My first review on my regular lunch spot. This is a a great place for a healthy meal with fresh ingredients! The serving staff is pleasant, quick and efficient. read more

Why was the rice dry and crunchy? The chicken was all small burnt pieces. I had to force myself through it for the $15 I paid. The pita bread was delish tho ig. read more

This review is specific to the Roti on First Street in NOMA. Dear Roti - I love you. I eat here way too much, but I can't help it - the food makes me so happy. PLUS - Do you have any idea how awesome your employees at this location are? Service means everything and it's a hard job dealing with the public. Whoever is choosing/training these employees knows what they're doing. EXCELLENT job all around. read more

Looks like they are cutting back on menu items. Last time I went in they had gotten rid of lamb from the menu, which was the main thing I loved about their build a bowls. So their protein options are more limited now. I guess the steak is very spicy (which does not work for me because I am not very tolerant of extra spicy things), and then you can have chicken or salmon, and some vegetarian options. Hopefully CAVA will not follow this example. read more

This was my first time at Roti, and I was very impressed. I've recently started a vegetarian diet and this place had the most vegan/vegetarian options I've seen this far. The falafel was spectacular. The service was fast and everyone had a great attitude! If you're feeling like a little treat I recommend the chocolate chip cookie, the chocolate was very rich and the cookie was soft. read more

Roti - Falafel Rice Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've only recently gotten into Mediterranean food and I've been to the other two popular mediterranean restaurants in the area and Roti is a little different. While the other two have a similar taste, Roti stands alone. This was my first time here and the food was pretty good, I really packed it on! read more

Roti - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've always been a fan of Chipotle; I mean you pick whatever the heck you want in your burrito or bowl and enjoy it without having to wait for long. Now, picture this; same idea; just different food, and what makes it even more interesting is that it's Mediterranean cuisine, so for me it's like an americanized version of what food back home tastes like. I came here with a coworker not expecting much, but I really enjoyed my food. I got the plate with rice and Falafel, hummus, yogurt, salad and kuskus, and it tasted really good! The service was fast, and the manager was around to greet people. Def. coming here again! read more

Why is this place rated 4 stars?!? Talk about crappy tasting food. I tried both the chicken and steak, both were totally dry and completely over salted. Actually, all I could taste was salt and the occasion chunk of onion from one of the other nasty concoctions. This whole place had the chipotle vibe, so I was expecting an above average experience and decent food. I was really hungry, so it had to be really bad for me to dislike it this much. Would not go back. I would highly recommend Potbellys next door or even the grocery mart down the road would be a better choice. read more

I don't usually eat from here because im not interested in nothing but the salmon and rice with sauce. I was really hot and hungry one day & My card was giving me a hard problem. Instead of them not helping , they found ways to help me get my meal & remained calm which eventually made me calm lol. I give thanks to the manager & the cool male worker who always greets when he comes in ( forgot his name). Thank you again and see you soon for more salmon! read more

PROS: Good prices, fresh and delicious, nice people working here CONS: ? Whoo. At first I was a bit suspicious about them when I discovered that they're a chain. Trusting my fellow yelpers, I decided to give Roti a shot. The hummus and pitas were good. The falafel balls were okay. Overall, quite an enjoyable experience! read more

I frequent this place, and I enjoy it because it's a great way to eat healthy-ish and practice portion control. The portions are filling also. For some strange reason they got rid of the salt and pepper, not like I need a lot if it but it's something every restaurant should have enough of. I definitely recommend this place. read more

This place was very interesting to me. They took a concept that has obviously worked (think Subway, Chipotle) and used it for Mediterranean food. And it works. I went with a salad. I wish there were more vegetable options, but the meat was tender and well seasoned, and they didn't skimp. Probably not the first place I would go if other options were available, mostly because I don't like olives and cucumbers. But if it was all there was, I wouldn't starve by any means. read more

Congrats on Opening. It's great to have something new in NOMA! We stopped in for lunch on 3/1. I had the steak Roti on laffa with hot sauce; cucumber and tomato; sumac onion; and roasted veggies. Hot sauce is good, veggies awesome! Cucumber seemed a little soft. Sandwich was perfect size although my friend felt that they shouldhave option of a side of rice or something to complete the meal. All in all, I'm looking forward to another visit read more

I had the Mediterranean Chopped Salad, one of their "favorites". Mixed greens, chicken roti, cucumber & tomato, feta cheese, olives, couscous (who would think to put this in a salad?) just reading the description of this now makes me realize they left out croutons and the pita that should've accompanied the salad. I did substitute cucumber yogurt sauce for the vinaigrette that was listed on the menu. The salad was absolutely delicious! The yogurt sauce was the perfect accompaniment for the chicken & feta. My friend had a wrap sandwich of some sort & also announced it yummy. Hopefully they'll open a shop in Loudoun County soon - DC's too far to travel for lunch! read more

