Amazing lamb! Very juicy. Food is overall very authentic and nice. Good atmosphere and service. read more

See all

Solid, consistent, and tasty brunch spot! I'm no expert on Turkish food, but Ottoman Taverna sure seems to be. It's the perfect spot for a casual, but nice, weekend brunch with either a small or large group. I came in with one friend on a Saturday morning (or, more accurately, early afternoon), and we were immediately drawn to their Turkish egg dishes. I settled on their egg white frittata, a gorgeous and shockingly large frittata stuffed with cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and sumac. It was loaded with flavor and as big as the dinner plate they served it on. The frittata was also remarkably thin, giving the entire thing a lovely crisp on the bottom. Beyond the food, the service was also fantastic, and the restaurant was gorgeous. I loved the cut-out white patterns across the wallpaper, windows, and room dividers, and appreciated the soft, warm lighting, which gave the entire restaurant a homey and comforting vibe. I can't wait to come back to this spot to try out their dinner! read more

One star for having a 20% service fee that they explicitly state does not go to the staff. It's in small print at the bottom of the menu. Of course I tipped the staff I don't see why they should suffer. Our total bill including the 20% gouge fee and usual tip was nearly $300 for 2 people. The food was okay but it certainly wasn't worth that. Like other restaurants in DC that have a service fee, we won't be returning to this one. read more

We dined here about 4 months ago for dinner. Most of us got the Trip to Turkey Menu. Since we shared, I got to try the Haydari, Atom, Hummus, Sigara Boregi, Adana Kebap, Inegol Kofte, Baklava, and tiramisu (which doesn't appear to be on the menu any more). My favorites were the atom, sigara boregi, and adana kebap. The atom was outstanding - smokey and full of flavor. The adana kebap itself was super tender and well spiced, but the rice and salad that it came with felt more like filler than complimentary sides. While I didn't list tiramisu as my favorite, it was still quite delicious (and also massive in size). The baklava was good, but was more of an "interpretation" than true baklava, which didn't quite satisfy my baklava craving. All in all, I'd say that ottoman taverna had good variety and relatively good execution of their dishes. While it's on the pricier side, it's not quite outrageous enough to stop me from coming again. Looking forward to trying more of their dishes in the future! read more

See all

My group and I pre-booked a reservation because they get busy on weekends! We all did bottomless brunch. I believe it was around $45 per person. It includes bottomless drinks and small plates. The drinks were great! We ordered classic Mimosas and Turkish tea. The small plates were alright. It wasn't as delicious as I remembered it when I came for restaurant week last year. The service was okay. We had to ask our server for a new pitcher and other things that may have been missed forgotten. Honestly, he didn't really seem like he enjoyed his job or wanted to do it lol. The ambiance here is always nice. Super classy feel to the restaurant with the white table cloths. Overall, id give it another try maybe. If someone says hey let's go here id be down. But it wouldn't be my first choice. read more

See all

I've been here twice for a company holiday party. Peaking into the restaurant you can tell establishment is pretty high class and immaculate. The restaurant decor is classy, service was exceptional, and food was so delicious. I love that they have several options for non-alcoholic drinks like a mocktail mule or some fruity spritz drinks. Some of the food highlights were the red pepper hummus, the lamb chops, and the skewered chicken cubes. Every meat was so well-marinated and full of flavor. If driving in, be prepared to pay for a garage or lot, or be very vigilant for street parking! read more

See all

I don't know where to start. I would say this was the worst service and food I've ever experienced! A party of six of us wanted to try this restaurant because it looked similar to Zaytinya, which we loved to visit at least once a month. From the beginning, the restaurant was quite empty, and we requested a table in the back, as we were hoping for a private and hidden space. Instead, they seated us right next to the bar, where happy hour patrons were gathered. It was very difficult to get the staff's attention; we had to ask multiple staff members just to place our order. There were plenty of staff walking around but not checking on tables. The food was mediocre at best. We ordered the shepherd salad, which lacked flavor and was overwhelmed by pomegranate sauce. The Ezme was also disappointing, and although we ordered butter shrimp, they forgot to bring it. Some of us had the meatball platter and beyti kebab which was okay. Unfortunately, my chicken kebab was undercooked and pink on the inside. I wanted to ask our server about it, but he was nowhere to be found, so I ended up only eating half of it. We also ordered Turkish tea and Turkish coffee; however, my friend's coffee cup was broken, which was quite embarrassing for us. I really don't understand how this place got a Michelin rating. To make matters worse, after the terrible service, they automatically added a service charge. When I asked the server if the tip was included, he said no, that we were merely sharing the bill and that tips were not included. He expected us to tip him additionally. The total bill came to around $390. The next day, I discovered they had added an extra $25 as a tip, which is not legal. Shame on the restaurant and its management for allowing this. Overall, the food and service were awful, and I will never return. read more

