Amazing location, food and service. One of the best meals we have had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pedro M.
Dining at Albi in Washington, D.C., is nothing short of a delightful experience. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. The restaurant skillfully marries contemporary flair with traditional Middle Eastern influences, presenting a menu that's both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.One of the standout features of Albi is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The chefs here use only the freshest ingredients, many of which are sourced locally, to craft dishes that burst with flavor and complexity. Whether it's the perfectly charred kebabs, the sumptuous mezze platters, or the heavenly flatbreads fresh out of the wood-fired oven, every dish is a testament to the kitchen's mastery and attention to detail.The service at Albi is impeccable. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about providing a memorable dining experience. They're always on hand to offer recommendations, share insights into the menu's inspirations, and ensure that every need is met with a smile.What sets Albi apart is its ability to create a sense of warmth and community. The dining space, with its cozy nooks and beautifully designed interiors, invites conversation and lingering over meals. It's the perfect backdrop for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations.In sum, Albi is a gem in Washington, D.C.'s dining scene. Its fusion of modern creativity with age-old traditions, coupled with outstanding service and a welcoming atmosphere, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in an exceptional meal. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply in search of a delightful dining experience, Albi promises to leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return.
One of the best restaurants in DC - exactly what you would expect from a
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brown Butter Knafeh, Lanb Anarna Hummus, Lettuce Wraps
Matthew Applegate
Exceptional, loved every minute. The Albi team made us feel welcome and the food was delicious. We had a great time and would absolutely come again. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deandra
Excellent first time experience! Solo dined at the bar and Alex was very knowledgeable about the menu and wines and was patient with me making my selections. Will 100% be back to visit and check out the tasting menu with pairings. Albi is not merely a restaurant, it's an experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heidi Morales-Hake
This is an update to my review from 2020, which is mostly focused on the unfriendly welcome and service we initially received. My reservation was for a party of 5 and all but one person arrived on time. We were seated and immediately the waitress dove right into the menu. We started with a couple of appetizers and decided to wait to order our entrees, which for some reason annoyed her. A couple of minutes later a different waitress came to our table, and rudely told us we had to place our entire order right away because we had a 2 hour dining limit. Utterly confused and annoyed by the attitude, we politely told her we were going to wait to place our entree since we didn't know how hungry we would be after ordering all of the appetizers. As my friend was about to ask her a question about an entree, she took the menu away out of his hands and walked off! We were all in disbelief and couldn't believe the behavior of the staff. My friend immediately spoke to the manager and explained what happened and she immediately came over to apologize and reassured us that it was not typical behavior and she shouldn't have acted in such a manner. She wanted to make it up to us and turn the situation around, so she sent back our original waitress. Needless to say, the rest of the dinner went well and of course the food made up for the rude behavior. It still left a bad impression on all of us so we will not be returning. One of my favorite restaurants in DC is now no longer and I honestly hope they improve their staff.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Soft Serve
Matt S
Albi is one of the best dining experiences you can have in the DMV, and I'll stand by that. The atmosphere feels like a night of adventure, and the service is incredibly prompt. You will spend quite a bit here, but just know that the food is worth the price.My girlfriend and myself both opted for the tasting menu, which was quite a journey in terms of the varied flavors they provide in their dishes. The highlights of the meal were the Lamb kabob and mushroom hummus. I would have liked to try the lamb hummus as well as the Musakhan chicken, but our main course was the lamb kabob. All other courses were an invitation into a wonderful night of flavors that allowed you to taste an interesting number of flavors. When we got to the main course, the Lamb was amazingly presented, and it melted in your mouth. I loved the creativity of the chef, who took many traditional dishes and turned them into delightful variants of, "don't fix it if it ain't broke" cultural dishes.I don't usually eat dessert, but the frozen labneh was lovely. I thought it was odd that the tea offered was not included in the tasting menu, and was at a charge, but I didn't mind after what I can only describe as a culinary adventure. I would easily recommend this experience to anyone, and will most likely be back to see if their other dishes off the tasting menu give me the same warm feeling I get from traditional Palestinian cuisine.
Very good. Docked a star for the dumb 3% wellness fee. Just raise the price of some of the items 50¢ folks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Noam Trommer
Had a pretty terrible experience, if I could give it less than one star I would. When I got there the service was not at all friendly, and took forever to seat us. Food took forever, and wasn’t cooked properly. I looked forward to eating there, but it was very underwhelming.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Paolo Cassano
Albi offers an exceptional dining experience with an excellent atmosphere and top-notch service. The menu boasts a variety of unique and carefully crafted dishes, showcasing the chef's dedication to research. Fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through, creating an amazing blend of flavors that elevate the overall culinary experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
katherine anitole
I've been waiting to go to Albi for a long time. Went last night with my husband and his cousin and wife - all from Ramallah - and the experience far exceeded my expectations. The staff, from the hostesses, to the waiters and waitresses, and the servers, were all clearly expertly trained in customer service and satisfaction. I could write more, but let me just say I've not experienced this type of customer service anywhere in a very long time. The food - well - spectacular! I'm very familiar with Palestinian cuisine, but Albi takes it to a whole new level, combining flavor and textures, that while so simple and fresh, are just truly amazing! Albi - 5 stars! Thanks for the wonderful dinner last night. I'll be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ellen Koh
Amazing food, service and ambiance. Definitely will be back!Vegetarian options: The staff can help you with the vegetarian options and the descriptions for the food options are helpful as well.Parking: Paid outdoor parking lot is right across the street from the restaurant.
