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    Villa Yara

    4.2 (275 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Villa Yara

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    Tara L.

    My friend and I dropped by here pretty randomly one night in the mood for a snack. She had told me that they have a beautiful little courtyard inside, which immediate drew in my interest. It was about 8pm on a Saturday night and we were able to find seating quickly. We opted for the bar since we weren't looking for a full meal and were more so using this as a pausing point before determining our plans for the rest of the evening. We ordered the Lamb Hummus to share and it was amazing! We weren't drinking cocktails and stuck with water, but our bartender was so nice and attentive. The space is super cute so looking forward to returning again in the future to try more of their food!

    Updated review 04/04/2026 - we decided to come back here for another anniversary dinner and it was even better than our first experience. Perfect food, perfect ambiance and the service from Reem and Uday went above and beyond! Looking forward to returning!

    Rose H.

    Villa Yara is a must try- the location was very cute. The ambience felt like a restaurant you might find in New York because the tables were so close. I thought it made it feel a little bit more intimate and home like and added to its charm. The service was exceptional from the time I got there till the time I left, I felt very taken care of and accommodated. The food was really great especially the hummus with lamb is a must try. I would come back just for that dish alone! The pictures don't do the dishes justice however, I got the platter that was able to feed two people, and it was more than enough to feed two people - it included the lamb, Bronzino, beef sausages, and grilled chicken. For dessert, I got the baklava which was stunning. It had a floral taste to it, which was a really nice twist, and I also had the traditional yogurt that came with caramel. That was a little bit too sweet for me, but if you're somebody that likes very sweet desserts, it was extremely sweet. Would definitely love to come back and try their other dishes.

    --- I came to DC excited to experience the city's diverse food culture, which has such a great reputation. This was the first restaurant I tried, ordering through Uber Eats since I arrived pretty late. While the delayed delivery wasn't the restaurant's fault, the food itself was extremely disappointing. It was not worth the wait or the price. The meat was dry and overcooked, and although I was supposed to receive two skewers, I only got one. That skewer had very little chicken--after one bite, there were only two small pieces left. I also couldn't identify most of the vegetables or sides on the plate. Given the strong reviews, I honestly don't understand how this meal reflects them. Maybe it was a one-time issue because they were close to closing, or perhaps something went wrong with the delivery--but overall, the food was dry, unappetizing, and far too small for the cost. I was shocked by how bad it was and would not recommend it based on this experience.

    Interior
    Burcin D.

    This was our second time at Villa Yara to celebrate me and my best friend's birthdays and we have the best dinner. We ordered bunch of the small hot and cold meze which is the way to go here. Upon learning that this is a birthday celebration, they brought out all of the desserts, which was an amazing surprise. Our server was Naoures and she was the sweetest and very attendant. They play Middle Eastern songs in the background and the vibes are always 100! I highly recommend this place and I will definitely be back again

    Gloria M.

    I love this restaurant! All of the dishes I've tried are amazing but don't miss the baklava ice cream dessert, 10/10. The service is incredible and all of the staff are so friendly.

    Jose P.

    Came here with friends for a nice time and a good meal. Lebanese food is always delicious and mostly gluten-free. The service was great and they took care of all our restrictions and helped us get a great meal. My wife and I ordered the platter for 2 that was awesome. The place used to be Le Pan Quotidien and they have done a great job converting to a casual restaurant. We sat outside in the back garden which was really nice. The only gripe is that they have not invested in mosquito control which was a bit of a distraction. Otherwise, I highly recommend this place.

    Yaras mahalabia
    Melissa B.

    I've now visited villa yara twice and have loved everything that I've eaten here! My favorites would be the branzino (the green sauce is unbelievable), mouhamara, the batata harra, baba ghanoush, and sayadieh. The spices and sauces really make it all exceptional! I enjoy the ambiance and they have some good wines, but not too many cocktails that interested me. I gave 4 stars because of the 2nd time I came to visit the service wasn't great and there were a few snaffus! I came with a big group outing and we had less people than expected and told them this upon arriving. However, they still brought out food for the full group and set it on the two tables we weren't using without telling us, so we had wayyy too much food. When we asked if they could box the remaining food before it came out they told us that wasn't possible. Was just a bit inflexible and wasteful!

    Hummus and the Yara's lemonade mocktail
    Yara R.