An extensive menu, Ottoman taverna boasted quite a few options to choose from. The dining room was quite large and finding a reservation wasn't hard. We ordered the Pembe Sultan, Atom, and cauliflower. The flavors were unique and delicious. My only critique is the bread did not seem fresh. It was a bit cold and dense. Otherwise, great meal! read more

See all

The experience here was different than when we visited for restaurant week last year. The food was good but I think the food from restaurant week was better. We ordered all the dips and they were all good with the exception of the smoky flavored one. It had way too much liquid smoke in it for my liking. The falafel was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The beef kofta was really good but I think the chicken kofta might have actually been better. We did come for brunch on a Saturday, so we did get the bottomless brunch with mimosas. They started with a glass each and from there on brought a carafe. The mimosas were really good. The service was mostly good but our waiter had to be flagged by other staff a lot. There were times he even looked at us and then kept just walking away to go talk to other staff. The other staff members were very helpful when that happened. The ambiance is very clean and modern. The paper on top of the table cloths makes for easier bussing of the tables and it blends fairly well with the table cloth. I would recommend trying it and forming your own opinion. I think it's worth visiting every once in a while and they do have a good brunch deal at $45 per person. read more

See all

Went for happy hour - the deals are unbeatable! All dishes are $5-$9 and there is a huge menu. The drinks are also very cheap - under $6. The portions were generous and everything was very tasty. Love the chicken kebab especially read more

See all

I could not have asked for a better dining experience at Ottoman Taverna. From start to finish, our food, the service, and the atmosphere were great. For our meals, we went with the Trip to Türkiye, which is a four-course meal for about 44 bucks. For my dining pleasure, I went with the following: -1st course: Ezme (sun-dried tomato paste with onion, green pepper, garlic, parsley & Turkish spices) -2nd course: Patates Köfte (potato cakes with crumbled feta & yogurt sauce) -3rd course: Tavuk Sis (char-grilled chicken cubes seasoned with Turkish spices & served with bulgur pilav, ezme and carrot-red cabbage slaw) -4th course: Katmer (phyllo dough stuffed with cream & pistachio) OMG! As I'm writing this, my mouth is salivating over my 3rd course because the chicken was beautifully seasoned and soooooo juicy. I don't know why, but there is something about the "simplicity" of Turkish food that makes it so delicious - you just need a grill, some meat, and seasoning. There's no need for fancy sauces with 85 million ingredients. This place will stay on my list of go-to spots in D.C. read more

See all

I have been here several times in the past few years, and recently went again for their brunch. They do offer a bottomless brunch, which is a great value, but this time my group went with a la carte. My red lentil soup and haydari were okay, the Turkish margarita was fantastic (a little tart, not sweet), and I love that they supply the table with this delicious, thick pita bread. The issue lies with service. We sat at the table for thirty minutes with only water glasses trying to get the attention of any server for our check, ironically our water glasses were never empty...I think mine was filled about three times while we waited. On top of that, the check itself was incorrect, we asked for it to be corrected, was provided the corrected check, and it was still incorrect. Another issue I saw was they charge tax on tip which makes me feel a certain way. Overall I recommend food, and have had great experiences in the past, it just felt off this time. read more