This was my first time trying this place. I was quite impressed. The vegetables were bright, fresh, and delicious. The falafel was moist and probably the best I've had. read more

Roti - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I got one of the pita sandwiches (vegan) with all the vegetables and it was amazing. The pita was perfect, the vegetables were well seasoned and the hummus was great. So thankful I live so close to this place because I will be going back many times! read more

I have eaten at Roti (NOMA) several times (4 or 5) to be more exact. I love the atmosphere. It is clean, well light and perfect for the Mediterranean food newbie. The familiar Chipotle style layout will banish the mystique and scariness of the unknown food. I worked in the NOMA area for almost three years. To say NOMA was a food desert the first year before Five Guys, etc moved in was an understatement. This second wave of places has bumped up the class and diversity of the restaurant choices considerably. My first impression of Roti was of a Chipotle style quick dining experience but with better, more flavorful food. Twice I've had the salmon kabob and it continues to stand out in my mind. I've also tried the steak roti and the falafel. Everything is fresh, well seasoned and delish. The baba ganoush sauce had me coming home trolling recipe websites to recreate my own at home. You simply can't find too much to complain about at Roti except for the small space (indoor seating is less than 50) and how fast the line is snaking out the door at meal times. read more

This is my favorite Roti location. You can park at Harris Teeter and not stress over lack of street parking. The employees are easy going and social. They seem to care about more than what you are ordering. The managers are nice. There is usually seating. I like people watching out the window. The back area is like a clown car. If the place gets crowded, suddenly employees pour out from nowhere, to assist their coworkers. My only suggestion would be adding a coat hook to the bathroom door. Otherwise, I'm using my Roti app to get free food for other visits. Oh yeah, and the food is good too. read more

This review is for the combined two times I've been for lunch since it opened on 3/1. Both times, I had the falafel on warm laffa (chewy pita) bread with a variety of toppings: kalamata olives, seasoned red onion, lettuce, cucumber/tomato "salad", feta, and tzadziki. On day one falafel was warm and tasty with whole chickpeas inside. On day two (today), it was a bit underdone and slightly gritty (?). Still I will give it a 3.5. Have I had better falafel, sure, but in the area there are few options besides soup, sandwiches or food by the pound places this is quite a find. Fresh ingredients, generously sized portions, friendly, if slightly overwhelmed staff. It's a hot lunchtime spot since the area is dominated by office buildings. Thus, I recommend you go well before noon or later in the day otherwise you should be prepared to wait. Either way, I will probably be back, but I think I will try the something else the next time. read more

I loveeee this place! If I could eat here everyday, I totally would! Unfortunately, it's not near me so I only come when my car is at the shop up the street getting an oil change or something. I always get a roti salad or a rice bowl. Well technically I always get a rice bowl since I get brown rice on my salads... Correction: Sometimes my rice bowls have lettuce in them too lol There's a plenthra of toppings to choose from and the juices are great as well. My palette is always happy when I come here. It makes my trip to the auto shop something I actually look forward to haha read more

Think Lebanese Chipotle. You pick your ingredients and watch them make it. Pseudo fast food, but healthier. I got the chicken kabob plate (comes with roti, rice, and some veggies). Fairly fresh. Also liked the steak kabob pita. Their lemonade is super sweet. I like the location and hope it thrives. read more

Let me just start by saying, I love Roti's. I've visited several locations in DC & NY. The food has always been consistently good and I've always received a good size portions, they aren't stingy with servings at all. That said, this location totally sucks! I've consistently received bad service and you'd think I'd have enough and stop giving them my money but it's the closest location to where I live so convenience keeps me coming back plus the food is really good. I love falafel! The location didn't always suck, it got unbearable once the new management took over. This particular used to give 10% discount to residents in my building as participants in one of the resident perks programs my management company negotiated with a few retailers. One day I went in and showed my card and was told, "nope, we don't give you guys discounts anymore." Back to the service, first this place is ALWAYS understaffed. They always have two or three people working including the manager yet the number of customers exceeds the staff by at least three times. That's after you've been waiting in line for 10 mins with only one person in front of you. Hint: THEY ARE SLOW and have no sense of urgency. I've gone during the week as well as on Saturdays and it's always awful. As previously stated, I eat falafel and it is my only choice of protein as I'm a vegetarian. Plenty of times they've ran out of falafel and stated there won't be any until the next day. I'm not talking about running out of food 10 mins before closing time, rather LITERALLY hours before the store closes ie. I come in at 5pm and store closes at 8pm but they're out for the rest of the day :pullshair: How do you not plan accordingly for patrons? That's like going to mcdonalds and they are out of fries! On one particular occasion I got extremely frustrated and spoke with the manager about the falafel being out again, long story short, the manager told me they weren't out of falafel and offered to make me some. Apparently, the workers just finished cleaning the fryer and didn't want to have to clean it again...excuse me??? Did I hear that correctly, you're just going to LIE to patrons and tell us food is out because you are too lazy to do your damn job? I would recommending avoiding this location at all costs. There's one in Union Station, one metro stop away or 10 mins walk, take the walk and say yourself a headache. read more

