Alhambra

Stepping into the St. Regis Washington, D.C., and its exquisite Alhambra restaurant, is truly like entering a realm where Gilded Age grandeur meets contemporary luxury, creating an unforgettable atmosphere perfect for a romantic birthday treat.
A Glimpse into History and Timeless Decor
Originally opened in 1926 as the Carlton Hotel, designed by Mihran Mesrobian in the elegant Beaux-Arts and Neo-Renaissance styles, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has a storied past. It has famously hosted numerous U.S. presidents, royalty, prime ministers, and iconic celebrities, solidifying its status as a landmark of sophistication. Renamed The St. Regis in 1999, the hotel has consistently maintained its commitment to unparalleled luxury. The recent renovations in April 2024 have seamlessly blended its historic charm with a fresh, modern aesthetic, featuring a palette of clean cream, blues, soft grays, and rich gold tones, evident in the carpets, plush furnishings, and finishes.
The hotel's design ethos is immediately apparent from the moment you step into the magnificent grand lobby. The soaring 16-foot ceilings, adorned with ornate Florentine gold coffered ceilings and dramatic two-tiered crystal chandeliers, evoke a sense of timeless opulence. Plush velvet armchairs invite you to linger, and the well-kept washrooms, with their attractive tiled walk-in showers and thick paper towellettes, speak volumes about the hotel's attention to detail and guest comfort. The elegant chairs throughout the hotel, coupled with intriguing elements like Gucci gear thoughtfully displayed in antique wooden showcases, add unique touches to the sophisticated ambiance.
Alhambra: A Culinary and Romantic Oasis
Alhambra, the hotel's modern Mediterranean restaurant, is consistently lauded in online reviews for its impeccable service, delicious dishes, and sophisticated, quiet ambiance – truly ideal for celebrations and intimate evenings and as experienced first hand, the personal semi-circle booths, cloistered behind plush drapery, indeed offer a wonderfully romantic and private dining setting.
The dinner was a testament to the culinary artistry at Alhambra. The scrumptious Hummus and Pita, with its fluffy, za'atar-infused bread, hummus elevated by extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, sumac, and unique accompaniments like date butter, shakshouka, and feta in sauce, were absolutely delightful. The Mom's Borek, shaped like a cupcake and served with apricot jam and a refreshing watercress onion salad, showcases an innovative and refined approach to traditional dishes.
The main courses were equally impressive. The butterflied Branzino, beautifully presented with its head and tail intact alongside radish and watercress, echoes the praise found in online reviews for the chef's masterful preparation of this dish, highlighting its brilliant simplicity. The Aleppo chicken, with its dramatic presentation on a platter of dried red chillies, smoky dome, and carving by the chef onto peri peri sauce, a true theatrical and flavorful experience. The skinny to perfection second-take Mojitos were undoubtedly the perfect complement to such a memorable meal.
To top off the evening, the complimentary pistachio ice cream on an olive oil cake, lit with a candle and adorned with Birthday Wishes in chocolate cursive, was a truly personal and heartwarming gesture. This level of personalized service, from the paid valet to the attentive waiting staff and the talented chef, truly sets The St. Regis and Alhambra apart.
Alhambra at St. Regis, DC, was a truly wonderful and memorable quiet evening, a sentiment am sure is echoed by many who have experienced the hotel's legendary hospitality and the restaurant's exquisite offerings.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We went on a weekday and enjoyed a drink in the lounge before dinner. It was a very quiet and peaceful dinner. Yaser was our server and he was very kind and welcoming. We ordered all appetizers and they were amazing. I highly recommend the wild mushroom hummus and the crab cakes. They bread that comes out with fig and date butter was so delicious! We didn’t get an itemized bill which would have been nice to see.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

The cost, portion, and taste of the food do not line up.

The portions are small. The quality of what you get in terms of taste is not good enough for the price. We got upcharged on water when we said we wanted still. The free pita bread was so salty it was inedible.

Our server Ramiro was nice.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Lovely experience - the food was delicious & proudly served . Yasser especially, (our waiter), was a most helpful delight & the maitre de very welcoming. Thankyou, Yasser, & chef,& we will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent food and atmosphere! The bread and fig butter were amazing. The short rib and chicken were some of the best I have ever had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Charged $14 for a bottle of water!!! Average food overpriced.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Hummus

Love, peace and understanding is what the world need right now. Europe and America stand together!

The Valentine’s Day set dinner was not advertised anywhere. We made reservations believing that we were going to have access to the full dinner menu and we did not. The portion sizes were very small and the food was not good. The only thing I really liked was the lobster roll. The issue with all of this is the price, for 2 people my bill came out to $463. I didn’t even get a cocktail with this dinner and I’ve had better food at chain restaurants. Insanity. I will never be back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4

Loved the vibes! 🥲 classy and different!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had a great time for my birthday dinner, staff was super hospitable, and environment is gorgeous.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First of all, I celebrated my birthday in this magical restaurant. It was an amazing experience of taste flavors, condiments, and all that rich taste of the Mediterranean! Elegant, distinctive, bold, sophisticated touch. I had a beautiful time in Alhambra, excellent attention from all the staff, waiters, chef!!! What a great experience! Through your art of food, you enchant me, and I enjoyed all the experience. Love your work and many great wishes for all of you in 2025. I am very thankful!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

An absolutely fabulous experience! Professional wait staff, especially Yassef! Enjoyed a three course meal of vegetable salad, fish with rice, and hot chocolate cake with ice cream.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Since we were staying at the St. Regis for Christmas Eve, we went here for lunch. Not many people in the dining room as expected. Service was great. Food was good, but not great. Was a bit pricy and there are much better places we could have probably gone, but we had just gotten there and were hungry
Menu was also very limited. Would I go again? Maybe, but not it wouldn't be in my top places to go.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

A party of 3 planned to have Thanksgiving with other members of our family. But, an illness scuttled our plans. Alhambra saved the day. Mediterranean cuisine with strikingly savory small plates of goodness. An extremely efficient and courteous staff. A lovely room. An experience so yummy we only missed - not the turkey and stuffing but - those we hoped to be chummy with. We will return again, soon I hope, ideally on a non holiday night.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Beautiful place to dine. Amazing customer service.💖🥰

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5