Ottoman Taverna - Sauteed Butter Shrimp Dolma - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I visited during winter 2024 restaurant week for brunch. My expectations were high because it had a Bib Gourmand and I had heard a lot of good things about the restaurant. Once I walked in, I was struck by how loud it was. The wide windows gave it a bright atmosphere. It seemed like a good place to hang out with friends/ casual and not too intimate. I was sadly seated at a high-traffic zone table and spent some time avoiding people who were passing by. Since I dined alone, I solved this by switching seats. However, the waiters thought I was alone, which led to a delay in getting my order. But once, that was made clear to them, service was faster. Food: I ordered two mezzes, an entree, and a dessert. Enragingly, in the end, the waiter told me that I could not get a dessert since I had gotten 2 mezzes. I should have disputed this since I had the IG pictures of their menus. But I did not since I thought maybe I did not read the menu correctly. That is the reason for the 2 stars. For mezze, I chose the hummus and the muhammara. They came with delicious bread, which made up for the mid-flavors of both spreads 3/5. None stood out to me For the entree, I chose the Inegolu Kofte. The serving size was generous and the meat was extremely juicy, tender, and succulent 5/5. I would recommend this. read more

Ottoman Taverna - hummus and muhammara - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

We arrived for our reservation on time, but we weren't seated for another 15 minutes. There is very little standing room available. The service was prompt and the meal was enjoyable. Their most recent Michelin star was awarded in 2022. Hot mezzas: Icli Kofte 4/5, Butter Shrimp(fair, but not a stand out) , Sigara Boregi (4/5) Entrees: Lamb sis and Tavuk Sis (I prefer the tavuk) Cocktails:Negroni (beautifully made), Moscow mule read more

Ottoman Taverna - Lamb Sis - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

We came to Ottoman Taverna to celebrate my husband's 30-year anniversary in government service and his retirement--and we could not have chosen a better place for such a special occasion. From start to finish, our experience was outstanding. The food was absolutely incredible. Every dish was fresh, fragrant, and beautifully presented. The flavors were distinct and bright without ever being overpowering, and the portions were impressively generous. You could taste the care and quality in every bite. The service was warm and accommodating throughout the evening, making us feel truly welcomed and cared for. Thank you to the team at Ottoman Taverna for helping us mark this milestone with such a memorable and delicious meal. We will absolutely be back (this was not our first time anyway. I personally love this place, if you cannot tell)--and will be recommending you to friends and family! read more

Beautiful restaurant with great food! Really enjoyed this place tucked away on a beautiful street in the NW section of DC. We started with appetizers Patates Kofte which were similar in texture to a croquette. Super flavorful with the added yogurt sauce and feta. Secondly, the Sigara Boregi. A sort of philo cigar stuffed with feta and parsley mixture. It was crispy and tasty Dinner was salmon which was flaky and perfectly cooked along with mashed potato, spinach and beet root Second meal was Moussaka which is a layered dish of potato, eggplant, ground beef and béchamel and finished with cheese. Turkish coffee and tea was fantastic and the desserts included a grilled phyllo stuffed with a sweetened pistachio cream and baklava made of pistachio as well. Different from Greek version but delicious Everything was great. I apologize for limited food pics but we were starving We will be back read more

See all

Went here on Sunday with a friend for lunch (they also had the bottomless and a la carte menus for brunch but we stuck to lunch). The restaurant is about a 10 min walk from the Gallery place metro station. The interior is gorgeous, spacious and clean; upon arrival my friend was already there so when I went to the host stand they just let me go to my table. We waited about 15 min tbh before we were approached for our drinks, and then our order was taken another 10 min later. The servers are kind, but service is slow and not too attentive. Drinks were delicious - we got mocktails and they were pretty and tasty. My pomegranate one wasn't too sour like it is at other places. The cold mezze appetizer was amazing and they kept bringing up bread which we loved! They gave us some time to eat that before they asked if we were ready for our mains - I loved my chicken Adana and it came out so nice and hot. Beautifully juicy and not dry chicken, vibrant salad and flavorful overall! They do add a 20% service charge so we didn't tip additional since there is quite a large fee, and with service being slow we didn't feel inclined too. The food and atmosphere was great, our server got us everything we needed, and I would definitely go back for a special occasion. read more

