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    Mona's Lebanese Cafe

    4.6 (196 reviews)
    ModerateLebanese
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Mona's Lebanese Cafe Photos

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    MONA'S LEBANESE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Intimate
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Mona's Lebanese Cafe

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    Aaron W.

    Not sure what to say.... Came across this place randomly....... One of the most memorable meals I've had in years!!! AMAZING experience! A hidden gem I'd never heard of. From ambiance, service, decor, taste, and Mona!!!!!! I cannot recommend this enough and wish I knew of 1000 different places like this. Go here!!!!!

    Cecilia C.

    After our Mosaic Lamp Workshop @DMV art studio, we were hungry and found this beautiful restaurant called Mona's Lebanese cafe. Mona, the owner welcomed us warmly and seated us in a private room. This civil-war-era renovated colonial house was so cozy that it felt like we were in someone's family home. The gals and I enjoyed the hummus and spinach pie for appetizer. We also order Kafta kabob, beef shawarma, chicken shawarma, and falafel sandwich. Finally, we shared baklava, Knafe Bel Jibne, and Turkish coffee. Everything was delicious and you can tell that it was cooked with love.

    Meat pies

    It had been way too long since we had been in the area and enjoyed Mona's food. We finally made it back today. The beef shawarma platter, wrap and meat pies were amazing!

    OMG! Where do I start...From the unassuming quaint colonial home to the wonderful welcoming of Mona herself. You will fall in love with Mona and this place immediately! It's just like walking into your own Grandma's home and Mona makes you feel that way too! We were traveling from out of town to a customer's location near here and were looking for a different dining experience. Boy, Mona did not disappoint! We ordered Baba Ganouj, Beef Shwarma and Lamb with Rice. For dessert we had Rice Pudding and Knafe Bel Jibne. The smoke on the pitas and Baba Ganouj was amazing and I don't like smoke on ANYTHING! I don't care for lamb but tried my business partner's meal and LOVED IT! Mona has definitely won me over hands down! The Shwarma was like nothing I have ever had before. And as a BIG pickle lover, this was a hit! The Rice Pudding was very delicate and a perfect ending to a perfect meal. We ordered the Knafe Bel Jibne as we were very curious. It is a warm sweet treat with a very slight hint of savory which comes from the pistachios - YUM! Mona cooks everything herself to order with LOVE! This is such an AMAZING AND UNIQUE dining experience and hidden GEM! This place is a MUST! When you go there, tell Mona that Kat and Rob sent you!

    Updated 2022 Menu
    James L.

    These are the types of reviews which I am loathe to write, since I had high expectations of dining at Mona's Lebanese Cafe. I first came across this place in late 2019 when I was visiting friends out in Sterling. Back when I was still living in LoCo, I knew the building where Mona's is located as the Guilford Station Antiques. So I was intrigued when proprietor Mona Aboul-Hosn decided to open up her cafe in such an unique space. As other reviewers have noted, the restaurant itself gets one star just for the décor and ambiance. The main "dining room" is located on the first floor on an old home. And just taking a stroll, you see all types of interesting and cool Americana items. However, because this is a converted home, there are very few tables so don't be surprised if when you arrive, there is a lengthy wait; I was advised to call ahead to ensure there is available seating. The notes from my meal breakdown as such: Service: If you opt to dine here, do so with the knowledge that this will be a "leisurely" meal. We arrived around 1:30pm, which is normally after the lunch crowd, but the place was still buzzing. There were only two people working - Mona in the kitchen, and I assume either her son or a male relative who was frantically running around bussing tables, taking orders, delivering food, etc. I'm all about supporting mom and pop establishments, but having to wait 10 minutes for water, and then another 10 minutes to take our orders, and then another 15-20 min for the food to arrive is a bit much. But again, this is a family run restaurant, and during COVID, most food service places are short staffed, so I give them a pass. From the time we sat down to the time we left was about 75 minutes. Food: If I'm going to wait for "home cooked authentic Lebanese" cuisine, I expect it to be amazing. Sadly, what we got at Mona's was not. The Shawarma Beef Platter arrived at the table visually appealing, but the meat was a shade past warm...dare I say tepid. It tasted to me as if the meat was pre-cooked and was either microwaved or sitting in a warming tray since it was also a bit dry. The Shish Taouk was cooked fresh as evidenced by the steam rising from the chunks of marinated chicken. Seasoning was good, but could've used a bit more salt. But my main gripe is for $16, there were like six pieces of chicken a few pieces of grilled veggies, and a whole lot of rice. Garlic spread was good though, and paired well with the provided pita bread. All in all, a very uneven dining experience results in my 3 star rating. Meal for two persons, with two entrees (no appetizers or desserts), and just water, came to about $45 with tax and tip.

    Amy M.

    This is truly a hidden gem. Everything about this place is absolutely perfect. The atmosphere, the hospitality, and most of all the food. Mona is so sweet and welcoming. My husband and I wanted to try everything on the menu but for our first visit we had the Kibbeh and the hummus to start. I could have been satisfied with just that. Hands down the best I've ever had. Then we ordered the beef and the chicken shawarma platter. I can't say enough about how fresh and amazing everything tasted. I also ordered the lemonade made with tidewater.. out of this world! We will definitely be returning to try more of the menu very soon!

    View into front dining room
    Diane S.

    Mona has special recipes that not only give you confidence in dishes being homemade, but also having that little extra something. I only tried hummus, baba ghanoush, and the meat pies, but all were above par and quite excellent. The baba ghanoush had a hint of a smoky flavor that was lip-smacking. The meat pies were as tasty as my own from scratch. I would wish they were bigger, or perhaps 50 cents cheaper each, but wonderful, wonderful. Beautifully-made as well. The only thing i thought might not be homemade was the pita served with the hummus. But, i don't make homemade either given there are so many good sources now. Some was very good, but some thinner cuts dried out too quickly, and it didn't have the same wonderful flavor from her meat pies' dough, which should be the same as a pita bread recipe. Beautiful ambience also, inside.

    Side Entrance of Mona's

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    Authentic Lebanese like you're invited to a friends house for dinner. Highly recommend!

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    16 days ago

    Delicious food. Loved the home cooked taste in all we ordered. Will be back again and soon!

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    3 years ago

    Have eaten here twice so far. Once dined in, once ordered a take out. Both times food was delicious. Service was great too.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    What a treat for authentic Lebanese food. This place is a must, our dishes were made with love, you can just taste it.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    This place is awesome!! Located off the beaten path, it is literally in an old 1800s style farmhouse. And the food is awesome!!!

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    2 years ago

    I don't know why people like this place the food was terrific and the staff were so rude.

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    Massaya Lebanese Restaurant & Bar - Massaya Lebanese Restaurant & Bar

    Massaya Lebanese Restaurant & Bar

    4.2(119 reviews)
    5.7 mi
    $$

    They have street parking outside the restaurant and some good outdoor and indoor seating…read more I hear they have a hookah lounge too inside somewhere which might be attractive to big groups. The service was S-L-O-O-O-O-W and our server messed up the order. She skipped bringing in the appetizer we ordered and first forgot fries and then forgot sauces/ napkins. Worst was when she messed up the billing by confusing 2 different cards from 2 different table orders. Food: The chicken shawarma wrap was good and came with fries which was yummy 5/5 Tip: the foil around the wrap was not "wrapped" well enough so all the sauces from the wrap dripped on our clothes and table :( Please hold the wrap carefully and be mindful it will be leaking.

    My boyfriend and I had a wonderful experience here! The service was fantastic and the food was just…read moreAMAZING!! Everyone was just super kind and very helpful! The restaurant was super clean as well. I ordered the lamb shank with a side of hummus and a salad and my boyfriend ordered the shrimp dish with a side of fries and rice. Everything was unbelievably amazing!! My boyfriend devoured everything!! I, unfortunately, had to take home part of my dish because I still can't eat that much after having Covid three times. The dish also provided pita bread, which was also amazing!! We also both ordered dirty martinis, which was also amazing!!! We will definitely, and I mean most definitely, be coming here over and over again!!!

