50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Takoma Park

“Authentic N. Italian cuisine presided over by Roberto and Ivan.“

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

“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!😍“

“Incredible restaurant that puts elevated care, attention to detail, and quality ingredients front and center.

Unpretentious in austere but refined in the approach to your hospitality experience, this gem nestled in the heart of AdMo is a must-see for all hungry foodies in the area.

My experience with Imani and Amina will be the reason I return and tell my friends to go. Their storytelling, command of the menu, and easy approach to creating an elevated dining experience did not go unnoticed.

Meatball and porkchop were a hit in tenderness and flavor, while the cabbage and pudding were a hit in dynamics and design. Major shout out to Amina for bringing over the perfect wine pairing to complement our porkchop—on the house.

These moments create the fine dining experience and make the price point worthwhile.“

“5 stars isn't enough!! From the moment we walked in until the end of our night we were satisfied. The decorations, food, and service was amazing! They even offered me a quiet place to pray :). Give this place a try-trust me (portions may seem small, but it was very filling- we ordered the bowl of fries, which came with a delicious sauce, CROQUETTES, fish burger, beef burger, and gnocchi pomodoro. It felt like we were in nyc enjoy :)“

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

“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+++“

“Dalia's Falafel catered my husband's big bash birthday party last weekend. It was the best catering experience we have ever had, and I want everyone within a 100 mile radius of downtown Bethesda to know about this fantastic establishment located at 7750 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, 20814. Ben, Cody and Kevin provided more than generous portions of outstanding food as well as practical support and guidance on preparing, presenting, serving, and storing their delicious trays of salads, sauces and, of course, falafels. They made the entire experience simple and easy. The value of the service we received was far greater than the fee that we paid -- truly! Please don't hesitate to consider Dalia's Falfel, a unique party option, for your next celebration“

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

“Delicia de comida, recomendado al 100%“

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

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

“Family style meals are fantastic. Had eaten at a Greek relative's house. Ordered for the first time. Not only was the food delicious, each order fed about 8-10 people with folks having seconds. Lots of leftovers. Several asked guests made sure they had Talia's number when they left.“

“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.“

“This is my 2nd time going to a CAVA location. The first time I dined in. This time I ordered food to go.

The food is Greek Mediterranean. In comparison to Chipotle. I prefer CAVA food. It is definitely healthier.

P.S. I rotated photo. For some reason, the new photo is not displayed. Many apologies.

The service is top notch. It is quick, efficient and served in a reasonable time.

Lastly, it feels like home. If I didnt have to rush out today, I would find a quiet area to sit and relax.“

“The food was fresh and delicious! The service was excellent and the owner came around to talk to us! He was so sweet!! He made us feel like family! I will definitely recommend this lovely establishment to my family and friends! I should have taken more photos, but I forgot- it was as sooo goo!!“

“Took our kids here while visiting DC and everyone LOVED it. The gentleman (owner?) helping our multiple kids order was very generous and gracious. The food was SO good and the portions were great. Anymore it feels like you pay more and get less, but not here! If we lived closer we would definitely be regulars.“

“This is my all-time favorite place for Italian spaghetti. Excellent food. The servers are the best. If you drive anywhere near this place you should be sure to stop in!“

“Good food good staff. Will come Again.“

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

“Amazing tasty dishes and friendly service. My family loves the Old Gtown Wrap!“

“I had a great time at Casamara! Amazing space, great service and good food that you have to try.

Casamara is a beautiful restaurant that's perfect for dinner with friends, a date night or a late night happy hour. It has a upscale modern vibe but is also cozy, warm and welcoming. There is plenty of space for dining whether you want to make reservations or have dinner at the bar. We went during the week around 6pm and it wasn't a lot of people there at first but it filled up quickly as the evening moved on.

Our server was very warm and welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed. He gave us great suggestions from the menu that were very helpful.

The food was really good! The truffle bucatini cacio e pepe was delicious with plenty of flavor and the harissa roasted chicken had sooooooo much flavor and was cooked to perfection. I also really enjoyed the potato and mozzarella dumpling. It was great way to kick off the meal and you really can't go wrong with potatoes and cheese. We also had the confit lamb shoulder and the fennel and heirloom beans. The lamb shoulder was pretty good but the beans weren't for me.