See all

A group of us made a Friday evening reservation for Ottoman Taverna for their Restaurant Week (August 2023). Before I get into the details of this review, I just want to say that the quality and taste of the food is great, but the quantity is phenomenal. For 40.00, this is a complete steal. We were so full and a few of us had leftovers to take home. For the deal, we can choose two mezzes, one entree and one dessert. Another thing I wanted to mention - everything we got was good, if not amazing. They also give you complementary pita bread here, which you can get refills for if you ask. The pita bread went well with all the spreads we got here. MEZZE: LENTIL SOUP Wow, probably one of the best lentil soups I have had in awhile. The soup is made with red lentils and the spices and ingredients used to make this was the perfect combination. I love that you can taste the grainy texture of the lentils and the bits of black pepper (?) gave it a slight kick. Overall, simple but comforting. I really enjoyed this lentil soup and the portion size isn't skimpy! I almost wish I had a second bowl, lol. It goes well with the pita bread, too. MEZZE: HUMMUS Hummus was smooth and flavorful, went so well with the pita bread. This is a classic mezze that I'd recommend sharing with others. SECOND COURSE: ISKENDAR KEBAP The portion size was MASSIVE. The sliced beef kebab was pretty good and the tomato sauce enhanced it. The toasted pita bread chunks were a bit soggy but flavorful. The yogurt scoops on the side were a bit too heavy/dense for me so I left it, but the small amount I had were creamy and dense. I had so much food leftover, definitely very happy. THIRD COURSE: SUTLAC This rice pudding came in a small ceramic pot/bowl and it was the perfect size. I liked how "not too sweet" this one. You can taste the individual grains of rice and the pudding was smooth, creamy (and custard like). This is not a very heavy dessert and I enjoyed it. A couple of friends got the falafel and patates köfte which were both flavorful (on its own) and with their respective, creamy sauces. read more

See all

Amazing ambiance that transports you to another world. Excellent food that excites your senses and great service! Overall, the Ottoman Taverna delivers on all levels! Definitely try: Tahini Creme Brûlée for dessert Lamb Sis - the flavors just burst in your mouth! read more

See all

Just came to the bar and loved the representation of Turkish liquor and Lebanese beer.

We stopped by for restaurant week and I had little to no expectations, although I did find out about their Michelin recognition by the signs at the entrance. Was seated immediately since we made a reservation a couple of days prior. I got there at about early happy hour time, and it quickly became filled up about an hour or so after. The inside is really pretty, looks like a lounge but also very spacious and family seating friendly. We ordered a couple of things for the table to share. The vegan meatballs, Sigara boregi, hydari - I found them to be okay, liked the sauces a lot and the bread was really soft and delicious with them. The moussaka was tasty, interesting flavor but I liked it. I had the tavuk sis, which was a very decent portion first of all, and the chicken was quite well seasoned and tender. The rice was also tasty with a fresh slaw that complemented the entire dish - my favorite order. The baklava tasted like others I've had, also enjoyable. The service initially was a little slow, but once we finally placed our orders the food came out quite fast and our waiter seemed to pay a little more attention to us. Would recommend that you stop by if you're in the area and craving some Mediterranean/Turkish cuisine. read more

See all

Food was great, but service is incredibly poor. We asked for a birthday celebration, but the server forgot. When we brought it up, she couldn't be bothered. We felt rushed, like we were part of an assembly line. The ambiance is very poor for the caliber of restaurant - it was incredibly loud, and the tables were arranged in rows like a food court. If you are looking for a nice dinner or a celebration, go somewhere else. Besides the quality of the food, everything else was incredibly poor. Very disappointed, will not be coming back. read more

Dining alone at Ottoman Taverna in Washington, D.C. was one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after the last bite. From the moment I sat down, I felt genuinely cared for -- and that was entirely thanks to Vusal. He was kind, attentive, and carried an effortless professionalism that made the entire evening feel special. His timing, knowledge, and sincerity reflected a deep respect for both the food and the guest. Every recommendation was spot on, every gesture thoughtful. The food itself was extraordinary -- full of flavor, heart, and warmth -- but it was Vusal's service that elevated the night into something unforgettable. If I could give him infinite stars, I truly would. Ottoman Taverna is more than a restaurant; it's hospitality done with heart. read more