    Photos
    Massaya Lebanese Restaurant & Bar - Inside

    Inside

    Massaya Lebanese Restaurant & Bar
    Massaya Lebanese Restaurant & Bar

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    ilili DC - pita pillows

    ilili DC

    4.4(727 reviews)
    23.3 mi
    $$$

    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.

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

    Photos
    ilili DC - Stylish dining room with greenery.

    Stylish dining room with greenery.

    ilili DC - Duck Shawarma

    Duck Shawarma

    ilili DC - Olive You Margarita and Keraz Carciofo Negroni.

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    Olive You Margarita and Keraz Carciofo Negroni.

    Cedars Of Lebanon - Lamb Kabob

    Cedars Of Lebanon

    4.6(134 reviews)
    29.6 mi

    The Cedars of Lebanon is an easily-overlooked cafe right on the corner of the Old Greenbelt…read moreShopping Center which is a lovely hidden gem. I spent every summer in this town, growing up, and I never discovered this restaurant until a precious friend brought me here a few years ago. It's a dated, though efficient, and charming, cafe with fresh dishes you might love. Firstly, if you plan on having lunch here on a Monday, make sure you are able to finish by 2:45 since they close by 3pm. All other days, they are open past 8pm. We started with the sweet potato soup despite the fact that the reviews for the lentil soup here are the highest. Yes! If it's featured: get it! The turmeric and coconut milk make this soup delightful. The herbs made it so fresh and there was just the right amount of sweetness and gentle heat. Parsley really adds to this recipe and I'm not usually a fan of this herb. The pitas are soft, thin and light. Love them. We needed to order more. I've never had such paper-thin pitas. Yum! I love love love the hummus, here. It is nothing short of divine. The flavors are fabulous and deeply complex. You can really taste the tahini. The olive oil is mild and delicious. I exclaimed, "the hummus was the best ever." And then 5 minutes later, I read a review by Yelper James H. where he says it's the best ever and, "... this hummus at Cedars of Lebanon might have ruined all other hummus for me forever." While I've had similar swooning feelings over the hummus at Lebanese Taverna in Tyson's Corner, this hummus is at least a top contender if not the metro DC area's hummus winner. The cucumber mint yogurt salad is nice, cold and refreshing. You can really taste the mint. I would order this yogurt salad with every meal. The falafel pizza is unusual and fresh. Straight away-- you can taste the tahini, parsley and couscous. The dough is grainy and natural. And there are radishes on this falafel pizza: not overpowering. For the $9 or so pricepoint, this dish is a true labor of love. To prep all of these vegetables, even with food processors, must take time. How novel of a dish! Put the yogurt salad on this pizza. You will thank me. And I only did it because I was watching someone else slather it on. There were at least 12 desserts on the menu. Meow. If we weren't so full of pita, hummus, tahini and fresh veggies, we certainly would love to taste a few of these. As well as the Turkish coffee, with an authentic ceramic and metal carafé presentation.

    Pretty easy, breezy no-frills restaurant…read more We stopped by Cedars of Lebanon, because it was one of the few places that had outdoor seating and was not full. The restaurant has a small outdoor dining area with three four-seater tables, which was find for our two dogs. The experience overall was pretty low key, which necessarily is not a bad thing. Although there is waiter/waitress service, you will have to order your food at the cashier's counter. Actually, maybe that's only a thing if you are dining outside. The menu has a nice mix of Middle Eastern dishes. I went with a beef (or maybe it was lamb) kabob plate. The portions were fine and my meal was pretty good. It was not out of this world amazing, but it got the job done. I thought that the prices were pretty good for the area and the amount of food received. Although the food was fine, I do not think that I would go out of my way (e.g., driving more than 30 minutes) to dine here. Just be aware that the restaurant does not serve alcoholic beverages.

    Photos
    Cedars Of Lebanon - Interior

    Interior

    Cedars Of Lebanon - Gorgeous wood stick art. Listening for the Whisperer by Artist Paul Downs.

    Gorgeous wood stick art. Listening for the Whisperer by Artist Paul Downs.

    Cedars Of Lebanon - Passion Fruit Custard

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    Passion Fruit Custard

    Mona's Lebanese Cafe - lebanese - Updated May 2026

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