Best dining experience in DC so far. It was amazing!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Batata Harra, ALC Lamb Hashwei, Fired Mushroom Hummus
Amazing location, food and service. One of the best meals we have had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dining at Albi in Washington, D.C., is nothing short of a delightful experience. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. The restaurant skillfully marries contemporary flair with traditional Middle Eastern influences, presenting a menu that's both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.One of the standout features of Albi is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The chefs here use only the freshest ingredients, many of which are sourced locally, to craft dishes that burst with flavor and complexity. Whether it's the perfectly charred kebabs, the sumptuous mezze platters, or the heavenly flatbreads fresh out of the wood-fired oven, every dish is a testament to the kitchen's mastery and attention to detail.The service at Albi is impeccable. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about providing a memorable dining experience. They're always on hand to offer recommendations, share insights into the menu's inspirations, and ensure that every need is met with a smile.What sets Albi apart is its ability to create a sense of warmth and community. The dining space, with its cozy nooks and beautifully designed interiors, invites conversation and lingering over meals. It's the perfect backdrop for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations.In sum, Albi is a gem in Washington, D.C.'s dining scene. Its fusion of modern creativity with age-old traditions, coupled with outstanding service and a welcoming atmosphere, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in an exceptional meal. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply in search of a delightful dining experience, Albi promises to leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soft Serve, Brown Butter Knafeh, Lanb Anarna Hummus, Turkish Coffee Affogato
One of the best restaurants in DC - exactly what you would expect from a
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brown Butter Knafeh, Lanb Anarna Hummus, Lettuce Wraps
Exceptional, loved every minute. The Albi team made us feel welcome and the food was delicious. We had a great time and would absolutely come again. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent first time experience! Solo dined at the bar and Alex was very knowledgeable about the menu and wines and was patient with me making my selections. Will 100% be back to visit and check out the tasting menu with pairings. Albi is not merely a restaurant, it's an experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is an update to my review from 2020, which is mostly focused on the unfriendly welcome and service we initially received. My reservation was for a party of 5 and all but one person arrived on time. We were seated and immediately the waitress dove right into the menu. We started with a couple of appetizers and decided to wait to order our entrees, which for some reason annoyed her. A couple of minutes later a different waitress came to our table, and rudely told us we had to place our entire order right away because we had a 2 hour dining limit. Utterly confused and annoyed by the attitude, we politely told her we were going to wait to place our entree since we didn't know how hungry we would be after ordering all of the appetizers. As my friend was about to ask her a question about an entree, she took the menu away out of his hands and walked off! We were all in disbelief and couldn't believe the behavior of the staff. My friend immediately spoke to the manager and explained what happened and she immediately came over to apologize and reassured us that it was not typical behavior and she shouldn't have acted in such a manner. She wanted to make it up to us and turn the situation around, so she sent back our original waitress. Needless to say, the rest of the dinner went well and of course the food made up for the rude behavior. It still left a bad impression on all of us so we will not be returning. One of my favorite restaurants in DC is now no longer and I honestly hope they improve their staff.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Soft Serve
Albi is one of the best dining experiences you can have in the DMV, and I'll stand by that. The atmosphere feels like a night of adventure, and the service is incredibly prompt. You will spend quite a bit here, but just know that the food is worth the price.My girlfriend and myself both opted for the tasting menu, which was quite a journey in terms of the varied flavors they provide in their dishes. The highlights of the meal were the Lamb kabob and mushroom hummus. I would have liked to try the lamb hummus as well as the Musakhan chicken, but our main course was the lamb kabob. All other courses were an invitation into a wonderful night of flavors that allowed you to taste an interesting number of flavors. When we got to the main course, the Lamb was amazingly presented, and it melted in your mouth. I loved the creativity of the chef, who took many traditional dishes and turned them into delightful variants of, "don't fix it if it ain't broke" cultural dishes.I don't usually eat dessert, but the frozen labneh was lovely. I thought it was odd that the tea offered was not included in the tasting menu, and was at a charge, but I didn't mind after what I can only describe as a culinary adventure. I would easily recommend this experience to anyone, and will most likely be back to see if their other dishes off the tasting menu give me the same warm feeling I get from traditional Palestinian cuisine.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best meal I’ve ever had. Nuff said
Very nice place!
Restaurantji Recommends
Very good. Docked a star for the dumb 3% wellness fee. Just raise the price of some of the items 50¢ folks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a pretty terrible experience, if I could give it less than one star I would. When I got there the service was not at all friendly, and took forever to seat us. Food took forever, and wasn’t cooked properly. I looked forward to eating there, but it was very underwhelming.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Albi offers an exceptional dining experience with an excellent atmosphere and top-notch service. The menu boasts a variety of unique and carefully crafted dishes, showcasing the chef's dedication to research. Fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through, creating an amazing blend of flavors that elevate the overall culinary experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been waiting to go to Albi for a long time. Went last night with my husband and his cousin and wife - all from Ramallah - and the experience far exceeded my expectations. The staff, from the hostesses, to the waiters and waitresses, and the servers, were all clearly expertly trained in customer service and satisfaction. I could write more, but let me just say I've not experienced this type of customer service anywhere in a very long time. The food - well - spectacular! I'm very familiar with Palestinian cuisine, but Albi takes it to a whole new level, combining flavor and textures, that while so simple and fresh, are just truly amazing! Albi - 5 stars! Thanks for the wonderful dinner last night. I'll be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food, service and ambiance. Definitely will be back!Vegetarian options: The staff can help you with the vegetarian options and the descriptions for the food options are helpful as well.Parking: Paid outdoor parking lot is right across the street from the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5