    We came on a random whim since the restaurant had my name. We sat at the bar and ordered a cocktail, a mocktail, and hummus. Everything was delicious and served timely. The restaurant is beautiful and feminine and I hope to return with a proper reservation. They lose a star for service. The host was incredible but the bartenders were slow and never acknowledged us. I always had to say "excuse me" to order and get our checks. It wasn't terribly busy just a few orders trickled in while we were there so a few words of hello is a pretty standard thing.

    Garden/patio
    Dana M.

    Amazing service! The food was incredible, we tried the knafeh pancakes, shakshuka, kafta, and labneh all were so fresh and the presentation was beautiful. It was also my friends birthday and they brought out pistachio ice cream on the house. The garden was beautiful and filled with greenery, brick and mirrors. Will definitely be back!

    Stairs
    Usamah N.

    Villa Yara is definitely worth trying out, their brunch was very delicious. It's not only an instagram-able restaurant but their food is also fire which is rare to have both nowadays I know it gets very busy in there so the service could use a tad bit of touching up Highly recommend the mixed grill ‍

    Beet salad
    Alex J.

    Went on a Saturday afternoon and arrived just before afternoon rush. Sat in the patio, but weather was a bit windy for the cover to be opened. Next visit will have to be when it warmer to sit "outside." Can't remember the exact names of the dishes or cocktail, but all were very flavorful. If you like pineapple, you'll like the cocktail. Beet salad was a bit tart, still loved the flavor. Eggplant dish was good, but we weren't as hungry so didn't feel we enjoyed as much as we could have. Lots of other dishes we wanted to try so will to go again. Sharing is perfect so you can try several dishes together. Portion didn't seem large, but they were plenty. Waitress was friendly and had good recommendations, although the ran out of an ingredient so we had to change our original cocktail order. Decor was inviting so want to go back to enjoy in warmer weather.

    Jennifer N.

    Decided to try Villa Yara during restaurant week. The ambience of the restaurant was exquisite, and the decor was beautiful. We had a very large party and the service was excellent. On top of that the food was superb.

    Interior

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    Villa Yara Reviews in Other Languages

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    Zaytinya

    Zaytinya

    4.2(6.3k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    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.

    Placed a large order via Uber Eats since restaurant will not accept takeout orders directly…read more Restaurant does not allow any specifications when ordering through Uber Eats - for example, one person wanted one ingredient held from her salad. Uber Eats lacked description for Zaytinya's food items (such as the ounces of the drinks) and some items (such as the horta salata) were not as pictured. There were no extra napkins in our bag. The Coke came in bottles but we didn't receive any bottle openers. To top it off, we had three food items missing. I called the restaurant again to let them know about the missing food - they were unapologetic and didn't know what the proper protocol was to fix the situation. The service was subpar and the servings were small. Won't be back. The next day we had food delivered from another local restaurant where both the food and service were outstanding, unlike at Zaytinya. UPDATE: After writing the Yelp review, a general manager at Zaytinya emailed me the following: "..."The restaurant normally offers takeout, but the location was actually closed that day for a private event. However, since the order had come through, we tried to honor it. The mujadara and 2 orders of rice were missing because we hadn't prepped those items, as they were not offered for the buyout..." The restaurant knew on Friday what I was ordering for Tuesday. They had plenty of time to reach out to me and tell me they would be closed and wouldn't be able to fulfill the order. Instead, they knowingly sent out an order without all of the food for our group and charged as if we received everything. This shows a lack of professionalism and is disrespectful.

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    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya - Spreads & Bread

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    ilili DC - pita pillows

    ilili DC

    4.4(725 reviews)
    2.5 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.

    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.

    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.

    Maydan - Roasted carrots

    Maydan

    4.3(1.3k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$$$

    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.

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    Maydan - Wood oven front and center

    Wood oven front and center

    Maydan - Shrimp

    Shrimp

    Maydan - Spiced chocolate mousse

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    Lebanese Taverna - Platter

    Lebanese Taverna

    3.7(874 reviews)
    1.4 miWoodley Park
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Lebanese Taverna - The bar

    The bar

    Lebanese Taverna - Kids meal with falafel and rice

    Kids meal with falafel and rice

    Lebanese Taverna - The bar

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    The bar

    Albi - Brussel sprouts

    Albi

    4.6(466 reviews)
    3.8 miNavy Yard
    $$$$

    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.

