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Maydan

4.3 (1.3k reviews)
Ultra High-EndMoroccan, Lebanese
Open • 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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Victoria M.

The experience at Maydan is so unique whether you sit inside or out. Sitting inside, you get to experience the hearth fire, and all the sites and smells. Sitting outside you are in the alleyway, but the decorations are so unique and beautiful, making you feel like you are immersed in the culture. We sat outside, and it was such a beautiful evening. Our server was wonderful. she first introduced herself with a really delicious cup of mint tea, which was a wonderful welcome. She also had some wonderful recommendations, and all ended up being delicious. I especially loved the field salad and the muhammara. What I think this restaurant does especially well is find unique flavors and really expand on them. The salad dressing is still on the top of my mind. It was both light and flavorful, while also and citrusy and just overall really delicious. The spreads were also so creamy and presented so beautifully. The bread itself was also nice and thin and was a great accompaniment for the spreads. I also ordered the kefir shrimp, and that was also just cooked perfectly. The flavors were so in your face with just a yummy, limy, fresh, flavorful taste. It was very good.

Awesome shrimp shish
Todd G.

Beyond incredible start to finish. It's gorgeous and watching the cooking on the health is beyond cool. Incredible spreads - the hummus and Muhammara were the best we've had - such incredible flavor. Amazing shrimp and chicken shiah, and what they do with sweet potato's and vegetables is an art. Their couscous with raisin and more was fantastic. Special thanks to our server Joshua whose kindness, knowledge and advice made the meal amazing.

Ribeye
Lucia B.

Came here with my hubby and two kids to celebrate my bday. I guess it wouldn't be ones first choice to dine in with small kids, in fact we were the only table with small kids, but it was a great experience! We had reservations for mayday but got sit in the Medina, right across. The ambiance was pretty cool, loved the beautiful fabrics draped on the ceiling and walls, it felt like we were dining in a Moroccan tent. The service was great, our server was friendly, prompt and had great suggestions. We did the tawle experience, and were overwhelmed by the amount of food! We ended up with so many leftovers. Everything was really good, the dishes that stood out were: ribeye, muhamara spread and Omani shrimp. The mint tea was perfect for the chilly night and to settle the stomach after so much food! I was excited for the desserts but they weren't my favorite. We tried a chocolate pudding and coconut pudding, I wish the dessert options were more extensive. Overall it was a very good experience! Street parking can be hard to find, so arrive a few minutes earlier!

Jimmie P.

First time coming here. A little tricky but when you find this hidden gem you will not be disappointed. Sat at the bar but there's no bad seat in this spot. This place has the vibe of a secret, with a top tier service. When you enter you will have a warm welcome. Now to the food, you will leave full and with leftovers. Everything was chef's kiss and full of flavor. Hands down one of the best places I've eaten at.

I brought my girlfriend here for her birthday. I love the look and vibe of this place it is tucked away and when you walk inside it is amazing . We went with the tawle menu. Our wait staff was nice and helpful. Everything we had was amazing . We left with a bunch of food to eat for later too. We ordered the branzino , chicken kebab, and a bunch of hummus and dips. The bread was also really good . It was an amazing experience. I would recommend.

Ribeye
Nancy M.

Came for another birthday and we had a great time! Our server was amazing and had a great conversation with us too. Maydan is so pretty inside and I will say you should check out Medina right across the alleyway. Also so beautiful, we started there for a drink and then came to Maydan. All our drinks were so good! I had the date night and how cute is the date in the shape of a heart. The food was amazing! Again we did the tawle, the family style menu where everything comes out. The pickled vegetable platter was really amazing and unique. We loved it. The meats were so good, the sides were amazing. Literally didn't have a bad bite, everything was perfect!

Tye R.

Maydan is a very cozy spot that provides a unique dining experience. It's dark and broody--perfect for date night. We opted for the tawleh experience which includes dessert and swapped the kebab and salad for the current specials (Brussel salad & scallops) and ordered the lamb for our entree portion. Overall, the food was good -- nothing particularly amazing. My personal favorite was the Mouneh aka the pickled plate. The pickling was bright and deliciously sour. This is absolutely something I would buy by the JAR. Everything else was good, but at the price point, I did anticipate more finesse. For example, the lamb (+20pp) was past the point of tender where it needed no chewing. While this may be a bonus for some, I believe there's a fine line between tender and overcooked and this teetered over the edge just a bit. Service was great and all the staff were friendly and accommodating. Special shoutout to Sam for the help and great service!

Anuva S.

One of my favorite bites and I am already dreaming of going back! Maydan is a somewhat small restaurant but packs such a punch. My friends and I sampled many of their small plates and the flavors were bold but never too overpowering. Everything was coursed out and we had a wonderful time!

