Maman Joon

4.4 (187 reviews)

ModerateMediterranean, Persian/Iranian

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Maman Joon - Part of their menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Maman Joon - Perfectly broiled chicken kebabs - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Maman Joon - Appetizer menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Maman Joon - Delicious beef kebab! - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Maman Joon menu photos

Menu photo 1 Maman Joon Washington, DC, DC

Menu photo 2 Maman Joon Washington, DC, DC

Menu photo 3 Maman Joon Washington, DC, DC

Menu photo 4 Maman Joon Washington, DC, DC

Menu photo 5 Maman Joon Washington, DC, DC

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MAMAN JOON ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

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Quiet

Casual

Trendy

Dogs allowed

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Tianna F.

Saw that the reviews were good and decided to give them a try... The restaurant is basically on front street, so you have to find street parking (be aware of the signs!) or park in the Whole Foods parking lot around the corner. I didn't know what to try, so the cashier recommend the "Combo #1" which was Chicken Breast and Koobideh Kabob served over White Rice w/ tomatoes, onions and Tahini Sauce. And he made sure to let me know that the chicken is marinated for over 14hrs and that I can tell by the taste.. So let me start off by saying the Chicken was my favorite thing! It indeed was well marinated and had a lot of flavor. The Koobideh wasn't my favorite but It wasn't bad, I could have gone without It. The rice was just basic Basmati Rice; I thought It would have some more flavor to It. Then they give you half of a grilled/roasted tomato and onion which was cool. The tahini sauce was a little too sour for my liking and It wasn't needed. Because the chicken was the star of the show. The naan bread was cool. I think they could do some type of pizza with that and the chicken and It would do numbers! (Just a thought) I would come back, but only for the chicken.

Great food and superb service! Peter, the founder, was there and was very helpful in giving recommendations. He was very attentive to my experience and even brought out complementary hummus and baklava while I was waiting for my food. I ordered the kashk e' bademjan (eggplant dip) and koobideh kabob (single side order). The flavors were fresh and delightful! Absolutely coming back!!

Chris C.

This is a relatively new restaurant in Tenley with both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside has quite attractive decor - light colored wood-top furniture, a few long high tables in front, big scenic photo mural in back, decorative white plastic crates hanging from the ceiling (a creative touch). We ordered two kabob entrees, chicken breast and beef chenjeh. I thought the entrees came with rice and salad so didn't specify when placing the order. Turned out it's rice OR salad but they never bothered asking me to choose an option, instead just automatically gave us both rice which was not what we wanted. The kabobs are ok but with their pricing ($13/$17 for one single chicken/beef kabob) the entrees are not cheap but would be a lot better value with smaller portion of two sides instead of the huge wasteful amount of rice no normal person could possibly be able to finish.

Maria V.

If you like kebab, it is your place. Efficient service, fresh ingredients, juicy kebab, reasonably priced. Nothing fancy, it is an upgraded version of a fast food joint, so would not recommend for a romantic date. If you want a tasty, no frills lunch, it is a great choice. We ate in but you can also order a take out. I took one star off for uncomfortable bar chairs that are difficult to adjust and a not very clean floor near the window sitting. Will be back for more kebab

The food wasn't good. It normally comes with a yogurt and spicy sauce but I asked for just yogurt. I wish they had more sauce options because the meat was great but would've been amazing with something else. Service was great. They gave me samples of everything. It has a great whole in the wall environment that makes it great if you want a quick bite.

Chicken Kabob platter and Lamb Tenderloin kabob. Hummus

Ashley R.

Maman joon was fantastic! This is a fast casual restaurant serving Persian cuisine. I tried the chicken kebab platter and my partner tried the lamb kebab. The meat was hot, juicy, and tender. Pro tip - the platters come with a large amount of rice, you can add an extra kebab of meat and have enough for two people. We also tried the hummus which was good, but nothing to write home about. The employees were kind and it probably took about 10 minutes to get our food. Also, there's a really delicious cherry soda in the fountain drink machine!

pantea T.

The appetizers are to die for! I would recommend getting everything lol The food is also very tasty! They are also generous ! Love the place

Terri A.

The place smelled fantastic! Good selection of food options. I was intrigued by the lubiah polo and kabob option. The kabob was delicious. I generally order koobideh as a measure of Persian food quality and it did not disappoint. The lubiah polo was interesting. It had the makings of a good rice dish, but was a little dry and the green beans had disintegrated. My thought was that it's not an often ordered dish and may have been sitting or reheated. Bread and yogurt were tasty as well. All in all a good kabob but would do plain rice next time.

Alan N.

