone Marrow: Beef tartare with bone marrow and pomegranate seeds--how interesting! The first two provided a rich, fatty texture and intense aroma, while the latter burst in your mouth occasionally, juicy, tangy, and refreshing. Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts with grapes, walnuts, fig jam, and mint yogurt--a whimsical yet magical combination... The Brussels sprouts offered a fresh, vegetal aroma and a slightly roasted aroma; the walnuts provided a nutty richness and crunch; the fruit provided a fresh sweet and sour taste and plenty of juice; and the yogurt acted as a binder between the flavors while adding a touch of minty coolness. Duck Shawarma: My friend and I thought: ...Peking duck? The skin was soft, the meat tender, not gamey, with a subtle smoky flavor; the fig and lemon sauce was sweet and refreshing; the small pita pillows held the meat securely, better than the lettuce what might have been too cold. Lamb Stuffed Grape Leaves: Black rice was wrapped in grape leaves and simmered with minced lamb. The rice absorbed the fragrance of the grape leaves, similar to lotus leaves (my friend and I thought: lamb version of sticky rice chicken糯米雞...?). The lamb, however, was served separately at the bottom of the pot and didn't absorb much flavor; overall, it was intensely sour. In short, this dish was a bit oddly designed, and it was the only one we didn't finish because the sourness was unbearable. Pita Bread: The bread was thin yet chewy, with a rough, slightly powdery surface, making it substantial and satisfying. I especially loved the "everything wrapped in a big pancake" style! This restaurant is located on the wharf near the Potomac River and boasts beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows. The spring sunlight streamed in softly.

    J O.

    The food was pretty mid overall, especially considering how outrageous the prices are. The falafel was probably the highlight and was actually good. The hummus tasted sour, and the octopus was served over a tomato paste that was extremely sour and tangy, which completely overpowered the dish for me. Service was so so, but the vibes and atmosphere were definitely good. Overall, I just don't think the food or experience matches the price point.

    TJ C.

    I'm going to be harsh on my rating even tho the food was good, and clean and bright. Expensive to boot! But what got me was I always take the Tax of the bill and always give 20% tip, I do not tip on the taxes, and I think 20% is fair the male worker watched me like a hawk. He expected a minimum of 25%. Tip should never be expected it's a gratuitous gesture, after seeing my 20%, he literally snooted me, not one word and gave me an angry look, that's a story I will tell. That's horrible to the customer. No thank you , no come again soon. Nothing. Now I wish I left a 15% tip minimum.

    Hummus with Lamb Shank along with the aphrodite cocktail!

    We went to dinner for my birthday and it was absolutely amazing! Our server saul did an astonishing job with food and drink recommendations and even had a complimentary dessert and candle ready. The place itself was beautiful, with great lighting and room for conversations! Will definitely be back again, even for just the service!

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    ilili DC Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - ilili DC

    How many ounces is the lamb shank? Can it feed 2 people?

    I have been there twice and had it on both occasions, shared amongst two. It was just enough. Of course we also had some other great things as well. But yes, eating it alone might be too much.

    Hello would it be appropriate to wear formal attire here? Example suit/ dress shoes etc and gowns

    Like all of DC, you can dress up or down and it's probably okay. It's a bit of an upscale feel, but attire ranges from smart business to flip flops for the pier.

    Is this restaurant pet friendly?

    No pets. Would call about service animals.

    Does this have dress code? or casual?

    No formal dress code from restaurant but patrons tend to be on the slightly dressy side.

    Is this restaurant by reservation only or people can also walk in?

    You can walk in however if there aren't any tables available you'll have to sit at the bar. We walked in and sat at the bar. A few other people at the bar but with us it was pretty full. Don't think it would accommodate another party. If you want a… 

    Is the restaurant kid's friendly?

    Yes it is

    Is any of the food halal?

    Yes, all of it- my friend is muslim and they informed us that the restaurant is halal.

    Is ilili like ambar? does it have an unlimited option, one price to pay to order multiple items on the menu?

    No it's not like Ambar

    Is there outdoor seating?

    Hi Zeb, our veranda has retractable windows and a retractable roof. However they are only open weather permitting.

    Do I need to make a reservation?

    Yesss, reservations run out quick as well!