Lamb, Carrots
Yvette 'Divie' E.

Phenomenal, from start to finish. Perfect for a special milestone date night! Food/drinks: Excellent! They worked with gluten free, dairy free restrictions easily. The tasting menu was delicious. Lamb was out of this world. Date night cocktail was fantastic. Did not have a bad thing. AND I love that they packed the food without me asking; it made for two great meals at home. Service: Also excellent. In advance: restaurant was responsive and helpful (by message) to help us set up a special meal; we had the best seat in the house and everything was perfectly on theme. On site: Friendly, efficient, patient. And we unexpectedly got some free bubbly to celebrate. Ambiance: We came for the fire oven and it didn't disappoint. It's moody, eclectic, worldly, and intimate. The little corner where we were seated was beyond perfect, and every detail of the vibe was on point. Family friendly: I wouldn't try to bring my toddler here (but she did enjoy eating the leftovers). My tips: make a reservation (weeks in advance), message them if it's for a special occasion, sit inside -- not outside. Save up so you can spend freely; not a single thing I ordered disappointed me. Highly recommend!

Chocolate mouse
Lauren S.

This meal took me back to my Lebanese roots with the delicious spreads and bread. Everything was flavored perfectly and I even loved the dessert which was a spring on chocolate mousse. The drinks were also unique. Giving it four stars though because we did order our steak medium and it came out medium rare. It took them quite a bit to bring out a new one. Also, I think that it is a bit expensive for what you get and could come with an additional side with your main and larger portion dips (the bowl is a little deceiving)

Jesse C.

Maydan delivers one of the most complete dining experiences in Washington, DC, and it excels equally in service, ambiance, and food quality. The service is exceptional from start to finish. It's polished without feeling formal, attentive without hovering, and thoughtful. The staff does an excellent job explaining the flow of the meal, pacing dishes naturally, and making the entire experience feel intentional and relaxed. You feel taken care of without being rushed or over-directed. The ambiance in the main room is a huge part of what makes Maydan special. The open hearth is the heart of the restaurant--warm, dramatic, and immersive. If you can sit near the fire, do it, it elevates everything. The food itself is amazing, with a few absolute must-orders. The Halloumi is a highlight of the entire meal: thick-cut, perfectly grilled cheese that's salty and rich on its own, balanced beautifully by Egyptian peanut dukkah for texture and wildflower honey for just the right touch of sweetness. The Omani Shrimp is another standout and a non-negotiable order. The shrimp are tender and flavorful, seasoned with dried lime, tamarind, and chiles, giving them a bright acidity, subtle heat, and depth that lingers. It's bold and balanced When it comes to proteins, the ribeye was cooked perfectly but ended up being the least exciting part of the meal, not because it was bad, but because it felt included more for familiarity than impact. The quality of the beef didn't quite reach the same level as the rest of the menu. In contrast, the lamb shoulder and branzino feel far more aligned with Maydan's strengths and are better choices if you're deciding where to spend your appetite. Overall, Maydan absolutely lives up to its reputation. Between the service, the fire-centered ambiance, and the depth and balance of the food, it's a restaurant that feels special from beginning to end. Sit in the main room if you can, don't skip the Halloumi or the Omani Shrimp, and opt for the lamb or branzino over the ribeye.

Shrimp
Anna C.

Maydan was an absolute sensory experience from the dining experience, the food, and service. The open hearth commands the room, flames dancing all day and infusing everything with this deep, smoky magic you can taste in every bite. It's mesmerizing and you can't help but fixate on the warmth of the fire. The food is bold, warm, and incredibly delicious--rich flavors, perfectly balanced spices, and that unmistakable fire-kissed depth. The Tawle is the way to go. It's a true bang for your buck and we ended up packing so much leftovers to take home. But the true fire test is whether something tastes as delicious the next day and let me tell you .. it doesn't disappoint. It's the kind of place where you watch the fire, share plates, and leave already planning your return. Had: - Ribeye - Hummus, Havuc, Beet Borani - chopped salad -Omani shrimp -charred Zucchini - toum, zhough, chermoula The branzino is also a great choice!

George T.

