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    ilili DC

    4.4 (727 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM

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    ILILI DC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - ilili DC

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    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.

    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!

    Abdou B.

    First time trying this place on my bday while in dc. Great atmosphere and location. Not too loud or crowded. Large variety of options on the menu however some were not wow, still very good and i would recommend

    Zack G.

    Middle Eastern restaurant that was ranked #7 on Yelp's national restaurant ratings. The place is slightly upscale and stylish, and the prices reflect this. The menu is comprised of a bunch of tapas-style dishes, but they have some larger dishes as well I came here with my fiancé for dinner on a Friday night and we split 4 different dishes: hummus, Brussel sprouts, duck schwarma, & meatballs. They were all solid, but best by far was the Brussel sprouts. Service was extremely fast, friendly, and on top of things

    Hummus with Lamb Confit, Smoked Beets, and Fattoush
    Tiffany E.

    AMAZING! I have been to ilili before with family and we were a large group. It wasn't as memorable as my dinner with my sister recently. Dimitri, our waiter was really helpful in helping us picking unforgettable dishes. We started off with the hummus with Lamb confit. So good, and like Dimitri said, game changer. 5/5! We enjoyed the fattoush salad and smoked beets with the burrata in side together. So sweet and fresh! Both 5/5 Then we had the Brussels sprouts and carrots! 5/5! Generous portion sizes. My sister went home and devoured the rest of her share of the Brussel sprouts. I was close to doing the same! The grilled octopus is so delicious! The sauce and smoky taste is incredible! 5/5 The service was amazing, everyone is so attentive, making sure out glass is full of water or the zero proof drinks we got... my sister enjoyed her grapefruit soda and loved my sweet berry hibiscus drink. Will be returning!

    Daianna D.

    Been here once with my girls and it did not disappoint! I love the attention to detail in the decor, it really feels like you're transported into a different space when you dine here. Our server was so kind and helpful, and the food was pretty solid. Genuinely no complaints and I would definitely go back.

    Varsha S.

    I would rate this a 3.5 rounded up to a 4. This restaurant has a really cute, upscale interior and the servers are very nice and knowledgeable when it comes to describing their dishes and making recommendations. Kahwa x Shay- their version of an espresso martini. It was the perfect balance of alcohol, bitterness from the espresso, but some sweet/spice as well. So good! Mouhamara- a great dip to try if you want to branch out of the traditional hummus! The sweetness of the pomegranate was a great touch. King prawns- these were delicious! The shrimp was nice and tender and I liked the sauce. Cod- the fish was cooked perfectly. I will say the acidity of the tomatoes and the sauce was a tad bit much for me, but I enjoyed the fish itself. Overall a super cute spot in dc!!

    Sneha W.

    The place is beautiful and the staff is very polite. They're very welcoming to say the least. Our server was so well spoken - I've not met one in recent memory. The menu has a few different styles of food available. The hummus, falafel, duck shawarma, lamb burger - and all the dips we ordered were amazing. The bread came in nice and warm wrapped up in the napkins. Really good! The baklava was outstanding. The best thing on the menu!! It was quite an experience.

    Jad A.

    Easily one of my new favorite spots in DC. First off, the restaurant and decor are just awesome. A lot of windows, greenery and fun furniture. Second, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Lastly, their food was delicious. Their grilled meets were perfect. Their fattoush is one of the best I have tried in the US. Great drink options too.

    Menu
    Crystal S.

    I dined with four friends at ilili last night & I'm going to tell you about (see what I did there?). My reservation was for 5:30 PM & there's a 15-minute grace period. Two of us arrived by 5:25 PM & the hostess informed us we could either head to our table & our dining time would then start or wait for the rest of our party; the obvious choice was to wait since we were early & didn't want to feel rushed. The restaurant is beautiful & situated at The Wharf, which is equally stunning with festive holiday lights & decor. Our waitress, Lila, was patient, kind & attentive as we ordered a variety of shared plates. Everything arrived rather quickly: -Labne -Moussaka (served as a cold mezze which was strange but tasted good) -Muhamara (EXCEPTIONAL) -Falafel (4 small pieces which were overcooked/dry on the outside but still flavorful) -Lamb-stuffed grape leaves (only a few crumbles of lamb & a few grains of rice were inside the grape leaves, so I wouldn't consider them "stuffed" at all & many of them fell apart in the warm broth because they were essentially empty) -Fried kibbeh (hearty, well-seasoned & excellent) -Duck shawarma (tasty but slightly dry for duck) -Day boat scallops -Bone marrow (served with pomegranate which I felt overpowered the bone marrow, however I appreciate the contemporary pairing as I consider this to be a modern Levantine restaurant) -Baklava (6 bite-sized cubes...sweet, flaky & delicious) Dietary constraints limited my options, I didn't drink like the rest of my party & ended up leaving hungry. What we ordered to share among 5 adults wasn't enough even if split equally (shared plates means appetizer-sized portions so you get a spoonful of this & a bite of that). However, everything we ordered was our choice so I definitely would've ordered a personal dish if I had more time.

