Very little vegan options, despite advertising that on the website. Even things that could be (and usually are) vegan had dairy in them (like the hummus and pita). Very disappointingly-small quantities for steep prices, too. Would not go back.
Dylan
Every dish we ordered was excellent. The service could've been slightly faster but we also came at 8 on a Friday night after the rush so definitely understandable. Was shocked at the quality of the food for the price.
jirowaters
My friend and I decided to try this place for lack of any other reason that we did not know where else to go on a Wednesday night. Ottoman Taverna is the type of restaurant that I feel like you see a lot of in DC – tapas style food that seems overpriced if you order a la carte, but if you order from their set menu then it seems like a good deal. My friend and I ended up doing the shared set menu, with each person choosing their own thing from each of the categories. For my main course I had the moussaka and my friend had a kebab thing. All the food was decent and reasonable for the price point (at least for DC). The moussaka was not the best I have ever had (and clearly was reheated), but it was not bad. Where the restaurant needs serious work is with the service and the overall presentation. Exhibit a) – the food menus (see photo) were wrinkled, and covered in food stains – they were disgusting. The other problem is the service – inattentive, arrogant, and frankly downright rude. When I got to the restaurant the host (who was also our server) was having an issue with another customer, and instead of seating us or getting another staff member to seat us, he made us wait – unnecessarily while they dealt with another customer’s order issue. Throughout the meal, he made us feel rushed, was condescending about our meal choices, and ruined the experience. Also, the restaurant automatically adds 20% service charge so that may explain the flippant attitude of the staff. The restaurant atmosphere is what you would expect of this type of restaurant, and while it was not busy it also somehow seemed understaffed. If you get a booth seat, the seating is weird, instead of having two chairs facing the booth, the seating is designed in a way that you have to sit next to the person (almost like a date), awkward for chatting, I moved the chair so I could face my friend – but it really was a weird layout. Overall, while the food was not bad, and I could be convinced to go back – I wouldn’t elect to go here again anytime soon.
Marwan
While entertaining a large group, I could have used more help from the waiter to deliver a good experience and in keeping an eye on the needs of the guests. We fell behind on wine. Food was variable but nothing was bad and somethings were great. BEWARE SURPRISE 20% SERVICE CHARGE.
Reena
Mediocre to say the least. Our expectations were high after readings reviews. We looked very Turkey and the food. However was disappointed with the whole dining experience. Food was just fair- nothing exceptional. Not going back!
monte crockett
Dining alone at Ottoman Taverna in Washington, D.C. was one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after the last bite. From the moment I sat down, I felt genuinely cared for — and that was entirely thanks to Vusal.
He was kind, attentive, and carried an effortless professionalism that made the entire evening feel special. His timing, knowledge, and sincerity reflected a deep respect for both the food and the guest. Every recommendation was spot on, every gesture thoughtful.
The food itself was extraordinary — full of flavor, heart, and warmth — but it was Vusal’s service that elevated the night into something unforgettable. If I could give him infinite stars, I truly would.
Ottoman Taverna is more than a restaurant; it’s hospitality done with heart.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark
The food was very good and we had an overall enjoyable experience. The service was also good but there was an uncomfortably long delay in being greeted by anyone at the table, which caused me to have to flag a passing waiter for service. They also charge a 20% “service fee.” This isn't hidden, but I find it off-putting. I would rather they just increase the cost of food and drinks by 20%, because the service fee just adds confusion as to whether it's going in-full to the wait staff or not.
Matthew
Our son has an egg allergy and the staff has always been very helpful, like making pitas without the egg wash. Appreciate it!
Mehmet
Don’t go there hungry, or you’ll stay hungry!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Angela
The food and atmosphere were both wonderful. The only negative was that a 20% service fee was added to all orders, and it was clearly stated and explained that the service fee was not a tip. In effect, it became a 20% service fee in addition to a tip. Everyone in my party agreed that we would have preferred an increase in the base price instead of the 20% service fee that did not include the tip.
Fantastic food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere—definitely coming back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Susmilch
What? You don't understand gluten free? I would figure it out prior to someone gets ill, and owns your business
monika burgos
Food is great and very tasty. However i noticed their food portion are getting smaller by the minute and with the same price. The lamb balls and also every single plate. This is very unforgivable because they have so much or at least have some potential!
Food: 1
natalie l
We were excited to eat at a Michellen awarded restaurant but we were disappointed. The food was OK and first Turkish/ Mediterranean restaurant we ate at that didn't provide sauces with the pita. The pita was small, the servings were less than generous and the waitress kept asking ys to repeat our orders. Foid quality and servings not worth the cost. The atmosphere though is beautiful, warm, inviting, and open interior and clean. Comfortable seating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Lamiaa Nabil
This is what Awesome means .. I felt Iam back to turkey .. lovely experience and restaurant .. highly recommended .
Very little vegan options, despite advertising that on the website. Even things that could be (and usually are) vegan had dairy in them (like the hummus and pita). Very disappointingly-small quantities for steep prices, too. Would not go back.
Every dish we ordered was excellent. The service could've been slightly faster but we also came at 8 on a Friday night after the rush so definitely understandable. Was shocked at the quality of the food for the price.
My friend and I decided to try this place for lack of any other reason that we did not know where else to go on a Wednesday night. Ottoman Taverna is the type of restaurant that I feel like you see a lot of in DC – tapas style food that seems overpriced if you order a la carte, but if you order from their set menu then it seems like a good deal. My friend and I ended up doing the shared set menu, with each person choosing their own thing from each of the categories. For my main course I had the moussaka and my friend had a kebab thing. All the food was decent and reasonable for the price point (at least for DC). The moussaka was not the best I have ever had (and clearly was reheated), but it was not bad. Where the restaurant needs serious work is with the service and the overall presentation. Exhibit a) – the food menus (see photo) were wrinkled, and covered in food stains – they were disgusting. The other problem is the service – inattentive, arrogant, and frankly downright rude. When I got to the restaurant the host (who was also our server) was having an issue with another customer, and instead of seating us or getting another staff member to seat us, he made us wait – unnecessarily while they dealt with another customer’s order issue. Throughout the meal, he made us feel rushed, was condescending about our meal choices, and ruined the experience. Also, the restaurant automatically adds 20% service charge so that may explain the flippant attitude of the staff. The restaurant atmosphere is what you would expect of this type of restaurant, and while it was not busy it also somehow seemed understaffed. If you get a booth seat, the seating is weird, instead of having two chairs facing the booth, the seating is designed in a way that you have to sit next to the person (almost like a date), awkward for chatting, I moved the chair so I could face my friend – but it really was a weird layout. Overall, while the food was not bad, and I could be convinced to go back – I wouldn’t elect to go here again anytime soon.
While entertaining a large group, I could have used more help from the waiter to deliver a good experience and in keeping an eye on the needs of the guests. We fell behind on wine. Food was variable but nothing was bad and somethings were great. BEWARE SURPRISE 20% SERVICE CHARGE.
Mediocre to say the least. Our expectations were high after readings reviews. We looked very Turkey and the food. However was disappointed with the whole dining experience. Food was just fair- nothing exceptional. Not going back!
Dining alone at Ottoman Taverna in Washington, D.C. was one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after the last bite. From the moment I sat down, I felt genuinely cared for — and that was entirely thanks to Vusal.
He was kind, attentive, and carried an effortless professionalism that made the entire evening feel special. His timing, knowledge, and sincerity reflected a deep respect for both the food and the guest. Every recommendation was spot on, every gesture thoughtful.
The food itself was extraordinary — full of flavor, heart, and warmth — but it was Vusal’s service that elevated the night into something unforgettable. If I could give him infinite stars, I truly would.
Ottoman Taverna is more than a restaurant; it’s hospitality done with heart.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was very good and we had an overall enjoyable experience. The service was also good but there was an uncomfortably long delay in being greeted by anyone at the table, which caused me to have to flag a passing waiter for service. They also charge a 20% “service fee.” This isn't hidden, but I find it off-putting. I would rather they just increase the cost of food and drinks by 20%, because the service fee just adds confusion as to whether it's going in-full to the wait staff or not.
Our son has an egg allergy and the staff has always been very helpful, like making pitas without the egg wash. Appreciate it!
Don’t go there hungry, or you’ll stay hungry!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The food and atmosphere were both wonderful. The only negative was that a 20% service fee was added to all orders, and it was clearly stated and explained that the service fee was not a tip. In effect, it became a 20% service fee in addition to a tip. Everyone in my party agreed that we would have preferred an increase in the base price instead of the 20% service fee that did not include the tip.
Restaurantji Recommends
Fantastic food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere—definitely coming back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What? You don't understand gluten free? I would figure it out prior to someone gets ill, and owns your business
Food is great and very tasty. However i noticed their food portion are getting smaller by the minute and with the same price. The lamb balls and also every single plate. This is very unforgivable because they have so much or at least have some potential!
Food: 1
We were excited to eat at a Michellen awarded restaurant but we were disappointed. The food was OK and first Turkish/ Mediterranean restaurant we ate at that didn't provide sauces with the pita. The pita was small, the servings were less than generous and the waitress kept asking ys to repeat our orders. Foid quality and servings not worth the cost. The atmosphere though is beautiful, warm, inviting, and open interior and clean. Comfortable seating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
This is what Awesome means .. I felt Iam back to turkey .. lovely experience and restaurant .. highly recommended .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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