Went here with my husband for our anniversary, and had a gift card. We chose outdoor seating without seeing it, I had previously seen pictures of the inside and assumed the outdoor vibes would be just as fun and vibey. I was very wrong. It was literally in the alley, and was giving Covid setup. Definitely would not recommend the outdoor area to anyone. There was no music, the decor was fine but again, looked very subpar and you could tell everyone else that arrived and sat outside after us had the same thoughts. Now to the food. I will say all of it was good, but for the price? I could find another Middle Eastern adjacent restaurant in DC for less money. It was a little outrageous in my opinion. We did choose the tawle experience. The dips with good, and came with endless flatbread. But it was interesting how some of the portions were huge and then others felt like they were skimping. We got huge portions of pickled vegetables and a giant salad, but then when it came to the shrimp kabobs we ordered, we got 5 pieces of shrimp. I will say the steak portion we chose we large, but then again for dessert, it was just a half mason jar size of a chocolate mousse to split...It was just interesting. Several of the staff knew it was our anniversary and they could've given maybe an additional dessert or a glass of champagne but nothing. Again for a restaurant of this caliber, you would just expect more. I say all of this to say, we did have a gift card that covered most of our $300+ meal. But if I were going without that, I would've been even more disappointed. I know people have raved about this place for years, but the original chefs have changed, and I'm understanding more why they've lost their Michelin star. It was good/fine but was far from exceptional. read more

There's still technically 2 months left before 2026 ends, but I think this may be the best meal I've had this year. What an incredible spontaneous hangout and surprise by my friend that lead to this memorable meal! Thank you, again Not only was the beet borani beautiful, the sweetness of the beet mixed with the garlic and rosemary paired very well with the warm and fluffy bread. The fire kissed asparagus are the best asparagus I've ever had in my life. The char was perfect and allowed the asparagus to be the best version of itself. The bed of both cream and herb sauce it laid on top of gave it other dimensions of flavored when paired. It was good on its own or eaten with the other protein dishes we ordered. The chicken shish taouk was juicy, well seasoned and very good with the toum! The seared scallops were the biggest, sweetest and my favorite dish of the night (though I 100% would say everything we got was so so good). The natural sweetness of the scallops paired with the various sauces were delightful. The serpent drink had a sour but creamy foam texture that was fun to sip on throughout the meal. Shout out to Nari, our server sharing her love of garlic and giving us a sample of the carrot havuc which did not taste like carrots at all but more of this light almost sweet potato-like dip with a fun crunch from the crispy onions & for compting our turkish coffee gelato, which was strong and creamy and best way to end the meal. read more

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The BEST , the food felt incredibly fresh and authentically Mediterranean. We went in the spring and the outdoor seating was adorable not sure if it is year around but definitely recommend grabbing outdoor seating . read more

Maydan - Hummus - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Came here for a date night and it was INCREDIBLE! The aesthetic in here is gorgeous and so dim and moody, very nice for a cozy dinner. My fiancé and I got the Tawle dinner option which incorporates multiple dishes to be shared. We enjoyed it thoroughly but we had a lot of food boxed because we couldn't finish it all lols I think we would've been better off with à la carte - I do think the Tawle works best with a group of people (minimum 3/4) just because the number of dishes, but nonetheless 10/10 experience. With regards to parking, the closest garage is like ~8 min walking distance so I mean it's not bad. read more

Maydan - Seating area - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Maydan was such a great dining experience! We ordered the Platter for Two, and everything was absolutely delicious and beautifully prepared. There was so much variety, and every dish brought something different to the table. The star of the meal was definitely the butterfly branzino. It was perfectly cooked, flavorful, and honestly one of the best dishes of the night. The platter was a great way to experience a little bit of everything, and we left feeling completely satisfied. The atmosphere at Maydan is also such a vibe. It feels warm, lively, and unique, making it a great spot for a date night, special occasion, or dinner with friends. Everything was grand from start to finish. Definitely a DC dining experience worth having! We were so engrossed in conversation and eating the branzino is the only picture I captured. read more