If I could give more than five stars, I would. This was without a doubt one of my top five dining experiences ever. If you're looking for a special date night spot with incredible food and a memorable experience, Maydan should be at the top of your list. The Moroccan and Lebanese-inspired dishes, the open fire, and the overall atmosphere are absolutely beautiful. From the moment we walked in, the service was on another level. We were greeted by Indigo, and the manager George is truly top notch - the elite of the elite when it comes to hospitality. Our server, Zoe, was excellent: warm, attentive, and very knowledgeable about every dish. We did the $95 meal, and for what you get, it is an outstanding value. It's not cheap, but it's worth every dollar. Everything was fresh, authentic, and full of flavor. On the very first round I couldn't even decide what I liked best, and then they just kept bringing more. And the bread... that warm bread was unforgettable. I was literally thinking about that bread on the way home. For the main entrée, they gave us several choices, including lamb and ribeye. I'm a ribeye person, so we went with that, and it was cooked perfectly. The cooks take their craft seriously, and you can see and taste it in every plate that comes out. Everyone we met was kind, professional, and worked together like a well-trained team. My only "warning" about Maydan is this: they also have a location in Los Angeles, and my expectations are now so high that I just hope the LA location can match this experience. I fully plan to visit the LA spot, and I'll absolutely be back here in DC as well. Five out of five stars, and if Yelp had a golden buzzer rating you could only use a couple of times a year, Maydan would get it.

Charred Carrots

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Maydan Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Maydan

How is outdoor dining on the patio in the winter? Is it warm and how well do I need to bundle up?

they are partially enclosed/covered with heaters by the tables

Is there belly dancing here?

I haven't seen it yet, but the atmosphere is immaculate

Is it Toddler friendly?

No, not really the vibe. But I'm sure it is totally possible. But generally a very grown establishment.

If you make a reservation, do you have to do the $75 per person pre fixed menu or can you do the la carte menu? I am confused by their description. It says the pre fixed menu is offered for reservations but is it mandatory?

I believe it is mandatory for dinner.

Is the meat halal?

We were told that the lamb is halal, but the beef is not.

Do they have hookah?

Nope

Looking for a reservation for Tuesday, August 20th. My wife really wants to go here for her birthday and I'd like to surprise her. If you're willing to part ways with your reservation please let me know!!!!! Will pay $$$ for it!?

Kevin, Kevin, Kevin - Andrea is completely right: "sit at the bar." You and your wife will LOVE the experience. They open at 5pm the host will greet everyone at 4:58. They will immediately direct those waiting outside with a reservation to their… Read more

Can someone explain the 28 days out process? If it's booked through July are the August dates released ON the 28th of July? Thanks!

No that's not the process. Everyday at midnight another day is open for reservations. But you have to act fast.

How am I supposed to get a reservation here? I've stayed up till midnight twice in a row, refreshing the page constantly and as soon as the clock strikes 12, it says there are no reservations for the day. Any tips?

Walk in and put yourself on a wait list. Two of us were told we were #7 on the wait list on a Friday night and we were called less than an hour later to be seated before 10:00.

Is the lighting dim or bright at night? Does it vary depending on the seat? Ambience?

I'd call it neither especially dim nor especially bright. Just right. Same with the sound level. I have a slight hearing problem but didn't find it difficult to converse. Excellent ambience, at least to me.

Is it better to sit upstairs or downstairs?

It depends on what you're looking for. Upstairs is more intimate and relaxed while downstairs is right next to all the action by the cooking fire, prep area and bar. Plus you have more foot traffic downstairs with servers and people milling around… Read more

I have a party of 28. Can Maydan accommodate this large a group at one table?

Absolutely not, unless you rent out the whole place

What are the best dinner options for dinner for two?

Not sure whether ur question is about what to order or how to best secure a table? On ordering they are really tapas style (small plates) so ordering a bunch of those will be best option. You'll probably want to get at least 4 dishes plus their… Read more

Is there anything on happy hour?

There is a very limited selection for drinks/wine and food for happy hour but its definitely worth the visit!

Do they take walk-ins?

Your best bet is to go there right when they open at 5 pm. The door will be closed and expect a line. Walk ins are possible but will take 60+ mins.

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Zaytinya

Zaytinya

(6.3k reviews)

$$$

I made reservations for Sunday Brunch and was looking forward to experiencing another Jose Andres…read morerestaurant. We were seated immediately by the matra-dee before our reservation time slot. The decor is open and airy and there's a large patio if you prefer to dine alfresco. We wanted a variety of items and began with Hummus, smoked beet salata and baba ghanoush. Followed by Crispy brussels afelia, Chicken shakshouka, Soujouk pide and shish taouk. For dessert we enjoyed Greek yogurt with apricots and olive oil cake with champagne. The presentation of all the entree's were plated professionally, tasted outstanding, and service from our waiter was on point. I highly recommend this restaurant by Jose Andres.

