As a Central Asian who grew up with a similar culture and cuisine, I can confidently say this is the best Middle Eastern restaurant I’ve ever visited.
We sat at the bar, where the two bartenders provided great service.
The dishes were creatively presented and rich in diverse flavors. The Pita with Mushrooms and Hummus was our favorite.
The Frozen Halva Bar is, without a doubt, the most unique and delicious dessert I’ve ever tried. The combination of chocolate ganache, sesame, and halva ice cream blended perfectly. Thank you, pastry Chef, Evyn.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brown Butter Knafeh, Frozen Halva Bar, Lamb Entree, Lettuce Wraps, Coal Fired Mushroom Hummus, Apple Cider Soft Serve
Ryan Wang
The food, service, and atmosphere were amazing. I would definitely come back whenever I’m visiting Washington again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Caitlin Brooks
We had a wonderful time and were thoroughly stuffed after the hearth table experience.
The hostess was welcoming and informative. Our cocktails were unbelievably flavorful. We spoke with 2 bar hands who were knowledgeable about the specific makeup of our drinks despite them being “new” staff.
Each course rivaled the last in flavor profile. We had a difficult time hearing the servers explain what each dish was due to the loud atmosphere. Overall, we were extremely satisfied with the variety and quantity on food in each course. The flavors were authentic and well balanced.
We were disappointed with the experience (or lack there of) that was expected while sitting at the hearth table. Despite having a view of the kitchen, the seating did not feel overly intimate- as we were still in the main hall of the restaurant and it was very loud and difficult to hear our tablemates and the waitstaff. In addition, the website states the menu is semi-improvisational, but there was no indication or explanation to what was different than the typical dining experience. We also expected at least one interaction with the chef, but that did not occur.
Vegetarian options: They were able to find a vegetarian substitute for every course at the hearth table experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam Schmitz
Albi is exceptional! Such a great evening with amazing food. The only, and very small, issue we had was the volume in the restaurant. We had a hard time hearing the server a few times. Nonetheless the food was fantastic and the wine pairing really topped the evening off.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yeri Lee
Kibbeh was so good…and bbq lamb is amazing too!! Subtle scent unlike a commercial barbecue paste. Service was amazing, and the food came out in reasonable time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Batata Harra, Lamb Kebab
Daniel Shaffer
One of my favorite dining experiences ever. Delicious family-style platters and so many interesting flavor combinations. The lamb belly in particular was incredible. The only negative point is we struggled to hear some of the servers describing the dishes as they were served.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
stephanie pettus
Best dinner I have ever had! Drinks were so delicious! The meal was spectacular! Just Spectacular! It was an explosion of flavors! The staff was attentive and amazing! I can’t wait to go back!!
So so delicious and unique. And they were so accommodating for nut allergy and gluten free (celiac). Can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bernice Leveque
This might be the single best restaurant in DC. Eating here was like being in a dream. I cannot give enough complements to the team at Albi!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rhonda Henderson
We had an absolutely amazing experience at Albi. The hostesses greeted me by name when I walked in, and the service was excellent until I collected my to-go bag from them on the way out.
Every bite was divine, full of expected and unexpected flavors. When my partner had questions about the gin, our server asked the bar manager. When they didn't have pineapple juice for the drink, they obtained a small carafe from the restaurant next door!
The kitchen is open for you to view, and chat with the sous chef. Special shout out to our server, Gunner, who was just lovely to talk with and made our experience that much more memorable.
We are excited to return, and bring visiting family to enjoy this incredible restaurant.
One of the best restaurants I’ve dined at in DC in a very long time. In a crowd of overpriced restaurants that seem to always miss the mark, Albi shines bright.
I've been eager to try Albi even before it earned its Michelin star, and we finally had the chance last night for my birthday.
We started with the safeeha, a delicious and satisfying appetizer. Next, we indulged in the BBQ wareq dawali, where the tender lamb belly elevated the grape leaves to a new level of flavor. The stuffed lota pumpkin was a unique and flavorful dish, unlike anything we'd tried before.
Unfortunately, our main course, the masakhan chicken, was a huge disappointment. While the grilled chicken was tasty, the onions on the bread were overly flavored and bitter, making it difficult to enjoy. While the chef was able to elevate all the other traditional dishes, this one fell far the mark. We were surprised by the quality, especially considering the price. Despite bringing this issue to the waiter's attention, no corrective action was taken, leaving a disappointing note on the evening.
To end on a sweeter note, we tried the frozen helva bar, which was good but lacked a certain wow factor.
While the overall experience was largely positive, I probably won't be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Frozen Halva Bar
Rowan Alkaysi
The food is excellent but we had an unfortunate incident with the lady / manager at the front of the house. I booked our reservation through Amex / Global Dining Access. I wasn’t aware of specific table types as it was my first visit. Upon arrival, we were seated on benches. This was uncomfortable for my 65+ parents and requested to be seated elsewhere. Not only were they unable to accommodate, the lady was rude and condescending. Of course we were bothered by the table arrangements but the way we were spoken to was unacceptable. It’s one thing to not be able to accommodate and another thing if you are told “I don’t care about your concerns.” First and last time as a result.
I will say the food was delicious. Can’t have a Michelin starred restaurant without basic customer service.
Elena Kulakova
The food was delicious but not above my expectations, I mean no wow effect. The staff was polite and nice. I ordered sfeeha and wood-baked shush barak and small bites for dessert, black tea - lady lavender. I loved the restay vibe.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Emily Cain
A truly decadent and flavourful meal with the loveliest service. Thank you so much.
Parking: Parking could not have been easier in the nearby lot.
As a Central Asian who grew up with a similar culture and cuisine, I can confidently say this is the best Middle Eastern restaurant I’ve ever visited.