Maydan - Branzino - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Went to Maydan in DC and had such a lovely time. The ambiance is amazing -- such a fun, warm, beautiful place, and our server, Haley, was so wonderful and attentive. We always had pita, they were quick to check in on us, and overall the service was great! Food-wise, there were some HUGE standouts. The red pepper walnut dip is a MUST. It's a little sweet, a little tangy, and super flavorful overall. The hummus was also delicious, with a sorta woodsy, smoky depth of flavor. The oyster mushrooms, though, were an absolute standout. SO much umami, really well seasoned, and perfectly cooked -- they genuinely tasted like steak. Amazing, amazing dish. The vegetables were also really well done overall. The fire-roasted asparagus was great, and the sweet potato was perfect. The cauliflower was also amazing, although we ordered so much food that we weren't able to finish everything and had to take some home. If you're choosing vegetables, do the sweet potato and the mushrooms, hands down. The carrot havuc was yummy as well, more mild and yogurt-y, and the pickled veggies were really interesting. I had never had a pickled tomato before! The pomegranate mocktail was also delicious. Gingery, well balanced, and very refreshing. HIGHLY recommend. There were a couple dishes that fell a little short for me. The halloumi comes out VERY hot, so be careful lol, but it was veryyy sesame-forward and ultimately wasn't my favorite. It was good, just not something I'd necessarily reorder. The saffron couscous was also not a huge hit around the table. It wasn't bad, just a little too sweet with the raisins and not 100% there for me. My mom liked it more than I did! Overall, you can tell everyone at Maydan believes in the food and really cares about the experience. We were celebrating my brother's birthday, and Haley even brought out a little champagne toast :,). I will absolutely be back! read more

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Holy Toledo! You can't get much better than this. Maydan offers delicious middle eastern food set in two different dining rooms, both unique, cozy, and beautiful. We dined on the Medina side. The room was wonderfully decorated, styled like a royal palace in a desert oasis. Only complaint -- the room was too cold (coming from someone who loves frigid temperatures). The other indoor seating option, which appears to be their main room, surrounds the central pit. The restaurant host (or manager) was incredibly kind and gave us a tour. I think the other seating option was better. Regardless, the food was top notch! We got their Tawle (tasting menu) with wine pairings. We also opted for their lamb shoulder. It was well worth the upgrade! Juicy, charred, and well seasoned. There were so many leftovers, too. I can't wait to return! read more

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

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

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Maydan was one of the most anticipated dining experiences for my partner and I on our DC trip and it was even better than I expected. Gorgeous restaurant centered around a giant hearth, the heart and soul of the space where much of the food is cooked. We went with two friends and opted to do ala carte, and ordered a bunch of items to share. - Muhammara & hummus spreads were both phenomenal - creamy, delicious goodness served with piping hot, generous portions of freshly made pita bread. - Halloumi with a nutty honey glaze - perfection - Sweet Potato - soft and just melts in your mouth - Mushrooms - super unique preparation, definitely worth a try. Very delicious. We also ordered every kabob on the menu (shrimp, scallop, chicken and lamb). The shrimp and chicken kabobs were excellent - charred to perfection and bursting with flavor. Paired with zhoug sauce, I was in heaven. Do not miss these! Scallop and lamb kabobs were just okay. Incredible service, beautiful ambiance, and a memorable meal that will stay with me. Grateful to have experienced Maydan! read more

Maydan - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We had such a huge spread and there were some clear favorites that stood out to us. We were a little limited since my wife is allergic to nuts, but they were very careful with that. The havuc and the Omani shrimp were the clear favorites. We have never had dishes quite like that, so they are still stuck in my head. The lamb was incredibly tender and it was a huge portion. The honey dates were also a great classic. The vibe of the restaurant was also really cool and unique! Overall it was an incredible experience and we will definitely be back with friends! read more

