50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Washington

“If you find yourself in DC, I highly recommend giving this place a shot if you wanna splurge on food. The dining experience and service was top notch and the food was splendid.

Side note: I also heard that they were going to close up shop later this year so try it while you have the chance!“

“Great food and excellent service. John was fantastic. 100% recommend“

“Elegant setting. Beautiful decor. Stellar service. Innovative and delectable cuisine. Bonus points for mocktail options.“

“Agora DC made my husband’s surprise birthday dinner party one to remember! From the superior customer service and professionalism of their special events management team, including Tsednia Abay, to the Michelin Star-worthy food and service, no detail was left untouched. Thank you to your entire team!😍“

“Did the cocktail mixing class. Great food and awesome experience!“

“Food was exceptional and so was the service. The ice cream sandwich dessert was to die for!“

“Delicia de comida, recomendado al 100%“

“Lamb chops steak is delicious! The fried potatoes were delicious! Brusselsprouts with fruit jam sweet and appetizing! His family's Pitabread can continue indefinitely“

“Came for a tasting as part of Tasting Collective and was glad I did. This was truly a great experience. The 5 course tasting had 2 courses (1st & 4th) that needed to be altered as I'm a pescetarian therefore, don't eat duck. So in place of the duck paté, I was served figs and brie and in place of the duck breast I was served branzino. Each course was nicely paired with wine, again adding to this wonderful experience.

The fig and brie with the croutons was delicious, followed by the roasted pear with gouda, pecans and pomegranate sprinkles which was a delightful tasty plate. Who would think white chocolate and cauliflower purée would be delicious and pair beautifully with seared scallops? Clearly Chef Moore did and how right was he. That purée had folks at our table scraping to get all of it. The next course was a substitute dish and was beyond disappointing, especially compared to the other 3 courses. The branzino was BLAND, but the olives that were on the side were extra salty. I thought I was supposed to eat them together, but that didn't help. I couldn't even eat this course. The final course was a butterscotch pudding, a great way to end the meal/night.

Chef Moore was very welcoming. He answered questions and took pictures with the guests.

I'll definitely add this to my list of restaurants.“

“Would recommend for a glass of wine and appetizer! Stopped in for dinner and the food was tasty but felt overpriced for the portions. The shrimp dish was good but shrimp were slightly overcooked and felt like a very expensive starter. The hummus was delish! Wine was great and cocktail was less than amazing.“

“I have loved many pizza places. None of them has been as consistently amazing as Martha Dear. The guanciale and arugula pie I had last night is another utterly stunning iteration. I will think about this one in my sleep. I will crave it. As much as I will stand on a soapbox telling anyone who will listen that Martha Dear is not just THE best pizza in the DMV, but one of the best restaurants in the area, it is the conspicuously kind service that is the first thing I will mention. If you’ve never been, put Martha Dear at the very top of your restaurant to-do list. The very top.“

“The food was great. I had a shrimp kabob, rice, hummus and a salad. The white Cosmo was very good. Loved meeting Ann.“

“Good food good staff. Will come Again.“

“The staff was super welcoming and took time to explain each dish with a fun story. We celebrated our anniversary and it was so special, Chef even stopped by the table. The duck was incredible and my wife especially loved the creative dessert.“

“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.“

“lunch was delicious and the Gelato was even more delicious deliciouser! 😋 sitting outside across from Kennedy Center was a plus.“

“Absolutely delightful spot for a casual brunch / lunch with a ton of delicious baked goods and prepared grab-and-go items! Cagla and Rachel are the sweetest people I've ever met, and Cagla's cooking skills are absolutely out of this world -- fully worthy of the many James Beard nominations she's received over the years! For a quick but hearty brunch, I love their egg and cheese sandwich; it's genuinely one of the largest sandwiches I've ever seen, and includes two fried eggs, generous helping of melted cheese, and perfectly nutty and herby pesto sandwiched between two giant slices of fluffy, super flavorful focaccia. If you want something a little simpler, I'm obsessed with all of her tarts -- the butternut squash and goat cheese one is my favorite, but the spring / summer seasonal tart with leeks and walnuts is also incredible. I don't know how she manages to create such a crispy crust with a tender, super savory and slightly sweet interior, but each one of these tarts is just perfection.