Roti - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I really like their falafel sandwich, I've had it both on the pita and the flat bread, and they are both pretty good. However, both times I've tried their steak (once the roti and once the kabob) it has been disgusting. Both times there were pieces of steak that were completely raw and others that were so stringy and chewy that I couldn't cut or chew them. I can't speak for the chicken, but stay away from the steak. read more

Line out the door everyday for good reason. Great Mediterranean food for a good price. Will be back whenever possible. read more

Roti - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

@ConvertingMe and me decided to have lunch next door Roti. OMG the salmon kabob was so tender!!!! And delicious. I wished everyday was Friday and I worked across the street from that place. It was so delicious. Or did I say that already? Anyway, ConvertingMe got the steak roti. It looked and smelled delicious. So full and packed full of toppings and sauces. Not like Chi-chi-chi (dare I say it?) chipotle at all. Not to me. Well it was Friday and Salmon was the special. I ordered 1 kabob. I had no idea I was so early that it would basically be cooked to order and I'd have the whole staff to myself. (I'm so glad we arrived when we did. Moments later, the line was OUT the door.) The fish was just barely fully cooked. Not overdone cubic sea blocks. It was falling of the skewer tender, nicely seasoned, too. And the sides? I chose the couscous salad, eggplant salad, and olives. I had the red pepper remoulade (or something like that) as my sauce. I love this place and would absolutely return. Especially in great company with lively conversation. I'm a fan. read more

Geez this is the most disorganized Roti I have ever been in. The cashier doubled as both line attendant and cashier, causing huge backlogs and a line nearly out the door. The food was delicious as always. Parking is impossible during lunch, so beware. read more

I've visited Roti before (in the Foggy Bottom area) and never cease to be amazed by how delicious it is. I visited the Roti location in NoMA a few weeks ago and enjoyed my carry out meal. I ordered the rice bowl with chicken, hummus, couscous, and a chopped tomato and cucumber salad. I topped it with some lettuce and tahini sauce. It was quite delicious and a filling meal. The service was good and the people behind the counter were patient as I perused the menu and items to decide what I wanted. Overall, a very filling and satisfactory meal. read more

Roti - Beef, hummus, and rice bowl to go. - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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If you're looking for a place to get quick, fast and healthy food, this is a decent place to go! It's a Chipotle-style restaurant and easy to order from a simple menu! However, I do not like that you're limited to 3 sides. And the falafel I got was not very warm and the roasted red pepper sauce was not very flavorful. But if you want a dessert with your meal, I would recommend the Baklava, it was pretty tasty! Overall, I would give this place a try if you're a first-timer, but if you've already been here, I would venture and try something different! read more

Roti - Rice bowl with couscous; eggplant pieces with a tomato sauce, feta cheese and falafel balls with roasted red pepper sauce - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Roti is an excellent spot for lunch or dinner... fast, tasty food that one can customize in a hundred ways. Portions are substantial enough to satisfy the hungriest diner, while still offering a variety of items for the health conscious. Choose a base (rice, laffa wrap, pita sandwich, or salad), add a protein (from veggie to meat, the options are neat), then choose from a bunch of no extra charge toppings and sauces. I generally ask for a helping of everything but the pickles, and the plate comes stacked high with delights like hummus, pickled onions, couscous, feta and the list goes on, piling up to more than I can eat in a sitting, with flavor so good I can't wait till that next meal. While the concept is superb and the staff (especially the young man with the mustache) are highly professional and eager to create your mouthwatering meal, this location may suffer from cleanliness issues. On my visit, odors from the bathrooms wafted out into the dining area, upsetting an otherwise perfect dinner. The lovely floor to ceiling windows were smeared with what looked like a failed cleaning job. What could have been a 5 Star meal dropped a few notches due to easily preventable hygiene shortfalls. Hopefully with some fine tuning, this tasty spot will love up to its potential. read more