Maydan is an experience and the restaurant is very cool with the open grill pit/open kitchen concept! Everyone from the host to the servers to the busboys and chefs were all very friendly and attentive. As for the food, we had quite the feast and did not go without fresh warm bread our entire meal. For the first course we started with the Havuc 8/10 and Muhammara 8/10 - Spreads. Second course we had a chicken shish taouk kebab 9/10, the mushrooms 8/10 and 3 accompaniment sauces, tahini 6/10, zough 7/10 and the Harissa 9/10. For the third course we had the lamb shoulder 10/10 and the whole cauliflower 9/10. Finally for dessert we had the Chocolate Mousse 10/10. read more

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Maydan is an absolute must-visit in DC. The food, drinks, and staff are incredible! This is a place where you can share your food experience. They have options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Their creamy hummus and in-house hot pita are must-tries. The food has an incredible flavor and depth. It's hard to get a reservation, so come before 6 pm and get a seat at the bar. The chefs work in an open-fire wood kitchen, so you can watch their talents and delicious offerings up close. read more

Maydan had been on our list of places to try for a while. It can be tough to get a reservation. We were able to add ourselves on the OpenTable waitlist and receive alerts if a table opened up. Luckily we were able to get a table outside at 6PM on a Friday night for four people. The tawle tasting menu is about $100 per person and it was a great way to try the menu. We were able to pick from a list of spreads, vegetables and meats and at the end we were also able to choose two desserts based on our party size. You start with Mouneh - pickled vegetables, Honey Soaked Dates, and the most delicious Halloumi. You then select 3 spreads - Muhammara, Walnut Casik, and Beet Borani with warm pita bread. For entree we ordered Chicken Shish Taouk, Ribeye, and cauliflower. They had a nice cocktail list so we tried a few cocktails. The espresso martini includes gelato, and there was a green cocktail that was very refreshing. The service was really good. Please be aware that they do add a fee on the bill and guests may not notice this and may tip an additional amount which we did, but the service was outstanding. We were able to walk inside and see the open fire grill where they make the pitas on and go to the bathroom. We really enjoyed sitting in the alley on a nice evening. read more

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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. read more

Maydan - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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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! read more

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We all know Maydan's cuisine is amazing - fire cooked meats and dips galore. But I find myself visiting Maydan (often) for their high cocktail game: Colin, Nadia, Zack, among others, are absolute mixologist artists. Ordering off-menu, they excelled in my: Pennicillin, Army Navy, South Side, East Side, 50/50.... While everyone stumbles on the Maydan for the food, definitely check out their artists behind the bar. read more

My friend suggested this place for brunch and I'm so glad she did. Easily a new fav. The location is a bit hidden but once you enter it's absolutely lovely. The atmosphere gave exclusive. We sat at the bar and the sever was very friendly and walked us through the menu. We did the $75pp brunch option which included so many items. It was so much food in front of us and I loved it! My friend and I can eat but we had to take some stuff home bc we were just too full after awhile. You get your money's worth and it's a different brunch experience. Definitely recommend! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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The best meal and service I've had in so long. We had the tawle menu and it was so much food for us. Everything was delicious. The shrimp, the chicken, even the salad was incredible. Do not fill up on the breads and dip!! Our server was awesome. We sat outside. A little hot in the summer - but not awful. read more

Maydan - Menu - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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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! read more

Maydan - Lamb, Carrots - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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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) read more

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Delicious! I was sad to hear they lost their star but always wanted to try it, so when I was in town we got a reservation. We got one though for the other side and wanted to be in the main room so we sat at the bar. We ordered the set meal so we could try everything and wow! First so much food for two. The carrot hummus was my favorite - super unique. The vegetables aren't just ordinary veggies, for example the tomatoes are spicy. The cheese came out steaming hot, so much so that it burned the roof of our mouths. A warning would've been useful so we warned the folks next to us. We got the branzino which was incredible. There was just a few bones but otherwise it was perfectly cooked. The shrimp kebabs were to die for. They cook their own pitas constantly so we kept getting it refreshed too. The nevative part was the fruit fly situation! I don't know why there were so many fruit flies around the bar and us. read more