After trying out Rumi's Kitchen in downtown, I decided to stop here next due to the high ratings. Honestly, I have to say I wasn't very impressed with the food. I ordered the ghormeh sabzi with shirazi, and both were underwhelming. The sabzi tasted quite bland and dry compared to others I've tried and the shirazi was incredibly watered down, and lacking enough vinegar/lemon juice. The container the shirazi comes in suggests they don't make it themselves, but instead buy it pre-packaged. I understand this is supposed to be Persian "fast food," but that comes with it feeling a bit cheap. Plastic food containers, plastic utensils, cheap napkins. One plus is that they had a good variety of Persian cuisine. My friend got the joojeh kabob and said it was good. It's also nice that the friendly man running the place was truly Persian. Although my food wasn't tasty, I may have to give some of the other menu items a chance.

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Sam E.

5 years ago

I'm so excited this place is finally open. Great food and service. Everything was so fresh. I got combo 1 with salad and rice. The salad dressing is amazing. Koubideh and chicken were cooked to perfection, very tasty and tender. Yogurt sauce is very delicious also. Staff are very friendly and welcoming. Can't wait to try other menu items. read more

Maman Joon - Salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Maman Joon - Koubideh and chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Maman Joon - Bread and yogurt sauce - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Komeil M.

4 years ago

Very delicious kobideh. Friendly staff. I will back to this restaurant in my next trip.

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F. K.

5 years ago

Absolutely awesome food! Love the veggie fare as well as the kababs.My go to fast casual kabab place in Northwest D.C. soups are great too!

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Jonathan D.

4 years ago

My girlfriend and I were excited to try Maman Joon this past Sunday (3/27/22) but unfortunately our first experience was a let down. We ordered two lamb wraps, falafel side, and a container of must o mooser. The lamb wraps had very little meat (they were mostly lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers) and the meat they did contain was overcooked. The falafel side was also overcooked and appeared to be completely charred on the outside. We also did not receive the sauces that were supposed to come with the wraps and falafel. The must o mooser was good. We really were excited to try this place but unfortunately I suspect we won't be back. I wanted to share this review privately with the owner but I didn't see an email contact on their website. read more

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Shirley N.

3 years ago

I noticed the owner likes to overcharge when paying with credit card and the menu prices are different with what he is charging also he didn't give me the original receipt so always double check the menu prices and what you guys are paying also they charge $5.00 if you use credit card which is a rip off and he doesn't even tell you!! Please check before you pay with the menu prices!! read more

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Farhad H.

3 years ago

MAMANJOON is a great restaurant. Their food quantity is perfect. It's manager Mr SANAEI is a professional person. I strongly recommend to go to this restaurant. This restaurant has different locations. read more

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R S.

132

5 years ago

Good ground beef kabob, the kubideh. Very good lamb and beef chunk kabobs. Quite good chicken chunk kabob. Good enough ground chicken kabob. Bread is better than other Persian quick service restaurants, but all of them get tough quickly. You can revive the bread by steaming it over a pot of boiling water. Fesenjan, the ground walnut stew, is good. It is supposed to be a bit sweet, so be aware of the fact. Ghormeh sabzi, mixed herbs stew with beans and dried lime, is pleasant although this popular dish easily becomes bitter if it is not carefully prepared. Kashk o bademjan, eggplant with caramelized onion, is very good. read more

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Aria N.

5 years ago

Finally a great Persian restaurant in DC! So excited to see that this place opened up and I was even more delighted when I tried the food - absolutely delicious. This is a must try place in DC! Excellent food and extremely friendly service. read more

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Hannah B.

5 years ago

Delicious food and fast and kind service. Very personable staff. Definitely recommend the kabobs. A great addition to the neighborhood.

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John D.

5 years ago

Tasty, fresh and generous portions. The lamb kabob is especially nice and they don't skimp on the lamb. Seating inside is limited, one table for four, several for two and community tables for singles. But be careful with carryout orders. Check them before you leave the store to make sure you got what you ordered. read more

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Ken N.

5 years ago

The koobiden kabob was horrible, disgusting and gross looking!! be my guest and try this terrible food and judge yourself. read more

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Hatef Y.

5 years ago

The best kubideh and khormeh sabsi I've ever had. The kubideh was juicy, perfectly seared and perfectly seasoned. The khormeh sabsi was well balanced, with tender beef. If you want the khormeh sabsi without the beef, you can also ask them to serve it that way. I'm only in town one week so I'll be here every day for lunch, no doubt. read more

Maman Joon - Kubideh with rice. - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Neal H.

5 years ago

This restaurant just opened up last month. Tried it today. The chicken Kabob is fantastic. Grilled perfectly. Fresh-made Pita is great while it's hot. The service is great. Very fast, and they come to your table - you order at the register - and ask if there's anything you need. The owner also owns Z Burger down the street. He knows what he's doing. I highly recommend you eat here. I give it 5 stars. I'll come back often. Neal read more

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Katie L.

5 years ago

Delicious food! Unique flavors. I love many ethnic foods including kabob and I was not disappointed. The pita bread, hummus, grape leaves, chicken kabob and flavorful rice were to die for!! My friend and I were impressed. Friendly staff as well. We will definitely return and recommend to friends!! read more

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Jen T.