    Photos
    Albi
    Albi - Rosewater meringue + walnuts in honey syrup

    Rosewater meringue + walnuts in honey syrup

    Albi - Mocktail

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    Agora DC - Cauliflower**

    Agora DC

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    1.1 miDupont Circle
    $$$

    Was able to do a walk-in on a recent Thursday evening…read more I had been many times before, but it had been a while, so it was great to dine at Agora again. Everyone in my group loved the assortment of small plates that we had. We considered getting the lamb chops, but it only comes with 2, and there were three of us, so we opted against it. The dishes we got instead (an assortment of vegetables, meat, and seafood) were all delicious, and we would all be happy to get them again.

    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!

    Photos
    Agora DC - Inside/Bar

    Inside/Bar

    Agora DC - Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Agora DC - Mocktail çiçek

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    Mocktail çiçek

    Mejana - Mixed grill

    Mejana

    4.1(927 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$
    Outdoor seating
    Private events

    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!

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    Mejana - Patio

    Patio

    Mejana
    Mejana - Bar

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    Bar

    ala - GOLDEN CAULIFLOWER

    ala

    4.2(1.2k reviews)
    0.8 miDupont Circle, Downtown
    $$$

    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!

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    ala
    ala - Adana Kebab

    Adana Kebab

    ala

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    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Assortment of Small Plates & Cocktails

    Gypsy Kitchen DC

    4.3(1k reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Rooftop seating

    Gypsy kitchen This…read moreplace is quite good. I really love the charcuterie board and the cauliflower was amazing. This was the first time I've been impressed by charcuterie from a restaurant. The Spanish cheese (Mahón) along with the crackers and mustard sauce was superb. All the meats had their own characteristics and unique flavors but the jamón stood out to us the most. It even went well with the sauce that came for our cauliflower dish. It was fun piecing the components together to make unique tasty bites. I would come back just for the charcuterie alone. The drinks we got were Angelli's Ferrari along with the espresso martini-ish. My favorite was definitely the Ferrari one, but the espresso martini was super mild and had a slight coffee flavor. Good for people who like very light coffee. The Ferrari one was very bright and had lots of fruity notes to hide the alcohol. For entrées, we had the shakshouka, crispy, cauliflower, and brunch pork belly. Out of all these the cauliflower was definitely my favorite; super light with good earthy flavors and nuttiness and acidity from the lemon. The brunch pork belly was good too. The meat was perfectly cooked, but I found the beans to be a little bit overwhelming. I'm not a fan of baked beans personally so that might've been my fault for picking the dish, but I still did enjoy it and the pork that was well cooked made up for it; definitely for someone who likes beans. Shakshouka was very hearty with a lot of tomatoes and red vegetables in general. If you like lasagna or any sort of tomato spaghetti dish, you will like this one. I found this to be a bit much though. I was slightly tired of the flavor at the end. Just be aware it is a bit spicy. We had a pear tart for dessert. Honestly, it reminded me of an apple pie and it was good, but I think that some of the other desserts would've been a bit better. Had a lot of sweet cinnamon notes along some crispy flaky dough from the outside. It was an interesting take but it was still good. The atmosphere is great here; we had seating on the second floor, so it was different from the busy first floor. Very relaxed and there's a lot of natural light coming around which made everything feel very welcoming. Our server was also super friendly. I will definitely be back at this place

    We paid $130 with tip for croquettes, lamb skewers, tuna crudo, hummus, and two 50 Shades of Purple…read more(drinks with butterfly pea gin). We sat outside on the patio and it was a gorgeous day. The decor is perfect and I love that they've added plants to cover the staircase. Drinks were delicious and the food came out quickly. Our water glasses were rarely empty. Service was kind. Food wise if I were to stack rank I would say the hummus is the best of what we ordered. The pita bread is thick and garlicky and oily and massive. The croquettes would be at the bottom of my list simply because they're dissimilar from any I've had before and a little bit underwhelming. The tuna was fresh but it's a small dish and not much to write home about. The lamb skewers have a subtle kick to them and they're pretty substantial. I'll definitely be back to try more! Highly recommend on a warm summer day as you're covered by the canopy above, if you're looking for a rooftop vibe.

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    Gypsy Kitchen DC
    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Hummus, Lebnah, & Flatbread

    Hummus, Lebnah, & Flatbread

    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Rooftop Patio

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    Rooftop Patio

    Villa Yara - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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