    View All 11 Questions

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    La Vie - Rice ball appetizer...delicious!

    La Vie

    3.9(1.4k reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$$

    I would say this place is absolutely gorgeous inside! It is definitely on the fancier side, and we…read morewere a little underdressed, but honestly, it was totally fine. It looked like there was a birthday party going on, and the host sat us right in the middle of it. But we were there to eat, have a good time, and enjoy brunch with friends! You can order off the menu, and the portions were great. We ordered the steak and eggs and were able to get one steak rare and the other medium rare, which was great. The truffle mac & cheese was amazing, and the crêpes and French toast were both delicious. The entire buffet was fantastic! The brisket was super juicy and didn't have much fat on it. The mussels and shrimp were also great. My only suggestion would be to add more grits to the shrimp and grits because it was mostly shrimp. Three people at our table ordered one mimosa, and later the server came back to ask if they wanted more. It was a clever way to get us to order the unlimited mimosas, and our server definitely got us there! There were five of us, and the tip was already added to the bill, which was fine, but just make sure you double-check your check before paying. Overall, we had a great experience! We didn't have a reservation but were still able to get in and only waited about 15 minutes. I would definitely come back for brunch!

    Very pretty spot to eat Sunday brunch! I loved the decorations. FLOWERS! FLOWERS!! FLOWERS!!! If…read moreyou're looking for a spot where you can show off for The Gram, this is it. As for the food, it was good but just shy of great. I had the short rib hash. I thought the beef would be more shredded but it was in chunks. It was more like pot roast than short ribs. And my portion needed some salt. They treated my friend well for her birthday with the very nice treat. I'm withholding a star for the service . It was friendly but so slow. I still think it's worth your time.

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    La Vie - Part of restaurant

    Part of restaurant

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    Zaytinya

    Zaytinya

    4.2(6.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Visiting after a few years...and not disappointed. Jose Andres restaurants are never a miss…read more Service is amazing, the decor is beautiful and matches the cuisine, try all of the dips, the seared halloumi with sour cherries, spanakopita with home made phyllo, can't go wrong with fries topped with garlic yogurt, and while i would typically order the octopus.. i recommend the lamb shoulder. Order the Lamb Kleftiko - tender smoked lamb shoulder with salad wrap and spreads. Lamb is particular and this was just so delectable - not gamy, not too smoky, and paired nicely with a recommended beverage. The creative menu options will not disappoint. The culinary genius, the well informed staff and immediate service are all wins. Whether you are a local, or tourist - this is a must to stop by!

    It's just a step below the other Jose Andres restuarants here in DC…read more FYI: it's all small plates/small portions. And actually, that FYI is one of my knocks, there's just less bang for your buck portion wise here. Everything is very flavorful and well done though. My Chicken Kouvetsi, while tasty seemed to have not that much chicken. Many bites were just orzo and tomato sauce. I needed more chicken. The bread is complimentary and very tasty; hilariously, after we asked for more, they just kept bringing our group 2 baskets. This review sounds very negative for 4 stars, but Zaytinya is niceand the food is tasty. Just know all the above going in. It's also very noisy,to the point where it was hard to hear everyone at our table and our server had a hard time hearing us. They probably need to update their soundproofing or just have fewer tables. That actually led to some confusion about the "for the table" lamb dish we ordered, which seemed to come out as sliced lamb, seasoned as described on the menu, on a plate. Frankly, for the price it didnt seem like enough for our group of 6. Also, there were 2-3 flies around our table before we sat down. They eventually left, but that probably should signal there's more mess there than just wiping down the table takes care of.

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    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya
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    Albi - Brussel sprouts

    Albi

    4.6(472 reviews)
    1.4 miNavy Yard
    $$$$

    My wife and I have been trying for a long time to grab a dinner reservation at Albi and we've never…read morehad any luck. So for my birthday, we decided to walk in right when they opened to try our luck. Lucky for us, the staff was super nice and were able to accommodate us with a table near the bar. We went for their multi-course Sofra meal and their wine flight (pairing?). Every course was amazing. Our favorites were the meat pies, bread and hummus course, the lamb kabobs, and the desserts! Really we loved every single thing and the wine pairings were on point. Service was amazing and everyone we interacted with was some warm and welcoming. Definitely one of my favorite meals I've had in a while and will come back as soon as possible. Parking can be rough Friday-Sunday but there is a few garages nearby.