5 years ago

The food is wonderful and the service is great. We had lamb and kubideh kabobs with rice. Both were fresh and perfectly cooked, the rice is great and the bread was fresh and delicious. I called in my order and didn't expect it to be ready when I got there because they are so new--sure enough, when I arrived, it wasn't quite ready, and they were so nice about it--super apologetic and gave us some free food to make up for it, when it was really no big deal. I can't wait to go back and try other s from the menu. A very welcome addition to the neighborhood. read more

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Kaya A.

5 years ago

Such good food, amazing portions, and great service. The employees are so sweet! Everything was fresh and delicious. I go the Mediterranean platter, mamans ratatouille, and a rice pudding. Definitely a go to! read more

Maman Joon - Mediterranean platter, mamans ratatouille, rice pudding - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Maman Joon - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Mike M.

5 years ago

First experience at Maman Joon was excellent and we will definitely be back. Ground chicken sandwich and falafel sandwich were both tasty. We also tried the hummus and Shirazi salad. Everything was fresh and delicious. Staff were also extremely welcoming and kind. Very happy to have a Persian restaurant close to home in Tenleytown! read more

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M E.

5 years ago

This is my new favorite spot for dinner in the DMV! Here is the breakdown: Food The appetizers are so flavorful and fresh! The bread was baked on the spot and it was hot from the oven. The mast o khiar is made with homemade yogurt. The hummus is also homemade and beats any other hummus I have had. The falafel is outstanding, perfectly crispy on the outside and packed with herbs. The cannellini bean side was so bright and refreshing. For the entrees, I tried the chicken kabab, and it is outstanding. So tender and the spices and saffron are absolutely perfect. The portion size is very generous. I also tried the loobia polo and it tasted like it was homemade! I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu here as it is clear they put a lot of care into making sure everything they serve is fresh and delicious. Seating There is indoor and outdoor seating, both options are lovely. The restaurant is new and impeccably clean inside. Service The true standout here is service. The owner is incredibly kind and came over to talk to us during our meal making sure we were well taken care of. The gentleman behind the register offered us suggestions and explained the menu when we couldn't decide what to order. The owner and the entire team are friendly, caring, and generous. You leave feeling like you ate at a friend's home. Overall, this is some of the best food in the DMV! I just wish there were other locations around D.C. so I could eat here more often--it's that good! read more

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tim j.

5 years ago

Amazing food, a welcoming staff and a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. We tried the filet mignon kebab, pickled radishes and dolmeh for a quick lunch. All were fantastic and beautifully cooked/seasoned. On top of what we ordered, the owner had us sample a few other dishes to see how we liked them. Incredible. Can't wait to come back for a 3rd, 4th and 5th visit! read more

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Kerri E.

5 years ago

Incredible food, I highly recommend the Fesenjan. We've come a few times and we've never had a bad meal. The service is jovial and I really can't recommend enough. read more

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Anna C.

5 years ago

I'm a first time customer and I had a wonderful experience! I highly recommend!!! Super yummy food and amazing customer service. I plan on returning ASAP! read more

Maman Joon - Chicken and beef Kabob and salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Ricardo M.

5 years ago

This place is amazing, so many different choices, the food is so excellently spiced and flavored. Nothing is overpowered by anything else. Truly wonderful food. I got a two beef kabob platter and it was amazing read more

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Jack N.

5 years ago

Do yourself a favor and visit Maman Joon as soon as possible. You can taste the love in every bite and the staff are the kindest in the world. The prices and reasonable and the food is truly amazing. read more

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Shauna B.

3 years ago

Great place for Persian food and the owner Alex is very hospitable. Me daughter and I tried lots of dishes featuring chicken, beef & lamb with two rice options. The traditional basmati with saffron & his grandmother's mixed vegetables rice. We really enjoyed ourselves. We also had two beautiful salads! The fresh bread and yogurt & cucumber sauce was spot on read more

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George L.

149

5 years ago

This is incredible Persian food, amazing seasonings, and to-die-for eggplant. And some of the best breads in DC. The owner is remarkably friendly and engaging. It's such a pleasure to have them open in Tenleytown. read more

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Eby H.

5 years ago

I ordered salmon kabob and it was fantastic. The rice was excellent I will go back . Ambiance was very nice . Restuarant was extremely clean and organized. read more

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Barbara M.

4 years ago

Our lamb meal was delicious and a good value for the price. The meat was of high quality and served hot. The seating was spaced for social distancing. I recommend this restaurant as it is clean and has good service read more

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Ann K.