They also offer catering for parties and corporate events, and I highly recommend. We got their food for a work holiday party last year, and we got rave reviews from all the guests. That was where I first fell in love with the butternut squash tart, but the oyster mushroom hummus was also a huge hit. Even the simpler items, like the kale salad or red lentil balls, are executed perfectly and are a huge crowd pleaser.

The only note is that Green Almond Pantry is part of the Grace Street Collective, so you can't make reservations and it can be a little tough to find seating among all the other restaurants and eateries. It's usually a little easier to find a spot if you come during an off hour -- either right when they open at 11 AM or a little later in the afternoon after the lunch rush. Even if you can't find a spot, their food is delicious to go and it's quite close to the Georgetown Waterfront, so you can always enjoy your meal outside if it's nice out.“

“Great spot for roof dining 😎“

“We had the best time at KooKoo DC last night. They accommodated a table of 14 for my spouse's birthday and never let us feel like an imposition. The food was so fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced - I did a double take when we got the bill. I even felt like we went all-out with apps, drinks, and desserts! The owner was also so kind - we just felt so cared for the whole time and can't wait to visit again.“

“We went to Alara in Georgetown for a friend’s birthday, and it was an amazing experience! The food was excellent—especially the lentil soup and meatballs. Manager Muharrem took great care of us, and even the owner stopped by to check in. Such a warm, lovely place with great vibes. Highly recommend!“

“Healthy food, friendly staff, centrally located“

“I can’t say enough amazing things about my first Sunday brunch experience at Limani DC! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was elegant yet welcoming, and the service was truly top notch- I have to highlight three ABSOLUTE stars: Fran, Sandra, and Jessie!
Fran set the tone Right away with warm professionalism and attention to detail, grwat vibes and super friendly service.
Sandra was incredibly attentive and made sure every request was met with a smile! Jessie brought such genuine care and energy. They honestly made the whole experience feel so special. They truly turned a great brunch into an unforgettable one! We had smiles and laughs the whole time.
The food was outstanding, beautifully presented, and full of flavor — but it was the impeccable service that made this brunch beyond amazing. Limani DC has quickly become one of my favorite spots, and I can’t wait to come back. If you’re looking for a place where both the cuisine and hospitality are second to none, Limani is it! Thank you.“

“We were looking for unique dining experiences while on vacation in DC and this place did not disappoint!! Excellent food, large portions, and great staff. Would definitely come here again if we’re ever back in the area.“

“The food was delicious!!!“

“Check out my sister’s spot!! The wine is divine and the food selection is on point! Can’t wait till they start shipping to MD. You won’t be disappointed. ☺️☺️☺️“

“Every bite was delicious. three empty plates. great ambience and service. will be back soon!“

“One of the best restaurants I've been to in my 34 years of life. Visited January 2017 and still remember my experience. The food was very delicious and generously portioned. My personal favorite dishes were the nachos and crab cakes. I remember that the service was excellent. We were seated in minutes, and it was still very busy. All and all I highly recommend this restaurant and I cannot wait to go back for all their great dishes/service“

“On vacation from RI, my husband and I and very good friends had lunch at Lily’s just this past week and we fully enjoyed experience! It was a beautiful sunny day, and we were greeted with sunny faces and a friendly, highly professional staff. We sat in the outdoor area and everything from being there to fill our water glasses and explaining the menu was covered. I highly recommend Lily’s if not just for the fact that we felt like we were at home but to top it off, the food was delicious. Try the Tropical salad and the meatball appetizer!!“

“Excelente servicio ,deliciosa comida !..“

“Absolutely amazing food, atmosphere, and service! My new favorite restaurant in DC. Food is tasty and authentic. Staff is friendly, responsive, and timely. And the restaurant is clean, nicely decorated, and spacious with plenty of seating inside and out. The Adana Lebab, Turkish tea, and Backlava are must-tries. A+++“

“I am a total hummus snob. You can ask my friends. I only eat hummus from restaurants because they seem to be the only ones that can make it right and with the consistency that is smooth and a little thinner. Every store bought hummus I have tried has been a thick paste and it doesn’t even feel like hummus. Until now. I am a total convert and very excited. Consistency is everything in hummus and Little Sesame has figured out how to do it and put it into a container that is sold at a store. Kudos. I love it.“