The service, the food and the ambiance at Casamara were great. I will definitely return to try more items on the menu and would highly recommend to others.“

“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.“

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

“Celebrated a birthday dinner here & the food & service were excellent. The lamb & Chilean sea bass were well worth their price. The presentation was beautiful. Bottles of wine are available for a decent upcharge from store pricing. The chocolate mousse was incredible.

Shout-out to Miriam for her excellent service & for hyping up our dinner choices!“

“Excellent service, terrific food!“

“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.“

“Please bring back the family meal!!!“

“Great spot for roof dining 😎“

“Great quality and quantity for the price. You can get a chicken shawarma bowl with delicious saffron rice for $10 with 6 toppings, choice of meat, and 2 sauces and they are generous with all.

My only complaints were that I thought the beef shawarma was a little chewy and there were no water cups.“

“I love it, the food is fresh and service is excellent!“

“I go to this Cava at Bethesda Row fairly often and the service, primarily from the FANTASTIC manager Manuel is what truly keeps me coming back. Thank you to the phenomenal staff of Cava Bethesda Row!“

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

“great customer service even late night“

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

“CAVA Ballston has quickly become one of my go-to spots—not just for the delicious and healthy food, but for the amazing service as well! Being on a keto diet, I truly appreciate the variety of fresh, nutritious options that perfectly align with my lifestyle.

Every visit is a great experience thanks to the friendly and welcoming staff. Big shoutout to Rosa, Gustavo, and Angie—they’re always smiling, courteous, and go above and beyond to make sure my meal is just the way I like it. Service is quick, and the team makes me feel like a valued guest every single time.

The location is clean and inviting, from the spotless restrooms to the well-kept tables. And on a hot day, nothing beats the refreshing selection at their fountain drink station—so satisfying!

If you’re looking for great food, friendly faces, and a clean, safe spot to dine—CAVA Ballston is it. Highly recommended!“

“The Hercules Burger is really good“

“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.“

“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.“

“We had a wonderful breakfast this morning! The Beirut Breakfast, the Rose Water Latte, and Shaksura were all fabulous and the staff was lovely, friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!“

“We just had my sons’ wedding rehearsal dinner at Villa Yara and it exceeded our and our guests expectations. The venue is superb, the food amazing and the staff amazing. This was one of those dining experiences you ask yourself how have I missed this place? There are not enough words to describe the excellence of Villa Yara. Do not overlook this restaurant for you will miss a great dining experience. Scott G.“

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

“So happy to have found Sofra!
The food was amazing, the lavender cocktail was the best drink I’ve had in a long time and the space is absolutely beautiful and homie. I’ve had it for lunch, dinner and takeout and they were all delicious, highly recommended!“

“There’s something magical about Little Black Bird. It’s the kind of place that draws you in quietly, then stays with you long after the night ends. From the moment we walked in, we were wrapped in a sense of calm sophistication — every detail, from the lighting to the music, felt just right.
The food? Thoughtful, elegant, and deeply satisfying. Every dish told a story, and you could taste the care that went into each bite. Chef Ryan is clearly cooking from the heart — there’s a quiet confidence in his food, a respect for ingredients, and a creativity that never feels forced. It’s refined, yet incredibly approachable.

The service was equally unforgettable. Sara, the general manager, is the kind of hospitality professional every great restaurant needs. She has an innate grace, a genuine warmth, and a gift for making each guest feel like they’re the most important person in the room.

It’s rare to find a restaurant that feels both special and unpretentious, but Little Black Bird nails it. We came in for dinner — we left already planning our next visit. What a gift to have a place like this in DC.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“This place is honestly great, the vibe is super chill, n the staff is reallyyy friendly but still professional, which i appreciate a lot, the food was fresh, tasty, and the presentation was on point too-eeverything came out quick, and it’s not easy to find spots that get both service and quality right, but they they got it right Definitely cominng backkk 👌🔥“

“Great food and price! The staff is very professional and friendly!“

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