    Duck Shawarma
    Dazia H.

    Simply put I love this place. The service is amazing the food is immaculate and the drinks are even better. This restaurant is just a vibe all around I came before going to a concert at the anthem and it was the perfect preconcert dining experience

    Brussels Sprouts
    Stephen G.

    My wife and I decided on ilili for our anniversary and it was spectacular. We opted in for the Lamb Hummus, Tabbouleh, Deep Fried Kibbeh, Brussel Sprouts, and King Prawns. The Brussels were a surprise, Lamb hummus and fresh hot pita were tasty. The beef kibbeh and meatballs weren't showstoppers and would probably order something different. The drinks were great especially my wife's ( Zaytoun & Honey) The vibe is classy, upscale vibe. Service was exceptional, they brought out an unexpected Baklava on the house! It even had a custom message. Definitely coming back soon

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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… Read more

    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
    $$$

    La Vie is literally "The Life" of the party in the restaurant world !! The atmosphere is extremely…read morevibrant and the staff is on point in a very energetic way. I was totally impressed with the entire experience at La Vie. I kicked things off with a dozen of oysters ( smallish for the price ) and a Ferrari cocktail that was definitely one of the best drinks I ever had in a restaurant setting. After that I dived into a super tasty Branzino complemented by a side of whipped potatoes... the branzino was flaky, with a sauce that gave it a nice boost !!! ( scrumptious ) With that said, the highlight of the night came at the very end.... The cotton candy ice cream on top of a fudge style chocolate cake was the perfect curtain call !!! And the fire display gave it a broadway show entrance.... I would literally go back just for absolutely out of this world dessert !!! ** Still trying to figure out exactly how a service charge differs from a tip ? Yes I understand what is being relayed... but it definitely felt like I was double tipping in real time !!!**

    We had a very disappointing experience with our reservation at La Vie through OpenTable for the…read moreValentine's Day prix fixe menu. At the time of booking, we were charged a prepaid amount of over $190. However, when we dined at the restaurant, the final bill did not deduct this prepaid amount, and we were charged the full price again. After realizing this, we contacted the restaurant. We were told to send an email explaining the situation, which we did two weeks ago, followed by another email one week ago. To date, we have received no response at all. This is extremely frustrating. Not only were we effectively double charged, but the complete lack of follow-up or customer service is unacceptable. We expected much better from a restaurant of this caliber. At the very least, communication and basic billing accuracy should be handled properly.

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    Zaytinya

    Zaytinya

    4.2(6.3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    This place is in a great corner location, the food was delicious, and the staff were friendly…read moreoverall. We had a reservation to make sure we got a table, and the restaurant was completely full when we arrived. The only downside was that after being seated outside, we felt a little forgotten for the first 30 minutes or so. No one came by with water or to check in, and it seemed like the staff may not have realized a new table had been seated until we flagged down the outside host. There were also swarm of flies hovering around the outdoor tables, which another table pointed out and then we started noticing too. Aside from that, the experience was good overall. The inside dining area definitely had a dressier vibe compared to the patio seating, and once we were helped, the food made up for the slow start.

