Middle Eastern Restaurants near Arlington, VA

“Always delicious traditional Egyptian fare. My Egyptian husband makes me drive two hours just to eat here. Although the food is delicious and healthy, my fav thing is the mint lemonade which they make by hand.“

“Good food. Been around for decades. Only issue is take away is served styrofoam and the rice tastes like styrofoam… why can’t they learn? Old owners hate change.“

“i thought I cooked good basmati rice. The rice I had there today kicked my rices butt!“

“Excellent presentation and great tasting food. Tried kibbeh, falafel and fatoush as well eggplant fette and it was all authentic Syrian made with love.“

“Lebanese Taverna saved the day! They created a wonderful menu for my event of 250 people with only a week’s notice after the original caterer canceled. On the day of the event, they were on time and provided delicious food. Amanda, the catering representative I worked with, even took my call after the food had been delivered and offered to be available to answer any questions about allergens or ingredients. LT also provided placards for each dish that included ingredients so folks with dietary restrictions or allergies were able to enjoy the meal without worry. Would highly recommend LT to cater your event - even if you’re not sure what you’d want from their great menu!“

“I had dinner at Shawarma Gyro Express in Arlington and absolutely loved it. The buffet had great variety, everything was fresh and flavorful, and the service was amazing. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Definitely a place I’ll be coming back to!“

“I love this kabob takeout spot! The food is always delicious, and the kabobs are cooked perfectly every time—never burnt, always flavorful. Andrea is especially kind and friendly, and she makes every visit feel welcoming. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great food and great service!“

“Great authentic south Asian cuisine . The restaurant is know world wide for its authentic and delicious curries , Kabab’s and samosa and chats run by customer friendly staff and managers“

“Albi (Arabic for 'my heart') is one of the most high-octane dining experiences in D.C. The air smells of wood smoke and sumac, and the energy is kinetic. While it’s a Michelin-starred destination, it manages to feel like a lively, loud Arabic household where hospitality is the primary language.

• The 'Sofra' Experience: While the à la carte menu is great, the 'Sofra' is the specialist move. It’s a spontaneous, multi-course journey through the kitchen’s best seasonal plays. It’s a lot of food, so come hungry and ready for a family-style feast.

• The Hearth Table Secret: For the ultimate insider experience, book the Hearth Table. It’s a front-row seat to the literal fire. You sit steps away from the wood-burning hearth that anchors the kitchen. It’s an immersive, chef-curated look at the craft that most diners only see from across the room.

• Signature Orders: The Mushroom Hummus with 'pita balloons' (the fluffiest, steam-filled bread you'll ever see) is mandatory. Follow it with the Barbecue Lamb or the Sfeeha (meat pies). For dessert, the Brown Butter Knafeh with yogurt ice cream is a marvel of salt, sweet, and texture.“

“An amazing dining experience!“

“Delicious food, generous portions and FABULOUS & FRIENDLY service.“

“Great Mediterranean food! The chef is the Master!“

“Delicious falafel, hearty portions, with lots of options of fixings. Gluten-free option is terrific.“

“Grill kabob has one of the best kabobs in town. The juiciness and flavors makes me want to come back for more. The owner is a very kind man and helped me decide which dish to order as I was having trouble to decide. I highly recommend this place!“

“Nice Shawarma Tasty food.“

“Every bite was delicious. three empty plates. great ambience and service. will be back soon!“

“Kabul Castle Kabob is a solid spot if you’re craving flavorful Afghan food. The kabobs were juicy and well seasoned, the rice was perfectly cooked, and the bread and sides rounded out the meal nicely. Portions are generous, the service is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is casual and unpretentious — perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Definitely a place I’d go back to for a satisfying, hearty meal.“

“I enjoyed the green zone, it had me flying high. Flying high when I tried their coffee drink. There was so much in it I don’t even know what to call it, but look at the picture, it looks delicious. I payed a pretty penny for it too, but pennies I got. This place cost a lot of green so bring your wallet, credit card too. Have fun, it’s good (at least their coffee drink is).“

“The food was delicious and the Resturant is really clean I came from ashburn to try it and it was amazing love it 😍“

