“This was SO GOOD! I have been exploring all over the city today and this hit the spot. I have to make a return trip next time I am in DC. Service was fast and the service was very friendly. If you are a local or just passing through I cannot find a single thing to complain about this one. Best saag paneer I have had in a long time.Vegetarian options: I had the Saag Paneer, which was delicious. I did not see anything vegan, though, if that is a concern.“
“We made a meal of appetizers and every dish was delicious! The garlic hummus was amazing, and I loved the lebneh too. We brought selections back for our teens and they also loved them. The baklava was made fresh that day and was exquisite. If I am not mistaken, the pastry was house made too!“
“Amazing food and service. We were a large group of 14 people including couple of kids. They greeted us with smiles and quickly put together couple of tables for our group. Food and drinks came quickly, everything was fresh and delicious. Our server was very kind. We had a delightful experience.“
“Our guests and family were deliciously thrilled with LT's Lebanese Easter Family Meal from the time we ordered to reheating and eating! The dinners were generously sized, easy to serve, loved by all, and with plenty available for another meal for four, after eight full meals. Khalil at Tyson's made sure that the extras ordered from the take-out window were available to coincide with our catering order and even took care to make sure that my additional order of pumpkin kibbeh was handy for snacking during the drive home. The only possible way to have made our day any better is if we could have packaged the ambiance, customer service of the LT Tyson's restaurant and staff. Highly recommended for quality, service, value and overall experience!Vegetarian options: Many Vegetarian options are listed on the menu, but while items are labeled Gluten Free and Halal, these items aren't specially marked.Dietary restrictions: The menu is labeled and staff are very knowledgeable about food allergies and various dietary restrictions. Catering to a family with many of these (Gluten-free, egg and dairy allergies) was easy to accomplish with confidence.“
“Had an amazing experience with the takeout from here. The shawarma was grilled to perfection, with spices that sang with authentic Lebanese flavor. Paired with fluffy, fragrant rice and smooth, rich hummus, each bite was a delight. The salad was fresh and zesty, and the pita bread, warm and inviting. It’s hard to find food this good outside of Lebanon. Can’t wait to go back for more!“
Lebanese • $$
“We came to Mejana for my mother's birthday. The service was ok, server was young and there may have been a language barrier. Because we were a large party we were told our only option on the menu was the Lebanese Journey which turned out to be basically a large sampler of many menu items from apps, meats and 1 dessert. I was able to explain that in one sentence but while we were at the restaurant that simple explanation was not given. We had about 20 people in our party and were all very confused. The menu doesn't really give an explanation, the waiter wasn't stating it in a way we could understand and finally the manager came and broke it down for us lol. The food ended up being delicious and the drinks were nice also. I really liked the hibiscus martini and my mom loved her mocktail (which they mad a good selection of). My suggestion would be to add an explanation for what the levonese journey is on the menu and also detail that the "mixed grill" is a variety of grilled meats. I assumed it was grilled vegetables since there was no detail on meat and the chicken shwarma was derailed separately. With all the confusion it took us a very long time to order, we had several children with us who got antsy with the wait for the food once it finally was ordered. Aside from the confusion the establishment had very nice decor and we enjoyed our time celebrating my mom. Be aware that the desert that comes w the Journey is a baklava that's the size of a quarter and what looked like a tablespoon of custard, incredibly tiny portions lol so be prepared ? but still delicious. The staff were very patient w our confusion and tried their best to explain.“
“Our favorite Lebanese place! I'm proud to bring my friends and family here because their good food and friendly service makes me look like a hero! The staff is extremely kind and make it ever more worth the long drive to see them. We have been going in and out of this establishment for over 10 years. I expect that to continue!“
“Great ambiance and service in this Michelin star restaurant with food to match. We got the tasting menu to try a bunch of dishes and overall thought the food was still similar to Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern food I’ve had before but with a unique twist on the vegetable dishes.My favorites were the cauliflower hash (reminded me a lot of Gujarati shaak that I ate growing up) and the halloumi + muhmmara dips. Unfortunately, I thought all the cocktails were very mid, so I wouldn’t recommend drinks there unless it’s something you already know.“