    Placed a large order via Uber Eats since restaurant will not accept takeout orders directly…read more Restaurant does not allow any specifications when ordering through Uber Eats - for example, one person wanted one ingredient held from her salad. Uber Eats lacked description for Zaytinya's food items (such as the ounces of the drinks) and some items (such as the horta salata) were not as pictured. There were no extra napkins in our bag. The Coke came in bottles but we didn't receive any bottle openers. To top it off, we had three food items missing. I called the restaurant again to let them know about the missing food - they were unapologetic and didn't know what the proper protocol was to fix the situation. The service was subpar and the servings were small. Won't be back. The next day we had food delivered from another local restaurant where both the food and service were outstanding, unlike at Zaytinya. UPDATE: After writing the Yelp review, a general manager at Zaytinya emailed me the following: "..."The restaurant normally offers takeout, but the location was actually closed that day for a private event. However, since the order had come through, we tried to honor it. The mujadara and 2 orders of rice were missing because we hadn't prepped those items, as they were not offered for the buyout..." The restaurant knew on Friday what I was ordering for Tuesday. They had plenty of time to reach out to me and tell me they would be closed and wouldn't be able to fulfill the order. Instead, they knowingly sent out an order without all of the food for our group and charged as if we received everything. This shows a lack of professionalism and is disrespectful.

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    Albi - Brussel sprouts

    Albi

    4.6(467 reviews)
    1.4 miNavy Yard
    $$$$

    I don't even know where to start with this. Last friday, I had a remarkable dinner here, and I was…read morewowed from the moment I stepped inside. As much as I love the cocktail bar next door, I had no idea this epic place was here. The inside is a bit dark, yet so welcoming and cozy. It's the waiting area if you are either early for your reservation or waiting for others in your party. They are kind enough to give you a glass of water and the cocktail menu in case you want to get started. We were fancy and did the hearth table and WHAT a journey it was. From surprise drink tastings and bites to pretty much trying all new food items and combinations, I would absolutely do it again. I could name the things that I had, but you may or may not know what they are. All I can say was that it was seven delightful courses that left me just right. The friendly, professional staff made it even better. Check the reservations and to the hearth table. Do it.

    KenScale: 8.5/10 Visit: March 2026…read more My wife Jun and I have been to Albi multiple times already and on every visit we end up ordering the exceptional lamb kebabs for our final savory dish. Earlier this year, I saw that the restaurant started offering a large duck rice dish on the menu and, knowing how much Jun loves duck, tried to see if I can book a table. We had a reservation in January but we had to cancel that due to a last-minute trip to New York, and really struggled to find an open seating on a reasonable hour (we just had no appetite for a dinner past 9 p.m.) until recently last month. As we opened up the menu, we were very sad to learn that the duck was no longer on the menu (our server couldn't give a definitive time on when the dish will be back), but that didn't dampen our enthusiasm for another outstanding meal at Albi. Since my last review of the restaurant was in 2023, I figured a re-review was in order, especially given that this visit was our 10th total. When it comes to Middle Eastern spreads, it's hard to beat what Albi offers along with a giant pita bread. At this point, Jun had tried the mushroom hummus with confit egg yolk multiple times, and yet she couldn't again stop marveling how addictively delicious the hummus was with alluringly smoky flavor of mushroom. One new spread that we saw for the first time and decided to order was msabaha with embered firefly squid and white peas covered in tahini; not surprisingly, it was another standout dish even if squid is not an ingredient one would ordinarily see in these spreads. Another item on the menu that we tried for the first time (and really liked) was malfouf, a wrap of cabbages stuffed with smoked beef cheek and red shatta condiment. By now, we have seen multiple variations of the lamb kebabs at Albi and every time we walked out of the restaurant happily stuffed. For the current season, we were greeted with loin and smoked belly shish accompanied by vegetables of charred turnips and brassicas. The lamb's texture as usual was quite outstanding, and the charred vegetables (as well as a side dish of Fattoush salad with orchard fruits and smoked feta) also offered a wonderful complement to the meat. If someone asks me to list the most iconic dishes in DC, I won't hesitate to include the lamb kebabs from Albi. During our trip to Jordan in February, we fell in love with a popular dessert called knafeh (made with pastry dough layered with cheese and soaked in syrup); we never had a chance to try the same from Albi until this visit, and Jun remarked that the delightful knafeh was just like how she remembered from a restaurant in Petra, except the pomegranate sorbet that was placed in the middle. It seems like getting a reservation at Albi is becoming more and more difficult over time. The reservation window opens on the first day of each month and once past that first day, it is really challenging to find a seating during early and prime-time dinner windows, especially for the main dining room. This visit was the first time we had to be seated at the bar as we were slightly late to the reservation party, but the bar seating actually wasn't bad at all, as we chatted with the friendly bartenders from time to time while enjoying the food. As always, the beverage list at Albi is outstanding, featuring many Middle East-based cocktails and wines. As we increasingly find ourselves in our culinary journey together these days visiting our old favorites more often rather than checking out new places all the time, Jun and I are very thankful that Albi is in DC. It still is firing on all cylinders even after being around for several years in the DC dining scene, and deserves to be one of the best restaurants in the city.