We sat at the bar, where the two bartenders provided great service.
The dishes were creatively presented and rich in diverse flavors. The Pita with Mushrooms and Hummus was our favorite.
The Frozen Halva Bar is, without a doubt, the most unique and delicious dessert I’ve ever tried. The combination of chocolate ganache, sesame, and halva ice cream blended perfectly. Thank you, pastry Chef, Evyn.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brown Butter Knafeh, Frozen Halva Bar, Lamb Entree, Lettuce Wraps, Coal Fired Mushroom Hummus, Apple Cider Soft Serve
The food, service, and atmosphere were amazing. I would definitely come back whenever I’m visiting Washington again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a wonderful time and were thoroughly stuffed after the hearth table experience.
The hostess was welcoming and informative. Our cocktails were unbelievably flavorful. We spoke with 2 bar hands who were knowledgeable about the specific makeup of our drinks despite them being “new” staff.
Each course rivaled the last in flavor profile. We had a difficult time hearing the servers explain what each dish was due to the loud atmosphere. Overall, we were extremely satisfied with the variety and quantity on food in each course. The flavors were authentic and well balanced.
We were disappointed with the experience (or lack there of) that was expected while sitting at the hearth table. Despite having a view of the kitchen, the seating did not feel overly intimate- as we were still in the main hall of the restaurant and it was very loud and difficult to hear our tablemates and the waitstaff. In addition, the website states the menu is semi-improvisational, but there was no indication or explanation to what was different than the typical dining experience. We also expected at least one interaction with the chef, but that did not occur.
Vegetarian options: They were able to find a vegetarian substitute for every course at the hearth table experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Albi is exceptional! Such a great evening with amazing food. The only, and very small, issue we had was the volume in the restaurant. We had a hard time hearing the server a few times. Nonetheless the food was fantastic and the wine pairing really topped the evening off.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kibbeh was so good…and bbq lamb is amazing too!! Subtle scent unlike a commercial barbecue paste. Service was amazing, and the food came out in reasonable time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Batata Harra, Lamb Kebab
One of my favorite dining experiences ever. Delicious family-style platters and so many interesting flavor combinations. The lamb belly in particular was incredible. The only negative point is we struggled to hear some of the servers describing the dishes as they were served.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Best dinner I have ever had! Drinks were so delicious! The meal was spectacular! Just Spectacular! It was an explosion of flavors! The staff was attentive and amazing! I can’t wait to go back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cookies, Lettuce Wraps, Baklava, Lamb Kebab
So so delicious and unique. And they were so accommodating for nut allergy and gluten free (celiac). Can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This might be the single best restaurant in DC. Eating here was like being in a dream. I cannot give enough complements to the team at Albi!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an absolutely amazing experience at Albi. The hostesses greeted me by name when I walked in, and the service was excellent until I collected my to-go bag from them on the way out.
Every bite was divine, full of expected and unexpected flavors. When my partner had questions about the gin, our server asked the bar manager. When they didn't have pineapple juice for the drink, they obtained a small carafe from the restaurant next door!
The kitchen is open for you to view, and chat with the sous chef. Special shout out to our server, Gunner, who was just lovely to talk with and made our experience that much more memorable.
We are excited to return, and bring visiting family to enjoy this incredible restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
One of the best restaurants I’ve dined at in DC in a very long time. In a crowd of overpriced restaurants that seem to always miss the mark, Albi shines bright.
Best dishes are:
Coal-fired mushroom hummus
Smoked goat awarma hummus
Barbecue lamb kebab
If nothing else, get one of the hummus’ above and the kebab. You will leave stuffed and happy.
Will absolutely return to this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Lamb Kebobs, Coal Fired Mushroom Hummus
I've been eager to try Albi even before it earned its Michelin star, and we finally had the chance last night for my birthday.
We started with the safeeha, a delicious and satisfying appetizer. Next, we indulged in the BBQ wareq dawali, where the tender lamb belly elevated the grape leaves to a new level of flavor. The stuffed lota pumpkin was a unique and flavorful dish, unlike anything we'd tried before.
Unfortunately, our main course, the masakhan chicken, was a huge disappointment. While the grilled chicken was tasty, the onions on the bread were overly flavored and bitter, making it difficult to enjoy. While the chef was able to elevate all the other traditional dishes, this one fell far the mark. We were surprised by the quality, especially considering the price. Despite bringing this issue to the waiter's attention, no corrective action was taken, leaving a disappointing note on the evening.
To end on a sweeter note, we tried the frozen helva bar, which was good but lacked a certain wow factor.
While the overall experience was largely positive, I probably won't be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Frozen Halva Bar
The food is excellent but we had an unfortunate incident with the lady / manager at the front of the house. I booked our reservation through Amex / Global Dining Access. I wasn’t aware of specific table types as it was my first visit. Upon arrival, we were seated on benches. This was uncomfortable for my 65+ parents and requested to be seated elsewhere. Not only were they unable to accommodate, the lady was rude and condescending. Of course we were bothered by the table arrangements but the way we were spoken to was unacceptable. It’s one thing to not be able to accommodate and another thing if you are told “I don’t care about your concerns.” First and last time as a result.
I will say the food was delicious. Can’t have a Michelin starred restaurant without basic customer service.
The food was delicious but not above my expectations, I mean no wow effect. The staff was polite and nice. I ordered sfeeha and wood-baked shush barak and small bites for dessert, black tea - lady lavender. I loved the restay vibe.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
A truly decadent and flavourful meal with the loveliest service. Thank you so much.
Parking: Parking could not have been easier in the nearby lot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pomegranate Molasses, Coal Fired Mushroom Hummus
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