“Excelente servicio ,deliciosa comida !..“

“Wow! What a fantastic place! I didn't expect much coming in for a business meeting, but both the atmosphere and food was just amazing!
Interior design is so well done - all the details are impressive, as well as a general look and feel.
And food... mmm.. food was 10 out of 10. 2 light dishes, dessert, tea and cocktail - everything was simply delicious! All the tastes in each dish are perfectly combined!
Service was average, but the other two components compensated fully for it.
I strongly recommend and I will definitely come back soon!“

“Delicious food with large selection. We chose to get a variety of appetizers to share. Especially liked the Fattoush salad. The chocolate souffle was to die for.
Staff was very helpful and when one selection came late, they made it on the house!“

“Yesterday was my 1st time visiting VA Kabob House here in Springfield. Being a fan of Afghan cuisine, I had to stop by as soon as possible. Their $11.99 Chicken Kabob Lunch Special advertised on the window had me drop everything I was doing at the moment, just to walk in and try their food out...and let me tell you....Their food is seasoned and flavored to perfection. Staff is very friendly and upon placing your order, you are offered a complementary plate of their chicken soup which is made from scratch..I ended up placing a side order of the soup and I finished everything on my plate in one sitting; kabob, rice, salad, chick peas, bread and all. I'm here again today ordering the same thing as I'm typing this review. I highly recommend VA Kabob House in Springfield, Virginia. anytime you are hungry, especially lunchtime...

One more thing....I don't really care for soup, but their chicken soup is really damn good and I'm not sure if other Kabob spots have their own soup, but VA Kabob House's soup alone is worth the visit, and is quickly becoming one of my favorite Kabob spots in all of Northern VA.“

“Muncheez catered an event of mine. The food, service, presentation and attention to detail was perfect! MY client from Dubai were very pleased! They where able to set up a pop up shawarma station for 150 guests. Their partnership with Society for the alcohol service is a winning combination. Ali is just GREAT! I will be using them again!“

“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.“

“Exceptional Service. Culinary Excellence. Our dining experience at JOON was extraordinary, made even better by the exceptional service from our server, Yacine. His thoughtful recommendations, warm demeanor, and perfectly timed attentiveness made for an unforgettable evening. Even as the restaurant got busier, Yacine maintained his focus on us— a warm and welcoming touch that elevated the entire experience. Thank you! As fans of Persian cuisine and frequent shoppers at Yekta Market in Rockville— having recently tried our hand at making Persian dishes like Fesenjan at home— coupled with all of the culinary accolades— we had high expectations for JOON. It not only met but exceeded them. Mast-o Musir, yogurt dish with Persian dried shallot and rose petal, was exceptional— more elevated and nuanced than any we’ve had. The mushroom Khoresht stew with white truffle was another highlight, offering perfectly balanced flavors something hard to do with white truffles and a satisfying richness, complemented by the perfectly crunchy Tahdig, iconic golden rice crust. The braised lamb shoulder which Yacine suggested was the undeniable highlight of the meal I which each dish was excellent. Tender and flavorful, it was paired beautifully with texture. It’s a signature dish that rivals the best we’ve ever had, bringing to mind the legendary Bo Ssam pork shoulder from David Chang’s Momofuku— bold, unforgettable, and expertly prepared. The Gormeh Sabzi, short rib stew with its delicious sour depth, was excellent but couldn’t quite match the lamb’s showstopping brilliance. Two very minor points. While the food and service are exceptional, the main dining room lighting would benefit from dimming. A water filtration water system could make a big difference as well. JOON has firmly secured its place as a must-visit dining destination for us. We can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu.“

“Second visit to this location . Quality , value and excellent taste . What more can I say .“

“I am a total hummus snob. You can ask my friends. I only eat hummus from restaurants because they seem to be the only ones that can make it right and with the consistency that is smooth and a little thinner. Every store bought hummus I have tried has been a thick paste and it doesn’t even feel like hummus. Until now. I am a total convert and very excited. Consistency is everything in hummus and Little Sesame has figured out how to do it and put it into a container that is sold at a store. Kudos. I love it.“

“We visited this cozy little restaurant tonight for the first time. Excellent food and service. The people who work here are very friendly. Very diverse menu. They specialize in Yemeni and Ethiopian food. We shared the vegetarian platter, which is Ethiopian. We also shared a pot of wonderful Middle Eastern tea, boiled with milk, cardamon, sugar, and maybe some saffron. We will be back.“