5 years ago

Welcome to Maman Joon in Tenleytown! We happened to wander in for their "soft" opening and were welcomed by their very friendly and helpful owner. He invited us to sample some of their dishes and we were in for an amazing treat. As we sat down we were intrigued by a ponding sound and saw that they make their own flatbread! It was perfectly browned, served with a yogurt/herb dip. We also got to sample the Iranian spinach/greens paneer and fesenjan, a chicken stew with pomegranate sauce served on perfectly cooked basmati rice. The owner then told us to wait and taste their felafel as he urged us also to try their deliciously seasoned pinto bean salad seasoned with caramelized onions, tomato sauce and spices. When he delivered the felafel we cut into them and could tell they were made from scratch because they had a beautiful green color from fresh parsley and were moist (not dry and hard) from real (not powder) garbanzo beans. The topper was some chicken kebabs. Normally I don't like restaurant chicken breast because most places serve overcooked and dry/stringy chicken. But Mama Joons hit a perfect "10" with saffron marinaded chicken kebabs that were perfectly caramelized on the outside and deliciously juicy on the inside. Their beef kebab was equally juicy and luscious. They have a very attractive outdoor seating area. We are looking forward to more dining adventures at this new take out/dine in restaurant in Tenleytown. read more

Maman Joon - Outdoor seating - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Maman Joon - Handmade, fresh flatbread with yogurt herb dipping sauce. - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Honestly S.

5 years ago

Customer service and welcome was great. Definitely a popular place. Unfortunately, the food left something to be desired. Ordered the lamb kabob. The ratio of the dish was 1/4 meat to 6/4 rice. It is not particularly flavorful. The meat was dry and not particularly flavorful. I want to like this place - I love Persian food and this restaurant is near my house. Sadly, I don't plan to return. read more

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Hamid A.

5 years ago

My wife and i heard about this place in dc as an alternative to mobi dick for iranian kebab so decided to give it a try. I ordered koobideh and joojeh Kabob and my wife got chicken koobide. Both koobide selections were undercooked and under seasoned. Joojeh kebab was ok but was done more Indian tandoori style. Ambiance was cold and unwelcoming. Perhaps better suited for take out. I think we will stick with mobi dick for now. read more

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Mel G.

4 years ago

The BEST Persian food in DC! The owner is 5 star chef. Try the Ghormeh Sabzi. It's better than my own moms. I hate saying that but it's the truth. read more

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Sean A.

4 years ago

One of the best Iranian food around Maryland. We ordered take out, when Iranian Kabob in particular is at its best when served hot off the grill, but this was even great 30-45 minutes after it was picked up. Very friendly staff, and great service. Definitely recommend it. read more

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Once I.

4 years ago

I really want to like this place and support a local business but last night was just a disaster. I ordered two chicken kebab sandwiches and a falafel side. The total via uber eats after tip was $50. I received a tray of chicken kebab pieces and another of falafel pieces and....nothing. That's it. No sauce, rice, bread, or greens. They clearly rang through at least $40 of food and yet the order slip is for two chicken kebab sides and a side of falafel so I am not sure what is going on, but they somehow managed to screw up their own incorrect order. Kind of impressive. I had previously made my peace with them regularly screwing up orders, leaving out sauces or entire items, but this was a new low. They basically robbed me and when I reached them on the phone they didn't seem too troubled by it. Very disappointing. read more

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R R.

4 years ago

Delicious! Had the salmon kebab entree with rice and a side salad, and a side of beets. The salmon flavor was SO good and it was cooked perfectly. The rice was also fluffy and delicious, and the sides were a great accompaniment. Will definitely be going back! read more

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Alex D.

4 years ago

Very tasty and incredibly interesting flavors. Bread was phenomenal. The staff were nice and helpful with suggestions. They gave us a tasting for something to try next time. Kabobs were great. read more

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Akhtar K.

3 years ago

lamb kabab was awesome , service was very good . I definitely recommend this restaurant

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Ismail K.

5 years ago

Super good Persian food, halal too. From SoCal and this place is just as good as some of the best places I've had in California. Highly recommend. read more

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Candice H.

5 years ago

This was my first time her and I tell immediately that the food was going to be pretty good. I ordered the falafel sandwich and the salmon kabob. Both were extremely tasty!! read more

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Ella G.

4 years ago

Never had the food but I like the tables outside. And their napkins are easily accessible!

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Felipe G.

5 years ago

Very fresh food, juicy chicken kabobs, good bread. The mini baklava are some of the best I've ever tasted. Highly recommend.

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Page 4 of 5

4531 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
Tenleytown
Directions
(202) 683-6233
Call Now
Visit Website
https://mamanjoonkitchen.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Maman Joon open?

Maman Joon opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Maman Joon close?

Maman Joon closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Maman Joon is closed on Tuesday.Maman Joon closes at 3:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Wed-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Tue ClosedFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Maman Joon take credit cards?

Yes, Maman Joon takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Maman Joon have catering options?

Yes, Maman Joon does have catering options.

Does Maman Joon serve alcohol?

No, Maman Joon does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Maman Joon allow dogs?

Yes, Maman Joon allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Maman Joon have bike parking?

Yes, Maman Joon has bike parking.

Does Maman Joon have outdoor seating?

