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?!

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.

This is actually my second time coming to this restaurant, and both times were absolutely…read morespectacular. The food is nothing but genius--fantastic concepts like their roasted carrots, soft, spicy outer textures with a simultaneously solid and rich core. Their hummus is delectable and thick, offering an appreciated simplistic flavor paired with everything served. Their nutty, sweet, warm halloumi, mezze tasting (various pickled veggies offering a cool addition and sometimes a kick), ribeye steak & chicken souvlaki blew me away. The steak was as good as it was last time (9.9/10), and the chicken souvlaki was soft, cooked to perfection served with a zingy garnish of pickled onions. For dessert, their chocolate spiced mousse was a run-of-the-mill chocolate mousse. It was good, but I wasn't getting much of the spice. The service at our time there has a funny backstory--reservations were accidentally made at their sister restaurant, Medina. However, due to it being a special occasion, George (shoutout) managed to find us a perfect seat on the second level, overlooking the inner workings of the exposed aesthetic of the restaurant. The ambiance was calm, smooth, dim-lit, and encompassed a primal, eclectic atmosphere at the same time. Nonetheless, Maydan is an incredible restaurant providing outstanding meals suitable for various diets (keto, vegan, etc.) with great and dutiful servers who bring together the shrouded, intimate atmosphere. Everything just works and time flies in there. Definitely worth a try!

Went here to celebrate with my family and had a party of four…read more Drink order took 10 minutes, delivery of said drinks took another 15. The appetizer was dropped on my lap as the waitress cleared the plate. She didn't seem to care and said "slippery little things". $300 worth of food was delivered and not once were we asked how the food quality was. The problem is the $75 flat iron steak we ordered as medium came out as rare and was to the point it was hard to cut it was so chewy. Spoke to manager about the situation and his care meter seemed to be broken. It's a shame because ambiance and environment is great. The service was not.

Villa Yara is my family's go to spot when we visit DC. It genuinely never disappoints!! Every…read moresingle thing from the fattoush to the dips to the lam chops is absolutely incredible. The service is lovely and food comes out quickly. I love that everything is made freshly in the restaurant. As someone that is Middle Eastern, this place is incredible and authentic

Villa Yara is an experience, not just a restaurant…read more From the moment you step inside, the ambiance transports you--elegant, intimate, and thoughtfully designed with a balance of modern sophistication and cultural warmth. Every detail feels intentional, creating a space that's perfect for a romantic evening, a celebration, or a refined night out. The food is exceptional. Each dish is beautifully plated and layered with flavor, showcasing high-quality ingredients and a deep respect for culinary craftsmanship. You can taste the care and creativity in every bite, nothing is ordinary, everything is elevated. The cocktail program is just as impressive. Drinks are well-balanced, inventive, and executed with precision, making the bar a destination of its own. Pair that with the music and overall energy, and the vibe is effortlessly upscale without feeling forced. What truly sets Villa Yara apart is the service. The staff is knowledgeable, polished, and genuinely attentive. They anticipate needs without hovering and make every guest feel welcomed and valued. Villa Yara has mastered the art of hospitality--luxury, flavor, and atmosphere coming together seamlessly. It's the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. Highly recommended.

Lebanese Taverna is always delicious! I had this restaurant 2 years ago in Maryland, dreamt about…read morethe bread and shawarma since then. They give free flatbread, which was this puffy bread that was piping hot that can be dipped in their sauce, consisting of olive oil and herbs. We ordered a mehshi, which is tomato, eggplant, and zucchini stuffed with rice pilaf, concoction of sauces, and nuts. As simple as the dish is, it's hearty and my boyfriend loved it! The tomato and yogurt sauce go well together, many vegetarian dishes taste very plain, but this dish was flavorful. The Taverna platter is always a safe option, with selection of beef or chicken shawarma, hummus, and veggies. I complain a lot of other Middle Eastern restaurants have dry shawarma, but this restaurant cooked it perfectly.

My wife and I have a routine. I take the train from NYC, where I work and usually live, and she…read moremeets me someplace near a Metro stop; she is in DC often, due to elderly family we have look in on. We have eaten at Lebanese Taverna probably ten times over two decades. But we also do takeout with the same routine: she picks me up at the rendezvous, rather than our sitting down at the restaurant. I had booked a table for us, then we decided to go with the alternative of bringing the dishes home. We want to be there for our dog, who is having health issues. I emailed them to apologize, because I want them to know we are not just flaking out. Everything is good. We do not keep halal, but if you do, they promise they meet the certification standards. Our order will consist of the following: Baba ganoush Artichokes Shrimp Arak Fatayer trio Fatteh chicken We already have hummus at home. The baba ganoush I especially like. Their chefs have that consistency and subtlety that even if a home cook is good they aren't that good. I have two friends in particular who are highly skilled in the kitchen. I'd put their meals up against anyone. But when I am at a place such as Lebanese Taverna, I see what professionals are able to do. They also are faster, and, if you account for labor costs, they are much less expensive. My wife and I also have enjoyed dining in. This is a compliment, not a criticism. I would not select Lebanese Taverna for a quiet date. It is for a festive group. When we are there as a couple, we plan getting enough for two meals for two people, or four extra portions. Otherwise, you cannot sample the menu. Service has always been highly competent.