I ordered the roti chicken rice plate, with hummus, cabbage and carrots, and couscous. The roti chicken appeared to be dark meat (chicken thighs), yet was somewhat dry event though it was freshly delivered from the rotisserie/grill area. The hummus didn't have much flavor or consistency compared that of a lot of the local Mediterranean restaurants back home. And the couscous didn't have much flavor. Although I could taste a little cilantro, it didn't have the fresh herb taste I expect from a good couscous. Not a bad spot for lunch. Good portions. Enough for two lunches, maybe. read more

needed a quick lunch. looked past the huge hunks of rotating meat impaled on spears (hence the name: Roti = rotisserie...) b/c they have TONS of vegan love. had a huge salad, w/ falafel, roasted veggies, coucous, spiced cabbage, baba ganoush, etc etc etc. pure deliciousness. everything was fresh & tasty. staff was totally sweet. ambiance is very clean/sparse. me likey. thumbs up! read more

Best Plate Ever- you really can't go wrong. Every location is different (service, atmosphere, wait time ) but all in all they can never mess up my food, and then you throw in a freshly baked, warm pita. Oh, you have my heart. I'm telling you, b.p.e. for first timers or skeptics, they will be returning soon. read more

I can't give this place enough stars! Not only is it creative, healthy, and delicious, but the staff is incredibly nice!! I work down the street and stop in for lunch every now and then and every single time, no matter who is working, the staff is so friendly and talkative, it really makes my day! Not to mention the food is so good! I personally always get the chicken kabob wrap, with rice and hummus and all that yummy stuff. Don't pass on their delicious and odd concoctions of iced teas, they're so good! My personal favorite is the peach vanilla bean green tea. It gets really busy at lunch time but the line moves fast and it has patio seating for nice days! read more

Not terribly impressed, but not offended either. I was staying at a hotel next door and wandered in. The food is outstanding in concept -- fast casual Mediterranean. I had the "Best Plate Ever" (a.k.a. "the BPE"). It was chicken, hummus, tomato/cucumber salad, a red cabbage slaw, a seasoned onion mix, an olive mix served on a bed of seasoned rice. I have two disappointments: (1) The rice was dry. I don't know how that's possible -- I mean, it's rice. It wasn't dried out, but it just tasted dry. (2) I got my order for carryout, and I arrived to my hotel with no utensils. Granted, that's my fault for not checking my bag, but I kind of expected them to throw in a fork for an order to go. There was no way to eat it without utensils. Outside of that, this is an OK place that might hit the spot for Mediterranean food. DC has so many other places, though, they Roti needs to rise to the competition. read more

Had the salad with dill sauce, roasted vegetables, and falafel. It was great.

Hit Roti up with a good buddy from work. We were in NoMa getting custom suits fitted at the hotel around the corner. We were in a time crunch but wanted to eat together and catch Roti was just the thing. Inexpensive, quick and delicious. We both got the chicken platter. It really doesn't seem like fast food, more akin to Chipotle with an assembly line type ordering. I picked rice for a base, add chicken, add hummus, feta, and roasted red pepper sauce. Warm pita bread on the side. Nice location in trendy part of town. Don't park too far away or walk too far, the neighborhood changes quickly! There is food people watching at lunchtime as this block has a number of eateries and food trucks outside. Definitely would come back here again, or try another location if in a similar situation for time, money and appetite. I don't remember if they had dessert, maybe baklava or pudding. I was too full read more

Every time I go to this place, I wonder why I don't do it more often. I've tried almost everything they offer and haven't been disappointed by anything. The service is quick, and their pita bread is fresh-baked and delicious. Also: get the baklava. Oh, that baklava. read more

Chrystina Z. is right - this is a Lebanese Chipotle. I stopped by to grab some lunch on the day they were opening, and they said it was a free lunch for that day for the grand opening - bonus points right off the bat! The food itself was pretty good. Nothing award winning, but way better than I was expecting for a step up above fast food for lunch. I probably would not seek this out again, but also would not at all be disappointed if I found myself here again for lunch. read more

I have been twice, and I am looking forward to going again! Things that make me go mmmmm :-) -The wrap (i thought it held the fillings better than the pita) -the falafel! -the cous cous -the combination of all the toppings/fillings just melts in your mouth -the people who work there always seem happy and friendly! -it is very clean Things that make me go hmmm? -The (free) water from the soda fountain tastes weird(er than normal soda fountain water). i guess you get what you pay for? -Sometimes the workers move a bit slower than i would like. but hey, i'm from the north, so maybe i just need to slow down a bit myself? read more

I don't go here much but it's similar to Chipotle in it assembly line format albeit Mediterranean food. The quality of the ingredients are decent. I usually go with the salad and select chicken as my meat of choice. The toppings are fairly robust (eggplants, cous cous, hummus, olives, choice of sauce, carrots, broccoli, zuchini/cauliflower, etc). The price on the wild salmon adds $2 which IMO is not worth it because it's most likely farm-raised, not wild caught, salmon. Place can get ridiculously packed during lunch hour with long lines. If you eat here, be sure to avoid that time window if possible. If not, check the website and make your order there so you can go straight to the checkout to pick up your meal when you arrive. read more