Yes, Maman Joon has outdoor seating options.

Does Maman Joon have parking?

Yes, Maman Joon has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Maman Joon wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Maman Joon is wheelchair accessible.

Does Maman Joon have free WiFi?

Yes, Maman Joon has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Here at Maman Joon, our philosophy is simple – food should be authentic, well-crafted, and delicious. We practice this in everything we create, from our homemade yogurts to our fresh-baked breads. As for the restaurant's name, the word Maman means “mom" and the word Joon means “soul, spirit of life." Used in a modern day to mean “dear", as a gesture of close kinship and hospitality. So all together Maman Joon, means DEAR MOM! Food is the language through which mom best knows how to express herself. Maman Joon is a place for family and friends to come together. You're welcome to meet us there. Mom's food, Made with love!

Meet the Business Owner: Peter T.

We are happy to serve you at Maman Joon Kitchen!

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Maman Joon

Are you serving Zabihah halal meats ? Thank you

All food is halal

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We came by to hike at Rock Creek without doing any research on where to eat after. That was a…read moremistake, as we were hungry and needed good options fast. It was either this Greek place or the Thai place across the road. We eat Thai all the time, so the unanimous decision was this Greek! The waiter and all the staff were very friendly. The place and decoration themselves are a little odd. However, it was clean. The highlight is the taste of the food. All the dishes we ordered were spot on. I cannot remember their names, but there was nothing bad I could recall. If I'm ever in the area, I'd come again.

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3.8(21 reviews)

2.9 mi

I have my DC bartender and I think I have my MD one now too. After the unexpected closing of…read moreanother local venue, my bartender friend had announced he was going to start working here, and it had already been on my radar. From the pictures and videos I've seen, the place looked quite stunning and I wondered how it fit into the very busy downtown Bethesda. When I finally had a chance to show up, it all made sense. Everything is in a giant basement and of course lovely. The bar really is the centerpiece of the floor, being able to seat dozens of patrons. And from what I was told, the other rooms are used for special events. Hilariously enough, I have not had their food yet, but their drinks have been excellent. Whenever I swing by I happen to already be full from dinner, haha. They have a happy hour that goes until 7:00 on the weekdays they're open, which includes both food & drink. Sooner than later, I plan to return to try out some food. Shout out to Doug!

Ambiance: beautiful restaurant with a dance floor in the front. Big bar was in the center and…read morekitchen in the back. Service: we came here for a bday/brunch/drag show. It wasn't busy and there were not a lot of waitstaff and 2 bartenders. I think there were maybe 20-25 people. Our waitress was good but it did take her awhile to come and check in or get us drinks, etc. She did correct the $20 up charge for the steak and eggs I ordered - $42 when menu was $22. Yeah, I caught that mess. Food: Ok, so in my last review, I was quite tipsy and the flatbread I order was SOOOO good. I was excited to try the food again while sober. Totally different experience. The steak wasn't seasoned much. I had a pretty decent size steak but a friend ordered same dish and his was thin and had a bit of fat he had to cut off. Chef even came to apologize, comp the dish and brought out chicken and waffles for him. Good on chef for fixing the problem but for the future: if 2 people at the same table order the same dish, make sure the main is equal to save yourself from having to come to the table and have a little pow wow... Overall, I think brunch menu was limiting, average offerings and overpriced. I'm so disappointed in Bethesda dining experience. I've been to 2 brunches and both were ok and tbh not worth what I paid for. I live in NOVA and there's a lot more offerings at better prices. MD do better please. I have to cross the river...you own traffic isn't fun.

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Game on. Drinks flowing. DJs spinning. Mondays are different at ON.

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Lounge all day Thursday with drink specials that last from open to close.

CAVA

4.0(442 reviews)

2.4 mi

•$$

Tried CAVA for the first time today and honestly, I get the hype now. I walked in with zero idea…read morewhat I was doing. I even asked if I was supposed to pretend I was at Chipotle and build my bowl like that. The staff laughed with me, not at me, and really guided us through everything. They let us taste different meats, explained all the options, and the portions were very generous. They kept up with my humor the whole time and were super respectful, which I really appreciated. The manager was also incredibly kind and covered our drinks, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Food just hits different when you are served with kindness, and today proved that. Coming from Northern California where we do not have CAVA, this was the best introduction I could have asked for. If you are in the area, definitely stop by. Great food, great people, and honestly, Chipotle could never. I could eat this everyday

Prompt Customer Service! I visited recently ordering the…read more"Braised Lamb Rice Bowl." Warm tender flavorful lamb, tender rice w/fresh avocados & veggies. Creamy garlic dressing. Generous portion & prompt courteous customer service. See Photo.