“Dining at Albi in Washington, D.C., is nothing short of a delightful experience. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. The restaurant skillfully marries contemporary flair with traditional Middle Eastern influences, presenting a menu that's both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.One of the standout features of Albi is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The chefs here use only the freshest ingredients, many of which are sourced locally, to craft dishes that burst with flavor and complexity. Whether it's the perfectly charred kebabs, the sumptuous mezze platters, or the heavenly flatbreads fresh out of the wood-fired oven, every dish is a testament to the kitchen's mastery and attention to detail.The service at Albi is impeccable. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about providing a memorable dining experience. They're always on hand to offer recommendations, share insights into the menu's inspirations, and ensure that every need is met with a smile.What sets Albi apart is its ability to create a sense of warmth and community. The dining space, with its cozy nooks and beautifully designed interiors, invites conversation and lingering over meals. It's the perfect backdrop for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations.In sum, Albi is a gem in Washington, D.C.'s dining scene. Its fusion of modern creativity with age-old traditions, coupled with outstanding service and a welcoming atmosphere, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in an exceptional meal. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply in search of a delightful dining experience, Albi promises to leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return.“
“Coming from Arabic Family and growing partially in an Arab country I am very critical when it comes to Arabic food. I must say Ilili didn’t disappoint ! The food is actually ESPECTACULAR! I traveled to my childhood memories with every bite. The hummus with pine nuts and mushrooms is delicious, and the shawarma duck and fried kibbeh so good. Please do yourself a favor and close with a KNAFE“
“Hands down one of the best brunch meals I've ever had. I got the batata with toum and harissa, fried halloumi with apple compote and pistachio, and scrambled egg sandwich with grilled soujak. Ali was very attentive, noticed anytime I ran out of water or even napkins. Friendly and accommodating staff, bold ambience, and mouthwatering courses!“
“Vera has completely won me over with their exceptional cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Let's talk about the branzino - it's an absolute game changer. Tender, flavorful, and simply to die for. If you visit Vera, make sure to try it - you won't regret it. And speaking of must-tries, their Dios Del Andes y Cedro cocktail is a personal favorite of mine. It's a delightful blend of flavors that truly impresses. And let's not forget about the guacamole - it's fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply looking for a fantastic dining experience, Vera is a must-visit destination. And the service is always amazing.“
“I had Yasmine cater my son’s pre wedding party. I live 2 1/2 hours from DC so I depended on someone that could really tell me what I needed. Working with Yasmine was phenomenal! Most importantly, the food was out of this world. Even after the wedding, which was awesome, people were coming up to me talking about how good the food was. My only regret is that I didn’t take home any leftovers!!!! That just means, I’ll have to make a visit to DC to get some!!!! Thank you Caro, Jimmy and staff. You are much appreciated.“
“Large portion sizes and good food- one platter with an appetizer and salad was more than enough for two people. The service was warm and they sized up the servings, as well as gave us extra water and dates for iftar. Nice local spot to visit.“
“Zaytinya…wow what can I say about this INCREDIBLE place? I want to start off by saying that I am allergic to all nuts (except peanuts), tahini, and I’m also vegetarian. This itself makes me stray from ALL Mediterranean places because most of their dishes have these things in them, and let me tell you before you tell me, I am missing out on some good stuff!My group of 14 & I dined here recently on Saturday, April 13th on the top floor. My friend called ahead for a large group & had the menu picked out in advance. My birthday was just a few days before so he also mentioned that to the restaurant & they added it to our personal menus! What a sweet & personable touch! To make it easier on our waiter, we split the table up by vegans/vegetarians on 1 side & meat-eaters on 1 side. By the way, BIG SHOUT OUT to our server, Elvis!! He somehow remembered everyone’s allergies & dietary restrictions and remembered whose drinks go where if