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Finally! I've been trying to make it to this restaurant, and my gfs took me for my birthday. The best experience. I can't quite tell you that you'd have the same experience each time you go because it all depends. I believe it also depends where you're sitting how impactful it will be on your experience as well. Whatever you do come back each time and try something else because I will Love Amb read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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Maydan is a very nice Lebanese and Moroccan restaurant located on Florida avenue NW. To get to this restaurant, the entrance is on an alley just before you get to 14th St and Florida. We had dinner here with friends and decided to get the tawl experience for 95pp. Food was great but serving size is not that big to share with five people. The bread is amazing and the roasted red pepper hummus was great. With the tawl experience you get 4 course meal plus dessert. We decided to have the ribeye and branzino for our main course. The branzino was excellent and flavorful. The ribeye was tender and also flavorful. We also got the chopped salad and carrots as our sides. For dessert we had the chocolate mouse and the coconut pudding which I highly recommend. The ambiance was great, rustic with nice music in the background making you feel like dancing while eating. Our server was awesome and very attentive. She explained everything and the tawl experience well. The host was also very nice and welcoming. While the food here is amazing I think that the cost for the tawl experience is a bit too high. read more

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I came here for my 30th birthday celebration and all I can say is WOW- what a way to ring in a new decade. 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 :) read more

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A popular spot near Adams Morgan. The restaurant features Middle Eastern grilled food. In fact, there 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. read more

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When you walk in the doors it feels like a Middle East eatery in the heart of Marrakech. They cook most dishes over an open flame so the ambiance is robust and the smells are great. Service was attentive and prompt. We ordered the tawle which is a tasting menu. I would recommend this over and over and over again. It was one of the best meals I had in DC in a long time. The branzino was to die for read more

Maydan - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Some dishes were better than others but not sure if it was worth the value. The service was decent but nothing exceptional. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time. I don't recommend the outdoor seating since I feel like it's a less than wonderful experience. I enjoyed the halloumi and the shrimp dish. The chicken tawouk was bland and the muhammara lacked any spice. Honestly disappointed overall. read more

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Came on a Sunday evening, chose the alacarte route. Hummus, beet, and carrot dips. Zucchini and asparagus for greens. Lamb and scallop kabobs. Ribeye for the main. Two condiments - harissa and garlic toum. Had a mix of drinks between four of us from beer to cocktails (gin, mezcal, burbon), and wine. Total was ~$430 all in (they include service fees). The endless bread is wonderful and the server was kind and attentive. I just didn't LOVE the meal, especially for the price. The zucchini was sliced incredibly thick and felt like it might as well have been baked. The hazelnuts added a solid crunch and fun flavor, but I wanted crisp. The asparagus was decent but nothing to write home about. Hummus was... Hummus. The carrot havuc was quite good but the beet borani was the crowd pleaser. The lamb kebob was my favorite part of the meal - perfectly cooked, rightly sized, and an excellent cut of meat. The ribeye was precut and sizable, with a fair number of slices without hefty doses of fat. It was perfectly seared and paired well with the condiments. All in all, it was a good meal that felt over hyped and heavily focused on bread. The restaurant itself is designed in a way that makes you feel like you're on vacation. The open hearth is awesome to see, but gosh is it toasty. Summer time might not be the best time to visit! read more

So after my great review of Maydan, I went back and had 5 horrible dishes. My friend and I compared the $40 cauliflower to another restaurant's $11 cauliflower. The $11 won. One dish was so bad they took it off our bill. read more

A good friend of mine invited me here for dinner and it was quite lovely! I will start by saying, the decor inside is BEAUTIFUL with tons of ample seating! Service was quick and very patient! We tried a few different dips (hummus, the red pepper dip) and they both were great! Was a huge fan of the chicken kebabs with two of the spicier dipping sauces. The food came out SUPER fast (like a little too fast and very filling). Would definitely stop in again if I'm in the area. read more