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Tasty Grills & Catering

4.4(5 reviews)

2.9 mi

Very good quality, decent prices. Very nice people. Only does carry out and delivery.read more

Ordered the k5 lamb kabob. Meat was overcooked and dry, bread was rock hard and stale, chickpeas…read morewere refrigerator-cold, chutney was very watery and more like a salsa verde. I had high hopes when I saw this place in Bethesda. Last lived in Arlington and had a ton of great Afghan kabob during my stint there. I was pretty let down. Giving 2 stars because the rice was still good.

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K1. Chicken Kabob

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Naan Bread Side Dish

Pita On The Plaza

4.9(57 reviews)

2.6 mi

I like this spot. The food is fresh and delicious. The staff are very friendly and patient with…read moreexplaining the different items on the menu. I love the chicken kebab platter that comes with Greek salad and rice, it's very tasty. Every Thursday they have salmon specials which is delicious also. They have a dmv burrito which includes chicken, steak, onions and peppers, and it's a favorite also. This is a food truck that's situated off Wisconsin Ave in the plaza near Bethesda metro station.

Pita on the Plaza is a food truck that is located at the PL level of Bethesda Metro Plaza - their…read moremenu offers various apps, wraps, bowls, platters, and drinks. I had their Falafel Bowl, considered a vegetarian option, which came with basmati rice topped with a Mediterranean salad, 5 pieces of falafel, and seasoned onions, with a cup of tzatziki sauce. The Mediterranean salad consisted of diced tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, and mint leaves tossed in a lemon juice and oil oil dressing; this was fresh. The rice was cooked well, but it was just way too much of it in the bowl. The falafel were crispy and not dried out, which I appreciated. The onions were okay, and not necessarily needed in the dish. I wasn't a fan of the tzatziki sauce, as it was a little thin and watered down, and a bit too herb-forward in taste. My counterparts wasn't a fan of their chicken wrap, as it didn't contain much chicken, and they weren't fans of the sauce, either. They ended up taking out the chicken and making their own sandwich out of it and tossing the rest. I'm glad I was able to give this place a try, but not sure if I'd go out of my way to return. +look for the food truck on the PL level at BMP +avoid the tzatziki sauce

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Let us host your next event

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Chicken kebab platter

The Halal Guys

3.7(134 reviews)

2.5 mi

•$

Been eating way too much mediocre chicken and rice lately, so I had to go back to the OG Halal…read moreGuys, and yeah... I kinda missed it. The classic chicken still hits and reminded me why it became a go-to in the first place. Tried the spicy BBQ chicken seasonal too, but that one was a miss for me--pretty dry and bland. The pita was soggy, which was kinda disappointing, but the rice and veggies were fresh and tasty like always. Overall, I'd stick with the classic next time.

Visiting family and wanted something filling and quick. Portions were big which is why I love them…read morelol. But the freshness of the food just wasn't there. The pita bread was super hard like a croton. Then one of the pita bread slices was super soggy like it was sat in steam or moisture. Rice and meat were seasoned well and they were heavy handed on the sauces which is a plus for me.

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Chicken Platter and Combo Regular Platter

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Ordering/food

Moby Dick House of Kabob

3.1(254 reviews)

2.2 mi

•$$

Delicious Salmon Kebabs! Today in the mood for healthy/tasty…read morelunch. I ordered the "Salmon Kabobs" (w/saffron basmati rice, grilled onions, grilled tomatoes & pita bread.) A generous portion. Fresh moist, flavorful salmon. The onion was not grilled as well today. It had a more crunchy rather than tender bite. Still tasty. Ordered for delivery- meal arrived nicely warm. See Photo.

Conveniently located close to the Bethesda Metro Station and right on Wisconsin. Looks small from…read morethe outside but interior has plenty of seating and a spacious waiting area near the counter. Ordering is done at the counter as well. Got a gyro to go. It was made fairly quickly and came with a side of tzatziki sauce. It was not wrapped like a typical Greek style gyro, but more like a wrap sandwich. The exterior was their trademark bread. It was like a pita, but softer and thicker with semi perforations. The interior was stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and really tender slices of gyro meat (ground beef and lamb). It was also very large and filling, but not heavy.

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Interiors

Homemade pita + yogurt sauce

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Just terrible presentation and service.

K-Bob Truck

4.0(2 reviews)

1.1 mi

K-Bob serves light and relatively delicious Mediterranean style food from its truck. I ordered a…read morebeef gyro which used a fair cut of meat and was moderately seasoned. Unlike most places, I found their buttered pita bread to be rather palatable. I'd be happy if they had a lamb version of the gyro, but this is a halal truck, so I'm probably out of luck. In any event, despite their lack of Twitter feed, K-Bob will keep you sated if they happen to be in your area.

Delicious. I ordered the beef over basmati and it was cooked to perfection (still had pink in it,…read morewhich is my preference) and was freshly prepared in front of me. The yogurt dressing is SO yummy - I had to get extra. The cooks were super friendly and I only had to wait a few minutes.

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29 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Josiah W.