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    Falafel Inc - Vegan shawarma bowl

    Falafel Inc

    4.6(241 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $

    Excellent! I love it. OMG, the food I give it a 100! el…read morepersonal muy atento el ambiente es excelente

    When I first entered the Falafel Inc. establishment my nostrils were filled with the sweet aroma of…read morefresh falafel and zaatar. I looked up at the menu and to my surprise the prices of the food options were quite affordable. I opted to go with the falafel bowl and m'lady went with the falafel sandwich, which were both under $10 each! We also split a healthy sized bag of zaatar fries and I could not resist getting their baklava. The food service was very quick and the employees were very friendly. After obtaining our food we went to their outdoor eating area where we stood and prepared ourselves to feast. Both the falafel sandwich and bowl were filled to the brim with falafel, cabbage, pickles, tomatoes, cucumber, and a substantial serving of tahini. We also had the privilege of being able to help ourselves to extra sauces, which included garlic sauce (toum), red sauce, white sauce, habibi sauce, and more tahini. After taking a few bites of the food, we knew we had made a great decision coming to this location. Dipping the zaatar fries into the garlic sauce became second nature, as the combination was truly delicious. The cherry on the top was their baklava that came in a small, sliding cardboard box. The baklava was not overly sweet and perfectly complemented the savory falafel dishes. I highly recommend coming here for an affordable and delicious meal!

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    Maydan - Roasted carrots

    Maydan

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

    I came here for my 30th birthday celebration and all I can say is WOW- what a way to ring in a new…read moredecade. I left feeling full, grateful, and with a new love for middle eastern cuisine. The service was impeccable- the waitress and sommelier were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Nadia, our waitress, offered suggestions about what dishes would pair well together for the tawle experience and shared her favorites. The sommelier went over the extensive wine list and helped us pick a nice red that paired well with our chosen dishes- it was called Yacoubian Hobbs from Armenia. The ambiance was comfortable and welcoming- you could dress up or down, pretty much anything goes! The walls are lined with colorful patterns and draped tapestries to create a high end living room vibe. Now for the fun part- THE FOOD! The first dishes brought out were the mouneh (pickled veggies), the honey soaked dates, and the three spreads (we selected the hummus with lamb on top for an additional $15, havuc, and beet borani). I'll add that they continuously bring out fresh, warm pita throughout the whole meal. The lamb hummus was savory and well-balanced, but very rich. The havuc had a beautiful lightness from the carrots and I loved the textural element of the crispy onions on top. The beet borani also added a welcomed freshness throughout the meal and was vibrant, light, and had wonderful yogurt flavors. The underrated dish were the pickled veggies because INSANE. I used these in bites during the entire meal and they all had a unique flavor as if they were each pickled in a special way- my favorites were the white radish and scallions. The honey dates were a sweet palette cleanser and cut through the savory elements of the meal. We continued on with the next round consisting of the field lettuce salad, the three condiments (we chose the toum, chermoula, and harissa), halloumi, omani shrimp, and chickpeas. The field lettuce salad had a zesty vinaigrette and I appreciated the acidity addition of the sliced oranges and the crunchy, salted pistachios. The toum was a garlicky aioli that I felt was best paired with the chickpeas- although all the dips were delicious with all the dishes and the pita. The harissa was a lighter version than I am used to, spicy, and paired well with the veggies and ribeye. The chermoula was my favorite and paired best with the ribeye- it reminded me of a flavorful and herbaceous chimichurri. The halloumi had a sweet honey and was grilled perfectly, paired with nice crunchy nuts. The chickpeas had a lovely consistency and were well seasoned- I think it was sumac, but whatever it was, I couldn't get enough. The shrimp were ONE OF MY FAVORITE dishes from the whole meal. They were juicy, seasoned perfectly, charred, and just chefs kiss. I enjoyed them with the chermoula and squeeze of lime. The main dishes and veggies came during our final (besides dessert) round. We ordered the sayadieh as part of the table experience and also added a ribeye to the order. We had ordered the charred carrots, but they accidentally brought us the wildflower honey zucchini instead, so we were lucky enough to be able to try both. The branzino (sayadieh) absolutely blew my mind. It was citrusy, spicy, seasoned with bright spices, and incredibly moist. I would honestly skip the ribeye- it was cooked to a nice medium rare and had a nice flavor, but I don't think it compared to the rest of the meal. The charred carrots were spicy, cooked soft- also one of the standouts. The zucchini was served beautifully and I enjoyed the sauce, but could also skip next time. We ended the meal with the bitter orange sorbet and the chocolate mousse. The sorbet was a nice palette cleanser as it had zest in the mix and was very light after the heavy meal. The chocolate mousse was very rich and had a new balance of chocolate and peanut flavors. They brought over complimentary glasses of champagne to celebrate my birthday as well :) I cannot wait to come back to try more of the menu and I am so happy to have had a diverse taste of the Middle East. I'll also add that we had a HUGE bag of leftovers that lasted several meals and they packaged it up like true professionals. A food lover completely satisfied and eager to get back :)