Maydan - Moroccan Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We came last week to Maydan to celebrate my husband's birthday (as we usually do every year because it's his favorite restaurant in D.C.) I still think this is a Michelin worthy restaurant and it definitely makes me sad they took their star, but after this meal, I have some feedback because I truly love this place and this time felt something was different. This is the first time we seat outside, which wasn't really too bad as I thought it was going to be, since they make sure you are very cozy with the heaters! I wish they kept our side with the curtains closed. This time you have to pick your items when doing Tawle, which is quite tricky, since I already know the menu, definitely know what to pick unless there's something new or interesting (but feels odd that they went from 4 spreads to only 3, although last year we celebrated our elopement so our table was 6 guests, so maybe that's the reason why), but to someone that has never eaten at their restaurant nor have had a wide variety of Levantine food, can be overwhelming and that was the best part of the Tawle, just being able to pick the main and let the chefs surprise you (knowing dietary restrictions and allergies of course). All the food is as amazing as usual, my only let down was the salad, it felt really bland compared to everything else, I think they need to reinvent that chopped salad, the avocados felt really out place to me, I wish they did something like pickled beets or turnips or even something like grilled squashes for a seasonal touch! Thicken the consistency of the vinaigrette would have been another thing that could've elevated the salad or maybe some dukkah to keep it very middle-easterish vibe. I think I'll order the bulgur wheat salad (which was the only option at their old Tawle menu). Now hear me out! SHOUTOUT TO THE NEW COCKTAILS MENU!!! They took my favorite drink from all DC which was "The Only thing about US" rip, but their Espresso Martini, very indulgent so creamy and rich was all my heart was craving for and it really worked as my dessert. Last year's cocktail menu wasn't as good as someone like me that likes sweet and indulgent and fun drinks, but this one was really amazing! We tried Revelry (Bombay Gin, strawberry infused campari, Cocchi Di Torino, lemon, sumac, cinnamon, egg white), The Evil Eye ( Ilegal Mezcal Joven, passionfruit, lime, serranopepper, blue curacao, aleppo salt, this one was new last year, and the only one that stood up for me when they changed the cocktail rotation) and their Espresso Martini (which was made ice cream from Dolcezza!!!). Service was pretty great, with tiny exception that we wanted pita for our spreads and mezze, and barely got 4 and then when we ate everything they plopped tons of pitas when all that was left to come where the chickpeas and our branzino. Branzino is delicious and crisp and has the perfect level of spices plus the acidity of pickled onions, the zhough and harissa are one of my favorite condiments that I wish I can get an entire jar of both to take home. Please never miss their Halloumi, I've had baked halloumi in so many places, but theirs, it's to die for! I think their particular zingy Egyptian dukkah and the sweet floral notes of the elderflower honey is what makes this the star of their current Tawle menu! The main reason why I felt let down, was dessert, don't get me wrong, there is nothing bad about the newer desserts, the chocolate mousse was amazing, rich creamy and had a kick of spiciness! The mahalabia definitely is a more palette cleansing after all the spices from having either Bronzino or lamb... but it turns out, nothing really compares to their baklava cheesecake (which they have taken out completely from their dessert menu) EVERY YEAR I COME TO MY FAVORITE DESSERT! it was so out of this place! And now it's gone forever and I want it to come back! As well their cardamom tres leches ish cake that I had last year! Please bring that dessert back, for all the sweet tooth girly pops in DMV area! read more

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My boyfriend and I celebrated his birthday here last night, and we really enjoyed it. The ambiance was warm and cozy, perfect for a date night or small group. You could easily dress it up or down. We opted for à la carte instead of the prix fixe menu and loved our selections. Everything was flavorful without feeling too heavy. Standouts were the gem salad, juicy chicken kebabs, and sweet potato, which could honestly pass as dessert! Definitely recommend the muhammara spread, harissa, and toum. The zucchini was a pass in my opinion. read more

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. read more

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