    Craving for some Middle Eastern eats, we decided to check out Albi…read more We started off with: +the Crispy Kibbeh - kibbeh is one of my favorite snacks, so I was excited to find these on the menu +Jericho Dates - blistered, and prepared with ras el hanout and brown butter +the Mushrooms Lightly Smoked on hummus - with confit egg yolk and black garlic; served with wood-fired potato pita +and, the Sfeeha - wood-fired lamb meat pies, topped with toum and lemon juice For our mains, we ordered: +the BBQ'D Lamb Kebabs - marinated in dill yogurt +the Maqluba - softshell crab upside down on rice with ramps and crab fat yogurt; served with crab dagga gazawiya smashed tomatillo, dill seed, and chilis; note that this dish runs out Service was friendly, and the space is cozy and intimate; loved the seating setup and the coal fire oven! We were thinking of trying out the Sofra, but we decided to order a la carte; maybe next time! Metered and garage parking in the area. +shareables +friendly staff +metered and garage parking available

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    Albi - Bathroom

    Bathroom

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    Falafel Inc - Vegan shawarma bowl

    Falafel Inc

    4.6(245 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $

    I must say that this location has changed my opinion of the restaurant after a poor encounter at…read moreanother location. This location was much better and their staff were very friendly and helpful. It's a large location and who wouldn't want to grab a bite here and then find a seat at the beautiful waterfront. I ordered the falafel bowl with a side of hummus. Let's just say that for $5 that bowl was extremely generous in quantity and the fresh quality of each item was AMAZING! I thoroughly enjoyed my bowl. The side of hummus was sinfully good! Something I wouldn't mind ordering again to enjoy with their delicious pita chips Overall, I don't think I'll be visiting any other location but this one because they were fantastic!

    This is one of my go to's and will continue to be! Love their falafel sandwich (with pickles!) and…read morefries. Appreciate you can try different sauces to dip your fries or add to your sandwich or bowls. Only reason they didn't get a 5 star on this last visit was how long it took to get our order. It was a Saturday night, so we did mobile ordering and pickup. It said it would be ready within 3-15 minutes. I arrived 12 min after our order was placed. They were quite busy - and seemed the two employees working were a bit overwhelmed. There were a few people waiting for food, a line to order, they were out of containers for sauces, and some of the sauces were empty. I ended up waiting for an extra 25 minutes until I asked to check on an order - it was apparent from their reaction, our order got lost in the shuffle. Once they realized, they made it right away, which was appreciated. However, they grabbed a bag of fries that had been sitting on the counter since I walked in - so they were cold. Good thing - they do great in the air fryer! I've never experienced these issues before and it won't stop me from returning, definitely felt like a bit of an off night for them. Solid food, great cause, and one of the best affordable options for a quick bite at the Wharf! Recommend them!

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    Falafel Inc - Menu

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    Falafel Inc - FALAFEL SANDWICH

    FALAFEL SANDWICH

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    Maydan - Roasted carrots

    Maydan

    4.3(1.4k reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$$$

    Maydan is amazing. FYI, it's the green door that has their name on it. It's obvious, but for some…read morereason, none of us in our group clocked that and we accidentally ended up confused and in thier event space. XD. Anyway, misadventure aside, our group of 6 was in the upstairs room. For groups of 5 or more they have you do the tasting menu but we asked to do a la carte and they allowed us. We got a lot of food, all of which I can't remember, that included the shakshukah, one of the salads, 3 of the spreads, the veggies and a few others. The cocktails drew rave reviews as did my wife and i's mocktails and we loved how substantive the list was. The fresh, constantly coming bread was amazing. Everything was delightful and incredibly tasty and well seasoned. One note: the bathroom music is REALLY loud (it's the same music as in the restaurant) so if you've got loop earplugs or ones you can easily pop in that don't block out your company, that'll help. Oh and also, the currently on offer bitter orange sorbet isn't actually bitter. It's just the name.