2 years ago

Unlike most of you in DC, I had an unexpectedly fantastic election night thanks to Peter at Z Burger "He is associated with this restaurant as well". As a Marine combat veteran from the war in Afghanistan (Marjah Afghanistan 2010) I am fascinated by the US government, flaws and all. I am new to the area and live in Northern VA so I decided to get a hotel in DC to experience election night there for the first time. To my dismay the city was completely dead when I finally made it out. I assumed I would be able to find food but nearly everything was closed! After not eating anything all day, panic began to set in. While in an Uber I saw Z Burger and an adjacent bar. I stopped my ride on the spot and headed inside. Upon entering the restaurant, Peter was the first person I encountered. He informed me they had actually been closed for nearly an hour at that point. Seeing the excitement in my eyes turn to utter disappointment, he offered to make me fries on the house. He then proceeded to make me a chicken sandwich with the fries. Anyone who has eaten at this restaurant knows the food is fantastic. That being said, the review I wish to give is a review of the person I met that night, Peter Tabibian. Peter is a kind, generous, and talented man who saw a person in need and chose to make a difference in at least one persons life that night, mine. To me, the best gift one can give is to restore someones faith in humanity. Peter, you gave me that gift and I am deeply thankful. Please support this man and his employees. The delicious food is a great bonus. read more

Ali S.

5 years ago

This is delicious, really high-quality Persian food dressed down in casual take-out. A rare thing for Persian restaurants is providing the best of the cuisine which is much more labor intensive to make, that is not kabob, but the stews... for example Gormeh Sabzi and Fesenjoon, which to me are God's gift to humanity [note I'm half-Persian but full-crazy for Persian food]. They even went next-level and provided a VEGAN option for the Gormeh Sabzi with tofu. This is a bold move. I'm gonna be honest the tofu is not the same as the meat, but they really did the best that can be done (I did add a dash of salt and it was awesome). Though I'm a wanna be vegetarian, the kabobs are super delicious - moist, flavorful, and portions are generously sized making for fantastic leftovers. The rice is super long and high quality (many Persians care about this weird nuance). But let's go back to the veggo options - the falafel, though not Persian per se - is knock your socks off esp with the tahini sauce. [TMI but I'm salivating heavily writing this] They are freshly open so be kind, kinks being worked out. The staff members are welcoming and warm. I want nothing more than this place to thrive. read more

Sanaa M.

Elite 19

297

171

2886

11 months ago

I wanted to share feedback about a recent pickup order that was unfortunately quite frustrating. When placing our order, it was difficult to communicate clearly. We ordered kebab and requested to substitute the rice with salad, specifically asking for a Mediterranean salad instead. We repeated the order about five times, but there was still a misunderstanding. Instead of receiving the kebab with salad as a substitution, we were given kebab with a standard salad plus an extra Mediterranean salad--which we were then charged for. When I called to clarify, it was still a challenge to explain that we wanted the salad instead of rice, not as an extra side. Unfortunately, no refund was offered for the additional salad we did not want and ended up throwing away. This was disappointing, especially since the miscommunication affected our enjoyment of the meal. I kindly recommend ensuring that someone with clear English communication skills is available to handle takeout orders, to avoid similar issues in the future. read more

Santo B.

5 years ago

Rice tender and mellow flavor which embodys whatever it is being eaten with. Koobideh: I liked the Texture in between and the flavor was unique. A piquant savory taste. It was very enjoyable, definitely something I would request seconds on. Chicken : very moist and succulent, tasted great with the rice and ghormeh sabzi(greens). Chenteh: choice Steak - perfect juiciness not over or under cooked. Excellent taste easy cut and easy to chew. Ghormeh sabzi- Tied in citric pand aftertaste. with or without meat- Vegitarian (Good tofu, I believe the vegitarians would love this with rice and bread. Overal : savory, the spices were light and flavorful enough that it brought everything together. It is different then my usual kaboob places and definitely one I'd recommend to a friend. They have assortment of soft drinks, and the "stubborn root beer" Simply something to try taste straight from the tap. Be sure to ask about the desserts, and enjoy the experience.! kcsb read more

Maria Y.

369

9 months ago

I had a wonderful experience at Maman Joon. The food was outstanding, and the service made the meal even more special. The owner is incredibly attentive and went out of his way to make us feel welcome, even offering several free samples that gave us the chance to try more of the menu. The chicken kabob and chenjeh kabob (beef) were both cooked to perfection--tender, flavorful, and juicy. The rice was truly exceptional, fluffy and fragrant, and paired beautifully with the kabobs. Everything tasted fresh and carefully prepared. From start to finish, the warmth of the service matched the quality of the food. I'll definitely be coming back and highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for delicious Persian cuisine and a genuinely welcoming dining experience. read more

Paul T.