This is my first time having Turkish food, and I will say that after trying the Istanbul breakfast, I am not sure if Turkish food is my cup of tea. However, I do think Ottoman Taverna has excellent food, and I would give it 5 stars because of the work they put into their food, their affordability, and the varieties that are included in each dish. They are also very tasty when, for example, one finds their favorite dip with the cheese. It was definitely an experience of discovery. The menemen was very tasty! Eggs were well-made and having the vegetables in there made me feel like I have had it in other cuisines, and overall just felt very homey. Eating the Istanbul Breakfast was a journey of trying to eat everything together and discovering new flavors. For example, cucumber with tomatoes, tomatoes with cheese, cheese with olives with honey, yogurt with cucumber, etc., and I kept discovering new flavors. But I cannot say I fully enjoyed the process because purely from a personal preference standpoint, I would prefer my food combinations cooked, or at least not just stacking one on top of another. I know it speaks more about the cuisine than the establishment. The cold meze platter had six different types of dips, and I only knew about hummus. The flavors were all so different and I loved experiencing all of them! Just purely personal preference, I think I would like to try those dips with veggies as well just to see how it turns out. Regardless, Ottoman Taverna did a great job creating the hummus, pembe sultan, muhammara, atom, haydari, and moutabal! I will definitely recommend this establishment to anyone who wants to try Turkish food. That is without a doubt! read more

See all

Service was great. The restaurant is MASSIVE, for a DC restaurant - even more so for a Turkish restaurant. It might be the largest Turkish restaurant I've seen in DC. This place also seems to be an institution within DC proper for Turkish cuisine. As far as the food goes though, I thought it was just okay - the dishes tastes like what I would expect from any "staple" Turkish dish - proper spices, well cooked, and so forth - but I didn't find any wow factor from any of the dishes. In other words, I think this place is a good spot for a taste of home, if you're Turkish, but not necessarily to be wowed by any of the finer aspects of Turkish cuisine. That said, I appreciate that they make their own bread here and it's tasty. I also appreciate the presentation of the adana kabob (beef kafta) as well as the tavuk sis chicken kabob which reminds me of the shish tawook with its spiced skewered chicken cubes. The desserts were less stellar, sadly - the pistachio baklava was just okay, and tiny. The Turkish coffee tiramisu was better, but didn't stand out compared to other tiramisu I've had (although it was pretty to look at). Ambience of this place, despite its massive size, was that of white tablecloth - so it did give a bit of a more formal vibe (although it's not to be expected to come in formal). read more

Omg! The best Turkish Ive ever had , we were a big group and every single dish from appetizers to main course was phenomenal, we were in DC for 4 days from California and this was the only good food we had in DC , nice well designed place , good staff , and amazing food! Çok Güzal read more

Ottoman Taverna - Berry Raki - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Prices are extremely high!! They also added fee even to go. Food wasn't good as before. 0/10

we were celebrating a birthday and wanted a special place and someone had suggested Ottoman Taverna so we decided to check it out. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice - reminded me of the business class lounge at Istanbul airport. The service was also good and attentive throughout our time (they include service charge for every table no matter the size) we started with the cold mezze which was good and filling - complimentary pita bread was also given. we then got the vegetarian moussaka, lamb dish, kabobs and eggplant. the veggie dishes were good, a little bland but good. the meat dishes were good but the salad and rice accompanying could've been better overall good turkish food in a nice ambiance read more

See all

Dinner in DC? Stop at Ottoman Taverna, a feature in the Michelin Guide. Here are our 5 Star FAPS: Food (F): Over the top amazing! For the appetizer, we got the hummus. We think you could skip out on it. They already give you bread, and the hummus is like $10. The hummus was good but not outstanding. We also got the Chef Mix Grill for Two. All the meats were tender, delectable, and filling! A stand out meat was the lamb chops! Lastly, we finished off our dinner with the baklava. Loved the pistachio flavor! Ambiance (A): Whether you are seeing friends, going out to dinner with family, or enjoying a date, the vibe is intimate, inviting, and spacious. On a Thursday night, it was pretty busy but easy to make a reservation. Parking (P): We walked from where we were staying, but we saw street parking around. None of the parking spots seemed available though. Service (S): Attentive! They are constantly coming around to check in on you and fill your water cups. There is a 20% service charge fee automatically added to your bill to support their workers. You will see this disclaimer on the bottom of the menu. Overall, Ottoman Taverna did not disappoint! We left full and happy! read more

See all

The lentil soup was amazing! I also loved the service and atmosphere on the Friday night that I went.