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

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

My first visit to Fettoosh felt intimate in the best way. The owner personally served the dining…read moreroom while also tending the kitchen, which lent the experience a quiet, home-cooked sincerity. Their signature mint tea was genuinely splendid--aromatic, balanced, and restorative--whether by recipe or by the hand that poured it. I ordered the Tfaya (djaaj), drawn by curiosity about raisin-topped couscous, and was rewarded with a warm, herbal, deeply satisfying dish. The flavors felt honest and transportive, offering the closest approximation of a Maghrebi home kitchen I've encountered locally. While the setting is modest and the operation clearly small, the food carries cultural confidence and care. Fettoosh succeeds not by spectacle, but by intimacy--and that, here, is its strength

Only Moroccan place I have found in the DMV. If there are others, please let me know…read more Chicken Bastilla: First time trying it, a savory chicken pastry with powdered sugar, it wasn't really for me, but the phyllo was well done. Lamb Tagine: Tasted pretty good, Lamb Shank could have been a little more tender, sauce and prunes were good. I wish i had gotten Lamb Cous Cous instead. My meal came with Moroccan bread, which is good, but Cous Cous is better. Kefta Tagine: Savory, delicious, more familiar tasting. My friend crushed it. Service: Owner is very friendly and made the experience much better. Ambiance: Crowded, cool decoration, felt like it was catered towards the ethnic community, which is what I want! Overall impression: First time i've had Moroccan in years. Appreciate it while it's here. Not every city has a Moroccan place. It's unique and different from other Mediterranean. It's a 4.5, not the best I've had but pretty darn good.

I've been here twice now and have had a great experience. I recommend getting a spot on the outside…read morepatio if the weather is nice. It is covered and you can watch all the Dupont atmosphere pass by on the street. I'm a big fan of Mediterranean food. And it didn't disappoint. They were also really good with kids as my partner and I have 5 year olds. They not only have kids menus but crayons and unique coloring activities that were perfect for our son and daughter. We ordered the dip sampler, the grilled chicken and manti, which are dumplings stuffed with meat and topped with cream. The kids loved the pita bread, as did their dads. The pita was so delicious and we kept dipping it in the complimentary olive oil with black olive tapenade. The dip sampler was good, but we didn't love all the options as part of that mix like the red pepper dip or the fishy roe. Finally, the wine selection is unique here. It consists of a lot of Greek and Turkish wines. We aren't as familiar with this regions o appreciated our server allowing us to taste the wine before committing. Overall, service was attentive and they did a great job checking in with our family. I'd definitely recommend this spot. It's a higher end place on the strip!

The vibe? Immaculate. Think warm lighting, gorgeous bar seating, and just enough "I'm chic but…read moreeffortless" energy. The kind of place where you accidentally stay way longer than planned. The food? Delicious across the board -- and definitely made for sharing (or pretending to share while guarding your favorites ). Every dish felt thoughtful and flavorful without trying too hard. The spread platter is a must. Shrimp was yummy-- wish more came with the dish. Lamb was succulent. Chicken kabob was grilled to perfection. Manti was yummy. I loved the baklava. And can we talk about the hibiscus spritz?? Beautifully balanced, refreshing, and dangerously easy to keep ordering. She's pretty and she delivers. 10/10 would return for the ambiance, the bites, and a little sip-sip moment

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!

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

Checked out ala for a weeknight dinner this past week. The restaurant was lively and had a lot of…read morepeople seated at the bar. We came to dinner not overly hungry, so we opted to do a bunch of cold and hot mezze plates - ended up ordering the baba ganoush, duck prosciutto (2 plates because we were so excited about it), salmon kibbeh nayah, tawook shish chicken kebab, and golden cauliflower. Overall, our picks were solid. The duck prosciutto had a nice crunch with the chip(?) underneath and very interesting, lovely salad base and vinaigrette. Can't go wrong with the golden cauliflower with its yummy sauce and pomegranate seeds. Salmon kibbeh was my least favorite but perhaps I'm just not used to the texture/taste of bulghur wheat.. the salmon itself was great tho! I've heard lots of good things about brunch so I would come back for that, and/or try the short ribs or branzino if I'm back in the area for dinner!