    A popular spot near Adams Morgan. The restaurant features Middle Eastern grilled food. In fact,…read morethere were several fire grills in the center of the first floor of the restaurant (it has two floors), and you can see the staff constantly grilling the meats, fish, vegetables and pita. This, together with the dark vibe, made me feel as if I were eating with ppl. from B.C. in a cave. Very interesting. I like that. For food, I got the Carrot Havuc, Omani Shrimp and Halloumi. But first I was served with some freshly made whole wheat pita. They were soft, chewy and earthy. The Carrot Havuc was basically a carrot+garlic puree. Very silky, refreshingly sweet, and a bit sour. The sourness may come from the garlic and lemon. Paired well with the pita and meats. The Omani shrimp came with 5 pieces, each shrimp was ~1oz so it was not very filling. The shrimp were meaty, fresh, juicy, though I wish it could be less salty, even if I already asked for less salt. The shrimp was said to be marinated with dried lime and tamarind but I could only taste the flavor of dried lime. The Halloumi cheese was brushed wild flower honey and topped with Egyptian dukkah, then baked until the outside was golden brown. It was salty and sweet, and the (tons of) sesame seeds added some fragrance to it. However, the peanut was too roughly chopped so that they fell off from the cheese when I slice it, and thus difficult to eat with the cheese. Service was not worth the 20% mandatory tip. For example, when I asked about the sourness of the Carrot Havuc, he did not know why and said he would "taste it and let me know where the sourness came from". Unfortunately, he did not tell me until I asked again when doing the check (I doubt if he tasted it in the first place). Neither did he ask me about the other dishes. Overall, the dishes were great but not impressive, and was mostly heavily flavored. The service could be improved.

    Photos
    Maydan - Wood oven front and center

    Wood oven front and center

    Maydan - Shrimp

    Shrimp

    Maydan - Spiced chocolate mousse

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    Spiced chocolate mousse

    Agora DC - Cauliflower**

    Agora DC

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

    Was able to do a walk-in on a recent Thursday evening…read more I had been many times before, but it had been a while, so it was great to dine at Agora again. Everyone in my group loved the assortment of small plates that we had. We considered getting the lamb chops, but it only comes with 2, and there were three of us, so we opted against it. The dishes we got instead (an assortment of vegetables, meat, and seafood) were all delicious, and we would all be happy to get them again.

    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 - Inside/Bar

    Inside/Bar

    Agora DC - Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Agora DC - Mocktail çiçek

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    Mocktail çiçek

    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Assortment of Small Plates & Cocktails

    Gypsy Kitchen DC

    4.3(1k reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Rooftop seating

    We came to Gypsy Kitchen for our anniversary, and it was the perfect spot! The service was speedy…read moreand kind, and the decor/ambiance was beautiful. We ordered a bottle of the Cava, and four small plates, which was plenty of food. The mussels, labneh and Patatas bravas were all very generous portions. Labneh: 5/5, delicious, served with plenty of pita Patatas bravas: 5/5, with great flavor and crispy roasted potatoes Mussels: 4/5, generous portion size, and the sauce was very good but I wished the sauce was more white wine-based Tuna crudo: 5/5, not a ton of food but the flavor was absolutely delicious, very citrusy and fresh Labneh cheesecake: 4/5, served with a sauce that was a bit like cough syrup but otherwise absolutely delicious

    We paid $130 with tip for croquettes, lamb skewers, tuna crudo, hummus, and two 50 Shades of Purple…read more(drinks with butterfly pea gin). We sat outside on the patio and it was a gorgeous day. The decor is perfect and I love that they've added plants to cover the staircase. Drinks were delicious and the food came out quickly. Our water glasses were rarely empty. Service was kind. Food wise if I were to stack rank I would say the hummus is the best of what we ordered. The pita bread is thick and garlicky and oily and massive. The croquettes would be at the bottom of my list simply because they're dissimilar from any I've had before and a little bit underwhelming. The tuna was fresh but it's a small dish and not much to write home about. The lamb skewers have a subtle kick to them and they're pretty substantial. I'll definitely be back to try more! Highly recommend on a warm summer day as you're covered by the canopy above, if you're looking for a rooftop vibe.

    Photos
    Gypsy Kitchen DC
    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Hummus, Lebnah, & Flatbread

    Hummus, Lebnah, & Flatbread

    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Rooftop Patio

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    Rooftop Patio

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

    Lebanese Taverna Pentagon

    3.6(516 reviews)
    2.3 miPentagon City
    $$

    Decided to give Lebanese Taverna another shot, assuming they have taken care of those health code…read moreviolations mentioned above. Ordered the roasted beet salad, salmon harra, a glass of Chateau St. Thomas Les Emirs, a chocolate turkish coffee cake, and a glass of Ayran. Roasted beet salad: Balanced between sweet and tart from the oranges, slight pepperiness from the arugula base, a crunch from beets and sunflower seeds and brine mess from the feta. Solid overall. Salmon harra: Flaky and tender, if a little overcooked as last time, though only slightly charred and not devoid of texture. Charred squash and tomato-pepper compote were nice savory accompaniments. Chateau St. Thomas Les Emirs: A full-bodied Bekaa Valley red blend, Rhône-inspired but not a GSM; more GSCS. Not my best pairing, but I prefer fuller reds, so that's on me; it's solid regardless. Chocolate Turkish Coffee Cake: A warm (albeit slightly small) chocolate-lava style cake accompanied by cold mocha ice cream and a room temperature marshmallow crême fondant with date-orange syrup. An eloquent dessert; appreciate the temperature variation as a sensory note. Ayran: Turkish savory yogurt drink to finish. Lightly salted and well creamy, with a refreshing level of tartness; no complains, a decent Ayran. The server was also much nicer this time, which warranted the adding of an additional star. Overall, there is certainly improvement, though still room for more.

    Food was good but they did not include utensils in our delivery order. Wish I had known the…read moretzatziki, hummus, and baba ganoush come with pita. We got 3 bread orders and ended up throwing them out. The chicken kabob was definitely the best item and the shrink appetizer with lemon was excellent as well. The chicken shawarma was not as tender or tasty. The dips were all good and I like their garlic toum. Pretty quick order processing via Uber Eats. Can't speak to the ambiance because we got the food delivered.

    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
    $$$

    Brunch review ahead!!!!!…read more Ambiance- perfect for a cute date, time with friends, family members, or coworkers. The ambiance welcomes it all. Hospitality- The hostess was incredibly friendly and seated us upon arrival. Waiter- Eric was an AMAZING waiter. Bubbly personality, very polite and personable. His service was definitely a 10/10 Brunch- My friend and I decided to try their Easter Sunday brunch and my only regret was not visiting here sooner and not selecting an earlier time to dine, LOL! The entire experience was phenomenal! Bottomless mimosas- SO worth the extra $ Standout dishes: Adana meatballs Braised lamb Chicken Golden cauliflower Crispy Falafel Desserts: Baklava Brownie Kadayıf Sadly we did not get to experience all of the brunch menu items because brunch ends at 3pm and our reservations were at the heel of this time. Nonetheless, the standout dishes and desserts were enough for me to come back. I've enjoyed their happy hour, cafe area, and now their brunch. Can't wait to return.

    Three stars isn't the actual rating; I'd say more 3.5. Stopped by after visiting the Dupont…read moreCircle's weekly farmer's market to try their Sunday brunch buffet. Was warmly greeted, seated, and given an overview of the menu and brunch package options; decided to opt-out of the bottomless drinks, which had an alcoholic (mimosas and Bloody Marys) and NA (juices, sodas, drip coffee and black tea), as I wanted to try their more speciality coffee and tea. The drinks I ordered were the Turkish coffee, Levantine-style tea and digestive tea. All were quite solid. The Turkish coffee was as robust as espresso, yet not overwhelmingly bitter and slightly sweetened. The Levantine tea was a smooth black tea with natural sweetness and layered with a mint steep and floral notes of hibiscus, and rose petal. The digestive was more herbaceous with fennel and pomegranate zest, in addition to a steep of spearmint. The food was more hit-or-miss. On one hand, the meat and seafood was all very delicious and well-made. The braised lamb shank is their speciality, and well-deserved, as it's moist, savory and tender. The short rib similarly so, and the chicken casserole, lamb biajeen, Adana kebab and steamed lavraki (sea bass) were all similarly flavorful. On the other hand, the sides and mezze options were more mixed; the dolmas and fresh bites cheese with za'atar/nuts were delightful, however, the borek, cheeses, and some of the dips tasted reheated and/or not super fresh, the Brussels sprouts were quite scorched, and the savory salmon waffles were bone dry and flavorless. The French onion soup had the right flavor profile, but not the intensity; it tasted watered-down and even looked it, due to the noticeable oil blebs on the surface. Dessert was similar; the melon and fruits were fresh enough, the yogurt bar was quality, the kadayif nutty with the sweetness balanced, and the layali lubnan was intoxicatingly tasty, but many of the baked goods looked rather packaged and the fondue station was mediocre. The staff, however, were extremely friendly (my special regards to Mia, she's a great conversationalist and a sweetheart!). They answered all my questions, and one of the bartenders even gave me half a lemon to zuzh up my tea with. As I said at the start, more 3.5 stars than 3 stars. The core of their offerings are all quality, so I can't quite dock them a full two stars for the food quality because they had buffets aren't usually renown for said quality. You really can't expect perfection from AYCE, even though I naturally encourage the management to avoid sourcing pre-made items from Sysco if possible. The friendly staff and eloquent Eastern Mediterranean ambiance allows me to still say I enjoyed this experience, and may be back for dinner in the future.

    Photos
    ala
    ala - Adana Kebab

    Adana Kebab

    ala

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    La' Shukran - BBQ'd Maitake

    La' Shukran

    4.6(152 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    La Shukran delivered from start to finish. Easily one of the best dining experiences I've had in a…read morewhile. We had a reservation but there was a short wait, so the hostess directed us to the bar. When we were finally seated, we found out our drinks had been comped. Such a thoughtful touch! We started with the BBQ'd Maitake spread which was the perfect blend of sweet and savory. It was served with French baguettes. We also had the lamb sausage dumplings, which were absolutely delicious. I had the Rumaan to drink which paired perfectly, and for my main, the slow grilled lamb. All were outstanding. I closed out with the Filfil cocktail and chocolate macarons, which were the perfect ending. The food was flavorful and consistently top tier, the vibe was great, and the service was truly one of a kind. Warm, attentive, and genuinely memorable. Five stars without hesitation!!!

    I came here for a very hard fought reservation and it was well worth it! The beverages were so…read moreunique and the food was delicious. It was so much fun to try this flavor of fusion. It is quite a small place so it makes sense that it would fill up quickly. Finding it was also very confusing too. We had to go behind in an alley and go up the stairs. My friends and I shared a few appetizers and then got our own food. We shared the fries and falafel, which were great. I got the escargot hummus and my friends got other dishes. We loved our dishes although they weren't very vegetarian friendly, which makes sense. I would come back here again, although there are other Mediterranean places in the city I favor more than this one.

    Photos
    La' Shukran - View from waiting area

    View from waiting area

    La' Shukran - Shortbread

    Shortbread

    La' Shukran - Summaq

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    Summaq

    ilili DC - lebanese - Updated May 2026

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