A best guess choice that proved to be superb. Flying in on Friday evening from different places for DDW, I had a several restaurants in mind, none of which had any openings. So the Ottoman Taverna seemed to be a culturally prudent choice with a nice ambiance. Booked for 8:30, I only then realized that it officially closed at 9pm. But that did not matter at all, it remained crowded until we ultimately left around 10:45pm. We ordered several appetizers (mezze) for the table which were splendid, and gosh that bread was killin it. Each ordered a main, but we ended sharing many items. From meat heavy to vegetarian Moussaka, everything was delicious. Not to forget the rice pudding desert and ice cream to round up a beautiful gathering ... read more

Came for a group dinner and it was a nice place to eat. The place is loud at night and packed, so make a reservation. They have lots of dishes to try and you can either share or get your own. Meze hot and cold, along with the grills are all good choices depending on your palate. read more

Searching for Michelin star Turkish food, we came over Ottoman Taverna. The ambiance was good and complemented the menu and the kind and attentive staff. Street parking or one of the parking houses nearby, so no stress in that department. We ordered a lot different dishes and they all tasted good. With the ambiance this is a great place to go out for dinner with friends and family read more

I had another celebration with the sisters I worked with. We shared the Hot Mezze: Butter Shrimp, Patates Kofte, Falafel, Lcli Kofte, and Brussels sprouts. Then, each of us ordered our own Ottoman Classic. I had the Lamb Chops, which you can't go wrong with unless you're a vegetarian. I say this with the highest respect; I enjoyed them for you, and they were delectable. The service was great and the atmosphere was conducive for conversation. I remember since it was party of six I was able to hear each other's conversations. read more

My coworker and I stopped in for lunch and sat at the bar. The food & service was good. The grape leaves were overcooked or perhaps were from the previous day, but other than that, the rest of our meal was tasty and the espresso martinis were great. read more

Ottoman Taverna - Grape leaves - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I LOVE Ottoman Taverna and have visited every time I come from Virginia Beach for over 5 years but I am disappointed that there is no longer İskender on the menu and that the incredible, thick pide bread has changed to a thin pide bread The mixed cold and hot mezze are wonderful. the rice and bulgur are wonderful. The lentil soup, kebabs and kasap köfte are fabulous and the künefe is fantastic. We love the içli köfte but noticed it has become very small ı want to have the awesome experience I used to have when Ottoman Taverna had the best pide bread and the best İskender in the USA (in my opinion) read more

Ottoman Experience Menu: bottomless food + mimosas/bloody marys/tea during brunch for $44.95 -- y'all this brunch got BOOZY. the food wasn't my favorite, but it was plentiful and definitely great energy for a group read more

See all

Absolutely delicious food! The seating is a bit packed and close to each other but still enjoyable ambiance. Very well priced and would definitely go again. Good service. read more

Ottoman Taverna - Delicious dip assortment - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Absolutely loved this restaurant! Recently came here after a recommendation that this restaurant was one of the top restaurants to try in the area. Myself and my friend arrived to the restaurant and was quickly sat. From the start, the service was great. We were sat quickly and everyone was absolutely wonderful. Out of a recommendation from the waiter, we ordered the Tavuk Sis. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the rice was amazing and had a sweetish taste to it. We also ordered a Mediterranean salad which was so fresh and amazing. We came here to casually eat but based off the ambiance and decor of the restaurant, I would love to come here for a event sit down dinner. I would highly recommend coming here and trying this restaurant! read more

Ottoman Taverna - TAVUK SIS - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My new favorite restaurant. Great food. Nice ambiance and professional service. This is a great first date night or 100th date night. I will be sharing this hidden gem with my friends. This is the kind of place you take someone you want to impress and still be casual. read more

Ottoman Taverna - Make note of the bottom statement. They add 20% to the check regardless of party size. - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia