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.
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.
Mohamed Maged
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
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 .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chirag Dudhat
Nice Vibe, but Underwhelming Overall
Visited Ottoman Taverna a couple of months ago for a dinner date, and while the ambiance was fun and lively, the overall experience fell short of expectations.
We ordered a few drinks, appetizers, and entrées, and although the presentation looked appealing, the food itself lacked flavor—it was surprisingly bland for a cuisine known for its bold and vibrant spices.
Service was another weak spot. The host wasn’t particularly welcoming, and the waitstaff seemed overwhelmed and inattentive. While the place was busy, it didn’t quite justify the lack of hospitality.
Given the premium price point, I expected a much more polished experience. Unfortunately, I left unimpressed and wouldn’t rush back anytime soon.
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.
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.
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
Nice Vibe, but Underwhelming Overall
Visited Ottoman Taverna a couple of months ago for a dinner date, and while the ambiance was fun and lively, the overall experience fell short of expectations.
We ordered a few drinks, appetizers, and entrées, and although the presentation looked appealing, the food itself lacked flavor—it was surprisingly bland for a cuisine known for its bold and vibrant spices.
Service was another weak spot. The host wasn’t particularly welcoming, and the waitstaff seemed overwhelmed and inattentive. While the place was busy, it didn’t quite justify the lack of hospitality.
Given the premium price point, I expected a much more polished experience. Unfortunately, I left unimpressed and wouldn’t rush back anytime soon.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
the food is lower grade than expected
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