    Some restaurants serve an excellent meal. Maydan creates an experience…read more This reservation had been on my wish list for quite some time, and when everything finally aligned, it exceeded every expectation. The restaurant itself is stunning. Walking in, you're immediately greeted by the massive open hearth where much of the cooking happens. Watching the chefs tend the fire throughout the evening adds another layer to the experience and sets the tone before your first bite even arrives. Our server explained the tasting menu ($95 per person) and optional wine pairing ($75 pp), but we decided to order à la carte--and I wouldn't change a thing. We started with the Carrot Havuç spread. It was impossibly light, silky, and beautifully whipped. I'll admit, the bread seemed understated at first, but after the first bite, it became clear that the spread was meant to be the star. Every bite was packed with flavor. The lamb shish kebab was incredibly tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The Omani shrimp arrived with five enormous shrimp that were cooked flawlessly. Then came the whole roasted chicken. Watching it roast over the fire as we entered made us excited, but nothing prepared us for how incredible it would taste. It was, without question, some of the best chicken I've ever eaten. Moist, deeply flavorful, beautifully seasoned, and delicious completely on its own. It came with an accompanying sauce that was excellent, but honestly, use it sparingly--you don't want anything distracting from the chicken itself. When a dish can stand entirely on its own, that's greatness. Since it was a whole chicken, we happily went home with leftovers (which felt like winning the lottery). The cocktails deserve their own standing ovation. A special thank you to Nancy upstairs-- Great bartenders don't just make drinks--they elevate the entire experience, and she certainly did. The Serpent was beautifully balanced with bright citrus and herbal notes, while the Medina Palmer was refreshing, unique, and one of the most memorable cocktails I've had in a long time. Every drink felt carefully crafted rather than simply mixed. In the beginning of our night they asked if we were celebrating anything and I immediately answered, "my friend graduated from nursing school." Little did we know, they came with glasses of bubbly at the end of our dining experience to celebrate! Such a lovely gesture to end our evening. The word that kept coming up throughout dinner was divine. Service was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about guiding us through the menu. A few practical tips: * Reservations book well in advance, so plan ahead. * Street parking is limited. We chose to Uber and were glad we did. This was one of those meals where every course made us look at each other and say, "Wow." I can't wait to return.

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    Maydan - Wood oven front and center

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    Agora DC - Cauliflower**

    Agora DC

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    2.2 miDupont Circle
    $$$

    A complete vibe! I…read morecame here with a coworker of mine the day before 4th of July for lunch and drinks, and I left full and happy. There is a parking garage around the corner of the restaurant so that makes things very convenient. The inside decor is gorgeous and is chic but also funky fresh. I got grilled octopus over a bed of bean salad that had pieces of pomegranate in it - 10/10. The savory taste of the octopus paired against the sweetness of the salad was really delicious. For desert I got the baklava option that comes with ice cream - INCREDIBLE. You have to order it if you come here.

    Went there twice to taste different kinds of Turkish dishes. One time for dinner and the other for…read morelunch. Overall the food was good. The serving size of the dishes I ordered were medium to small. The service was far less satisfactory than food. I tried the following dishes: 1. Complimentary pita: ~40g per piece. Not salty and paired well with the other dishes. Definitely get some! 2. Lahmacun: The lamb+beef mixture was tasty. It came with 4 pieces. 3. Branzino: ~6oz. The fish was grilled to perfection; juciy tender, and the skin was nicely charred. It was served with freh parsley and seasoned grilled tomato (salt+oregano I think). 4. Imam Bayildi: Half of an eggplant topped with sauteed onions and tomatoes. While itself was pretty normal, it went so well with the Ottoman rice. 5. Ottoman Rice: The true highlight of all the dishes I tried! It was basically Basimati rice cooked with dried apricots, raisins, almonds & pine nuts mix, and seasoned with black currant. Overall it was warm, earthy and lightly smoky. The apricot slices added some delightful sweetness and juiciness to the dish. Should pair well with Labneh, chicken and seafood. But to be honest, I can simply eat this stuff along for a whole meal! 6. Tabbouleh: They went against the traditional recipe by substituting the bulgur with quinoa and added some pomegranate arils. I liked the special texture of quinoa. The sweetness of pomegrante arils also enriched the flavors. However, I had to constantly spit the seeds when enjoying the salad. 7. Kofte: Adana style ground beef patties. Just like what I make at home haha! I ordered it as an add-on to my salad at lunchtime. It came with only 2 pieces which weighed no more than 3oz in total... Despite the delicious food, service was disappointing. The first time, the dinner, was Okay. While my food came out slowly, at least my server was aware of it and asked me how I liked the dishes. The second time, the lunch, was horrible. Even before I was seated, my server made me feel that he was reluctant to serve me, and emphasized that I had to order asap. "Luckily", I had already decided what to order. After I got my dishes, no one in the restaurant asked me if the food was Okay. And at the check, my bill was thrown onto my table. In comparison, the two ladies dining next to me came even after I started eating, but were greeted warmly and were given lots of time to decide what to order; not to mention that the staff gave them lots of suggestions, asked about their dining experience, and even chatted with them about sightseeing in DC, etc. Such discrimitory treatment is really unacceptable.