Whoa. Horrible outside host for outdoor seating and even worse experience with the indoor host…read morefor indoor seating -- this was not an okay experience at any level. Zero professionalism, no hospitality, and probably way too over their head with how popular this restaurant is for Middle Eastern cuisine. Completely not cool as to how they treat those who try to patronize their business. Note to management: we understand your establishment has great reviews but please don't take that for granted. Please train your staff to treat every single guest regardless of party size with respect, professionalism, and hospitality. Not mad about not being able to dine here because y'all were "fully booked" but more disappointed with how your outdoor and indoor hosts handled the messaging. P.S. There were plenty of tables left unoccupied for "7:30pm reservations" but it was already 8:00pm -- so I take it the grace period for reservations is 30+ minutes?!

ilili DC - pita pillows

ilili DC

(723 reviews)

$$$

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

I was so excited for ilili. I'd been a few years prior for a private event and everything was…read morefantastic. 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.

Mejana - Mixed grill

Mejana

(925 reviews)

$$$

I have been a long time fan/patron of MeJana b/c of the friendly, welcoming staff, beautiful…read moreambiance, and consistent delicious dishes. I especially appreciate the thoughtful presentation, tableware and glassware. One of my favorite go-tos for lunch is the Chicken Shawarma with salad. Light, healthy and tasty, presented on a board. Now that the weather is pleasant, try dining on the patio like I did today. Enjoy!

9 years later and I am back- I have seen this place very busy on weeknights so I decided, it's time…read moreto go back. They pride themselves as a healthier spot and the food definitely reflected that. We started off with drinks (they only do happy hour at the bar) and got the Mojito and the mediteranean martini. Both were good but the purple mojito was definitely the star of the show. For appetizers we got the "fried" cauliflower and the hot appetizer platter. The cauliflower definitely felt more baked then fried and the portion was quite fair. The hot appetizer platter comes with 2 cheese rolls, 2 falafels, and two kibehs. I will say, for $17, I would love perhaps 3-4 of each item instead of just 2 each. The kibeh were super tasty and so were the cheese rolls, but the falafel were a bit dry. For our mains we got the lamb chops and the steak kabob - both were fantastic. Simple flavors but really well done on both ends, with both cuts of meat cooked to order. I will say, I would love a little bit more side veggies- especially for the $45 dollar lamb chops but I assume they expect you to order more sides like we did. Quick service, Arlington prices, a bit cold inside on a cold day. Will definitely be back to try more!

Nabiha

Nabiha

(23 reviews)

U Street Corridor

What an absolute amazing dinner that ended on live music performances by various artists…read more I was suppose to meet a friend at Nabiha's after a long time. I was very hungry that day, so hungry that I didn't even wait to take a picture for yelp. I ordered the appetizer sampler and the makloubeh. I think my friend ordered fattet jajj. Everything was delicious though I couldn't focus much on the food since I was catching up with my friend after a long time. After we finished the entrees, we ordered kunefe for dessert and it was amazing. A proper end to the meal. Then we heard live music coming out of the other hall and the owner was kind enough to let us sit wherever we wanted to listen to the performances. The staff of Nabiha is delightful and they made sure that me and my friend are well taken care of. More than a restaurant this felt like visiting a friend's home. 5/5 must try!

Braving a bone-chilling cold yesterday evening, we ventured with friends over to Nabiha in the…read moreDistrict. This was my first experience with Palestinian cuisine. Nabiha is a family-owned restaurant connected to the other restaurant the family owns, El Secreto de Rosi, which is Peruvian cuisine. As a matter of fact, the menu has Nabihi dishes on one side and El Secreto dishes on the flip side. Our server was a lovely young woman who told us the restaurant was named after her grandmother. After we placed our orders, she took us around both restaurants to show us the wall art. One wide painting in El Secreto is quite naughty. I understand the restaurants have separate kitchens. Unfortunately, our server's service left something to be desired. She never checked on us during the meal, except for one time she came to refill water glasses but only refilled glasses of two of the four people at the table. That was kinda rude. Largely because of the service, I can only give three stars. They had a food runner who brought our food out that knew nothing about the food and was unable to tell us which dish was which. On the other hand, another gentleman who helped out was entirely professional, energetic and proactive. As far as ambience it was fine. If there was music playing, I didn't notice it. In other words, you could easily hold a conversation. So as far as the food? Pretty good, for the most part. As a matter of fact, the hummus was freakin' delicious! We all ordered the daily soup which was broth, onions, carrots and lentils. Three of us thought the soup was tasty, but picky me thought there was just too much cumin. We wanted to try the Mujaddara Freekeh, but they were out, so we went with the Fattet Jaj. Containing rice, yogurt and chicken thigh meat, it was delicious. However, the toasted pita chips atop the dish were scorched but they still sent the dish out anyway. The mildly seasoned ground beef Musakhan Wraps were very good. Our desserts, the Yafa Orange Walnut Cake and Knafeh Nabulsiyyeh were excellent. The Chicken Freekeh had pungent spices. Would we come back? Maybe, but prices are high.

Maydan - moroccan - Updated May 2026

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