someone switched their seats briefly. Elvis, I don’t know what to tell you, other than that you made my dining experience at a restaurant where I normally am not able to eat anything, so memorable that I will literally never forget it. He brought out dishes that accommodated everyone, and then if a vegetarian dish had tahini or pine nuts in it, he would bring me the same dish without it. This was for ALL courses, from the appetizers to dinner and even to dessert! I seriously cried happy tears on the inside!Anyways, everything here was absolutely fantastic. I’m still dreaming of so many dishes - the labneh, toum, the bread, fattoush, crispy Brussels, mujadara, and more. While it was mine & my husband’s first time dining here, a few others have dined here before and have raved about it. I can definitely say, that I am another happy & raving guest and will be recommending this restaurant for years to come. Can’t WAIT to be back!“
“Stopped by with two kiddos on a weeknight and the service was impeccable. Aside from having the usual parking issues - Connecticut Ave is sometimes difficult- we had no issues finding it. It's on a row with a lot of options but we (I) wanted hummus so here we were! The service and greeting were great? Our waiter was thorough and advised of the best items on the menu as well as allowed us to take out time ordering. We tried the pita bread with olive oil which was a little bland and required salt and pepper-but the pita itself was warm perfection. We also tried the artichoke hearts, which were amazing and the dressing was so good, the kids tried to eat it with a spoon! I typically don't eat after 7 and since it was much later, I ordered a salad with tabouleh and falafel, of which I finished one. The falafel was a little dry, which didn't make for a great reheating experience but on day one it was great! The kids both ordered the kids meal with falafel which is massive and comes with hummus and rice or fries. He let my picky water get a salad instead which worked nicely. There were a ton of leftovers and we are hearty eaters. I will just say the falafel and tabouleh salad doesn't reheat very well. The tabouleh is as expected, quite wet and if I'd had space to eat it on day one, it would have been a 5/5. As such, I'd give it a solid 4.3. It wilted almost completely in 12 hours even after separating the falafel. But we would go back, the menu is expansive, the service was very good, and the ambiance is perfect for a date night at any point! The high backed booths lend and aura of privacy and the high ceilings swallow conversation in a way that allows you to relax and really talk. Definitely a good restaurant design! If you like Lebanese/Mediterranean food, you won't be disappointed!“
“Just tried this restaurant for the first time. I only had a chicken Fettouch salad, and it was possibly one of the best I have had. The vegetables were very fresh and the dressing was possibly the best I have had. It had a very subtle taste of what seemed to be pomegranate in it. The chicken pieces were very nicely flavored as well. The price was in line with most fast casual Middle Eastern eateries. Will be coming back to try the rest of their menu. The service was very nice as well.“
“Shawarma House catered our daughter's wedding reception and everyone raved about the food and thought we were geniuses for catering with a food truck! It was seamless working with Ghassan from start to finish and I am so thankful for him! Communication was easy as he was always very responsive. He made providing a delicious, hot dinner to 150 guests a breeze. He had the food all prepared and with the help of his brother-in-law he served it up quickly on demand. He exceeded expectations in both service and the quality of food. Besides being an excellent cook he is honest and kind. I highly recommend Shawarma House to anyone looking for catering.“
“Amani, the most gracious hostess greeted with the most enormous smile one can get just before mind blowing ambiance experience at this magical place. The owner of this place is going to get so much business just because of her amazingly genuine welcome to Villa Yaara by the hostess Amani. I’m sure the food and the service will be at par as well so that we could rate it five star as well.Parking: Metered Parking.“
Middle Eastern • $
“The shawarma sandwiches are outstanding. They come with gratuitous amounts of fresh parsley and a little pile of pickled turnips. You can make both the chicken and the beef into cheesesteaks, with feta and mozzarella, which was delicious. The fries were perfectly crispy, the hummus was rich, and the entire place smelled amazing. There is zero ambiance in this little shop tucked away in a warehouse park, but the food is stellar.“
“Honestly can't recall how I came about this place but so glad I did! From the home like atmosphere, to the Sweet as Pie owner/waiter, and the outstanding food my mother and I enjoyed ourselves a great deal!! Definitely will be coming back for more☺️“