4 years ago

A+ At Maman Joon, everything they serve is prepared fresh daily, so you know you're getting only the best. You can choose from a variety of menu items, including lamb shank, koobideh, Soltani, and of course their famous beef and chicken kabob . Along with their sides and sauces, this is an absolute feast of a meal. If only all kabobs in America looked and tasted this good. provide consistency and authentic flavours on a daily basis. They have been wowing their customers with consistent quality and superb kabobs. Their roots and recipes come from the Iranian baazaar and are as authentic as anything you will taste in America. read more

Rojyar P.

5 years ago

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!! This place is one of the best Persian restaurants in the DMV. The chicken kabob, koobideh, lamb, crispy rice and kashk were all spectacular. I had leftovers and even couple days later the food still tasted amazing! Unlike most places they also use really good quality rice as well that tastes amazing. The people running the place are super friendly and accommodating. And the quality of food you get for the price is unbelievable. I'm Persian and have been to most of the restaurants in the DMV. Maman Joon is by far one of the best. I would highly recommend this place, everything was superb. read more

Matías T.

5 years ago

Doesn't look like much when you walk past, but I was practically dying of hunger so I popped in. The definition of a hole-in-the-wall. I got the regular hamburger and wow... there are no words. A classic burger done right. Crisp bun, juicy patty, stuffed with all the essentials (ketchup, shredded lettuce, tomato, and pickles). There's about a million options available between the menu board and wall full of specials, so it can get a little overwhelming, but you really can't go wrong Not much else to say besides go see for yourself! You won't be disappointed read more

Eve S.

224

5 years ago

Great Persian food and vegan/vegetarian options which are so hard to come by but sorely needed in Iranian restaurants! My only complaint is a frustration with a Yelp poster lower down who said the rice was dry... when I had it, it was a bit more buttered than I needed, especially with stew. I feel like that was reactive to that mediocre review. Everything I had was great, still, and I hope they do well with the takeout scene in tenley! read more

Margaret W.

5 years ago

Excellent service and amazingly tasty food. I especially appreciate the extras such as a packet of sumac to use on my "to go" order. Everything ordered so far was excellent and I am happy to see several entrees that feature vegetables. The extensive menu lists several dishes that I have not tasted before so I will be back for more in the very near future. Thrilled to have them in the neighborhood. read more

Phil T.

2 years ago

Very nice owner, came out to say hello to us. Large portions, I mean you gonna have some leftovers for sure. Clean interiors, everything looking fresh and new. I like their kebabs, that's what they're known for, the chicken kabob plate is yummy and comes with rice and a delicious yogurt sauce. They do take-out and you can also dine in I think. For those that are vegetarian, they have falafel. read more

Rumit P.

Elite 26 All-Star

4999

2018

18032

3 years ago

I ordered the chicken kabob plate to go, which includes a field of rice, a squishy tomato, and a cup of yoghurt sauce. The chicken was incredibly flavorful and juicy and the rice was fluffy, fresh, tasty, and perfectly cooked. The yogurt was cold and distinct and satisfying. The owner was friendly and warm. The service was great! I'd definitely come back. read more

Sidney L.

5 years ago

My sister and I tried Maman Joon for the first time today. It was amazing. The serviced we received was great, the employees value their customers. We had the lamb kabob entree and Hummus which was served with Naan which was all very good! The food was prepared quickly! I will definitely be returning to Maman Joon!! read more

Irene B.

4 years ago

I ordered a chicken kabob With some salad And another chenje kabob For my wife The kitchen was crowded, They messed up our order Instead of a chicken kebab they brought up something Else, when I complained and shown them my receipt they accepted it. The whole process took about an hour so I was frustrated read more

Ray S.

4 years ago

I have been at Maman Joon couple of times, this place has a jaw-dropping and tasty foods. They have a well seasoned cook. The service is great and responsive, staff are friendly and they go out of their way to satisfy you, My picks are, Soltani kabob, lamb shank, and Lubia Polo. read more

Jack S.

5 years ago

I only stopped by to try the falafel appetizer, but the owner was so generous with free samples that I wound up with a full meal. Everything tasted better than I expected, the portions were decently large, and the prices are on the low side for Tenley. No complaints here! read more

Barry T.

4 years ago

The kitchen's ventilation system wasn't very good I visited this restaurantn a couple weeks ago With my family And they were All Complaining About the smell in the kitchen Even when you stood outside you can still smell the fat burning In the kitchen read more

Luciano C.

4 years ago

I would leave zero stars if I could. The food is mediocre for the price and to make it even worse it is not even close to authentic. You should not call yourself a Persian restaurant. The vibe, music, and food feels ridiculously whitewashed. read more

Elnino S.

9 months ago

If you're looking for the best Persian dishes in the DMV, you have to try Chengeh and Koobideh. They're absolutely delicious, and the side dishes are a must-try too! read more

Judy G.

4 years ago

The rice was soggy and wet This is not a Chinese restaurant It's Persian so the rice must be dry I had to add a lot of Salt To make it eatable read more

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29 Maman Joon reviews that are not currently recommended

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29 reviews that are not currently recommended

Maman Joon - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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