“I love everything that Omar’s have to offer! I usually order online to pick up and it’s always ready on time or earlier. The platters are filled with delicious flavors. My favorite is the lamb platter and add chickpeas or corn. Pickled turnip is also great. Omar signature sauce + white sauce combo is so good I can take a bath in it!!! (JKJK) The employees are always helpful, working hard to get that fresh food out. This is our weekly dinner spot and I am lucky that they are right down the street from my house!“

“My son and I dined here July 4th holiday for my birthday. I was quickly impressed by the enthusiasm of the staff. My compliments to staff and cook as well as the owners.“

“Abid is very welcoming whenever we visit zaytoun he give us very best customer service. This guys always smiling and know how to make customers happy. I give Abid 10/10 . Very nice and very humble man that’s the reason we visit zaytoun more frequently. Food is delicious no doubt but Abid customer service is made it more special because he is very kind to everyone.“

“Friendly & efficient service! Great tasting food, check it out!“

“The gentleman at the counter had wonderful customer service. We paid for our food even brought it to the table, which was very nice. It felt like fine dining, he gave us a bit of conversation and seem like such a pleasant gentlemen. I enjoyed the food. It was amazing. I eat every drop and the baklava ice cream with everything took a friend for the first time. My friend said he enjoyed it, and we will definitely be back again. I recommend this place highly if you love Greek food and gyros.“

“Chicken and kubideh had good flavor. Barg had no flavor and tasted steamed. Changeh also did not have much flavor and did not taste like it was grilled. The setup was like a fast food restaurant but they had a tip being added at the cash register. Not sure what the tip is for when we are picking up take out.“

“My son and I stopped in while we were Christmas shopping and found the food EXCELLENT! My son ordered a combination of lamb and beef swcharma burrito, with Jalapeno hummus, onion, corn. lettuce, and mango salsa. The buritto was large enough for my son and I to share and the french fries were perfect.
The fries were hot with the perfect amount of salt and the Schwarma sauce was perfect for both the burrito and dipping the fries in. We will definately return if not to the Springfield Mall location (where we ate) we'll go to the location in Potomac Mills Mall. Again EXCELLANT and at a reasonble price.“

“We visited the McLean location on a weekend, and it was our first time there. From the moment we walked in, the experience was wonderful!
Atena, the manager, welcomed us so warmly and made us feel like valued guests. She even brought us freshly baked bread and hummus as a kind gesture for our first visit such a thoughtful and hospitable touch!
The food was fresh and delicious, the place was spotless, and the staff were friendly and professional.
We’ll definitely be coming back again soon. Highly recommended!“

“We recently got a large catering order and we’re so happy with everything. My order was ready upon arrival, the order was packaged nicely serving and eating utensils were included. The friendly staff helped me load the car. Once we got the food home it was at least 30 minutes before I put it out to serve and it stayed nice and hot. We got the 80-100 person package and we were very pleased with the generous portions. We had aprox 100 guests they all said how good the food was and they were plenty of leftovers. So much so that we sent several guests home with large care bags and still had more. It was a good experience and I would highly recommend.“

“The food was delicious!! It was a great , more than enough to eat Very friendly place!!!awesome staff Highly recommend!!!“

“GREAT food, and some of the friendliest people in Bethesda! We’ll be frequent fliers...for sure.“

“My favorite place in Takoma Park! Great food and drinks made and served with care.“

“Food is very tasty 😋 both indoor and outdoor seating is good.. love the interior and the portion of the food.“

“Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.“

“Excellent food and beyond excellent prices🌟“

“Super yummy Afghan food and very affordable! I got the kabob combo with steak and chicken for around $20 during lunch, and it was so flavorful and filling. The owner (I think) was the nicest uncle ever — he even gave me free Afghan soup while I waited for my food. The chickpeas and salad on the side were fresh and tasty too.

The place itself is clean and cozy, just like the name says — literally a corner restaurant with a warm, welcoming vibe. Also, the owner speaks Spanish fluently which was so cool to see! Definitely coming back!“

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

“One of my favorite middle eastern food restaurant.“

“Great middle eastern food. Thriving for the original taste. Employee are ok. Manager is a nice man. I been visiting this restaurant for a long time. Today the Sunday, I passed by around 4:30 pm. I was annoyed, I was planning to eat some chicken. The door was close as soon as I tried to open. Don’t know if it was intentionally or not based on a history of bad behaviors by this manger. Anyway thanks.“