“I was there for the opening day and it was wonderful. The staff are so friendly and had huge smiles on their faces. The line moved quickly and the food was delicious and made exactly to order. The soup was still piping hot when I got back to the office. So happy they finally opened a location in Union Station.“

“this place is a mazing. the healing food.the good service. nice people's. I suggest it to go and tray.“

“the whole thing - the people - the food - all good“

“I am very particular about my Mediterranean food and Miza did not disappoint. Chicken shawarma bowl with the garlic aioli was crazy and it’s a lot of bang for your buck. The customer service was also excellent. 10s across the board for me.“

“I go here 2 to 4 times a month at least. I really enjoy the fresh ingredients and choices.“

“The new kid on the block is a great lunch spot with reasonably priced and delicious food. I had the chicken shawarma sandwich and spoke to the chef. He elevated this basic dish to really nice levels and there's a unique spice blend that you won't find anywhere else. This is a tough location for a business but hopefully they can survive.“

“Great Falafels! Nice atmosphere and very polite personnel“

“The truck was clean the chopped cheese was absolutely delicious and Johnny had phenomenal service. The location has a nice little shaded bench area and you really can't go wrong at this good truck. I was sent by security at the air and space museum. They all raved about it so I had to check it out and I highly recommend!“

“Absolutely phenomenal! Get the rice pudding for dessert, I swear you will love it! Light orange flavor that accents the thick milky rice pudding, definitely not your Grandmother’s rice pudding!
Everything we ordered was amazing but I am going to have dreams of that rice pudding until the day I die it was so amazing.“

“We loved this place—good food & drinks, nice atmosphere, and friendly, attentive staff. Highly recommended!“

“The best⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“I went this day to the Cava restaurant on 52 m St. I liked the food, the service was excellent and fast, very clean“

“The food is fresh and absolutely delicious! I'm always torn between the spicy lamb meatballs and the falafels - but never pass on the crazy feta!“

“Like a Greek Chipotle. Fast service, delicious food, tasty options. Recommend!“

“I come to this Mezeh at least 3 times a week. So much so that the employees recognize me when I come in. I am amazed to see these one star ratings. As many times as I have come in, they have been nothing but gracious and provide outstanding customer service. I read some of these one star ratings and with the exception of the delivery for the corporate affair, I question some.

As a native Ward 8 member I was elated to see Mezeh and other corporate chains coming into my community. But I also realized that there would be challenges (which is why it is so hard to keep such businesses here). I’m gone say it… some of my fellow Anacostians just are not respectful. I have seen some come in the store and because they have to pay extra for extra meat or something more that they want, they go off. I one time had to say something because it was so innapropriate and unwarranted. It’s like they try to bully the workers because they are not black.

I hate to say this but it happens too much not in just this store but others and I’m tired of seeing establishments shut down because employees don’t want to be threatened or harmed. Walmart pulled out from being over here because they were going to have to pay too much for security and the Giant has threatened to pull out as well. IHOP is closed, the 7/11 on Barry Ave closed, Subway use to stay open 24 hours but had to stop because of this craziness. We can’t keep nothing over here and it’s not the establishment, it’s us not knowing how to receive customer service. I know these are hard times but damn.

This is a great store and I have only been in Starbucks and The Smoothie store and they are trying to make it in a tough area. Good Luck yall cause I wouldn’t put up with some of this bull. Peace“

“We had a great experience here. We dined early, as we had evening plans, and the service was excellent. Although the weather was warm for October, we chose to eat inside as friends had warned us about insects on the patio. Our server was friendly and informative. My spinach ravioli tasted homemade, and was quite rich. My partner's seafood linguine had lots of seafood among the noodles, and the marinara sauce was an excellent choice.“

“Service is accurate, fast, & food is DELICIOUS.“

“This place was great. We passed by looking for a place to eat and one of my three sons really wanted to eat here. My other two are very picky eaters so I thought it might be a problem. The staff helped my younger two create their own bowls to their liking and we all loved our food. I would definitely recommend this place!“

“Supergezellige vibe. Er was een wijn promo (50% korting per fles!) en ze hebben lekker Belgisch bier. We hebben er niet gegeten, maar ik zou er zeker voor terugkomen. Er was op het moment dat wij er waren een jazzbandje dat speelde. Dit was een beetje luid, maar als je wilt babbelen kan je dat doen op het ruime terras“