    Photos
    Agora DC - A quiet dining room. The main dining room was much more noisy.

    A quiet dining room. The main dining room was much more noisy.

    Agora DC - Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Agora DC - Mocktail çiçek

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    Mocktail çiçek

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon - Garlic Hommus & Baba Ghanoush at Lebanese Tavern Pentagon

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon

    3.6(519 reviews)
    2.3 miPentagon City
    $$

    Wow... slap me now. This place was awesome. It's been several years since dining here and we showed…read moreup in a large group. First, Said was our sever and he was great. He was very responsive and made adjustments with a smile. He recommended a family meal that allowed us to taste just about everything and with generous portions. There are a variety of appetizers, kabobs, rice, salads, side dishes, lamb, chicken, beef, pita bread, etc. Our out of town guests were thoroughly impressed. I didn't see the large family style option on the menu, so, you will have to ask. If you have a large group, make sure you make reservations to hold a good spot.

    This restaurant has changed for the worse. The servers who were there for a long time are no longer…read morethere. Instead new young servers are inexperienced and unpleasant. The restaurant started a new custom that they offer still or sparkling water after you sit down. We said still without really thinking about it and the waitress returned with a glass bottle and wine glasses. What happened to the tap water they used to serve? We received pitas that were burnt and when we said that the pita is too dry the waitress argued that that's how it is supposed to be and would not replace it. Bad customer service. They no longer offer sandwiches for dinner. You can find better hummus at the grocery store than the one they serve. I ordered an entree and when I asked to switch one item by another similar item the waitress said no, I asked about another option and she said no again. There are many options in the area and I do not plan to return.

    Photos
    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon - The dining room

    The dining room

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon - Mixed Grill Kabob

    Mixed Grill Kabob

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon - Inside Lebanese Tavern Pentagon

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    Inside Lebanese Tavern Pentagon

    ala - GOLDEN CAULIFLOWER

    ala

    4.2(1.2k reviews)
    2.2 miDupont Circle, Downtown
    $$$

    Small plates middle eastern-fusion restaurant with a cool vibe and great food…read more Table, booth, and bar seating I came here with my fiancé and we split small plates of hummus, falafel, brussel sprouts, and a chicken skewer. The hummus and Brussel sprouts were the best, and the chicken was solid as well, but we didn't love the falafel. Solid selection of drinks. My fiance got a passionfruit cocktail but thought that it was too sweet for her taste On inKind!

    We were only able to secure outdoor seating, and unfortunately the ambiance outside is not great…read more The patio was wet even though it wasn't raining that day of the day before. There is nothing pretty or appealing about seating outside. The buffet is inside the restaurant which also makes it a bit of an inconvenience. The restaurant inside is on the smaller side and feels a bit crowded near the buffet area. They had a lot of food selections which was great, however, we were disappointed that the taste of the food did not match the great presentation of each dish. Overall the dishes were bland, lacked flavor, and were too oily. Even the mashed potatoes were bland and not tasty. Nice selection of desserts too, but again, nothing exciting, juts a typical dessert buffet selection (brownies, cupcakes, chocolate fountain..). The standout were the baklavas. The highlight of our outing was the service. Everyone was very attentive and nice.

    Photos
    ala
    ala - Adana Kebab

    Adana Kebab

    ala

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    ilili DC - lebanese - Updated August 2026

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